Journey to the Depths: A Watch Born of Oceanographic Legacy
A Century of Deep-Sea Innovation: The Genesis of Galeazzi Artiglio
Squale, in a prestigious collaboration with Drass Galeazzi, a leader in underwater technology, proudly unveils the Galeazzi Artiglio. This new dive watch pays homage to Roberto Galeazzi's groundbreaking 1926 patent, which revolutionized deep-sea exploration by enhancing the pressure resistance of underwater vessels. The Artiglio is the second creation from this partnership, following a successful debut in 2021, and is available as a limited edition of 500 individually numbered pieces.
The Artiglio's Namesake: A Historical Voyage of Discovery
The watch draws its name from the legendary vessel, the Artiglio, which in 1932, deployed Galeazzi’s innovative Bathyscaphic Tower. This pioneering equipment was instrumental in salvaging the cargo of the SS Egypt, a ship that lay at a depth of approximately 130 meters in the English Channel. This daring operation not only captured public imagination but also cemented Galeazzi's reputation as a visionary in deep-sea engineering. The new Artiglio watch connects this rich history with a unique feature: a "Wet Indicator," a humidity detection system that signals moisture intrusion, a practical element found in some early professional diving timepieces.
Roberto Galeazzi's Enduring Underwater Legacy
Roberto Galeazzi's pursuit of developing pressure-resistant hulls began in 1926 with his patent application. His designs were crucial for deeper dives, moving beyond simple material thickness for integrity. In crafting the new Artiglio watch, Squale collaborated with Fabio Vitale, president of the Artiglio Foundation's Scientific Committee. Their extensive research into Galeazzi's archives yielded significant historical insights, influencing many of the watch's intricate details.
The Innovative Wet Indicator: A Functional Tribute to Heritage
A standout feature of the new model is its integrated Wet Indicator. This half-disc, seamlessly incorporated into the dial at 6 o'clock, serves a vital function: it changes color if moisture infiltrates the watch case, providing an immediate visual alert to the wearer. This intelligent design element not only adds practical utility but also deeply resonates with the historical context of deep-sea instruments where such indicators were crucial for diver safety.
Design and Construction: The Squale Galeazzi Artiglio Timepiece
The Galeazzi Artiglio features a robust 39.5mm diameter case crafted from 316L stainless steel, offering a lug-to-lug measurement of 47mm and a thickness of 13.2mm, including its sapphire crystal. The case displays a sophisticated contrast between brushed surfaces and polished bevels. A screw-down crown and screw-in case back ensure an impressive 600-meter water resistance, ready for serious aquatic adventures.
Dial Aesthetics and Visibility: A Blend of Form and Function
The watch boasts a striking Pantone 295U blue dial, adorned with rectangular hour markers generously coated with Super-LumiNova for exceptional legibility in low-light conditions. The dial prominently features the innovative Wet Indicator at the 6 o'clock position. A flat sapphire crystal, treated with an anti-reflective coating, showcases the Drass Galeazzi diving-helmet logo on its underside, creating an optical illusion that makes the logo appear to float above the dial's surface.
Bezel and Straps: Enhancing Utility and Style
Completing the watch's functional design is a unidirectional bezel, featuring a K1 glass insert that perfectly matches the dial’s blue hue. The bezel markings are illuminated with BGW9 Super-LumiNova for enhanced visibility. The Galeazzi Artiglio is delivered with two versatile strap options: a sand-colored canvas strap, secured by a 316L steel pin buckle, and a stylish blue rubber strap with a unique mosaic texture.
Precision Engineering: The ETA 2824-2 Movement
Powering the Galeazzi Artiglio is the reliable ETA 2824-2 automatic movement, presented in an Elaboré-grade finish. This 25-jewel caliber operates at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour (4Hz) and offers a practical 42-hour power reserve. Notably, the 'phantom date' position has been thoughtfully removed, streamlining the watch's operation. This movement is celebrated for its robustness and ease of maintenance.
Collector's Edition: Presentation and Exclusivity
The historical theme extends to the watch's presentation, which includes a meticulously designed box. Inside, collectors will discover a canvas and microfiber travel pouch, alongside a commemorative medal featuring the distinct Drass Galeazzi and Squale logos. This thoughtful packaging enhances the exclusivity and collectible appeal of the limited-edition timepiece.
A Unique Historical Dive Watch
The Squale Galeazzi Artiglio offers a refreshing take on historical collaborations by integrating a functional feature directly linked to early professional diving instruments. Rather than merely adopting vintage aesthetics, the Wet Indicator provides tangible utility, appealing to both enthusiasts and professionals. The subtle yet impactful references to Drass Galeazzi further enrich the watch's narrative without overshadowing its overall design.