The distinguished Swiss watchmaking company, Sicura, once a prominent name in the 1960s and 1970s, has re-emerged on the horological scene. Under the leadership of Ernest Schneider, the original brand was celebrated for its diverse and budget-friendly timepieces, which innovatively combined unique features with bold aesthetics. Sicura's ventures ranged from compressor-style divers to sophisticated jump-hour and LED watches, embodying their slogan, "The Specialist for Specialities." However, the brand's independent journey concluded in 1979 when Schneider acquired Breitling, eventually leading to Sicura's facilities being integrated into Breitling production, and the renaming of Montres Sicura AG to Breitling AG in 1993.
Now, after nearly five decades, Sicura makes a triumphant return with the introduction of the Hexa 400, a contemporary dive watch. Instead of reissuing one of its more exotic models, the brand, now under the stewardship of the Netherlands-based D Group, has chosen to modernize a cornerstone of its legacy: the 1968 Diver 400. The new Hexa 400 meticulously preserves the distinctive hexagonal case and dual-crown configuration of its predecessor, while upgrading virtually every internal and external component to meet current standards of performance and durability.
The newly unveiled Sicura Hexa 400 showcases a resilient and meticulously crafted design. Its 40mm stainless steel case, a nod to the original's angular hexagonal form, presents a noticeably sharper and more refined finish. Constructed from 316L stainless steel, it features a combination of brushed surfaces and polished chamfers, with dimensions of 14mm in thickness and a 46mm lug-to-lug span. Despite these moderate measurements, the Hexa 400 delivers a substantial and assertive presence on the wrist. Its robust construction, coupled with a wide bezel and an integrated bracelet, imparts the reassuring solidity expected of a professional dive instrument. The sapphire crystal is further enhanced with both anti-reflective and anti-fingerprint coatings, ensuring optimal clarity and minimal smudges.
A standout characteristic inherited from the classic design is the dual-crown mechanism. The upper crown now manages a bi-color inner rotating bezel, available in combinations such as blue-yellow, black-yellow, or orange-white, allowing for the tracking of a second time zone. This ingenious mechanical solution sidesteps the complexities of a GMT movement while providing tangible utility in daily wear. When paired with the external bezel, the Hexa 400 offers a unique blend of elapsed-time measurement and dual-time capabilities. The lower crown is dedicated to adjusting the time and date, as well as for manual winding. Notably, the functions of these crowns have been reconfigured compared to the original Sicura Diver 400.
The Hexa 400 is driven by the dependable Sellita SW200 automatic movement. This mechanism offers displays for hours, minutes, and central seconds, along with a date function and a 38-hour power reserve. As a proven and robust alternative to the ETA 2824-2, it is ideally suited for the watch's intended robust purpose. The new Sicura Hexa is presented on a solid three-link stainless steel bracelet, secured by a deployant clasp that incorporates a safety lock, double push-buttons, and crucially, a tool-free micro-adjustment system for enhanced convenience.
The Sicura Hexa 400, with its distinctive historical aesthetic and robust specifications, coupled with an adjustable bracelet, marks a confident and promising comeback for the brand. Its pricing at EUR 1,450 (VAT included) or USD 1,380 (VAT not included) positions it as an appealing option for watch enthusiasts. For more comprehensive details, interested individuals can explore sicura-watches.com.