A Wonderful Nostalgic Charm
From 1949 to the 1970s, Wolbrook watches were manufactured in both France and Switzerland.
During the late 1950s, the rising popularity of aquatic sports led to a significant boost in the expertise of the post-World War II French watch industry, particularly in sport and dive watches.
At the same time, Wolbrook recognised the potential of the watchmaking know-how in the Besançon area of France. They decided to establish their watch production in Besançon to capitalise on the region’s skilled watchmakers and their proficiency in the industry.
Today, Wolbrook continue to uphold and evolve the watchmaking tradition with every timepiece they design, conceive, and assemble. Their team of designers, engineers, and watchmakers work diligently to keep the legacy of watchmaking alive while embracing innovation and progress.
Wolbrook Skindiver II
Wolbrook have now added the new Skindiver II to their extensive range.
Designed to withstand the challenges of aquatic exploration, this timepiece boasts an impressive 200m water resistance, thoroughly tested and guaranteed. With its reliable screw-down crown and case back, the Skindiver II Automatic confidently accompanies you on all your skin-diving and scuba diving endeavours, capable of descending to depths of up to -200m when required.
The Skindiver II Automatic watch offers two versatile options for wristbands – the classic beads of rice bracelet or the rugged “Tropic” rubber strap, ensuring it’s well-prepared for any adventure, whether on land or underwater. Apart from the two strap options, you can also choice of three dials. Black with green lume, black with vintage lume or blue with white lume.
Classic Diver Appeal
Specifications
Key Functions:
– Hours / Minutes / Seconds
– 60-minute / 60-second timing via rotating bezel
– “Old Radium” Super-LumiNova® on all hands & indices, providing exceptional luminosity in low-light conditions.
Bezel Highlights:
– Luminescent pearl with BGW9 Super-LumiNova® at 12 o’clock for enhanced visibility
– “Old Radium” Super-LumiNova® on 12 o’clock triangle, 50, 40, 30, 20, and 10 markers, aiding precise timekeeping during diving expeditions.
– Unidirectional rotatable with 120 clicks, thoughtfully engraved with 60-0 marks.
Sturdy Case Features:
– HexapleX® shock-resistant architecture, ensuring robust protection for the movement.
– Rubber shock-absorbers create a “floating” configuration, safeguarding the movement from micro to significant impacts.
– Laser-engraved HexapleX® seashell logo on the back of the top right lug and inside of the caseback, showcasing attention to detail.
Water Resistance:
– Boasting an impressive 20 ATM / 200m water resistance, making it perfect for underwater adventures.
Dimensions:
– Compact and stylish with a 40mm diameter, 48mm lugs to lugs, and 12.7mm thickness.
– 20mm lug width, ensuring compatibility with various strap options.
Exclusivity:
– Proudly assembled in France, symbolising the brand’s commitment to quality and heritage.
Quality Construction:
– Hand-finished brushed 316L stainless steel case exhibits exceptional craftsmanship.
– Screw-down crown and dodecagon-shaped screw-down case back for a secure seal.
– Glass box sapphire crystal with inside anti-reflective coating, granting crystal-clear visibility.
– Drilled lugs allow for easy strap changes, enhancing versatility.
The Skindiver II Automatic Watch embodies the perfect harmony of style and functionality, making it an ideal companion for both land and aquatic escapades.
My Thoughts
This classic design Skindiver II from Wolbrook really appeals to me. My watch bias is vintage divers and this really ticks many boxes for me. My personal favourite would be the Blue dial with the White Lume. The silver bezel gives it a modern look and as far as straps go, I love a Beads Of Rice bracelet or a Tropic strap. The 40mm case, is bang on and I would imagine it has a great presence on the wrist. The lume on the dial, hands and bezel are extremely striking and the small red highlight on the tip of the second hand just makes that small detail pop. The “jumbo” size of the numbers make for really easy reading if your ever diving in the dark, or just telling the time in low light.
The French are famous for dive watches and have a fantastic heritage which they are very proud of. Wolbrook is part of that history, they have a comprehensive range of Dive Tool watches and Chronographs to choose from. I hope to get hands on one soon, I’m sure I won’t be disappointed.
You can see the full range of watches from Wolbrook HERE
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