Squale Master Grand Bleu and Grand Vert

Squale has introduced two new formidable pieces to its flagship Master collection, the Grand Bleu and Grand Vert. These timepieces are not merely additions to a catalog but are deeply rooted in the brand’s historical connection with the ocean and professional diving. Building upon a legacy that stretches back to the 1960s, these watches represent a significant evolution in both technical capability and aesthetic expression, capturing the profound experience of descending into and ascending from the ocean's depths.



The history of Squale is inextricably linked with the development of the modern dive watch. Founded in Neuchâtel, Switzerland, in 1959 by Charles Von Büren, the brand quickly established itself as a specialist in professional-grade underwater timepieces. Von Büren’s obsession with water resistance led to the creation of exceptionally robust watch cases that were not only used for Squale’s own watches but were also supplied to a host of other respected watch brands. During the 1960s and 1970s, it was not uncommon to see the Squale shark logo on the dial of another brand’s watch, a trusted mark signifying that the case was built to withstand the immense pressures of the deep sea. This heritage of providing critical components to the wider industry cemented Squale’s reputation as a true expert in the field.



This legacy was not just built in workshops but proven in the world’s oceans on the wrists of legendary figures. Pioneering free divers like Jacques Mayol, Enzo Maiorca, and Giuliana "Jolly" Treleani trusted Squale watches as essential tools for their record-setting descents. The brand’s transition of ownership to the Maggi family in the 1980s ensured this spirit of adventure and commitment to quality continued, with the company now led by Andrea Maggi. This rich history provides the foundation upon which the new Master Titanium models are built, carrying forward a tradition of reliability and purpose-driven design.



The core inspiration for the Master Grand Bleu and Grand Vert is drawn from the deeply personal and visually dramatic journey of a freediver. The design aims to encapsulate the key phases of a dive, from the plunge into the dark, mysterious blue to the final push towards the life-giving light at the surface. It’s a narrative of confronting personal limits in the abyss and the subsequent return to the familiar world. The very names, "Grand Bleu" (Great Blue) and "Grand Vert" (Great Green), signify these two critical moments, reflecting the shifting colors of the water as a diver changes depth.



Visually, the Master Grand Bleu is a study in the profound, consuming color of the deep ocean. The dial is a rich, saturated blue, reminiscent of the water column far below the surface where sunlight struggles to penetrate. This is not a simple, flat color; it is imbued with a dynamic, three-dimensional wave pattern. This intricate texture allows the dial to play with light, creating a sense of motion and depth that evokes the natural movement of the sea itself. The applied hour markers are finished in a matching blue tone, creating a cohesive and immersive look. The unidirectional rotating bezel features a brushed ceramic insert that mirrors the dial's deep blue, with crisp, legible markings for tracking dive time.



In striking contrast, the Master Grand Vert captures the feeling of ascent and the proximity of the surface. Its dial is a vibrant teal, a color that speaks of sunlight filtering through the upper layers of the water, illuminating the marine life and signaling the final, most intense moments before breaking the surface. Like its blue counterpart, this dial features the same captivating 3D wave structure, giving it a lively and energetic character. The applied indices are color-matched to the teal dial. A key design choice for the Grand Vert is its bezel, which features a black brushed ceramic insert. This creates a bold frame for the dial, with the indices and numerals on the bezel rendered in the same teal color, tying the whole design together while ensuring maximum contrast and readability.



A crucial aspect of any serious dive watch is its performance in low-light conditions, and here the new Master models excel. The application of SuperLuminova is both thoughtful and thorough. For a unified aesthetic, the lume on the dial's applied markers is color-matched to the respective blue or teal color scheme. However, Squale has prioritized functional legibility above all else. The critical elements for underwater timekeeping—the prominent minute hand with its traditional orange outline, the luminescent tip of the seconds hand, and the triangular zero marker on the bezel—are all treated with white SuperLuminova BGW9. This high-performance lume glows a bright blue-green in the dark, ensuring that the most vital information is instantly readable at a glance, even in the darkest depths.



At the heart of these timepieces is a formidable case engineered for extreme environments. With a diameter of 42mm, a thickness of 15.50mm, and a lug-to-lug distance of 49mm, the watch has a substantial and commanding presence on the wrist, yet it is designed with ergonomics in mind. The choice of Grade 5 titanium for the case material is significant. This aerospace-grade alloy is not only significantly lighter than stainless steel but also offers superior strength and corrosion resistance, making it an ideal material for a watch intended for saltwater immersion. The entire case is rendered in a handsome brushed finish, which minimizes reflections and reinforces its identity as a professional instrument.



The technical specifications underscore the watch's capabilities as a serious diving tool. The water resistance rating is an astounding 120 atmospheres, equivalent to a depth of 1,200 meters. This far exceeds the requirements for even the most ambitious scuba diving and places the watch in the elite category of saturation diving timepieces. This incredible pressure resistance is achieved through a combination of robust engineering features, including a screw-in crown and a solid screw-in caseback. Furthermore, the watch is equipped with a helium escape valve, a critical feature for professional divers living in pressurized habitats for extended periods. This one-way valve allows trapped helium atoms to escape from the watch case during decompression, preventing the 4mm thick, domed sapphire crystal from being dislodged by internal pressure.



