Squale 101 Atmos Black Heritage Edition Swiss Automatic 1001m Diver 44mm

Starting with the specifications first, this tonneau case of their 101 ATMOS was something that was produced in the late 60s, being one of the 1000m dive watch pioneer, without the need of a helium escape valve(HEV). In comparison to another dive watch innovator, the Seiko’s first 600m Tuna ref. 6159-7010 came about in 1975; having a L shaped gasket instead of a common HEV.

The 1000 meters watch wears like a true diving piece, measuring 44mm in diameter and thanks to its lugless design only 49mm lug to lug. The lugless tonneau style reflects the 60s/70s vibe, with a smooth flowing look overall.

The Squale 101 ATMOS Black Heritage Edition watch is a remake of the original 101ATMOS from the 70s. A must have for Vintage fans. Like all Squale watches, the 101 ATMOS is made in Switzerland.

The Squale 101 ATM is powered by ETA’s automatic caliber SW 200-2/ETA2824-2 “REGLAGE ELABORÉ, operating at 28,800 BPH (4 Hertzs) with hacking and hand winding capabilities. It has 26/25 jewels with a power reserve of 42 hours.

Further, it comes with old-school painted round-markers, like those found on those vintage Squale skin divers back then, and then are filled with SuperLuminova luminous, just like the hands. One of those watches that has to be seen in person to enjoy the beauty.

The black (sapphire) bezel is an upgraded material from the fragile bakelite material while keeping that old-school charm. Done in shimmering black, it is coloured in a multi-stage process. First the phosphorescent SuperLuminova material is applied by hand, followed by colouring with varnishes immune to seawater corrosion, and then sealed into the scratch-resistant material for enhanced durability as compared to bakelite material. This guarantees that the component is warm to the touch while allowing excellent elapse-time reading thanks to the transparency. Like the model that inspired it, the bezel can always be unscrewed from above through the hexagonal ring.

The all new 44mm stainless steel case is also improved in the latest edition. With a more masculine lugs making the wrist presence more prominent now compared to the older case. Also new is the automatic helium escapement valve(HEV) integrated into the case is at 9 o’clock for saturation divers. The 1000 meters watch features the famous snap-on rotating bezel(uni-directional) that is secured by a hexagonal ring screwed onto the top of the case. This system, which was once a Squale’s innovation now copied by many watch companies, ensures that bezel won’t be accidentally rotated during underwater activities. Finally a 3.5mm thick sapphire crystal with double gasket to ensure outstanding water resistance.

The new caseback is now fully engraved with an updates interpretation of the classic wave design and, of course, Squale’s logo. For many years the Squale logo has been a mark of quality. All painstakingly designed details, crafted to make a product that keeps faith with the Squale brand philosophy. The 101ATMOS’s discreet elegance is combined with reliability, provided for example by the Swedish steels used.

The Squale comes supplied with a matching 22mm Italian black tropic rubber strap made with high-quality rubber that is built with strength and durability. Designed to have a continuous flow of air that can keep the skin dry and do not have a strong impact on the ergonomics of the strap itself. The materials used in the strap are designed specifically to resist corrosion of salt and UV rays.

The Squale 101 ATMOS Black Heritage Edition is definitely a well-done vintage and iconic Squale model that will not be mistaken for any other. The unique barrel-case shaped model that can be found in the history books of many well established brands. If you are a dive watch nut, there is no reason not to be considering the 101 ATMOS simply because it is quite the influential model and one watch that has always been copied but never outdone. For the new collectors, who wants a 60s style dive watch and doesn’t like the conventional looks, this is a watch definitely worth considering. Or if you are simply looking for a solid built everyday watch that is also outstanding aesthetically. This is the watch definitely worth considering.