New: Edox Hydro-Sub Automatic Chronometer Limited Edition

Edox reintroduces their Hydro-Sub with a new limited edition Automatic Chronometer. This revives the iconic dive watch from Edox. Three new models are introduced with this series: two steel models, one with a blue dial and orange accents, a black dial with beige accents, and a third one in black PVD coated steel with bright yellow accents.

Press release info with commentary in italics.

Commentary

The Edox Hydro-Sub is a significant diving watch as it was the first to feature a crown system with tension ring and shock absorbing gasket. The original watch was released in 1965, and featured an impressive water resistance rating of 500m. With it, Edox claimed its place as one of the specialists for diving watches. The new Hydro-Sub is now released as a limited edition, with what Edox calls 21st century smarts infused with timelessly cool DNA of the 1960s. However, we note that this new version is now rated to only 300m, a downgrade from the 500m rating for the 1965 edition. It also gains COSC certification, but retains the iconic screw-down crown with double o-rings.

The shape draws its design language from the original’s tonneau shaped case, now in 42mm which is more in line with the original’s case size. In recent years, the Hydro-Sub has been released as special editions, and have grown to a rather larger. For example, the 2015 50th Anniversary model had a case diameter of 46mm. It also came with the huge rotating crown guard, now done away with in the new model in favour for the original’s sleeker look. The colour schemes adopted are quite nice, with the dark dial with bright accents. Also new, is the uni-directional bezel now sports a ceramic insert. The dial and handset is rather standard rectangular devices, with SuperLumiNova infilling. What is new in this model is the steel bracelet can be released by two pushers at the attachment points. The movement is the Sellita SW300 with COSC certification.

Edox Hydro-Sub Automatic Chronometer Limited Edition

Retail price of the Edox Hydro-Sub Automatic Chronometer Limited Edition is SGD 3,079 (incl GST) / EUR 1,790. Limited Edition of 500 pieces. Available now.

Six decades after wowing the watch industry, the Edox Hydro-Sub makes a spectacular return. The Hydro-Sub Automatic Chronometer Limited Edition is new, improved and with 21st century smarts – but still infused with the timelessly cool DNA of the original 1960s Hydro-Sub, the timepiece that helped make Edox the ‘Water Champion’ of the watch industry. Presented in a limited edition (500 pieces, engraved with “one out of 500” on the case back, available worldwide), the Hydro-Sub Automatic Chronometer Limited Edition is, like the rugged original, water-resistant to an amazing 300m. The innovations that made the original Hydro-Sub so impressive, such as the screw-down crown with double O-ring seal, have been retained – and perfected.

This time though the unidirectional bezel with 60-minute diving scale surrounding the dial is made out of scratch-resistant ceramic. A 2.5mm-thick crystal sapphire with anti-reflective coating on BOTH sides ensures a crystal-clear view of the dial – essential, of course, when under the waves. The unmistakable lines of the original 1965 timepiece are carried through to the Edox Hydro-Sub Automatic Chronometer Limited Edition, from the ‘blocky’ lugs to the vintage-inspired central handset, which includes a long triangular seconds pointer. The dial indices and minute and hour hands are coated with Super-LumiNova, a Swiss-made luminescent material that ensures ultimate visibility when under water or in low light. The Hydro-Sub Automatic Chronometer Limited Edition’s design is clean and practical, focusing on the essentials and discarding unnecessary ‘clutter’. The solid steel bracelet echoes the original Hydro-Sub’s bracelet. Even this has been improved, the matt satin-finish links more precisely aligned and with a smoother finish, ensuring a perfect fit on the wrist. Two pushers easily release the buckle.

And, like diving itself, it’s what is UNDER surface that is most important. Housed in the new Hydro-Sub tough, hand-polished 42mm steel case beats the Edox Calibre 80 ‘engine’, made by Swiss movement manufacturer Sellita, and providing a 38-hour power reserve. Edox has ensured this automatic movement has been chronometer-rated to meet exacting standards of accuracy and precision; every Calibre 80 meets the strict conditions set by Swiss chronometer testing body COSC, a non-profit body dedicated to Swiss watchmaking. Each certified chronometer movement is identified by a number engraved on the movement. The hand-assembled Edox Hydro-Sub Special Edition combines practical functionality, technical excellence and a no-nonsense, refined vintage design with panache.

It’s a cool tool for the stylish man for every occasion – on land or the water.

Edox Hydro-Sub Automatic Chronometer Limited Edition Specifications

REF. 80128 3BUM BUIO

Calibre EDOX 806 (SW 200 COSC certified)
Diameter 42 mm
Case Stainless steel 316L
Functions display of hours, minutes, seconds and date
Dial Blue
Water resistance 300 meters / 30 ATM
Glass Scratch-resistant and anti-reflective sapphire crystal on both side of the glass
Strap Metal bracelet
Features Rotating Ceramic Bezel, Super-LumiNova on hands an indices, screw-down crown, double O’ring