The Edox Hydro-Sub became world famous for its first crown system with tension ring and shock- absorbing gasket for guaranteed water resistance. This watch was water-resistant down to 500 meters, which was a very remarkable technical achievement in the 1960s.
Six decades after wowing the watch industry, the Edox Hydro-Sub makes a spectacular return. The Hydro-Sub Automatic Chronometer Limited Edition is new, improved and with 21st century smarts – but still infused with the timelessly cool DNA of the original 1960s Hydro-Sub, the timepiece that helped make Edox the ‘Water Champion’ of the watch industry.
Presented in a limited edition (500 pieces, engraved with “one out of 500” on the case back, available worldwide), the Hydro-Sub Automatic Chronometer Limited Edition is, like the rugged original, water-resistant to an amazing 300m. The innovations that made the original Hydro-Sub so impressive, such as the screw-down crown with double O-ring seal, have been retained – and perfected.
This time though the unidirectional bezel with 60-minute diving scale surrounding the dial is made out of scratch-resistant ceramic. A 2.5mm-thick crystal sapphire with anti-reflective coating on BOTH sides ensures a crystal-clear view of the dial – essential, of course, when under the waves.
The unmistakable lines of the original 1965 timepiece are carried through to the Edox Hydro-Sub Automatic Chronometer Limited Edition, from the ‘blocky’ lugs to the vintage-inspired central handset, which includes a long triangular seconds pointer.
The dial indices and minute and hour hands are coated with Super-LumiNova, a Swiss-made luminescent material that ensures ultimate visibility when under water or in low light. The Hydro-Sub Automatic Chronometer Limited Edition’s design is clean and practical, focusing on the essentials and discarding unnecessary ‘clutter’.
The solid steel bracelet echoes the original Hydro-Sub’s bracelet. Even this has been improved, the matt satin-finish links more precisely aligned and with a smoother finish, ensuring a perfect fit on the wrist. Two pushers easily release the buckle.
And, like diving itself, it’s what is UNDER surface that is most important. Housed in the new Hydro-Sub tough, hand-polished 42mm steel case beats the Edox Calibre 80 ‘engine’, made by Swiss movement manufacturer Sellita, and providing a 38-hour power reserve.
Edox has ensured this automatic movement has been chronometer-rated to meet exacting standards of accuracy and precision; every Calibre 80 meets the strict conditions set by Swiss chronometer testing body COSC, a non-profit body dedicated to Swiss watchmaking. Each certified chronometer movement is identified by a number engraved on the movement.
The hand-assembled Edox Hydro-Sub Special Edition combines practical functionality, technical excellence and a no-nonsense, refined vintage design with panache.
It’s a cool tool for the stylish man for every occasion – on land or the water.
