The SkyDiver Military Story
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.
Now Edox is releasing a new limited-edition SkyDiver, in homage to its 135-year history and for aficionados of fine military timepieces. Powered by an automatic three-hand Swiss movement calibre 80, the 300m water-resistant SkyDiver features a new scratch-resistant ceramic diver’s bezel and a parachute motif-engraved case back. Presented with a grey military nylon strap complementing perfectly the green gradient dial. An additional steel bracelet is also included in a special leather pouch.
The 2mm-thick sapphire crystal and the Superluminova X1 on hands and indexes will guarantee scratch resistance and readability in the most extreme conditions. Like its mysterious 1970s predecessor, the new SkyDiver Military is a strictly limited edition to 555 pieces.
Edox – SkyDiver
Rumoured to be launched following a Swiss colonel secret request in 1973, the new SkyDiver collection pays tribute to paratroopers and the extreme conditions they might face – on land, air or sea. Displaying a vintage military look, the SkyDiver is a reliable timepiece protected by a 2mm-thick scratch-resistant sapphire crystal and a stainless steel case. Water-resistant up to 30ATM / 300m, the SkyDiver will remain readable at such depth thanks to a high standard of night visibility on watches – Superluminova X1 – which covers its hands and indexes. Whether its origin is fact or fantastic, the SkyDiver is a truly hand-assembled timepiece ready to face real adventures.
135 Years of Edox
Like time itself, Swiss boutique watchmaker Edox never stands still. The Les Genevez-based company this year celebrates its 135th anniversary. Founder Christian Ruefli-Flury was driven by his heart when, in 1884, he made a pocket watch for his beloved wife Pauline’s 25th birthday. Delighted, she convinced him to set up his own company – Edox.
Over the decades Edox has forged a reputation as the ‘‘water champion’’ of the watch world, creating world-leading divers’ watches. Ruefli-Flury would no doubt be amazed and honoured how his legacy has flourished over the past 135 years.
One of the few remaining family-owned Swiss watchmakers, Edox proudly acknowledges its heritage but also embraces innovation and imagination in its collections. Today, Edox is known for its highly water-resistant timepieces, complex hand-polished watch cases and traditional hand assembling.
Edox. A company shaped over time. A company shaping time.
Edox SkyDiver Military Limited Edition Technical Specifications and Price
REF. 80115 3N VD
Limited to 555 pieces worldwide
Calibre:
- Automatic EDOX 80
Diameter:
- 42 mm
Case:
- Stainless steel
Functions:
- Ceramic diving bezel
- Display of hours, minutes, seconds
- Date
Dial:
- Green/grey with Superluminova X1 indices and hands
Water-resistance:
- 300 meters / 30 ATM
Glass:
- Scratch-resistant and anti-reflective sapphire crystal
Strap
- Grey military nylon strap and additional metal bracelet
Delivered in a special limited leather pouch
Recommended Euro retail price: 1’390€
Available in December 2019