At the 2025 edition of Geneva Watch Days, Squale has introduced a significant evolution within one of its most recognized collections, presenting the new Matic S line. This new series represents a thoughtful reimagining of the brand's robust professional dive watch, calibrated for a broader audience and a wider range of applications. It’s a design that respects the formidable legacy of the original Matic while adapting its core characteristics into a more refined and universally wearable package. The Matic S is not merely a reduction in size; it is a complete reassessment of the model's architecture and aesthetic, aimed at blending high-performance underwater capability with the practicalities of daily life.
The history of Squale is deeply rooted in the functional necessities of underwater exploration, a legacy that informs every timepiece the brand produces. Founded in Neuchâtel, Switzerland, in 1959 by Charles Von Büren, the company quickly established itself as a specialist in professional dive watch cases. For decades, Squale was a critical, if sometimes behind-the-scenes, player in the watch industry, manufacturing water-resistant cases for over thirty other brands, including some of the most prestigious names in Swiss watchmaking. These cases were so highly regarded that Squale’s own shark logo was often placed at the 6 o'clock position on the dials of its client's watches as a trusted mark of reliability and water resistance.
Courtesy of Squale
This expertise attracted the world's most daring underwater pioneers. Legendary free divers such as Jacques Mayol, Enzo Maiorca, and Giuliana "Jolly" Treleani trusted Squale timepieces on their record-setting dives, cementing the brand's reputation for dependability in the most extreme environments. Since the 1980s, the brand has been under the stewardship of the Maggi family, who have continued to honor its heritage of producing authentic, Swiss-made dive watches. This history is not just a footnote; it is the foundation upon which the new Matic S is built, ensuring that even with its refined design, its soul remains that of a true subaquatic instrument.
The central philosophy behind the Matic S is a deliberate evolution towards a slimmer, more symmetrical design. The original Matic was known for its substantial 44 mm case, a size that announced its presence and capability. The Matic S, however, charts a new course by reducing the case diameter to a more moderate 37.8 mm. This single change sets off a chain reaction of design updates. Most notably, the crown, traditionally positioned at 4 o'clock on many Squale divers, has been relocated to the 3 o'clock position. This move lends the watch a classic, balanced aesthetic and a newfound sense of design symmetry.
This reduction in size is coupled with an intelligent approach to the watch's profile. The case thickness measures a reasonable 12.6 mm, but it appears even more slender on the wrist thanks to a few key design choices. The repositioned crown is set slightly higher on the case flank, which allows for a slimmer mid-case construction. Furthermore, the prominent double-domed sapphire crystal, a signature of the original Matic, has been subtly reduced in height. This less exaggerated dome contributes to a sleeker overall profile of 13.2 mm including the crystal, making the watch more compatible with shirt cuffs and everyday wear without sacrificing its distinctive character.
Courtesy of Squale
The case itself is a study in meticulous finishing. Crafted from 316L stainless steel, it eschews an all-polished look for a more tool-oriented yet sophisticated finish. The surfaces, from the case sides to the top of the lugs, feature a fine vertical brushing that gives the watch a modern, industrial feel. This uniform brushing is expertly contrasted by polished bevels that trace the edges of the lugs and case. These polished chamfers catch the light dynamically, highlighting the new case geometry and adding a level of visual complexity that elevates the watch beyond a simple tool. The lug-to-lug dimension of 47 mm ensures that the watch remains compact and comfortable for a wide variety of wrist sizes.
A critical component of any dive watch is its rotating bezel, and the Matic S features a highly functional and visually striking example. The 60-minute, monodirectional bezel is engineered for safety, rotating only counter-clockwise to prevent any accidental extension of a dive time. The bezel insert is crafted from steel, upon which the markings are enameled and lacquered for durability and a high-quality appearance. The insert is presented in a soft, off-white color that provides a pleasing contrast to the vibrant dial. Its surface is marked with light blue numerals and indices, with the first fifteen minutes fully graduated for precise timing. A luminous marker at the 12 o'clock position ensures the starting point can be easily referenced in low-light conditions.
The dial of the Matic S is arguably its most captivating feature. Presented in a light blue color with a sunray finish, the dial is incredibly dynamic. In direct light, it radiates with a bright, metallic sheen, while in softer light, it takes on a deeper, more saturated turquoise hue. This sunray finishing gives the watch a sense of life and energy. The hour markers are applied, not printed, adding depth and dimension to the dial. These polished, rectangular indices are generously filled with SuperLuminova C3, ensuring excellent legibility when light fades.
