Squale 2001 Heritage Dive Watch with Sunray Blue Dial #2001BKBL.AC

COLLECTION 2001: THE RETURN OF A LEGEND
Squale re-proposes in an ongoing collection a true icon of the Sixties and Seventies, imagined for the evocative ‘Grand Bleu’ dives of the great freedivers of the golden age, and worn today by the untamed spirits of sea explorers.

From Limited Edition to Continuity: An Undisputed Icon Returns to the Catalog
The 2001 Heritage Reference was the highlight of Squale's 65th-anniversary celebrations in 2024. A meticulously faithful limited-edition reproduction of the historic model that legendary explorer Jacques-Yves Cousteau gifted during the 1972 Antarctic expedition to Michel Laval, first officer of the Calypso, Cousteau’s famed research vessel. Today, the Ref. 2001 finally returns to the permanent collection, fulfilling the wishes of enthusiasts worldwide.

In the 1960s, its asymmetrical "barrel" case and sapphire crystal—an extraordinary feature for its time—made this model one of the most advanced in terms of water resistance. That’s why the 2001 was the watch of choice for the great free divers of that era and the following decade. Today, its sleek and timeless design makes it perfect for reading the time aboard a sailing boat, while exploring the sea and navigating towards the horizon.

The Ref. 2001 Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow: Its Identity Remains Intact!
The permanent edition is also a faithful reproduction of the original model. The signature 316L stainless steel case, with hidden lugs, ensures that its 43mm length (and 13mm thickness, including the flat sapphire crystal) is perfectly wearable. The total diameter remains 40mm, with the crown seamlessly integrated into the case and positioned once again at 4 o’clock. Meanwhile, the bezel, unlike the historic bakelite version, now features a single-color sapphire glass insert for enhanced durability. Just like in the 1960s, the bezel is equipped with a sophisticated "push-to-release" system—a safety mechanism that allows it to unlock in both directions only with perpendicular pressure, ensuring maximum security even in the event of accidental impacts.

The dial, featuring a date window at 3 o’clock, is surrounded by a white rehaut with contrasting minute markers. The polished steel indices are applied and coated with Super-LumiNova C3. Also making its return is the "Saphir" inscription at 6 o’clock, highlighting the presence of a sapphire crystal that protects the watch up to 60 ATM (equivalent to 600 meters of depth).

Another key enhancement is the movement. The original model housed the ETA 2772 caliber, running at 21,600 A/h (produced from 1969 to 1982). The current version, however, is powered by the more advanced and reliable Sellita SW 200-1 automatic movement in its premium Elaboré version, with a frequency of 28,800 A/h. This model brings back an iconic accessory of the era: the 316L steel bracelet with skeleton links, a detail that true connoisseurs will appreciate.