Powering the Master Grand Bleu and Grand Vert is the reliable and highly regarded Sellita SW200-1 automatic movement. This Swiss-made caliber is a workhorse of the industry, known for its accuracy and durability. The specific version used here is the Elabore grade, which is adjusted in three positions and offers enhanced precision over the standard version. Beating at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour (4 Hz), the movement provides a smooth sweep of the seconds hand and a power reserve of approximately 38 hours. With 26 jewels reducing friction on critical components, the SW200-1 is a movement that a diver can depend on when it matters most.



One of the most notable updates with this new release is the strap, which masterfully blends high performance with a refined aesthetic. While it has the sophisticated appearance of an alligator leather strap, it is in fact crafted from a high-quality professional-grade rubber made in Italy. This material is completely waterproof, durable, and comfortable on the wrist during any activity. The strap features a detailed alligator-style embossed texture and is finished with elegant dark grey raised stitching, adding a touch of visual sophistication. This innovative choice transforms the watch, allowing it to transition seamlessly from a deep-sea exploration tool to a distinctive accessory suitable for any occasion. The strap is fitted with a brushed titanium buckle that matches the case finish.



The spirit of the Master collection is perfectly embodied by Squale's brand ambassador, Vincenzo Ferri. An accomplished, multi-award-winning Italian freediver, Ferri has competed at the highest levels of the sport, with four European Championships and five World Championships to his name. His personal best and the current Italian national record is a staggering 104-meter descent in the constant weight bi-fins category, achieved in the Bahamas in 2021. Ferri's reliance on his Squale watch during his training and record attempts is a testament to its reliability. He notes, "This watch doesn’t just tell time — it tells a story of pressure, precision, and purpose. Built for the sea, just like me." His partnership with Squale is a shared passion, a collaboration founded on a mutual respect for the power and allure of the ocean.



The Master collection has always been the pinnacle of Squale's technical offerings since its inception in the 1960s, when the original models were already capable of withstanding 100 atmospheres of pressure. These new versions are a direct evolution of that lineage, pushing the performance boundaries even further while introducing a new level of artistry to the dial work. The watches honor the brand’s history while embracing modern materials and manufacturing techniques.



This blend of extreme functionality and elevated design gives the watch a unique versatility. While it is, without question, a purpose-built "tool watch" with specifications that can handle the most demanding underwater environments, its refined details prevent it from being confined to that single role. The intricate 3D dial, the sophisticated finish of the brushed titanium, and the unique rubber strap with its alligator embossing allow the Master Titanium to be worn with confidence in more formal or casual settings. It is a watch designed to accompany its owner on any adventure, whether that involves exploring a coral reef or navigating a city street.



The brand's connection to professional and military units further burnishes its credentials for toughness. Over the years, Squale has produced special editions for elite units of the Italian Armed Forces, including the Folgore Paratroopers, the Carabinieri, the State Police, and the legendary Comsubin Frogmen of the Italian Navy. These collaborations are not mere marketing exercises; these organizations require instruments of absolute reliability, and their choice of Squale speaks volumes about the brand’s proven capabilities.



The new Squale Master Grand Bleu, with reference number MASTIBLBL.RAL, and the Master Grand Vert, with reference number MASTIBKGR.RAL, are positioned as premier offerings within the brand's portfolio. Both models are priced at $2,250.00. This places them in a competitive segment of the market, where they stand out due to their impressive technical specifications, use of Grade 5 titanium, Swiss manufacturing, and unique, ocean-inspired designs. These two new additions represent a compelling new chapter for Squale, successfully expanding its flagship collection with timepieces that are as beautiful as they are capable.



Squale Master Grand Bleu



Case: Grade 5 Titanium, 42mm diameter, 15.50mm thickness, 49mm lug-to-lug, brushed finish. 120 ATM water resistance with helium escape valve, screw-in crown, and screw-in caseback. Domed sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating. Unidirectional bezel with a brushed blue ceramic insert.

Movement: Sellita SW 200-1 Automatic, Elabore grade. 38-hour power reserve, 26 jewels, frequency of 28,800 A/h (4 Hz).

Dial: Blue color with a 3D wave pattern. Applied indexes with Superluminova BGW9.

Strap: Black rubber with an alligator embossed finish, 20mm lug width. Brushed titanium buckle.

Price: $2,250.00

Reference Number: MASTIBLBL.RAL

Notes: A professional dive watch rated to 1200 meters. The design is inspired by the Deep Blue colors encountered by freedivers. Features a unique 3D wave pattern dial and a helium escape valve for saturation diving.





Squale Master Grand Vert



Case: Grade 5 Titanium, 42mm diameter, 15.50mm thickness, 49mm lug-to-lug, brushed finish. 120 ATM water resistance with helium escape valve, screw-in crown, and screw-in caseback. Domed sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating. Unidirectional bezel with a brushed black ceramic insert.

Movement: Sellita SW 200-1 Automatic, Elabore grade. 38-hour power reserve, 26 jewels, frequency of 28,800 A/h (4 Hz).

Dial: Teal color with a 3D wave pattern. Applied indexes with Superluminova BGW9.

Strap: Black rubber with an alligator embossed finish, 20mm lug width. Brushed titanium buckle.

Price: $2,250.00

Reference Number: MASTIBKGR.RAL

Notes: A professional dive watch rated to 1200 meters. The teal dial is inspired by the green light a freediver sees when ascending to the surface. Features a high-contrast black ceramic bezel.