Squale Matic S Collection

In the specialized world of dive watches, few names carry the weight of authenticity and historical significance quite like Squale. Founded in 1959 in Neuchâtel, Switzerland, by the visionary Charles Von Büren, the brand carved out a formidable reputation not just for its own timepieces, but as a critical supplier of high-performance watch cases to numerous other esteemed brands. This legacy of engineering robust, reliable underwater instruments is the bedrock upon which the entire company stands. The Matic collection, in particular, has long been a flagship of this philosophy, known for its uncompromising strength and formidable presence. Now, Squale has introduced a thoughtful and compelling evolution of this line: the Matic S. This new series represents a deliberate refinement, adapting the core principles of the original for a new era of watch enthusiasts who demand both professional-grade capability and everyday versatility.

The history of Squale is inextricably linked to the golden age of scuba diving. During the 1960s and 70s, as recreational and professional diving exploded in popularity, the demand for dependable underwater timekeeping tools surged. Squale was at the forefront of this movement, producing cases that were so reliable their "von" shark logo became a mark of quality, often appearing on the dials of watches from other brands as a stamp of approval. Legendary divers like Jacques Mayol and Enzo Maiorca trusted Squale timepieces on their record-breaking descents, cementing the brand's reputation in the crucible of real-world application. After transitioning to the ownership of the Maggi family in the 1980s, Squale has continued to honor this heritage, producing watches that remain true to their tool-watch origins while embracing contemporary manufacturing and design, including special editions for elite units of the Italian Armed Forces.



To fully appreciate the new Matic S, one must understand its predecessor. The original Squale Matic was a product of its time, characterized by a substantial case, often measuring 44mm in diameter, that projected an image of pure, unadulterated capability. It was a watch built for a purpose, with a commanding wrist presence that left no doubt as to its professional intentions. These models were celebrated for their exceptional water resistance, bold and legible dials, and the distinctive case shapes that became a signature of the brand. For serious divers and enthusiasts who admired purpose-built instruments, the Matic was, and remains, an icon of functional design.

The introduction of the Matic S signals a pivotal moment of evolution for the collection. Rather than a radical reinvention, it is a considered reimagining. The core challenge addressed by this new series is how to retain the formidable spirit and high-performance specifications of the original Matic while enhancing its wearability for the diverse demands of modern life. The result is a watch that is just as comfortable on a deep-sea dive as it is in a business-casual setting. Squale has achieved this delicate balance by meticulously re-evaluating every dimension and design element, creating a timepiece that bridges the gap between a specialized tool and a stylish daily companion without compromising on the integrity that defines the brand.

The most significant and immediately noticeable change in the Matic S is the new case architecture. Squale has reduced the diameter from the traditional 44mm to a more universally wearable 39.5mm. This single decision has a cascading effect on the watch's entire character. Paired with a manageable lug-to-lug measurement of 47mm, the new dimensions ensure a comfortable and balanced fit on a much broader spectrum of wrist sizes. The case thickness has also been addressed, measuring 12.6mm, or 13.2mm including the subtly reprofiled crystal. This reduction in size is not merely about numbers; it transforms the on-wrist experience, making the watch feel less like a dedicated piece of equipment and more like an integrated part of one's daily attire.



This resizing also allowed for a fundamental shift in the case's visual harmony. The crown has been relocated to the 3 o’clock position, a move that imparts a new sense of classical symmetry to the design. This contrasts with the 4 o’clock crown often found on larger dive watches, which is primarily a functional choice to improve comfort. On the slimmer Matic S, the 3 o’clock placement feels natural and aesthetically balanced. The finishing of the 316L stainless steel case further elevates its refined character. A fine vertical brushing adorns the case sides and lugs, creating a soft, satin texture that is contrasted beautifully by meticulously polished bevels. These polished edges trace the lines of the case, catching the light and highlighting its sophisticated geometry.

