Equipment built for specific, dangerous jobs usually looks a certain way. It tends to prioritize function over form, resulting in an aesthetic that is bulky, stark, and aggressive. There is a distinct honesty in gear designed to keep people alive in hostile environments, a quality that often translates well into the world of mechanical watches. When a watch manufacturer with a history of supplying dive gear partners with a company that builds submarine rescue systems, the result is rarely a delicate dress piece. The new collaboration between Squale and Drass, the S.A.V.E.R., is a testament to this strictly utilitarian philosophy. It is a watch that wears its engineering on its sleeve, or more accurately, on its thick, slab-sided steel case. This is not a timepiece trying to fit under a shirt cuff at a board meeting; it is an instrument that looks like it belongs attached to a pressurized valve in a hyperbaric chamber.
To understand the gravity of this watch, one has to look past the Squale branding and understand the other name on the dial. Drass, or Drass Galeazzi, is not a fashion brand or a marketing exercise. They are an Italian engineering firm with roots going back to 1927, a time when underwater exploration was in its infancy and incredibly dangerous. For nearly a century, they have been leaders in defense and commercial subsea technology. While many dive watch collaborations lean on tenuous links to maritime history, the connection here is cemented in current, operational naval hardware. Drass builds the systems that navies call upon when a submarine is distressed and sitting on the ocean floor. Their business is literally life and death at crush depth, which provides a heavy backdrop for a wrist-worn consumer product.
Courtesy of Squale
The specific inspiration for this watch is the Drass S.A.V.E.R. system. The acronym stands for a complex ecosystem of submarine rescue technologies. It is effectively a modular, air-transportable intervention platform. In the world of naval operations, getting rescue gear to a disaster site quickly is the primary challenge. The S.A.V.E.R. system includes remotely operated vehicles, ventilation intervention equipment, and the massive Submarine Rescue Vehicles that dock with sunken subs to transfer crew. This is the "Swiss Army Knife" of underwater catastrophe management, currently used by the Italian Navy. The watch attempts to capture the spirit of this heavy industrial machinery, translating the visual cues of high-visibility rescue equipment into a 41.5mm steel package.
This is not the first time Squale and Drass have joined forces. Their previous effort, the Periscope, was well-received for its stark, military aesthetic. However, the S.A.V.E.R. feels like a natural evolution, pushing the design language further into the realm of active duty equipment. Where the Periscope might have been stealthy, the S.A.V.E.R. utilizes high-contrast accents that mimic the safety warnings and instructional livery found on deep-sea submersibles. It bridges the gap between Swiss manufacturing precision and the heavy-duty Italian engineering that characterizes the Drass output. It is a partnership that feels authentic because both companies share a lineage of serving professionals who work in the water, rather than just those who vacation by it.
The chassis chosen for this project is the iconic Squale Master case. For those familiar with the brand’s history, the Master case represents the upper echelon of their pressure-resistant engineering. Constructed from 316L stainless steel, the case measures 41.5mm in diameter, but the numbers only tell part of the story. The thickness is a substantial 16mm, a dimension that ensures the watch sits high and prominent on the wrist. This is not accidental bulk; it is the result of the 50 ATM pressure rating and the robust construction required to protect the movement. The case finish is entirely brushed, a decision that minimizes reflectivity and hides the inevitable scratches that come from daily use. A polished finish would have looked out of place on a watch with this DNA; the matte, industrial sheen of the brushed steel reinforces the tool-watch vibe.
Courtesy of Squale
One of the most striking visual features when handling the watch is the crown assembly located at the three o'clock position. It is a large, knurled screw-down crown designed for easy manipulation even while wearing gloves. However, the detail that stands out is the red O-ring visible on the crown tube. This is a functional safety feature often found in industrial valve systems. It serves as a visual warning indicator: if you can see the red ring, the crown is unscrewed and the water resistance is compromised. It allows a diver or operator to check the seal integrity of their timepiece at a glance before submersion. It is a small, thoughtful detail that speaks volumes about the intended mindset of the design—redundancy and safety checks are paramount in the environments this watch mimics.
