The brand name pays homage to the noble gas of same number (18) in the Periodic Table of Elements and this, combined with the strong sci-fi inspiration that we see reflected throughout the design of their first watches, make it clear that this isn’t just another ‘regular’ independent watchmaker. Instead, it brings a powerful and original display driven by a classic movement to the market at what would usually be the apanage of a vintage automatic dive watch.

Is Omega a luxury watch?

This is a watch that’s hard to look away from. Even though it’s just a hefty diver with a skeletonized bezel and simple dial, its legs are bursting with lume in places that you wouldn’t expect on a watch of this kind – literally every nook and cranny is lit up, making it easy to read and find even in dark conditions. More info : https://nanadc.com/squale-watches-review/

Its complication is built around an SH NH35 automatic base movement from Seiko, which also powers many other microbrands’ pieces, so it’s not as much of a risky bet for this new brand as you might think. It’s not really a precision movement, but it’s a workhorse that hardly breaks down and is cheap enough to use in large quantities, which makes it affordable for a lot of people.

Designed by the man behind the new Aragon brand, Wing Liang, this is a big and chunky watch that’ll definitely appeal to those with a more industrial or military-inspired taste. Its massive size and bold designs will love it by some and turn others off completely, but for those with the right wrist presence, it’s a stunning looking piece that’s well-made and comes in at a great price point.