Squale, in collaboration with Amsterdam Watch Company, is launching a limited edition of 180 watches in new old stock cabinets from Blancpain. A unique fusion of vintage and modern...
AMSTERDAM WATCH COMPANY
Squale has been making its name as a cabinet maker for diving watches since 1946. The most imaginative customer watch was probably the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bund from the 1970s. By a twist of fate, Squale recently got its hands on a batch of 180 original, new old stock Blancpain watch cases from the 1950s: the 35mm case type used for the MC4 Fifty Fathoms and a Waltham variant, signed inside with 'Rayville SA'.
This presented a unique opportunity to turn history on its head for once, by building a Squale watch inside a Blancpain case, rather than the other way around. Squale teamed up with the vintage experts at Amsterdam Watch Company to develop three new watches in these classic cases. Two of them, the Subino and the No Radiobino, are now available. Both in editions of just 60 units. A third model, also 60 pieces, will follow later.
SUBINO
The watches are powered by an automatic ETA 2671 movement. This smaller variant of the better-known ETA calibres allows an automatic movement to be placed in a slim case, which was originally designed for a manual winding.
The first model, called Subino (Italian for small sub; submarine) features a matte black dial with 12-3-6-9 layout. Around the outer edge we find a subtle minute track. As a red detail, AWCO is legible on the dial. The modern C3 Super LumiNova is finished in an off-white colour that goes well with the original 1950s bakelite bezel inlay. The curved acrylic glass completes the vintage look. The Subino comes on a rubber-lined leather strap and costs €1,750.
NO RADIOBINO
The second version, the No Radiobino, features a different dial and strap. Blancpain enthusiasts will recognise the yellow/red ''No radiations' icon of the civilian versions of the Fifty Fathoms, which came without radioactive radium. A nod to the extraordinary past of the Squale/Blancpain partnership.
The No Radiobino comes on a steel new old stock flat link Squale strap from the 1980s. A mis-match in terms of era, but aesthetically a perfect partner for this watch. Costs €1875. For sale here.
Photography: Hilde von Bannisseht
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