The dial of the Squale Drass S.A.V.E.R. is a study in legibility and contrast. The base is a matte black, absorbing light to prevent glare. Against this dark background, the indices are applied squares filled with Super-LumiNova BGW9. In daylight, these markers appear crisp and white, but in low light, they glow with a cool blue intensity that is highly visible. The hands are where the "rescue" color palette truly comes into play. The minute hand, which is the most critical hand for a diver tracking immersion time, is oversized and outlined in a vibrant, safety yellow. The seconds hand matches this hue, featuring a square luminous paddle near the tip. This use of yellow against black is not a fashion choice; it is the international standard for hazard visibility, directly referencing the livery of the Drass rescue vehicles.
Surrounding the dial is a steel bezel that differs significantly from the standard aluminum or ceramic inserts found on most desk divers. This uses a "BUND" style steel bezel, which typically implies a sterile or highly durable construction meant for military application. The insert is black steel, integrating seamlessly with the dial to create a unified, instrument-like appearance. The bezel is strictly monodirectional, rotating only counter-clockwise to ensure that any accidental knocks would only shorten a dive time rather than dangerously extend it. The tactile feel of the bezel action on Squale Master cases is typically ratcheted and precise, offering a reassuring mechanical click that locks into place with authority.
A unique addition to this specific package is the inclusion of a removable rubber bezel protector. Seen in the accompanying visuals, this is a bright yellow silicone ring that snaps over the steel bezel. In a practical scenario, this protects the watch from banging against metal bulkheads inside a submarine or diving bell. Visually, it transforms the watch completely. With the protector on, the watch becomes a massive, bright yellow object that screams "emergency gear." It creates a visual link to the yellow stitching on the strap and the yellow hands, tying the whole design together. It is a playful yet functional accessory that allows the owner to toggle between a standard steel diver look and a more aggressive, high-tech appearance.
Courtesy of Squale
The crystal protecting the dial is flat sapphire. The choice of a flat crystal over a domed one is significant for legibility. Domed crystals, while vintage and charming, can distort the dial when viewed from extreme angles underwater. A flat sapphire crystal, treated with anti-reflective coating, ensures that the dial remains readable from almost any viewpoint. This clarity is essential when checking vital information in murky water or low-light conditions. The sapphire material itself is virtually scratch-proof, ensuring that the face of the watch remains pristine even if the steel case accumulates the scars of regular wear.
Turning the watch over reveals a caseback that is a work of art in its own right. It is a solid, screw-in steel back, necessary for achieving the 500-meter water resistance rating. The center of the caseback features a deep acid etching or stamping of the Drass S.A.V.E.R. logo, along with the classic Squale curved shark emblem. The text "Sapphire Crystal - Automatic - All Stainless Steel - Swiss Made" encircles the central motif. The depth of the engraving is substantial, ensuring that the logos won't fade with friction against the wrist over years of wear. It acts as a commemorative seal, marking the collaboration and the limited nature of the production.
Inside the sheer bulk of the Master case beats a Swiss heart, the Sellita SW 200-1. This is an automatic mechanical movement that has become an industry standard for reliability and ease of service. Squale has opted for the "Elabore" grade version of this movement, which implies a higher level of adjustment and testing compared to the standard grade. It operates at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour (4 Hz), giving the seconds hand a smooth, sweeping motion that is mesmerizing to watch as it tracks around the dial. The movement contains 26 jewels to reduce friction at critical pivot points and offers a power reserve of approximately 38 hours.
While some collectors might pine for in-house calibers, the choice of the SW 200-1 is entirely appropriate for a tool watch of this nature. If a watch is designed to be used in remote locations or harsh environments, the ability to have it serviced by any competent watchmaker in the world is a logistical advantage. The Sellita is a tractor of a movement; it is robust, shock-resistant, and proven. It features a quick-set date function, which is displayed at the three o'clock window on the dial. The date wheel is black with white numerals, preserving the dark aesthetic of the dial and ensuring the window doesn't disrupt the visual symmetry too harshly.
