Tag: helium escape

What Is A Helium Escape Valve And How Does It Work?

| September 11, 2009 | Reply

Helium Escape Valve

Recently someone commented on the site asking for an explanation of what a helium escape valve is and how it functions. Rather than write a brief comment in response I thought a more detailed explanation was in order for this essential feature of any serious dive watch.

Why Is It Necessary?
The purpose of a helium escape valve, or helium release valve as it is sometimes called, is to ensure that professional divers have access to a timepiece that can withstand the changes in pressurization inherent in diving.

Essentially when commercial divers operate at great depths, they often spend prolonged hours in diving bells under pressure breathing a gas mixture that contain the gas helium. As helium molecules are the second smallest found in nature, the gas is able to work its way inside the watch, around any o-rings or other seals the watch may feature.

Whilst the diver remains in this artificially pressurized environment the invasion of helium molecules into the watch is not an issue. However, when the diver begins their ascent to the surface there is a risk that a pressure difference will build up between the trapped helium inside the watch and the environment. This can lead to damage to the watch, such as the crystal popping off.

To overcome this issue Rolex and Doxa S.A. collaborated in the 1960s to co-create the first helium escape valve which was debuted in the Rolex Submariner/Sea-Dweller and the Doxa Conquistador. This small, one-way valve integrated into the watch’s external casing activates when the differential between the inner and outside pressure reaches a critical level to allow helium trapped inside the case to escape.

The Final Word
Due to the nature of a helium escape valve they are primarily found on mechanical diving watches that feature a water/pressure resistance greater than 300 m (1000 ft). Chances are that unless you are a serious professional diver you will never actually use this feature but it does make a cool talking point. It is also indicative of the extensive functional capabilities of the humble wristwatch.

New Omega Planet Ocean Jewelry Collection

| September 10, 2009 | 5 Replies

Planet Ocean Diamond Chronograph

Do yourself a favor. Next time you walk past an Omega boutique or an Authorized Dealer of Omega watches make sure you stop in to check out the new Planet Ocean Jewelry range, it is definitely worth a look. Don’t just take my word for it though, actress Nicole Kidman, stunning ambassador for Omega watches, was reportedly so captivated by the new Seamaster Planet Ocean Jewelry chronograph when wearing it for a recent shoot that she didn’t want to take it off afterwards.

Planet Ocean Jewelry Collection
This latest variation of Omega’s famed Planet Ocean certainly won’t suit everyone’s tastes but they are undeniably stunning timepieces. When it was first launched in 2004 the Planet Ocean was featured in steel with the trademark orange bezel that when on to set a color trend for sports watches that still persists. In a radical departure from this original design, the bezel has been luxuriantly and painstakingly set with diamonds to create a breathtaking result worthy of the best jewelry watches in the world.

His and Hers’ Models
It may come as a surprise to learn that this watch has been designed without either sex specifically in mind. That’s right, these watches have been designed to be worn by either men or women. At first I had some trouble reconciling with this fact but the more I look at this watch the more I realize that it is truly uni-sex.

Like the original version the Planet Ocean is available in either 42mm – a suitable size for the current trend of women wearing oversized watches – or a more masculine 45.5mm. The neutral black overtones ensure it does not favor one gender over the other and lend a sense of style and sophistication to the piece. In addition it is becoming increasingly popular for men to wear diamond watches, especially in Asia and the Middle East.

Aesthetically and Technically Brilliant
There are two models, both powered by Omega’s legendary Co-Axial escapement, self-winding COSC certified movements. Both feature brushed stainless steel cases and a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal that is anti-reflective on both sides. Like the original the dials are lacquered black with applied Arabic numerals. They feature the Omega name and logo and indexes and hands coated with white Super-LumiNova. The integrated black alligator strap is fitted with a polished stainless steel fold-over clasp.

The chronograph (pictured above) at 45.5 mm maintains its sporty appeal despite the 45 sizeable diamonds totaling 2.65 carats adorning its bezel. It has a small seconds counter at 9 o’clock, a 30-minute recorder at 3 and a 12-hour recorder at 6, with a small date window at 4:30.