The pursuit of a slimmer, more modern silhouette extended to the watch's crystal. The Matic S is fitted with a double-domed sapphire crystal, a premium material renowned for its exceptional scratch resistance. The "double-domed" construction is critical, as it minimizes the optical distortion often associated with single-domed crystals, ensuring a clear view of the dial from nearly any angle. Squale has applied an anti-reflective coating to the crystal's interior, further enhancing legibility by cutting down on glare. In a key design decision, the height of the dome itself has been slightly reduced compared to previous Matic models. This subtle tweak contributes significantly to the watch's overall slimmer profile and streamlined feel, reinforcing its modern identity.

A critical component of any dive watch is its bezel, and the Matic S is equipped with a highly functional and visually appealing example. The 120-click bezel is monodirectional, a crucial safety feature that ensures a diver can only accidentally decrease, never increase, the tracked dive time. The bezel insert is crafted from steel, which is then enameled and lacquered. This process gives the insert a deep, glossy finish that resembles ceramic, providing a rich and durable surface for the timing scale. Generous applications of Super-Luminova on the key markers, including the luminescent pip at 12 o'clock, ensure that the bezel remains perfectly legible in the low-light conditions encountered deep beneath the waves.



The dial of the Matic S is a masterclass in clarity and refined detail. The designers have updated the layout with new applied hour markers. These polished indices stand proud of the dial surface, adding a sense of depth and dimensionality that catches the light beautifully. The dial itself, offered in sunray black or a vibrant sunray light blue, provides a dynamic backdrop that shifts in appearance depending on the lighting conditions. A subtle but impactful detail is the addition of orange accents along the inner minute track, or rehaut, which adds a measured pop of color. The new "Matic S" logo is proudly displayed, distinguishing this modern iteration. Of course, legibility remains paramount, with both the hands and indices receiving a generous coating of Super-Luminova for outstanding low-light performance.

Powering the Squale Matic S is the robust and reliable Sellita SW 200-1 automatic movement. This Swiss-made caliber is a well-respected workhorse within the industry, known for its dependability and ease of service. Squale has opted for the Elaboré grade version of this movement, which is a step up from the standard grade. This means the movement is adjusted in more positions, offering potentially greater accuracy and more consistent timekeeping performance. The SW 200-1 operates at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour (4 Hz), which translates to a smooth, sweeping motion for the seconds hand. It provides hours, minutes, central seconds, and a date function, with a power reserve of approximately 42 hours.



True to its heritage, the Matic S is a formidable dive watch with specifications that far exceed the needs of most users, underscoring its professional-grade construction. The watch boasts an impressive water resistance rating of 60 atmospheres, which is equivalent to 600 meters or nearly 2,000 feet. This level of water integrity places it in an elite category of dive watches. This capability is secured by two key features: a screw-in crown and a screw-in solid steel caseback. Both components use threaded seals to create a robust barrier against water ingress, ensuring the intricate movement inside remains protected even under extreme pressure. The solid caseback is deeply engraved with the Squale logo and the watch's specifications, serving as a constant reminder of its purpose-built nature.

Unveiled at the NYC Windup Watch Fair, the new collection includes three distinct and compelling variations. The first is a striking two-tone model (MATICGBKBK), which introduces a new level of aesthetic refinement to the tool-watch formula. This version features a gold-toned screw-down crown and bezel edge, which provide a warm contrast to the cool, brushed steel of the case. The sunray black dial is complemented by gilt-applied indices and hands, with the signature orange minute hand adding a dash of classic Squale vibrancy. This model skillfully blends the ruggedness of a dive watch with a touch of luxury, making it exceptionally versatile.

The second variation is the sunray light blue model (MATICLBWLB), which offers a completely different personality. The dial is a brilliant, shimmering shade of blue that evokes the color of tropical waters. This vibrant dial is perfectly framed by a crisp white enameled bezel insert, creating a fresh and summery aesthetic. Once again, a bold orange minute hand provides a high-contrast element that is both visually exciting and functionally beneficial for legibility. This version feels playful yet capable, an ideal companion for adventures both in and out of the water.



