Nubeo Aluminaut Automatic

Nubeo, a brand that builds its identity on the exploration of final frontiers, consistently draws inspiration from the vast, uncharted territories of the deep sea and outer space. This dual focus informs a design language that merges organic shapes with rugged, industrial functionality. Their creations are not merely time-telling devices; they are functional instruments built to honor the spirit of human discovery. In keeping with this philosophy, the brand has introduced the Aluminaut Automatic, a timepiece that channels the legacy of a pioneering underwater vessel into a formidable wrist-worn dive watch.



The foundation for this new collection is a significant piece of mid-20th century engineering: the Aluminaut submarine. Launched in 1964, this vessel was a marvel of its time, representing a paradigm shift in marine technology. It was the world's first submarine constructed primarily from aluminum, a choice that allowed for a lightweight structure capable of withstanding immense pressures. Its capabilities were staggering, enabling it to reach depths of over 15,000 feet, far beyond what many of its contemporaries could achieve. This vessel was a symbol of innovation, pushing the boundaries of what was thought possible in underwater exploration and serving as a testament to human ingenuity.



Nubeo has harnessed this historical narrative, creating a watch that is thematically and functionally tied to its namesake. The Aluminaut Automatic is conceived as a tribute, translating the submarine's deep-diving prowess and robust construction into the language of modern horology. It is an instrument designed for extreme conditions, yet presented with a bold aesthetic that makes a statement both in and out of the water. This is not a subtle nod to history, but a full-throated homage built with purpose.



Visually, the Aluminaut Automatic is an imposing and unapologetically large timepiece. Its presence is immediately felt, characterized by a substantial and highly geometric case structure. The primary housing is a fortress of stainless steel, with sharp, angular lugs that integrate directly into the case body, creating a seamless and powerful silhouette. A prominent and heavily protected crown assembly sits at the 3 o’clock position, shielded by a thick, angular guard that is screwed directly into the case, emphasizing its tool-watch credentials. This entire structure speaks to durability and a design ethos where function dictates form.



The watch is presented in a series of five distinct and vibrant colorways, each limited to an exclusive run of 120 pieces. These options provide a stark, modern contrast to the vintage inspiration. The "Blaze Orange" model features a bright orange dial set against a Deep Blue bezel, creating a high-contrast, energetic look. The "Neon Blue" variant pairs an electric blue dial with a striking red bezel, offering a classic dive watch color combination with a contemporary twist. For those seeking maximum visibility, the "Lume Green" model boasts a fully lumed green dial that promises exceptional low-light legibility, framed by a blue bezel. A more monochromatic but equally bold option is the "Electric Green," with its green dial and matching green bezel. Finally, the "Devil's Black" offers a stealthier, more traditional tool-watch appearance with a black dial and a coordinating black bezel.



Delving into the specifics of the case, its dimensions confirm the initial visual impression of a massive, purpose-built instrument. The stainless steel case measures a commanding 50mm in diameter, a size that ensures high visibility and a substantial feel on the wrist. This is further amplified by a case thickness of 22mm, a dimension that accommodates the deep-set dial, robust crystal, and the complex engineering required for its extreme water resistance. The lug-to-lug measurement comes in at 55mm, meaning the watch will occupy a significant amount of wrist real estate, appealing to those who prefer larger, more assertive timepieces.



The sheer mass of the watch is reflected in its weight, tipping the scales at 330 grams. This heft is a direct result of the solid stainless steel construction used for the case and bracelet, reassuring the wearer of its durability. It is a watch that feels as solid as it looks, engineered to withstand the rigors of its intended environment. The finishing on the case appears to be a fine brushing, a practical choice for a tool watch as it helps to mask the minor scratches and scuffs that come with active use.



The technical capabilities of the Aluminaut Automatic are headlined by its professional-grade water resistance rating of 100 ATM. This figure translates to a depth rating of 1,000 meters or 3,300 feet, placing it firmly in the category of saturation dive watches. This level of pressure resistance is far beyond what is required for recreational scuba diving and speaks to the watch's over-engineered nature, ensuring its integrity in the most demanding underwater scenarios.



To complement this depth rating, the watch is equipped with a helium release valve, located at the 10 o'clock position on the case side. This feature is crucial for saturation divers, who operate for extended periods in pressurized environments filled with a breathing gas mixture rich in helium. During decompression, tiny helium atoms that have permeated the watch case can expand and cause the crystal to pop off. The one-way valve allows this trapped helium to escape safely, preserving the watch's structural integrity. The valve on the Aluminaut is protected by a distinctive orange-anodized cover, adding a functional and colorful detail to the case profile.



