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Image Credit: Gazzla

About a year and a half ago now Cartier announced the impending release of their first ever diver’s watch; the descriptively named Calibre de Cartier Diver.

The Calibre de Cartier Diver

Like many curious onlookers at the time we were a little surprised by this announcement, bemused even, as at least to us it seemed totally out of character for the brand. Upon some quiet reflection in our reflecting chair however we soon came to the conclusion that this could be a very good move for Cartier. Or a disastrous one.

All the other ‘main-stream’ brands such as Omega, Rolex, IWC, etc. have legitimate dive watch collections. It’s almost a given if you want to be taken seriously in this segment.

The brand had already been for some time trying to reposition itself in a more attractive light to young, male buyers who were interested in something more than just a pretty face (and a rectangular case!) and had already enjoyed a deal of success with the launch of the Tank MC earlier in the year (complete with round case and in-house movement.) The Calibre de Cartier Diver therefore seemed like somewhat of a logical next step. All the other ‘main-stream’ brands such as Omega, Rolex, IWC, etc. have legitimate dive watch collections. It’s almost a given if you want to be taken seriously in this segment.

Calibre de Cartier Diver Image Credit: Equation du Temps

Present Day

Fast forward a year and a half and it seems, at least based on the anecdotal evidence anyway, that Cartier made a good decision. It’s summer time here in New York, which means bare arms and a plethora of water-related watches are now on permanent display, and well-represented among them is the Calibre de Cartier Diver.

I’ve seen them at bars, at restaurants, on the subway, just about everywhere. And you know what? They look good on the wrist. Well made, reasonably understated (the 42mm case is probably on the small side for a practical dive watch but just right for a ‘dive-inspired’ one) and undeniably masculine, the Calibre de Cartier Diver is instantly recognizable on the wrist both as a Cartier timepiece – with everything that entails – but also as a hardwearing tool watch.

“It’s the younger man’s Submariner.”

Not only am I seeing these watches everywhere but the feedback from their owners is overwhelmingly positive. They love how it feels on the wrist, they love all the attention it gets and they love that people recognize the brand instantly. In fact one excitable fellow at a bar in Soho confidently explained to me that the Calibre de Cartier Diver is, in his words, “the younger man’s Submariner.”

Calibre de Cartier Diver

Now, personally I don’t think I’m quite ready to make that leap just yet but I do agree that it is a very well made watch, with a solid in-house movement inside and a stylish façade that appeals to a whole legion of new buyers. I just wish I had taken some damn photos when I saw all these people, it really would have added something extra to the article don’t you think? Ah well, back to the streets.

The Calibre de Cartier Diver starts from US$8,950 in steel and can be had directly from Cartier here.

Tom Mulraney
Tom Mulraney
Founder & Editor
Tom likes to write about luxury watches. So much so, that he created The Watch Lounge just so he would have an outlet for his passion. Together with his team, he is dedicated to bringing you original, entertaining (and maybe even a little educational) luxury watch and lifestyle content.

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