Hands-On Review: Squale Matic 60 ATM Light Blue

The Squale Matic 60 Atmos unifies the classic Squale dive watch DNA and a certain contemporary feel with its unique case design and not least through the use of modern materials like a colorful enamel bezel inlay. Let’s take a closer look on the Squale Matic Light Blue Mesh in this hands-on review.

Squale Matic Light Blue Mesh with 44 mm in diameter on an 18 cm / 7″ wrist

On the wrist

For its size of 44 mm the watch wears surprisingly comfortable and doesn’t look that big at all. Squale achieves this with its famous “von Buren case”, which they use on their popular 1521 model. This case is truly a masterpiece, not only because of its ability to let watches look smaller, but because it is very ergonomic. The watch case literally nestles against your wrist with its downward lugs. Another Squale design-classic is the crown at 4 o’clock position, so it does not press against the back of the hand while bending your wrist.

Squale Matic Light Blue Mesh with 44 mm in diameter on an 18 cm / 7″ wrist

Furthermore its case is simply a bit smaller than the bezel, to the bezel also protects the case very well. In total the watch measures 44 mm incl. the bezel, but the case is only 42,7 mm in diameter. Like all other Squale dive watches it wears smaller than its specified diameter suggests. Lug to lug dimension is 51 mm, lug width is 22 mm and the thickness is 15.8 mm including the slightly domed sapphire crystal.

Fine details: Domed sapphire crystal, overhanging bezel and side engraving

Treated with anti-reflective coating on both sides, the scratch-resistant domed double convex sapphire crystal protects this timepiece up to 600 meters below sea-level or 60 atmospheres (short ATM). Furthermore it gives it a perfect retro look and feel.

Ocean like blue sunburst dial and the finely polished indices

The blue sunburst dial is another great eye catcher of this model, as well as on the Black/Orange bezel models that have a chocolate brown sunburst dial. The Matics with a Black/Orange bezel and a satin brushed case on the other hand have a matte black dial. While the models with polished cases also have polished indices, the Matics with a the satin brushed case have also satin brushed indices, which causes for greater balance at all models. Furthermore they applied with Superluminova, for an excellent low light readability.

The Squale Matic 60ATM is powered by a precise and reliable Swiss Made Sellita SW200-1 automatic movement.  A movement that provides reliable and accurate timekeeping under the toughest circumstances.

The stainless steel mesh bracelet features a for a diver necessary security clasp. The replaceable links are well finished; flad and satin brushed with Squale logo on the inside, and slightly domed and polished on the outside. Of course, all these polished bracelet and clasp surfaced are scratch magnets, but who cares on a true dive-tool-watch, they make it look even better. Only thing missing is a nice micro-adjustment at the bracelet, to wear your watch over a diving suit for example, but if you’re rathe ra desk-diver than you won’t miss it.

Fine details: Even the replaceable bracelet links have the Squale logo engraved

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a modern Swiss made dive watch with the certain vintage charisma and history of an old and well established brand, the Squale Matic 60 Atmos is the diver you’re looking for; The iconic Von-Buren case designed and named after the Squale founder, stunning 600 meters of water resistance, enamel bezel with applied luminova, domed sapphire crystal, multifaceted polished or brushed indices and a sunburst dial. It’s the “more luxurious version” of the famous Squale 50 Atmos ref. 1521, but it’s surely not a “fashion diver”.

A good diver and its strong lume

It is a true diver with all its needed elements, yet it can be dressy if you choose the polished case version. The Squale Matic 60 ATM in a polished version with all its details, can be described as a more luxurious version compared to the rest of Squale’s collection. And last but not least, even with it’s comparable big size of 44 mm diameter, it wears surprisingly comfortable, yet it’s nothing for small wrists in my opinion (below 17 cm/6,5″ wrist circumference). If you’re looking for a bit smaller and more toolish dive watch, you should check out its brother the Squale 1521 50 Atmos. At its price point of 1.359 € incl. 19% VAT / $ 1,450 it’s a challenge and fair opponent to divers like e.g. the Tudor BlackBay.

Squale Matic Strap Guide by Watchbandit

1. Tropical Style Rubber Strap – Blue  
2. Tropical Style Rubber – Black
3. Classic Style Rubber Strap – Blue
4. Classic Suede Strap – Light Blue

Discover Squale Watches at Watchbandit