Further enhancing its utility as a dive instrument is the screw-down crown. This system ensures a watertight seal at one of the case's most vulnerable points. Nubeo has added a unique feature to the crown itself: it is set with luminous material. This thoughtful detail means that even the crown's position can be identified in complete darkness, a small but practical touch that underscores the watch's focus on low-light visibility and function.



The dial is designed for maximum clarity and legibility under all conditions. It features large, applied baton indices that are generously filled with Swiss Newlite, a high-performance phosphorescent material. This ensures that the time can be read at a glance, whether in the bright sun or the dark abyss of the deep sea. The hands are similarly broad and treated with lume, providing a clear distinction between the hours and minutes. A framed date window is present at the 3 o'clock position, adding a layer of everyday practicality.



The "Lume Green" model takes legibility a step further by featuring a dial where the entire surface is coated in Swiss Newlite. When fully charged, the entire face of the watch glows brightly, with the black indices and hands appearing in sharp silhouette. This "full lume" configuration is a favorite among dive watch enthusiasts for its unparalleled performance in low-light environments, transforming the entire watch face into a beacon of light.



Essential for any true dive watch is the unidirectional turning bezel. The Aluminaut features a robust bezel with a grooved edge for easy gripping, even with gloved hands. It rotates counter-clockwise only, a critical safety feature that ensures a diver cannot accidentally increase their recorded dive time. The bezel is fitted with an aluminum insert, colored to match or contrast with the dial depending on the specific model. It is marked with a 60-minute scale, with a prominent luminous pip at the zero position, allowing divers to accurately track elapsed time underwater.



Protecting the dial is a sapphire lens, the top-tier material for watch crystals due to its exceptional hardness and scratch resistance, second only to diamond. This ensures that the view of the dial remains clear and free of blemishes through years of use. To further enhance legibility, the sapphire crystal is treated with an anti-reflection coating. This coating minimizes glare and reflections, making the dial easier to read from various angles and in bright, direct light, which is particularly useful when checking the time on or near the water's surface.



At the heart of the Aluminaut Automatic is a Japanese automatic movement. This caliber provides the essential functions of hours, minutes, seconds, and a date display. Japanese automatic movements are widely respected in the watch industry for their proven reliability, robustness, and efficiency. Opting for such a workhorse movement is a logical choice for a tool watch like the Aluminaut, as it ensures consistent performance and ease of serviceability without the premium cost associated with Swiss-made counterparts, allowing Nubeo to focus the budget on the extreme external specifications of the watch.



Flipping the watch over reveals a solid stainless steel screw-down caseback, a final seal against the elements. This surface is not left blank; it is adorned with an intricate engraving depicting the original Aluminaut submarine. The detailed etching shows the submarine's unique cylindrical form and key features, serving as a constant reminder of the watch's historical inspiration. This caseback design reinforces the narrative of the watch and provides a tactile connection to the story of the pioneering vessel, adding a layer of depth and character to the timepiece.



The watch is secured to the wrist by a formidable 20mm stainless steel bracelet. The design of the bracelet features solid links that match the robust and angular aesthetic of the case. It fastens with a fold-over buckle that includes a safety lock and a push-button release system. This double-locking mechanism provides an extra layer of security, ensuring the heavy watch head remains firmly in place during vigorous activity. This type of clasp is a standard and necessary feature on serious dive watches, preventing accidental opening and potential loss of the timepiece.



The Nubeo Aluminaut Automatic is priced at $510, a figure that reflects the robust specifications and the use of a reliable Japanese automatic movement. Availability is strictly limited, with each of the five color variants being produced in a numbered run of only 120 pieces worldwide. This scarcity adds an element of collectibility and ensures that owners will be part of a very small group. For enthusiasts of dive watches, historical engineering, or simply bold and functional design, the Aluminaut presents a compelling and accessible option to acquire a highly capable and thematically rich timepiece.



Case: Stainless steel; 50mm diameter x 22mm thickness; 55mm lug-to-lug; 100 ATM (1,000m) water resistance; unidirectional bezel with aluminum insert; screw-down crown with luminous material; helium release valve at 10 o'clock.

Movement: Japanese automatic with 3 hands and date function.

Dial: Applied baton indices with Swiss Newlite; anti-reflection coated sapphire lens; available in five colorways.

Strap: 20mm stainless steel bracelet with a fold-over buckle, safety lock, and push-button release.

Price: $510

Reference Number: NB-6115-11 (Devil's Black), NB-6115-22 (Blaze Orange), NB-6115-33 (Electric Green), NB-6115-44 (Neon Blue), NB-6115-55 (Lume Green).

Notes: Limited to 120 pieces per color variant. The crown is set with luminous material, and the watch features a functional helium release valve for saturation diving. Total watch weight is 330g.