As much as I love a well built, basic dive watch around here, it’s always a treat to see something truly unique come along. This week, we’re getting our first look at an upcoming release from the independent Swiss brand, Laventure. This is a brand known for their somewhat unorthodox takes on the tool watch genre, and their newest diver, the Marine Type 3, is no different. This is a watch that looks to the marine chronometers of the ‘80s for inspiration, meaning we get a dash of that retro-futurism mixed with analog instrumentation. It all comes together in a rather interesting manner with the Marine Type 3, managing to avoid throwback tropes, and embrace a different kind of design that reaffirms the young brand’s DNA.
As the name suggests, this is the third addition to the Marine collection from Laventure, and this one represents a departure from the established dive watch design language. The Marine I and II could be considered polarizing for their bold proportions, heavily domed crystals, and integrated designs. While the Type 3 does retain some of those, let’s call them distinctive features, it does get an entirely new dial and bezel design, and thanks to the source of inspiration it doesn’t really feel like any other diver currently out there.
The dial layout features two separate layers, each built atop a base layer of soft iron (which completes a faraday cage around the movement). The inner portion is indexed to the hours and minutes, while the outer track is indexed to the seconds, with a chapter ring that exists on the fixed bezel, effectively extending the practical elements of the dial to the edge of the case itself. This is a time only watch, so all focus is placed on the core functions, with an emphasis given to the seconds hand tracking against the widest portion of the dial.
The dial can be had in either black or full lume white, and each is set within a 38mm grade 23 titanium case that’s been given a stonewash finish. The total thickness of the watch is 11.2mm, though 2.5mm of that is the domed crystal (which is “Cheminée” crystal, or plexiglass), and the lug to lug distance is 46.2mm, so wearability should be excellent with this one. Laventure is offering the watch with two straps, one rubber, and one fabric, that buyers can select when purchasing.
Laventure is using the COSC certified caliber 4 automatic movement for the Marine Type 3, which is a modified version of the Sellita“SW300-1 b. The gilded bridges receive a surprising amount of custom finishing, and the whole thing is set within the aforementioned faraday cage, meaning it is resistant to magnetic fields up to ISO 764 standard. It also boasts a 300 meter depth rating. This watch checks a lot of boxes when it comes to the small details, and it comes packaged in one of the more compelling dive watch designs I’ve come across of late.
Like the brand’s other variations, the Marine Type 3 will be limited to just 100 units produced across each color. Pricing for both is set at 4,200 CHF, and shipping is expected to commence in Q4 of this year. The pre-order is currently open on the Laventure website, and keep an eye out for hands-on impressions down the line. Laventure
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