Courtesy of Squale
The Drass S.A.V.E.R. is secured to the wrist with a lug width of 20mm, a standard size that allows for a wide variety of aftermarket strap options. However, the watch comes with two distinct straps that fit the theme perfectly. The primary strap is a custom black leather option with contrasting yellow stitching. The leather appears thick and durable, likely treated to resist moisture. The yellow stitch picks up the accents on the dial and the bezel protector, creating a cohesive look. The branding "SQUALE" is embossed on the side of the leather, adding a touch of proprietary flair.
For actual in-water use, the package also includes a black Von Büren Pro rubber strap. Von Büren was the founder of Squale, and the company has a long history of producing high-quality rubber dive straps. Unlike silicone, which can attract lint and feel gummy, genuine rubber straps are firm, resistant to salt water and UV rays, and easy to clean. The rubber strap creates a stealthier, more tactical look for the watch, stripping away the flash of the yellow stitching and focusing purely on the black-and-steel contrast. It is the practical choice for humid climates or aquatic activities.
The dimensions of the watch—specifically the 49mm lug-to-lug length—mean that it demands a certain amount of wrist real estate. However, the Master case is designed with lugs that curve downward, hugging the wrist and mitigating some of the top-heavy feeling that can plague tall dive watches. The 20mm strap width is perhaps surprisingly narrow for such a large case, but this is a vintage-inspired proportion that Squale has stuck with. It emphasizes the case head, making the metalwork the star of the show. The overall balance is focused and dense, feeling like a solid ingot of steel strapped to the arm.
Packaging is often an afterthought, but for this collaboration, it serves as an extension of the storytelling. The watch arrives in an exclusive box that is water- and shock-resistant. This is likely a Pelican-style hard case, the kind used to transport sensitive electronic equipment or camera gear. It reinforces the idea that you are buying a piece of equipment rather than jewelry. Opening a heavy-duty latch to access the watch sets a tone of seriousness before the timepiece is even handled. It provides a safe storage environment for the extra strap and the bezel protector when they are not in use.
Courtesy of Squale
The water resistance of 50 ATM, or 500 meters, is a spec that deserves some context. Most recreational scuba diving rarely exceeds 40 meters. Technical diving might push to 100 meters or slightly more. A 500-meter rating is effectively academic for a human being; at that depth, the physiological challenges are immense. However, in the context of watch engineering, this rating serves as a proxy for overall durability. A case built to withstand 50 atmospheres of pressure is incredibly rigid. The seals, gaskets, and crystal thickness required to achieve this rating ensure that the watch is impervious to dust, shock, and the general abuse of an active life. It is over-engineered for the sake of longevity.
The pricing for the Squale Drass S.A.V.E.R. is set at $1,650.00. In the current market, where luxury steel sports watches often command prices that defy logic, this sits in a competitive bracket. You are paying for a Swiss-made automatic with a highly specific, legitimate naval pedigree. The cost reflects the specialized manufacturing of the Master case, the Elabore grade movement, and the limited nature of the collaboration. It is a value proposition that appeals to those who appreciate the history of Squale as a case maker for the industry's giants in the past, and Drass as a current giant in subsea technology.
Case: Brushed 316L stainless steel construction measuring 41.5mm in diameter, 16mm in thickness, and 49mm lug-to-lug with a 20mm lug width. Features a screw-in caseback, screw-in crown at 3 o'clock with a red O-ring safety indicator, and a flat anti-reflective sapphire crystal. Equipped with a monodirectional steel bezel with a black insert and an additional removable yellow rubber bezel protector. Water resistance rated to 50 ATM.
Movement: Sellita SW 200-1 automatic movement, Elabore grade. Specifications include a frequency of 28,800 A/h (4 Hz), 26 jewels, and a power reserve of 38 hours.
Dial: Matte black dial featuring printed indexes filled with SuperLuminova BGW9. Includes yellow accents on the minute hand, seconds hand, and text, with a date window positioned at 3 o'clock.
Strap: Includes two options: a black leather strap with yellow stitching and a black Von Büren Pro rubber strap. Lug width is 20mm with an 18mm buckle.
Price: $1,650.00
Reference Number: VONDSSSAVS
Notes: Collaborative release between Squale and Drass Underwater Technologies, designed as a tribute to the S.A.V.E.R. submarine rescue system. Delivered in an exclusive water- and shock-resistant box.