Dive watches were in their heyday from the beginning of the late 50s, where many watch brands work on their timepieces to be reliable, accurate, and comfort for anyone underwater. It was also the era where dive watch designs are at the pinnacle, where classic and iconic forms of a dive watch today still follow thoroughly and deliberately. Pablo Profundo VB-11 Today, a good condition, 60s iconic dive watches from those big brands will cost many dollars, even more so than many current divers in the market. But the price point of all these premium-priced watches from those golden days does beg the question: "Why should only the rich enthusiasts have all the fun to themselves?"Alright, patrons and watch enthusiasts might have heard of the all-new indie brand: Pablo Watches (nothing related to the drug lord, nor a flippant identity.) The indie brand Pablo Watches have brought their first value propositioned diver- the Profundo VB-1 that packs lots of quirks within which probably is one of the most neatly done and value-packed dive watch that further brings back the spirit of the 50s and 60s dive watches with their consumers can vow to it. The precedent VB-1 has been picking up some heat from the watch community this year since its launch, and Pablo decided to follow through with their new offering that delivers the 70s glamours. Now let's segue to the second value offering; the Profundo VB-11.The Profundo VB-11 is the incarnation from its previous model from Pablo Watches while stays as a Limited Edition of 200pcs and available exclusively to Gnomon Watches. The VB-11, a no-frills, accessible professional diver with a 70s "petite Clous de Paris" pattern dial. Raised Vintage Hour Markers The Profundo continues to veers more on the professional tool watch side, and is a classic automatic dive watch, with several intricate details at a stunning price.Compared to the vast majority of Miyota-powered microbrands, Pablo has paid excellent attention to details with a proper Swiss Made ETA2824-2 mechanical movement. Limited to 200 pieces CaseLet's start with the case details. The Profundo VB-11 boasts a robust 316L stainless steel case, measuring 40mm wide and 49mm from lugs to lugs. This makes the VB-1 an ideal size for a proper dive watch, having the right balance of wearability and readability.The case's execution is neatly done, with mixed finishing of hand satin-brushed on the top surfaces, and high-polished sides. Pablo Watches went an extra step to get the slim bevel that run along its length high-polished. Special mention of the 6.5mm in diameter screw-down crown that is coined by watch enthusiasts as the "Big Crown" of that 60s era. Both the crown and case back have high-quality gaskets to provide proper 200m water resistance. Old school drillled lug holes Drilled-lugholesDid we also mention that it has the retro drilled lug holes that allow one to remove and replace a different type of straps that suits the mood? Pablo Watches heeds small details like this with the attention to allowing wearers to enjoy strap-changing, do show how serious they are with their diver's construction. Serial Numbered screw in caseback CasebackThe case back features "Pablo Profundo" with the serial number of each piece produced and all the other details on the circumference.DialUnderneath, one will find the Profundo VB-11 featuring an iconic pattern decorative of the 70s on its black dial with an outer closed minute track for minute indication.Now now, this is the section where they flex a little more with their persona — moving on to the dial side. The first thing when one looks at the dial would be the neo-vintage box-shaped sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating underneath to enhance legibility. The dial showcases the old-charm "Clous de Paris" finishings, where it forms tiny faceted pyramidal squares throughout with a special tool-machine for this effect. The pyramid patterns on the dial elevate the 70s luxury dive watch mantra, with the petite size patterns, keep things tight and clean for more excellent legibility. What's more impressive is where Pablo Watches opted out the use of cartouche for its logos and markers. Each individual is correctly set into the pyramid-pattern dial and sits flushed throughout, while the hour markers are still three-dimensionally raised. What do we have here, the execution on the VB-11 shows an impressive level of execution that sets the brand apart from others in the dive watch market.Lastly, Pablo Watches removed the "bottom" texts mention at the bottom of the dial to keep things clean as much as possible. Further, it enhanced the retro aspects by having the markers and minute track in caramel vintage color that mimics the aging process found on today's vintage watches. And it glows green in the dark with C3 Super-LumiNova®. Box-shaped sapphire crystal HandsetThe handset choice right here for the Profundo VB-11 has been a nice throw-back of the 70s along with its dial. The usage of classic baton hands with pointed tips have been built leaner to enrich certain sophistication. Another distinguishable factor is the quirky “lollipop” second hand where the round luminous plot is placed at the forefront. BezelThe classic black aluminum bezel is an ode to the past, with the caramel vintage colored pearl that matches the dial. The triangle indicator at 12 is worth the mention, as it is a nod to 60s iconic divers.Swiss MovementPablo Watches have been strict and obdurate on the movement choice that keeps their watch running for many years to come. Therefore, powering this new VB-11 is the established Swiss ETA 2824-2 Elabore automatic movement, featuring 25 jewels count that runs at 28,800bph, and with a 40 hours power reserve. It also allows the wearer to have hacking seconds during time adjustment. Swiss ETA 2824-2 Elabore automatic movement Vintage BraceletPablo knows the retro-styling of the Profundo does not just stop here, and it has paired with a crisp, vintage-inspired 316L steel bracelet (oyster-style) with riveted sides, that has a highly tapered profile of 20mm to 16mm. SuperLuminova for Superb Glow In Dark ConclusionOverall, Pablo Watches once again delivers a sensible, no-nonsense diver with modern specifications, with a "petite" pyramid-pattern dial and riveted bracelet that reflects yesteryears. The whole package is well-executed as one great neo-vintage dive watch. The Profundo VB-11 sets as a real value proposition that we, as watch enthusiasts at all levels, take great pleasure in.
