Titus Calypsomatic 5913

Brief History

I first came across the brand Titus a few years ago, searching for iconic dive watches. I dug a little deeper and found the Calypsomatic and was drawn to it instantly. It may well be a name that some may pass, but sometimes you need to look past the name. Look at the design and see what boxes the watch ticks for you. I’ve bought many watches just on a feeling, these occasionally don’t work out. But when they do and you get it right, theres nothing better.

There is a definite similarity between the Titus Calypsomatic and early Rolex Subs, especially the 6538. The Calypsomatics certainly offer a lot of the same charm without being a copy or carrying the hefty price tag. You can tell the bones of it contains the DNA of a classic ’60s dive watch. The case design, the perfectly proportioned dive bezel and the “Big Crown”, its all going on here.

There have been 5 generations of the Titus Calypsomatic, the 5913 being the first and second versions. Followed by the 7085, 7840 and 7985. There was also the 8031, 8940 and the lesser known 3552 model.

Could This Be One Of My Grail Pieces?

I may never be luckily enough to own either the Rolex or Tudor Submariners, as prices for these have sky rocketed. But as this shares some similarities, this could be as close as I get. And for me, thats really not an issue.

This is the 1962 Mk2 (or 2nd generation) 5913 version. With this 2nd generation, Titus introduced the most beautiful gold gilt and relief dials, they are stunning. This is one of the earlier models with Radium lume. It has a stunning gold gilt printed dial with the laurel wreath Titus logo at 12.00.

The “lollipop” style hour hand and markers, were first used on the Titus Calypsomatic, well before Tudor made them fashionable years later. The 5913 hands were very unique. With a 3 section pencil shaped hour and minute hand and a large bubble midway down the second hand. Like so many famous divers, the Calypsomatic’s has a red accent too, courtesy of the “roulette” date wheel. Which on even dates hits you with a splash of blue or black and red on the odd. 

The case shares its design with both the Universal Geneve Polerouter Sub and the Technos Sky Diver. Again, iconic dive watches that are equally well sought after.

The movement is an upgraded 21 jewelled ETA 2472, with a power reserve of 42 hours.

My Final Thoughts?

This is one of the nicest watches in my ever growing collection. The Titus Calypsomatic 5913 sits perfectly alongside the others, not overstated at all. It’s been a watch that i have been after for some time, as i have narrowly missed out on many. But the wait was worth it! Like the others, it will get a regular rotation and equal wear. But unlike a few i have, this will be a keeper for sure. Unfortunately, the crown has to be replaced, but im working on getting that sorted in due time.

38mm

20mm

48mm

13mm

Mark – This Calypsomatic is one of my favourite of Nei’s collection. The dial is alive with patina and up close behind a macro lens, it is truly spectacular. I love the classic Skin Diver construction and the pop of red in the date window. For true connoisseurs, this is a very collectable watch.