Squale Watches

Squale Watches

If you know dive watches, you know Squale.

And if you don’t? Well, you’ve definitely seen their work — you just didn’t realize it. This is the brand that made cases for Blancpain, Heuer, Doxa, and a

bunch of others back when dive watches were still figuring out how not to flood.

Today, Squale is still going strong — and still building some of the best bang-for-buck divers out there.

A Little History

Squale (Italian for “shark”) was founded in the 1950s by Charles von Büren in Neuchâtel, Switzerland. At first, it wasn’t a watch brand

— it was a case maker. And a damn good one.

By the 1960s, Squale cases were the go-to for serious dive watches — used by brands like Blancpain and Heuer for their 1000-meter-rated beasts.

Eventually, Squale started making complete watches under its own name, and they leaned all the way into the pro-diver market.

These weren’t dressy desk divers. These were tool watches for people actually getting wet.

What Collectors Love

There’s a cult following for Squale, and for good reason:

  • The 1521 is their most iconic model — a clean, cushion-case diver with 500m water resistance and serious wrist presence.

  • The 2002 steps it up with a more vintage design and a bonkers 1000m depth rating.

  • GMTs and limited runs — often with collabs or heritage colorways — give collectors plenty to chase.

Collectors love Squale because the watches are overbuilt, underpriced (relatively speaking), and refreshingly honest. No fluff. Just real dive watch DNA.

Why Squale Still Deserves Your Wrist

Let’s be real: most “dive watches” today never see water deeper than a sink. But Squale still builds theirs like someone’s life depends on it.

You get sapphire crystals, screw-down crowns, Swiss movements (usually ETA or Sellita), and depth ratings that actually mean something.

The finishing is sharp, the bezels are tight, and the proportions feel right — especially on the 1521.

Plus, they haven’t gone crazy with pricing. A brand-new Swiss-made diver for under $1,000? That’s getting rare.

What’s New from Squale

Squale’s current lineup is a mix of retro-inspired reissues and quietly refined modern upgrades. New 1521 colorways, bronze cases, and limited editions

(like the Blue Ray or Matic) add flavor without straying from the tool-watch roots.

The 2002 line also keeps evolving — with upgraded specs and tweaks that nod to the brand’s early dive heritage without feeling like costume jewelry.

If you like your watches clean, capable, and not screaming for attention — Squale still delivers.

Fed’s Take

I’ve sold a lot of Squales. And I’ve never had one come back with a complaint.

They’re honest watches. Not flashy, not overhyped — just solid, well-made divers that feel like they belong in the rotation. I’ve owned a 1521

flipped it, missed it, bought it again. You know how it goes.

If you want a watch that feels like it was made by people who actually care — Squale’s worth a look.

Check Out Our Squale Inventory

Delray Watch is always on the lookout for unique Squale watches — especially 1521 and 2002 models.

If you have a Squale you’re ready to sell or trade – reach out. We’re always buying.

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