Vulcain Revives Its Dive Heritage With The New Skindiver Chronograph
Vulcain has once again delved into its extensive archives to revive a lesser-known gem from the golden age of recreational diving. Building on the recent reissue of the Skindiver Nautique, the brand now introduces the Skindiver Chronograph, a timepiece that combines mid-century design codes with modern watchmaking technology.
The new chronograph stays close to its origins in spirit, while adapting its architecture to today’s standards. The stainless steel case measures 39.7mm in diameter and 13mm thick, a compact profile for a diving chronograph rated to 200 meters of water resistance. The silhouette reflects the 1960s style, with squared-off lugs that flow seamlessly from the case, offering a blend of retro appeal and practicality.
A standout element is the bidirectional ceramic bezel, a departure from the original aluminum insert. The glossy black ceramic features a dual scale—60-minute diving scale and a 12-hour scale—enhancing the model’s versatility while improving durability and scratch resistance. The domed sapphire crystal, screw-down crown, and pump-style chronograph pushers round out a robust case construction designed for active use.
The dial is offered in two distinct configurations. The black version draws heavily from the vintage aesthetic, with orange details, silver sub-dials, and warm, beige-toned Super-LumiNova on the hands and indices. In contrast, the white “panda” version presents a more technical look, with high-contrast black registers and bright white luminous elements for clarity.
Both dials feature twin outer tracks: a tachymeter scale and a decimal minute track, a nod to professional timing applications. These details highlight the chronograph’s utility beyond underwater use, bridging tool-watch and racing chronograph design elements.
Powering the Skindiver Chronograph is the ETA Valjoux 7753—a reliable, cam-actuated automatic chronograph movement. Operating at 28,800 vibrations per hour (4Hz), it delivers approximately 42 hours of power reserve and supports the bi-compax sub-dial layout without a date complication.
Strap options cater to a variety of tastes, from vintage-style leather and tropic-style rubber to a retro-inspired brushed steel bracelet. Each enhances the watch’s identity in a different way, making it suitable for both daily wear and collector rotation.
The Vulcain Skindiver Chronograph is now open for pre-orders via the brand’s official website. It retails for € 2,700 on leather or rubber strap, and € 2,980 on steel bracelet.
Read more here.
General Specifications:
Brand: Vulcain
Model: Skindiver Chronograph
Dial: Black with silver counters, silvery white with black counters
Lume: Super-LumiNova
Case Material: Stainless steel
Case Dimensions: 39.70 mm Diameter, 13 mm thickness
Crystal: Sapphire Glass
Case Back: Stainless steel
Water Resistance: 200 Meters
Strap: Leather or rubber strap with a steel pin buckle, steel bracelet with a folding clasp
Calibre: ETA Valjoux 7753
Functions: Hours, minutes, small seconds, chronograph
Winding: Automatic
Frequency: 4 Hz (28,800 Vph)
Power Reserve: 42 Hours
Price: € 2,700 (on a leather or rubber strap), € 2,980 (on a steel bracelet)
Limited Edition: No
Availability: Now