Courtesy of Squale
Further details on the dial underscore Squale's attention to functionality and branding. A framed date window is cleanly integrated at the 3 o’clock position, maintaining the dial's overall balance. The brand's double "Von Büren" logo sits below 12 o'clock, while the lower half of the dial features the new "Matic S" script, the iconic Squale shark logo, and the "60 ATMOS" depth rating. An angled inner rehaut, or chapter ring, encircles the dial, featuring a precise minute track. Subtle orange accents are placed at 12, 3, 6, and 9 o'clock on this track, providing a subtle pop of color that ties in with the second hand.
The handset chosen for the Matic S is both legible and distinct. The hour hand is a large, bold arrow, while the minute hand is a clean, straight baton. Both are polished and filled with a substantial amount of lume, and their differing shapes allow for instant and error-free reading of the time at a glance. The seconds hand is a simple stick, but its tip is painted in a vibrant orange. This flash of color not only enhances visibility but also adds a playful, contemporary spirit to the watch's design, breaking up the otherwise cool blue and white color palette.
Visibility in darkness is a non-negotiable for a professional dive watch, and the Matic S delivers with its application of SuperLuminova. As seen in low-light conditions, the watch emits a powerful and lasting green glow. The hour markers, the hour and minute hands, and the triangular pip on the bezel are all treated with this high-performance luminous material. This ensures that the time, as well as elapsed dive time, can be clearly read whether the wearer is deep underwater or simply in a dimly lit room. The consistent and bright application reinforces the watch's credibility as a serious instrument.
Courtesy of Squale
Powering the Matic S is the Sellita SW 200-1 automatic movement, a robust and reliable Swiss-made caliber that has become an industry standard. Squale has opted for the Elaboré grade version of this movement, which is a step up from the standard grade. The Elaboré grade is adjusted in three positions and typically offers better timekeeping performance. The movement operates at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour (4 Hz), which translates to a smooth, sweeping motion of the seconds hand. It provides a power reserve of approximately 42 hours and includes both a time and date function, making it a practical and dependable engine for the watch.
Squale offers the Matic S with two distinct strap options, each providing a different wearing experience and aesthetic. The first is an innovative HydroLeather strap. This unique strap combines a comfortable and durable rubber base with water-repellent leather inlays. The rubber portion is white, matching the bezel, while the blue leather inlay is textured and perfectly color-matched to the dial. This option provides the sophisticated look of a leather strap but with the full water resistance and practicality of rubber, making it an ideal choice for someone who wants a versatile watch that can transition seamlessly from the water to a more formal setting.
The second option is a more traditional Tropic-style rubber strap, but with a modern twist. The strap is rendered in the same light blue as the dial and features an intricate "mosaic" texture across its surface. This texture gives the strap a unique visual appeal and tactility. Tropic-style straps are renowned for their comfort, flexibility, and durability, and this version is no exception. It firmly positions the Matic S as a dedicated tool watch, ready for any adventure. This strap offers a more casual and overtly sporty character compared to the HydroLeather alternative.
Courtesy of Squale
The new Squale Matic S collection is positioned to appeal to both long-time fans of the brand and newcomers seeking a high-quality, Swiss-made dive watch with a unique design and manageable proportions. It was officially launched during Geneva Watch Days 2025. The model featuring the Mosaic Rubber strap is priced at $1,450, while the version equipped with the more complex HydroLeather strap is available for $1,485. Both models represent a compelling value, offering a rich brand heritage, robust specifications, and a distinctive aesthetic. The Matic S is available through Squale's network of authorized retailers worldwide.
Case: 316L steel construction with symmetrical brushing and polished bevels. Diameter: 37.8mm, Lug-to-lug: 47mm, Thickness: 12.6mm (13.2mm with crystal), Lug width: 19mm. Features a screw-in crown, screw-in caseback, and 600m water resistance. Topped with a double-domed sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating and a monodirectional bezel with an enameled steel insert.
Movement: Sellita SW 200-1 Automatic, Elaboré grade. Features 26 jewels, a frequency of 28,800 A/h (4 Hz), and a power reserve of approximately 38 hours. Functions include time and date.
Dial: Sunray light blue finish with applied indices. Hands and indices are filled with SuperLuminova for low-light visibility. Features a date window at 3 o'clock and an internal rehaut minute track with orange accents.
Strap: Offered in two versions: a light blue rubber strap with a mosaic texture, or a "HydroLeather" strap combining a white rubber base with blue water-repellent leather inserts.
Price: $1,450.00 (Mosaic Rubber) / $1,485.00 (HydroLeather)
Reference Number: MATICLBWLB.MRLB (Mosaic Rubber) / MATICLBWLB.RLWLB (HydroLeather)
Notes: An evolution of the iconic Matic collection, this model features a significantly reduced case size from 44mm to 37.8mm. The crown has been moved to 3 o'clock for a more symmetrical design, while still maintaining the professional 600-meter water resistance rating.