The Squale DRASS SAVER Dive Watch

By Brent Robillard

Deep dive

Back in the 1970s Squale partnered with the Italian submarine manufacturer Drass Underwater Technologies. In 2022, the watchmaker renewed that collaboration in the form of the Squale Drass Periscope—a dive watch based on that original late-century design with a matte black IP coating and a novel removable rubber bezel cap. Fast forward to the present day, and the two underwater specialists have partnered yet again with the launch of the Squale DRASS SAVER. The dive watch is designed for professional sub operators in the search and rescue division of the Italian Navy.

Squale DRASS SAVER front view — Stainless-steel Master Case with black dial, yellow DRASS SAVER markings, and Bund bezel. — Squale DRASS SAVER

The collaboration

Drass, headquartered in Livorno, Italy—one of the largest seaports on the Mediterranean (and, indeed, the world)—has been manufacturing submarines and atmospheric dive suits since 1927. A number of Cousteau’s underwater documentaries were made possible through the use of decompression chambers provided by Drass in the 60s and 70s. Other models of the industrialist’s vehicles were featured in the Bond film, Thunderball. Drass has also also built equipment for the CIA, the American Special Forces, and even the Navy Seals. Today, it provides—among other apparatus—Deep Sea Rescue vehicles for the Italian Navy.

The Squale DRASS SAVER is a watch inspired by the innovative SAVER rescue system, employed in marine rescue operations. DRASS refers to is as the “Swiss Army knife” of underwater emergency services.

Squale DRASS SAVER — screw down case back with 500m of water resistance — Water resistant to 500m

A diver’s tool

The Squale DRASS SAVER employs the brand’s emblematic Master Case in brushed 316L stainless steel. It measures 40.5mm in diameter and 49mm lug to lug with a case thickness of 16mm and a 20mm lug width. The most distinctive feature (a departure from the earlier Periscope) is the crown at three. It features a red O-ring to provide immediate visual confirmation of water tightness. When sealed it promises 500m of water resistance. This watch also features a helium escape valve.

Squale DRASS SAVER front view — Brushed 316L stainless steel case

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Details

The watch draws military inspiration in its “Bund” bezel—short for Bundeswehr in German—in reference to that nation’s history of supplying marker-less bezels to its troops in specific situations. Like the Periscope before it, the DRASS SAVER also comes with a rubber bezel protector.

The black dial, visible clearly through the flat sapphire crystal, sports both the yellow DRASS SAVER logo and that of the watchmaker. The yellow hue appears again the minute and seconds hands. We also find it in the BGW9 Super-LumiNova-filled indices.

Squale DRASS SAVER front view - featuring BGW9 Super-LumiNova

Squale DRASS SAVER front view - featuring both the custom leather strap and the Von Buren Pro rubber strap alongside the carrying case

Squale fits the watch with a custom leather strap that features yellow stitching and a repeat of the SAVER logo. In addition, it comes with a black Von Büren Pro rubber strap.

Finally, the Squale DRASS SAVER runs the Automatic Sellita SW 200- 1 Elaborè movement with a 42-hour power reserve.

Pricing & Availability

The Squale DRASS SAVER is available for purchase immediately from the brand website and through all authorized dealers. It retails for 1390 CHF of 1650 USD (approx. $2315 CAD).

About the author

Brent Robillard is a writer, educator, craftsman, and watch enthusiast. He is the author of four novels. You can follow him on Instagram.

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