Jacques Cousteau not only introduced to the world the enduring beauty of coral reefs and chambray shirt—he also helped start a collective love affair with dive watches. More than 50 years after Cousteau and his shipmates first towed rolled up beaniethe diving watch became commonplace, with or without an additional set of fins and tanks.
Over the years (and with a little help from the likes of James Bond And Thomas Magnum) modern dive watches have become the go-to choice for anyone looking for a watch that is both stylish and durable. While Rolex Submarine by far the most coveted model (and other high-end models from Omega, Tudor, and Panerai have their own following), you don’t have to spend thousands of dollars to wear an antique dive watch. classic on his wrist. The Orient Kamasu, a Japanese-made dive watch with an automatic movement, meets all the requirements and will set you back just $226.
Although less well known than other Japanese brands like Seiko and Citizen, Orient has been in the watchmaking game since the 1950s and introduced its first automatic diving watch in 1964 ( 4 years earlier). Jacques Cousteau’s Undersea World premiered on ABC, in case you were wondering). Since then, Orient has quietly maintained its commitment to making mechanical watches like the Kamasu, combining vintage-inspired looks with high-end specs and an affordable price tag.
Launched in 2019, Kamasu is a newer addition to Orient’s line of dive watches, but the large, cubic hour markers, three-piece steel bracelet, and matte black unidirectional bezel set it. into the ranks of classic designs from the golden era of the world. diving watch. Meanwhile, the scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, screw-down crown and 200-meter water resistance make it more than capable of withstanding the rigors of the abyss. That means whether you’re exploring the depths of the ocean or just reaching the bottom of your inbox, Kamasu’s rugged design and classic look—like a chambray shirt or tiny beanie—today will serve you with the same dedication as they did in the days of Cousteau.
