SQUALE 1545 30 ATMOS MAIO GMT CERAMICA Limited Edition 42MM SWISS ETA AUTOMATIC

Right now, the Squale 30 ATMOS Maio GMT Ceramica – Limited Ref.1545MAI is the latest model introduced into the collection. It is an upgrade by fusing of the once coveted 30 Atmos PanAm GMT with white dial, combining the two-toned 30 Atmos Horizon’s GMT black and blue bezel made in Ceramic material.

 Made in Switzerland and powered by a Swiss Made ETA 2893-2 automatic movement with quickset GMT and date function. This is the second white dial GMT model introduced by Squale in their 60 years of watchmaking history.

Continuing on the characteristics of the 1545 series, these 1545 series keep getting better and better! Measuring at 42mm and 13mm thick, the watch is the highly popular 20 ATMOS on steroids. Featuring a bigger case, bolder design and better water resistance, the 30 ATMOS has yet again set a new standard in the price segment. The short lugs to lugs length of 49mm are curved downwards for a very comfortable and wrap around fit.

Starting off on its unique traits, one of the most appealing part of this watch is of course the two tone bezel. It is a statement in Squale’s manufacturing know-how to produce a complex bezel in ceramic material.

The ceramic bezel is first cut into shape and than the numbers are carefully engraved by machines made specially for this purpose. Next, the engraved ceramic bezel is super heated to 1500 degrees to harden and purify the ceramic.

Not only will the colors never fade, but the scratch-resistance properties of ceramic are so impressive that the bezel will retain its “brand new” looks for years to come.

With the colour combination of black and blue like its precursor, Horizon GMT, the two tone bezel follows a vintage design theme. In this case, the engraved numerals on the hardened bezel are carefully filled with old-radium looking enamel paint. The excess paint on the surface of the bezel is then polished to a high gloss leaving only the numerals filled permanently. Therefore, the ceramic nature of the bezel gives it a “wet” look, mimiking the effect of a bakelite bezel on vintage dive watches.

The vintage theme continues onto the dial. The off-white beige dial reminisce of the 60s, where a full pale white face that has gone through a little aging, pairing together with vintage-style hour markers and handset. Making use this time the hour markers and hands design that is synonymous to Squale diver watches for centuries. Making this instantly recognizeable even from far.

A real classic in the making, which I am sure collectors can agree with. The off-white beige dial with the latest “radium” SuperLuminova luminous glows brightly in the dark. Top it up with a flat sapphire crystal with no magnifier for a clean look. The sapphire crystal is also coated with anti-reflective on the inside for better clarity.

Good looks are appreciated but performance matters more, and in terms of ease of operations, not only is this a very easy to read, it’s a pleasure to operate. The large screw-down crown is easy to grip and it screws in and out without any sense of roughness in the screw threads contributed largely also by the larger than usual screw tube.

Entirely designed and hand finished in Switzerland the watch is satin brushed on the top and high polished on the sides to a very high standard, again synonymous with Squale. The transitions between brushed and polished parts are very well defined like every other Squale watch. The 120 clicks unidirectional rotating bezel clicks positively with little play for added confidence.

The Squale 30 ATMOS comes with a satin brushed metal bracelet with solid end-links and screw-in links. It even comes with a diver extension when the occasion calls for it.

The Squale 30 ATMOS Maio GMT Ceramica is quite the watch. Taking cues from several highly sought after and now sold-out 30 ATMOS models, making this quite a unique model. We love the aged off-white dial that is probably where the whole charm of this model is. We love the originality that goes into this particular model especially the continuation of the Squale dial and hands design language. And not to mention the unique combination of modern manufacturing techniques with their 60s diver flair.