Edox launched at Baselworld 2019 a green timepiece named Edox SkyDiver Military. A cool name for a cool watch. But even more cool is the story of this watch.
A story like no other
It is said that in 1973, a Swiss army colonel requested, with the highest secrecy, the new SkyDiver collection as a tribute to the paratroopers. The collection needs to face, on the wrist of a paratrooper the same harsh conditions on lands, air or sea.
But the history of this collection pales in the face of the brand’s history. Christian Ruefli-Flury created 1884 a pocket watch for his beloved wife. She later convinces him the start EDOX. And to keep the romance further, EDOX is one of the few Swiss brands left to be family owned. 
A mysterious drawing found in the archives of Swiss watchmaker Edox has rekindled a decades-old mystery. The sketch of a long-lost timepiece, the SkyDiver, had a scrawled note reading: “1973. Special production in strictly limited edition.” But nothing more. A long-retired Edox watchmaker shed light on the story. The SkyDiver, he said, was rumoured to be a secret project for a mysterious, wealthy Swiss colonel. The anonymous colonel wanted an exclusive timepiece for elite mountain paratroopers under his command. The watch had to be dependable and rugged – just like his troops. He chose Edox because of the brand’s exceptional water-resistant watches, able to handle any situation the paratroopers might face – on land, air or sea. The colonel insisted on total secrecy. – EDOX official story
Edox SkyDiver Military
The new SkyDiver pays homage to the brand’s history and to the brand’s fine military watches.
The SkyDiver comes in a superb polished 42mm stainless steel case with crown protection. The watch is covered with a diver rotating bezel fitted with a lovely green insert and a 2mm-thick sapphire. It can withstand 30atm pressure, the equivalent of diving down to a depth of 300m.
The beauty fo the green bezel is matched only by the dark green dial. The hour indexes are inked Superluminova X1, promising, under the vintage look, a good low light legibility. The gilded hands are also treated with luminescent. The Mercedes hour hand and the baton minute hands bring another touch of the vintage feel. The seconds’ hand, also treated with Superluminova assures in low light that the watch is running (fact required by the diving watches standards).
The watch is fitted with a nice steel bracelet with polished and brushed links. The watch also comes with a second vintage leather strap and a special leather pouch. A great package for the price.
The Edox SkyDiver Military the Calibre 80, a personalised version of the automatic ETA2824 or Sellita SW200. The movement has a 38 hours power reserve and a balance wheel beating with 28’800 A/h.
The watch feels great on the wrist. The watch was, for me, a nice surprise at Baselworld. The watch is based on the brand’s original model from the 70’s and comes with a great price. The Edox SkyDiver Military offers for the money a great package.
The Gallery at the end of the article will include the official press pictures.
Edox SkyDiver Military Technical Specifications and Price
Features:
Edox crown with double O’ring, Luminescent hands and/or indices, Sapphire crystal, Screw-down crown
Function:
Date, Diving bezel
Material:
Stainless steel
Water resistance:
300 meters – 30 ATM
Movement:
Edox Calibre 80A based on ETA2824 / SW200
- Frequency : 28’800 A/h
- Power Reserve: 38h
- Diameter: 25.60mm (11 1/2”’)
- Movement Height: 4.60mm
- Number of Jewels: 25
- Shock Resistance : Novodiac or Incabloc
- Accuracy Margin: 30 s/d
- Functions: Display of hours, minutes, seconds and date
Reference 80112 3VM NIBEI, suggested retail price €1’290