If you prefer a cleaner look there is the sleek and elegant chronometer which also comes in 45.5 mm or 42 mm diameters, the latter with 45 slightly smaller diamonds totalling 1.73 carats. All models have a black triangular dive minute marker with white Super-LumiNova dot, at 12 o’clock.

The Final Word
Omega’s Planet Ocean series has been renowned for setting trends since it first launched back in 2004. This latest variation, whilst far more unique, will be no exception. The brand has successfully married elegance with sport and the result is a stunning series of timepieces. Having said that, in my opinion very few people will be able to successfully pull this watch off.

Fortunately, Nicole Kidman happens to be one of them.

New Alpina Extreme Diver 1000 Meters

| September 4, 2009 | 6 Replies

Alpina Extreme Diver 1000m

Lately I find myself drawn inexplicably to dive watches. I am not a professional diver by any stretch of the imagination. I’m not even a recreational diver for that matter, but I just love the look of dive watches. Maybe it’s the oversized dials that provide easy and concise reading or the innate practicality of a watch designed specifically to perform a task. Whatever the reason I feel the need to share with you a new discovery I have recently made, the Alpina Extreme Diver 1000 Meters.

Alpina Extreme Diver 1000 Meters
On the back of the success of the first two Extreme Diver models first launched in 2008, Alpina introduced a further four new versions for the 2009 spring/summer season and they simply look fantastic. There is a choice of different dial colors:

  • Yellotail;
  • Orange Sunset;
  • Côte d’Azur; and
  • Black Ocean

The different dial finishes are very nautical themed and as you would expect from a good quality dive watch are designed to be highly visible under water.

Extreme Depth, Extreme Size
The key to good dive watch is visibility and at a well-oversized 48mm, the Extreme Diver is well, extreme. This is a watch that has been designed with practical application in mind first and foremost and this is what will make it such an appealing piece to divers. As the name suggests the watch is also water resistant to a very respectable 1000m putting it into the category of serious dive watches. Further adding to these already robust credentials closer examination reveals that:

  • The watch is fitted with a unidirectional rotating bezel displaying a luminous minute indication.
  • The bezel measures elapsed time in minutes for the first fifteen minutes and then in ten minute segments after that.
  • The luminous triangle marker highlights the 12 o’clock position.
  • Additionally, there is an automatic helium escape valve located on the edge of the case at the 10 o’clock position, which is taken as standard on any serious diving watch.

Below The Surface
Beneath the dial beats the heart of an automatic movement, caliber AL-525 with a power reserve of 42 hours. Ensuring timekeeping accuracy is maintained at all the times the movement is equipped with a signature black Alpina oscillating weight. The movement’s detailed finishing can be admired through the sapphire case back, a unique feature not often seen on professional diving watches.

The Final Word
It’s almost a shame that the Alpina Extreme Diver is so big. Encased in black PVD steel the clean dial contrasts sensationally in whatever color variation you select and makes for one very good looking watch. Having said that, like any good dive watch practical application comes first and this new model, in whatever color variation you choose, will be sure to impress even the most seasoned of divers.

Be a player and check out Alpina’s full range of watches.

Full Black: New Wyler Genève Code-R chronograph

| August 31, 2009 | 1 Reply

Wyler Genève Code-R chronograph

It seems that black is back and its here to stay. I for one could not be happier. Especially when you consider the number of high quality, stealth look watches that have been steadily introduced to the market over the last 12 months.

Wyler Genève Code-R chronograph
Take for example the new full-black Code-R chronograph from Wyler Genève. The brushed titanium case is subtle and refined yet the all black styling gives it a hint of toughness and reliability. And for a watch brand so closely linked with motorsport, reliability is key. That’s why the Code-R is powered by arguably one of the most reliable Swiss automatic chronograph movements presently on the market (at least within this price range) and has a power reserve of 42 hours.

