JeanRichard Diverscope LPR – A Dive Watch With A (Slight) Difference
In the last few years watchmaker JeanRichard has really hit its stride, producing some seriously high quality timepieces that combine good looks with practical functionality. Case in point, the Diverscope LPR collection, unveiled by the brand earlier this year at SIHH.
Water ‘Friendly’
The Diverscope LPR has everything you’re looking for in a good dive watch; large case (43mm), easy to read dial with oversize numbers and an internal rotating bezel to help you track elapsed time. In fact, the only real detractor in my opinion is the relatively low water resistance rating. At just 300m this is not what you would classify as a ‘serious’ dive watch, thus negating the need for a helium escape valve.
Nonetheless, it is still great for those looking to undertake some water ‘friendly’ activities like sailing or possibly even shallow-water snorkeling, and you can be sure it will look the part when you’re sipping cocktails at the beach bar. Equally as appealing is the fact that it doesn’t look like your typical dive watch, especially with the internal rotating bezel and so this means it can be worn just as comfortably with your suit as it can be with your swimming trunks.
Powered by a caliber JR1010, a variant of the brand’s base caliber JR1000 in-house movement, the dial displays the hours, minutes, seconds, date and linear power reserve. It’s this last feature though that really sets this new Diverscope collection apart, hence the LPR (linear power reserve) designation. You see unlike most watches, which use a separate sub-dial to indicate remaining power, this one displays the cycle of its 48 hour power reserve inside the 12 o’clock Arabic numeral. In this way full to empty is indicated vertically. It’s a novel touch sure, but one that gives that much needed sense of distinction without compromising on legibility.
The Diverscope LPR comes with both a black rubber and black fabric strap, both with steel folding buckles to match the stainless steel case.
RRP: US$9,935.
The Final Word
Although the price is a little on the high side for my liking, this must be tempered by the fact that the Diverscope LPR is powered by an in-house movement and is exceptionally well made. Certainly not a watch for serious dive enthusiasts but definitely one worthy of consideration for those looking for a good quality, practical timepiece that they’re not going to see on the wrists of all their friends at the yacht club.
For more information please visit the official JeanRichard website: www.jeanrichard.com
Category: Watch Reviews
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Tom is the founder and editor of The Watch Lounge. Together with his team he is dedicated to bringing you the best, original content you won't find anywhere else on the net.Subscribe
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I just obtained the earlier model with the ETA movement. Got it for a low price since it was discontinued. Liked the looks and the multi colored dial and chapter ring, ease of reading time and the size and fit. It curves to fit snug yet looks amazing. Wearing it recently while looking for new ideas in upscale stores, the watch attracted quite a lot of attention. This JR Diverscope was not one that forum buyers fancied, thinking it a micro brand or some copy of the three payment varieties found in the magazines. Let me tell one and all, this is a serious watch. Grab one before it gets out to the forums.
Are you kidding me? 300 meters is plenty for a “real dive watch”. That’s roughly 1000 ft of static pressure. Even with the pressure of movement in water, you’d be hard pressed to fail the seals on this at even 100 meters (330 ft) and the hardiest sport drivers I know only make it to 220 ft (and that’s a serious decompression dive).
So to say a 300 meter watch is only good for snorkeling is a pretty bold assertion.
I suspect the watch manufacturers have snowed everyone into thinking that only a 1000 meter dive watch is a real diver’s watch. Which is pretty insane when you think about it. If you really dive to “even” 200 meters (660 feet) then you are a professional doing a mixed gas dive and certainly have more sophisticated instruments than a wristwatch for timing your dive.
BTW – a Helium Release Value comes into its own not so much on a dive but rather in the decompression chamber.
OK, end of rant. Thanks for the review. Cheers.
Hi guys,
Thanks for your comments.
Firstly, Tom congrats on the purchase, I’ve handled a few earlier model JR Diverscopes myself and I agree wholeheartedly that you got yourself a very good deal!
Secondly, Mark, thanks for your insightful comments. I certainly appreciate them, and I’m sure our readers do too. As they say, you learn something new every day!
Cheers,
Tom