The Squale 1521 Marina Militare LE is a 500-piece commemorative diver built around the familiar 1521 case, with a black dial, vivid orange Italian Navy details and two included straps. Announced in 2024, it is a commercial collaboration—not evidence of a current military issue watch. Thomas Van Straaten’s hands-on review for Fratello found it substantial but comfortable on his 17.5 cm wrist, while noting that the integrated crown can be awkward to operate.
What is the Squale 1521 Marina Militare LE?
The reference 1521MARINA.MIBK is a 500-piece limited edition made with the Marina Militare, the Italian Navy. Squale connects the release to its 65th anniversary and a relationship it says began about 40 years earlier, when it first supplied watches to the Navy. The edition was announced in 2024; it is not a newly announced 2026 model. Squale’s account of the collaboration describes the watch as a celebration of that history.
Squale says the first watches supplied to the Navy were 1521s and that historic dive watches were returned and destroyed after use under protocol, leaving only a handful. The brand identifies one surviving example as held by the G.O.S. Museum in La Spezia. That is Squale’s historical account, rather than independently established archival evidence. The 1521 itself dates to the mid-1970s; Squale’s model history says founder Charles Von Büren slimmed the Master case while retaining resistance to 50 atmospheres. Squale’s 1521 history also describes changes to bezel construction over time.
This LE is best understood as a commemorative, commercially sold watch with Navy branding. Its caseback crest and individual edition number do not make it an issued military instrument.
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- OFFICIALLY LICENSED US MARINES WATCH: Show your Marine Corps pride with an officially licensed men's watch featuring the iconic Eagle, Globe and Anchor emblem and authentic military styling.
- DURABLE STAINLESS STEEL CONSTRUCTION: Built with a stainless steel link bracelet, scratch-resistant crystal, and durable alloy case designed for everyday wear and long-lasting performance.
- PRECISION JAPANESE QUARTZ MOVEMENT: Powered by reliable Japanese quartz movement for accurate timekeeping with a convenient date display and easy-to-read analog dial.
- PERFECT GIFT FOR MARINES & VETERANS: An ideal gift for active-duty Marines, veterans, retirees, military families, birthdays, Father's Day, holidays, and retirement celebrations.
- QUALITY YOU CAN TRUST: Backed by a 3-year limited manufacturer warranty. Designed for everyday wear while proudly honoring Marine Corps service and tradition.
What are its dimensions and movement?
| Specification | Squale 1521 Marina Militare LE |
|---|---|
| Case | 316L stainless steel; brushed surfaces with polished bevels |
| Diameter | 42 mm |
| Lug-to-lug | 48 mm |
| Thickness | 12.5 mm |
| Lug width | 20 mm |
| Crystal | Flat sapphire with anti-reflective treatment |
| Bezel | Unidirectional, aluminum insert, 60-minute scale |
| Movement | Automatic Sellita SW200-1 Elaboré |
| Movement details | 28,800 vibrations per hour (4 Hz), 26 jewels, 38-hour power reserve; manual winding and hacking seconds |
| Water resistance | 50 ATM, also described as 500 m |
| Included straps | Black microfiber with orange stitching, and black natural rubber |
| Warranty | Two years according to Squale’s product page; confirm terms and regional applicability with the seller |
Specifications are listed by Squale and in Fratello’s July 17, 2024 hands-on review. Fratello gives the straps’ dimensions as 20/18 mm. The 50 ATM rating is a pressure-resistance specification, not a substitute for suitable dive equipment, training or judgment about a particular dive.
What makes the Marina Militare edition look different?
The brushed black dial has a sunburst finish and applied steel indices. Orange branding at six o’clock and orange minute-track accents carry the Navy theme beyond the caseback. The minute hand uses orange Super-LumiNova with a white edge, and the bezel’s first quarter also receives orange lume. The steel caseback bears a Navy crest and the individual edition number. Squale’s product description identifies the dial and emblem details.
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- Warranty: This Oris comes with a 2-Year Factory Warranty. Box and papers are included.
- Bracelet: Black rubber strap w/ stainless steel security folding clasp w/ extension. All watches are shipped to fit the average size wrist (7 1/4" - 7 1/2" for men and 6 1/4" - 6 1/2" for women).
- Dial: Anthracite w/ Superluminova BG W9 hands and Index hour markers w/ date at 6 o'clock
- Case: Stainless steel (41.5mm) w/ unidirectional rotatable bezel, black ceramic minutes scale top ring and scratch resistant sapphire crystal
- Bobs Watches was founded in 1999 and is located in Newport Beach, CA. We believe in trust, honesty, and transparent pricing. With over 20 years of experience, and thousands of satisfied customers, we carry the world's largest selection of luxury watches
The underlying 1521 shape remains prominent: a substantial steel diver case with a mix of brushed surfaces and polished bevels. The collaboration adds color and commemorative markings rather than replacing the model’s recognizable case design. The two supplied black straps offer different textures; Squale specifies microfiber with orange stitching and black natural rubber.
How does the 1521 Marina Militare wear?
Van Straaten describes the case as substantial but says it sat neatly and comfortably on his 17.5 cm wrist. He also likes the distinctive case shape. Those are one reviewer’s impressions, not a guarantee of fit across wrist sizes or shapes. At 42 mm across and 48 mm lug-to-lug, the measurements offer a more useful starting point for comparison with a watch the reader already wears.
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- Stainless Steel Metal Back
- 47mm face with Luminous Hour Markers and Luminous Hands
- Polyurethane Rubber Strap
- Water Resistant up to 50 Meters
- U.S. Marines Insignia
The reviewer’s practical criticism concerns the crown: its angle and deep integration into the case flank can make it awkward to operate. This is worth considering if frequent winding or setting convenience matters to you. Fratello also contrasts the 1521’s 500 m rating and 12.5 mm profile with the thicker, 1,200 m Squale Master; that comparison describes specifications, not a conclusion that water-resistance ratings predict comfort.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What did the watch cost, and is it still available?
Prices vary by date, currency, tax treatment and sales context. Fratello reported a launch price of CHF 1,340 in its July 17, 2024 review. Squale’s product page later displayed $1,535 before VAT in a United States/Georgia context and marked the model unavailable when indexed. Neither figure confirms a current price or present stock. The indexed status is not proof that authorized dealers have no remaining examples; check with Squale or an authorized retailer for current availability.
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- Marines emblem watch has a large 42mm polished chrome case with a stainless steel back and stainless steel mesh band with an adjustable sliding clasp.
- The 3 hand quartz movement is by Miyota.
- The watch will fit an 8 1/2 inch wrist.
- Comes with a handsome Military Time gift box.
Who is this limited edition for?
The Marina Militare LE makes most sense for someone who likes the 1521’s distinctive case and wants a commemorative version with conspicuous orange details, rather than a discreet black-dial diver. Its 500-piece production, numbered caseback and two included straps give the edition its specific appeal. Before choosing one, compare its 42 mm diameter, 48 mm lug-to-lug length and crown operation with your own fit preferences, and verify the actual price and availability where you plan to buy.
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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