Design Cues
Further demonstrating its strong links to motor racing the Code-R takes it design cues from the materials and technology used in the sport. As previously mentioned the external casing is made from lightweight yet incredibly resilient titanium with carbon-fibre resin for its inner frame. The rubber-coated crown is reticent of a car tyre and the chronograph pushers are pedal-shaped.

Function Over Form
However, just as in motor racing, design plays second fiddle to practicality in the Wyler Genève chronograph. A watch, no matter how stunning, has little use if it cannot be read and this problem is further magnified on an all-black timepiece such as the Code-R. To counter this, the hands and minute track numerals are coated with black SuperLuminova which ignite the dial at night to allow the user to view it clearly.

Ensuring comfortable wearing the Code-R is fitted as standard with a black rubber bracelet with pushbutton-operated fold-over clasp in steel and titanium and comes with a 2-year warranty.

The Final Word
Wyler Genève make stunning watches and the Code-R chronograph is no exception. The subtle stealthy allure of the watch cannot be denied and although I generally do not like titanium casing I would most certainly make an exception in this case (excuse the pun). This would make a great every day watch or a very nice addition to any collection.

Check out www.wylergeneve.com for more information.

Omega Seamaster 1200m: Return of the Ploprof!

| August 29, 2009 | 2 Replies

Omega Ploprof 2009

Depending on when you were born and your level of interest in deep sea diving, you may be blissfully unaware of the legendary Omega Seamaster 600 or Ploprof as its more commonly known. Why Ploprof? Because these are the first letters of plongeurs professionnels – the French words meaning “professional divers”.

First launched in 1970 the Ploprof’s sole purpose was to dominate the deep seas with its fearsome reputation for being able to withstand the crushing pressures endured by divers working in the darkest depths of the ocean. Add to that its rugged good looks and this timepiece quickly reached legendary status.

Modern Day Ploprof 1200m
Now the Ploprof is back and badder than ever! Earlier this year Omega introduced an updated version, which as the name subtlety indicates, is water resistant to an astonishing 1200m. Powered by a Calibre 8500 movement utilising Omega’s infamous co-axial technology this watch is more than capable of providing the precise timing required by professional divers.

Striking Design with full functionality
The original Omega Seamaster 600m was renowned for its aggressive styling and oversized casing and thankfully the current model remains true to this heritage. Don’t kid yourself, however, that this is a suitable everyday watch to wear with a suit or a polo. It’s not. Like all creatures of the sea the Ploprof is most at home underwater and that is where it belongs.

So here’s what you need to know:

  • The crown is located on the left-hand side of the watch at 9 o’clock and, as is standard on any dive watch worth its salt, it is a protected screw-in crown.
  • The bulky looking orange button on the right-hand side is actually the trademark bezel-release security pusher finished in an easy to see orange anodised aluminium.
  • Arguably the most important feature of the watch, pressing the bezel release allows the bezel to be rotated in either direction and then firmly locked in place to prevent it from being accidentally shifted during a dive.
  • As you would expect the watch also features an automatic helium escape valve located on the side of the case just below 4 o’clock.

Strapping It On
The Ploprof 1200M comes fitted with either a brushed mesh “Sharkproof” bracelet or on a rubber strap in a choice of black or orange. Whilst it is certainly asthetically appealing (and even sounds cool) I must say I highly doubt the effectiveness (or even relevance) of the ‘sharkproof’ bracelet should the unthinkable occur. It does add a nice touch though and gives a bit of that retro feel to the watch.

The bracelet, with its double extension system, is fitted with Omega’s new diving safety clasp whose pinned links allow precise adjustments to 18 positions. It also features an extra divers’ extension to 26mm so that the watch can be worn comfortably over a diving suit. A forgone conclusion really.

The Final Word
To be honest it has previously crossed my mind that this day would come (admittedly there was some praying involved) as it seems the logical step for Omega to take to combat Rolex’s release of the Sea Dweller Deep Sea earlier this year. Given the watch’s extraordinary heritage coupled with the robustness and mechanical brilliance of Omega’s Co-Axial Calibre 8500 movement this watch really offers the complete package for professional divers.

This watch is not for everyone certainly, but if its for you, you won’t regret it.