DELMA BLUE SHARK 3000M DIVER SWISS AUTOMATIC LIMITED EDITION 47MM BLUE DIAL

A family-owned company based in Lengnau near Biel, Delma has been manufacturing watches for almost a century now. The brand also has a long tradition of crafting dive watches. Launched in 1969, the Periscope was its first timepiece with increased water-resistance. In 1975, the Shell Star was its first professional diver. Fast forward, the Blue Shark II we are reviewing here is Delma’s most rugged and robust divers’ watch: a high-performance, functional watch able to withstand the pressure exerted at a depth of 3,000m or 9,900ft!

This beast of a watch features an oversized case measuring 47mm in diameter and 18.85mm thick. On the wrist, it actually wears smaller thanks to its ergonomic design. The case band is relatively thin in comparison to the case height and the sloping lugs contour the wrist for optimal comfort. A 6.8mm thick anti-reflective (AR) sapphire crystal (that’s a really thick crystal) ensures water-resistance to extreme depths and excellent legibility.

As one would expect to find with a professional dive watch, it features a unidirectional rotating bezel. Featuring 120 clicks, it operates smoothly while its notches provide good grip. The screw-down crown and screwed back ensure long-term water-resistance. At 9 o’clock, the helium relief valve housed in the case band protects the watch against overpressure during the ascent and return to the surface.

The bold, quirky design of the Delma Blue Shark II stands out with its dial, flange, broad retro-style hands and bezel highlighted with striking orange accents. The use of luminescent material (green and orange lume) provides maximum legibility in low light. This also creates a sharp contrast with the black textured dial. Overall, there is a lot going on but it is functional and powerful.

Inside ticks an automatic ETA 2824 displaying the hours, minutes, seconds and the date. This ubiquitous and reliable workhorse operates at a modern 28,800 vibrations per hour with a 38-hour power reserve.

The Delma Blue Shark II comes with a sturdy steel bracelet. This virile H-link bracelet is thick, heavy and really feels strong. It is nicely integrated into the case and secured with hexagonal screws. It is closed by a massive folding clasp (with adjustment system). The wooden presentation box incorporates an extra rubber strap and strap/bracelet changing tools.

Obviously, the depth rating of the Delma Blue Shark II (and other deep divers) by far exceeds the most extreme needs. Nonetheless, there is something really appealing about these specifications and the engineering behind the creation of such watches. Its design is equally striking with its oversized case and bold colours… definitely not for the faint-hearted.

Wow! just Awesome! Now discontinued and extremely hard to find, this is the Delma Blue Shark II Swiss Automatic Limited Edition. This is #67/500 and comes complete with the extra large Limited Edition Wooden Box Set! What a super Xtreme Diver to add to your collection!