The third model (MATICBKOBK) presents a more classic and tactical appearance, infused with Squale's signature color. It features a deep sunray black dial and a matching black bezel insert. The crucial visual element here is the vibrant orange used for the first 15 minutes of the bezel's timing scale, a feature historically used to time decompression stops. This splash of color is mirrored in the oversized orange minute hand, creating a cohesive and purposeful look. This version feels most directly connected to Squale's history of creating no-nonsense instruments for serious underwater work.

A significant innovation accompanying the Matic S launch is the introduction of two new strap options that enhance both comfort and style. The first is the "HydroLeather" strap, a clever hybrid construction that combines the best of both worlds. The strap features a durable, comfortable rubber base that is impervious to water, while the top surfaces are adorned with water-repellent leather inserts. This allows the watch to be worn with the classic look of a leather strap, but with the practical benefits and all-weather capability of rubber. It is an ideal solution for those who want a single strap that can transition seamlessly from the beach to the boardroom.

The second option is the "Mosaic" rubber strap. This design is based on the classic Tropic-style straps that were popular among divers in the 1960s and 70s, known for their breathability and durability. Squale has updated this concept with a unique and contemporary mosaic texture, adding a new layer of visual interest to the familiar silhouette. Both strap options feature a 19mm lug width, tapering to a signed buckle, and are designed to fit a wide range of wrist sizes, further enhancing the overall wearability of the watch.



The Squale Matic S collection represents an intelligent and successful evolution of a brand icon. It demonstrates a deep understanding of what made the original Matic great—its robustness, reliability, and functional design—while courageously adapting that formula for the needs and tastes of the contemporary watch owner. By refining the dimensions, enhancing the finishing, and updating the details, Squale has created a watch that loses none of its predecessor's capability but gains a world of versatility. It is a testament to the brand's enduring legacy and its ability to innovate while remaining true to its roots.

The new Squale Matic S is available for purchase through authorized dealers. Pricing is competitive and varies based on the chosen configuration. The Light Blue model (MATICLBWLB) and the Orange accent model (MATICBKOBK) are priced at $1,450 on the Mosaic rubber strap and $1,485 on the HydroLeather strap. The new Two-Tone model (MATICGBKBK) is priced at $1,485 on the Mosaic rubber strap and $1,520 on the HydroLeather strap, reflecting the additional finishing of its case. This pricing positions the Matic S as a strong value proposition, offering a genuine piece of diving history, Swiss-made quality, and professional specifications in a thoughtfully designed package.

Case: 39.5mm diameter, 47mm lug-to-lug, 12.6mm thickness (13.2mm with crystal), 19mm lug width. 316L stainless steel with brushed and polished finishes. Double domed sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating. 600m water resistance with screw-in crown and caseback.

Movement: Automatic Sellita SW 200-1 (Elaboré Grade). Approximately 42-hour power reserve, 26 jewels, 28,800 A/h (4 Hz) frequency. Functions include hours, minutes, and date.

Dial: Sunray finish in light blue or black. Applied indices with SuperLuminova C3. Internal rehaut minute track.

Strap: HydroLeather (rubber with leather inserts) or Mosaic Texture Rubber. 19mm lug width tapering to either a 16mm or 18mm buckle.

Price: USD $1,450 - $1,520

Reference Number: MATICLBWLB.RLWLB, MATICLBWLB.MRLB, MATICBKOBK.RLOR, MATICBKOBK.MROR, MATICGBKBK.RLOR, MATICGBKBK.MRBK

Notes: The Matic S features a significantly smaller 39.5mm case, down from the original's 44mm, with the crown moved to 3 o'clock for symmetry. The watch maintains a professional-grade 600m water resistance.