For many years made waves with their ever since the 1950s. The heritage brand produced robust timepieces that are rather unfitting for jewelry stores but rather those specialized in dive watches. The latter, which we fit to the professional tool watch category, nailed our long-term partnership with the Swiss watch brand for many years, churning out classic novelties that were based heavily on their archives. As a result, today we are unveiling Squale’s latest Tropic GMT Ceramica in a handsome 40mm form factor, an incredibly wrist-friendly size that will absolutely please the masses.

The Squale 30 ATMOS Tropic GMT Ceramica - 40mm is the latest model introduced by Squale. Made in Switzerland and powered by a Swiss Made ETA 2893-2/Sellita SW330-1 automatic movement with quickset GMT and date function. This is the first black dial GMT model featuring a unique tropical bi-colored ceramic bezel in a one-piece ceramic with engraved bezel markers, introduced by Squale in their 60 years of watchmaking history. Based on a vintage diver model produced by Squale in the 1960s with the added feature of a GMT function. Tastefully done and equipped with the elegant semi-annular bracelet for that ultimate nostalgia.

It is extremely difficult to manufacture ceramic bezels in lighter colors, so prior to this, there have never been any commercially available ceramic watch parts in this color combination. The bezel has a faded look - much like a bezel that started out as a black and blue and due to 30 years of aging. As the Tropic name implies, the two-tone bezel follows a vintage design theme with a pale off-gray upper half and a rich greenish blue lower half. The bezel insert colorway helps one to differentiate the period when the sun is out till it sets again (from 6 am till 6 pm generally). It looks evergreen for a GMT tool watch that was born out of the 1950s. Further having the ceramic nature of the bezel, it radiates a “wet” glossy look, mimicking the effect of a bakelite bezel on vintage dive watches. In short, this is a watch you have to see it in person because the pictures simply do not do it any justice.

The two-tone ceramic bezel is first to be cut into shape, and the 24-hour markers are carefully engraved by machines made especially for this purpose. Next, the engraved ceramic bezel is superheated to 1500 degrees to harden and purify the ceramic. The engraved numerals on the hardened bezel are then carefully filled with radium-style enamel paint. The excess paint on the surface of the bezel is then polished to a high gloss leaving only the numerals filled permanently. At the end of these intense sets of manufacturing processes, this results in not only colors that will never fade, but also the exceptionally scratch-resistance properties of ceramic, retaining in its fresh new look for many years to come.

The craftsmanship continues onto the dial. Making use this time the dial and hands design that is synonymous to Squale diver watches for centuries — making this instantly recognizable even from far. A real classic in the making, which we are sure collectors can agree with. The watchmakers at Squale decided to make it grandeur by applying hour markers and hands with generous radium-style SuperLuminova luminous, that glows brightly in the dark along with the bezel. Top it up with a flat sapphire crystal that sits flush with the case, coated with anti-reflective on the inside for better clarity. Also, gone is the magnifying cyclop for a cleaner aesthetic.

Since we mention the case, continuing on the characteristics of the 1545 series, the latest 30 ATMOS Tropic GMT Ceramica - 40mm just keeps getting better! Measuring at just 40mm and 12.5mm thick, the compact form factor presents an elegant character to the tool watch while boasting incredible wearability on most wrist sizes. Featuring a svelte 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 47mm are curved downwards for a very comfortable fit that wraps around the contours of the wrist.

Good looks are appreciated, but performance matters more; in terms of ease of use during operations, the watch provides a smooth and pleasant operation in daily use. The large screw-down crown, featured with the proudly engraved “Von Buren” emblem, is effortless to grip, and it screws in and out as smooth as butter as a result of the substantial screw threads and 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 extremely well defined like every other Squale watch. The bidirectional rotating bezel clicks positively with little play for added confidence.

The 30 ATMOS Tropic GMT Ceramica - 40mm comes with a whole new stylish semi-annular bracelet that brings back the glamours of yesteryears, allowing one to indulge and luxuriate on this beauty. The bracelet is finished in a mixture of satin brushed outer links and highly polished middle links, fitted confidently with solid end-links and screw-in links.

This latest addition by Squale certainly bridges the gap between larger, bolder offerings and smaller timepieces to embrace a seemingly perfect size for many wrists that manages to look stunning without much effort. Like many of other Squale watches, the Squale 30 ATMOS Tropic GMT Ceramica - 40mm has so much to offer, punching way above its price point with its robust build quality, impeccable Swiss-made workhorse engine and an eye-catching, yet unique vintage visual style that expresses itself brilliantly in a piece packed full of modern specifications.