Edox SkyDiver Military Limited Edition

Edox isn’t our typical brand here, at MONOCHROME. Still, their latest offering is a pretty cool piece. The new SkyDiver Military Limited Edition is based on a mystery from 1973, when a wealthy Swiss colonel is rumored to have commissioned a secretive limited-edition SkyDiver series for elite paratroopers under his command. Little more than sketches and the recollections of a long-retired Edox watchmaker exist today, and it’s unknown if the origins of the original SkyDiver are fact or fiction. The latest watch pays homage to both the company’s 135-year history and tales of this elusive military edition. Let’s take a closer look.

Founded in 1884, Edox is no stranger to submersible timepieces. In 1961, they patented a crown with double gasket for improved water resistance. The Delfin watch launched in the same year with several innovations for both shock and water resistance, including a double caseback, special protective gaskets and specialized double O-ring system. The name “Edox” means “measuring of time” in ancient Greek.

The 42mm stainless steel case of the Edox SkyDiver Military Limited Edition features an integrated crown guard, solid caseback and 2mm sapphire crystal for excellent durability on land, air or sea. A screw-down crown with double O-ring and steel caseback ensure a 300-meter depth rating for professional diving. A satin green rotating diving bezel features a detailed 15-minute scale and luminescent marker.

The matte black dial sports large, round luminescent indices (Super-LumiNova X1 with faux patina) with wide stick indices at 3, 6 and 9, and an inverted triangular index at 12. The 3 o’clock index is partially interrupted by a date window with black print over white. Multiple fonts are used throughout the dial, but remain clean and discreet nonetheless. Rolex-style “Mercedes” hands are filled with Super-LumiNova along with the lollipop seconds hand. A detailed minute track spans the outermost perimeter.

The Edox SkyDiver Military Limited Edition is powered by the Calibre 80 (ETA 2824 or Sellita SW200 base) with 25 jewels, 28,800vph (4Hz) and a 38-hour power reserve. Functions include central hours, minutes, hacking seconds and date with an accuracy margin of 30 seconds-per-day (consistent with a Standard grade ETA calibre). The caseback doesn’t have an exhibition window and is engraved with a parachute motif.

A stainless steel bracelet comes standard on the Edox SkyDiver Military Limited Edition with a second water resistant, vintage leather strap, all presented in a custom leather pouch. The new series is limited to 555 pieces to honor its mysterious predecessor and each watch is individually numbered on the caseback. A non-limited variant, the SkyDiver 70’s Date Automatic, is also available in multiple colors. The retail price is EUR 1,290 with more information available at Edox’s website.