The Squale 2001 collection represents a milestone in the history of dive watches. It was born in the pioneering era of the 1960s, when new technologies transformed simple timepieces into reliable tools for professionals of the sea. This collection introduced significant innovations.On the occasion of their brand's 65th anniversary, we reflect on the events and individuals who contributed to making Squale an icon in the world of dive watches, both in the past and today. The Squale 2001, for example, was chosen by the legendary explorer Jacques-Yves Cousteau as a gift for Michel Laval, the first officer of the Calypso, at the start of the 1972 Antarctic expedition. Squale 2001 Sunray Blue The watch, already rich in symbolic value, became even more special due to the personalized engraving on the case back, featuring Cousteau's initials and Laval's full name. At that time, it was a well-established tradition to give meaningful symbolic objects to key crew members. After Laval's death, the watch returned to Cousteau, who entrusted it to another long-time collaborator and close friend, André Laban. Laban kept the watch until his passing in 2018, after which it went to a German collector passionate about historical dive watches. After a lengthy negotiation, the watch finally reached its current owner, an Italian digital entrepreneur. This extraordinary journey inspired Squale to create the 65th Anniversary Limited Edition, a tribute to the brand's rich heritage. With the overwhelming success of the limited edition release, Squale is now expanding the 2001 collection, introducing fresh designs that honor its legendary past while embracing modern innovation. Sunray blue commands attention with its calm sea-blue hue The 2001 Sunray Blue is a bold revival of the original, staying true to its iconic proportions while exuding a fresh, modern edge. Its asymmetric barrel-shaped case, crafted from 316L stainless steel, flaunts hidden lugs that make the 43.6mm length feel effortlessly compact. With a sleek 40mm diameter and a 13mm profile, the case's exquisite polishing catches the light at every angle, radiating pure sophistication. The screw-down crown at between 4 to 5 o'clock melds seamlessly into the case, preserving its streamlined silhouette while ensuring an extraordinary 600m water resistance. The dial of the 2001 Sunray Blue commands attention with its calm sea-blue hue, enriched by a captivating sunray texture. The applied polished steel hour markers rest within an inner ring, standing out against the vibrant backdrop, while the contrasting white rehaut features precisely printed minute markers for effortless readability. A baton-shaped handset, along with the hour markers, is generously coated with SuperLumiNova C3, ensuring outstanding legibility even in the darkest depths. Adding a striking contrast, the minute hand is outlined in a tropic orange hue—a signature detail that feels iconic for Squale. Completing the dial, a date window sits neatly at the 3 o'clock position. The word "Saphir" appears on the dial, just like on historical models, indicating the presence of a sapphire crystal to protect the watch. Worn by elite explorers: Jacques-Yves Cousteau’s crew The Squale 2001, with its iconic case and hidden lugs, was a pioneer in dive watch innovation, introducing the "push-to-release" technology that allowed the bezel to lock securely after setting dive times. Now, the 2001 Sunray Blue continues this legacy with a bidirectional black sapphire bezel, also featuring the "push-to-release" function. For enhanced legibility in the darkest depths, the bezel markers are coated with Super-LumiNova, ensuring clarity at a glance. At its heart beats the Swiss-made Sellita SW-200-1, a proven workhorse renowned for its reliability and precision. Operating at 28,800 beats per hour (4Hz), it delivers a smooth sweep of the seconds hand while offering a 38-hour power reserve. Securely housed beneath a screw-in caseback, this movement ensures durability and performance, making it a true companion for both adventure and everyday wear. SuperLumiNova-coated markers The 2001 Sunray Blue is completed by a stainless steel bracelet with openwork on the first three links, followed by continuous polished links. This design strikes the perfect balance between premium elegance and sporty appeal. The Squale 2001 collection, stands as a testament to the brand's rich heritage and pioneering spirit in dive watchmaking. From its historic role in legendary expeditions to its continued evolution, it remains a symbol of innovation, reliability, and adventure. With the expansion of the 2001 lineup, Squale is not just honoring its past but also embracing the future—delivering timepieces that blend heritage with modern craftsmanship. The 2001 Sunray Blue is a bold example of this evolution, offering both exceptional performance and striking aesthetics, ensuring that the legacy of deep-sea exploration continues to inspire for generations to come.
