Cool as Ice: The Long-Awaited Vulcain Skindiver Chronograph

In the hallowed halls of Swiss watchmaking, there’s no story more compelling than that of a lost treasure rediscovered. While many brands are busy reissuing past glories, the historic Manufacture Vulcain has just pulled off something far more exciting: resurrecting a ghost.

After the triumphant return of their iconic 1960s Skindiver Nautique, few knew that a chronograph counterpart had also been developed in the same era, a prototype that was shelved and hidden from the public eye for decades. Thanks to the archival deep dive led by Guillaume Laidet, this mythical tool watch has finally surfaced, and here at The Coolector, we think the spectacular new Ice Blue edition was well worth the wait.

This is a timepiece that perfectly marries a compelling backstory with a stunning visual presence. The first thing that captivates is the dial. Against a crisp, matte silver backdrop, the chronograph sub-dials pop with a frosty, ice-blue finish, creating an aesthetic that is both refreshingly modern and undeniably cool.

It’s a masterful colour choice that feels perfectly suited to a dive watch, evoking glacial waters and adventurous spirit. This is all framed within a perfectly proportioned 39.7mm stainless steel case, whose vertically brushed finishing speaks to a serious, no-nonsense tool watch heritage. It’s a masterclass in how to honour a vintage design while creating something that feels entirely relevant for today.

The Skindiver Chronograph stays true to its 1960s roots with a knurled, bidirectional rotating bezel, but cleverly upgrades it with a scratch-proof black ceramic insert and a beautifully domed sapphire crystal.

It’s this thoughtful blend of vintage soul and modern material science that makes the watch so appealing. It has the charm of a classic without any of the fragility.

One particularly delightful detail for enthusiasts is the rare decimal scale printed on the dial, a feature that allows time to be measured in hundredths of a minute for more practical calculations—a subtle nod to the watch’s technical origins and a feature that sets it apart from the sea of standard chronographs.

Powering this handsome machine is the robust and reliable ETA 7753 automatic chronograph movement, a workhorse calibre trusted throughout the industry.

But Vulcain hasn’t just hidden this engine away. Flipping the watch over reveals an exhibition caseback showcasing the beautifully decorated movement, complete with pearl-finished plates and Geneva-striped bridges. It’s a touch of fine watchmaking often reserved for much pricier timepieces and a clear statement of the brand’s commitment to quality.

Priced at an impressive £2680, the Vulcain Skindiver Chronograph offers a compelling blend of horological heritage, exceptional design, and mechanical substance. It’s more than just a watch; it’s a piece of resurrected history, a conversation starter, and a chance to wear a story that was almost lost to time.

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