Squale’s 2001 dive watch returned in 2025 as a permanent collection, reviving its late-1960s barrel-shaped design in three dial-and-bezel configurations. The modern watch keeps the model’s push-to-release bezel concept, but updates the materials and movement. Squale’s current product pages list a 40 mm case and Sellita SW200-1 automatic movement; water-resistance wording differs between those pages and the 2025 launch report, so the claims are best read with their sources attached.
What is new about the Squale 2001’s return?
Monochrome Watches reported on March 5, 2025, that the 2001 was returning as a permanent collection after a 2024 limited edition for Squale’s 65th anniversary. That earlier edition was limited to 300 pieces, according to Monochrome. The 2025 collection was described as immediately available and not limited; those are launch-era statements, not a guarantee of present stock.
The return retains the watch’s distinctive barrel-shaped case and hidden lugs while pairing them with contemporary specifications and a Sellita automatic movement. The story is not simply a reissue of the 2024 limited edition: the 2025 launch introduced three configurations, including the Sand variant with a fully luminous bezel insert.
Why does the 2001 have a push-to-release bezel?
The 2001’s defining feature is its bidirectional bezel, which can be locked after setting a dive time. Squale’s official collection history says: “The Squale 2001, with its iconic case featuring hidden lugs, was the first watch to incorporate the ‘push to release’ technology, allowing the bezel to be locked after setting the dive times.” That is Squale’s account of the technology’s history, rather than an independently established industry-priority claim.
#1 Best Overall
- Case Size: 44.00 mm, Band Width: 22 mm, Case Thickness: 15.29 mm
- Swiss Automatic Movement, HMSD (Hour, Minute, Second, Date), 316 stainless steel case, power reserve up to 80 hours
- Water-resistant up to a pressure of 60 bar (600 m / 2000 ft)
- see-through caseback, caseback with sapphire crystal, screw-down crown and caseback, ceramic bezel ring, helium valve, anti-clockwise rotating bezel
- Domed scratch-resistant sapphire crystal with antireflective coating, Super-LumiNova dial
For the modern versions, the push-to-release action is confirmed on Squale’s current Sand and Reverse Orange product pages. Monochrome’s launch account describes a sapphire bezel insert and flat anti-reflective sapphire crystal. The brand’s collection history also tells a provenance story: Squale says Jacques-Yves Cousteau selected a 2001 as a gift for Michel Laval, first officer of the Calypso, at the start of the 1972 Antarctic expedition. The brand says the engraved watch later passed to André Laban and then to a collector, and inspired the new edition.
What are the Squale 2001 specifications?
| Specification | Detail | Source and qualification |
|---|---|---|
| Case | Polished stainless steel; asymmetrical barrel shape with hidden lugs | Described by Monochrome’s March 2025 launch report |
| Case diameter | 40 mm | Squale catalogue and current product pages; also reported by Monochrome in 2025 |
| Length | 43.6 mm lug to lug | Squale catalogue and Monochrome’s 2025 launch report |
| Thickness | 13 mm | Squale catalogue and current product pages; also reported by Monochrome in 2025 |
| Bezel | Bidirectional, push-to-release | Confirmed on current Squale Sand and Reverse Orange product pages |
| Crystal | Sapphire, described by Monochrome as flat with anti-reflective treatment | Monochrome’s March 2025 launch report; current Squale pages confirm sapphire crystal |
| Movement | Automatic Sellita SW200-1, Elaboré grade; 26 jewels; 28,800 vibrations per hour (4 Hz) | Squale’s current product page and Monochrome’s 2025 report |
| Power reserve | About 38 hours | Squale product page and catalogue; also reported by Monochrome in 2025 |
| Bracelet | Stainless-steel open-link ladder style with folding clasp | Described by Monochrome’s March 2025 launch report |
The launch report places the crown at 4 o’clock in its main text but gives 4:30 in its technical summary, so an exact position is not stated here. It describes a screw-down crown and a solid steel caseback secured by screws. Its comparison with the historical ETA 2772 and description of the SW200-1 as an alternative to ETA 2824 are Monochrome’s framing, not independent performance findings.
Rank #2
- Movement Caliber Number 5R65
- Three-fold clasp with secure lock & push button release, solid & slide adjuster
- Approx. 72 hours(3 days)
- Power reserve display
Water resistance: two different published expressions
Water resistance is stated as 600 m in Monochrome’s launch report and Squale’s catalogue. Squale’s current product pages instead say 60 ATM. These are the sources’ respective claims; neither should be silently substituted for the other. Readers should check the live page for their chosen reference and seek clarification from Squale if the distinction matters to a purchase.
Which Squale 2001 variant should you choose?
The three versions reported at launch share the case and movement specifications. Their main visible difference is the dial and bezel treatment:
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Rank #3
- Model 210.22.44.51.03.001
| Variant | Dial and bezel | Official catalogue reference |
|---|---|---|
| Reverse Orange | Orange dial; black bezel with luminous scale | 2001BKOR.AC |
| Sunray Blue | Sunray-brushed dark blue dial; black bezel with luminous scale | 2001BKBL.AC |
| Sand | Matte black dial; fully luminous bezel insert with black markings | 2001BEBK.AC |
For a conventional black bezel appearance, Reverse Orange and Sunray Blue keep the bezel dark and distinguish themselves by dial color. Sand makes the bezel the standout: its luminous insert is a more visible design choice than the luminous scale on the other two. Monochrome’s technical list repeats the Sand reference, 2001BEBK.AC, for both blue and black variants; Squale’s catalogue lists 2001BKBL.AC for Sunray Blue, which is the reference shown above.
How does the 40 mm case translate to fit?
The listed 40 mm diameter is paired with a 43.6 mm lug-to-lug length and 13 mm thickness. Squale’s design hides the lugs within the barrel-shaped case, so conventional lug shape is less prominent than on a watch with projecting lugs. Those measurements are useful for comparison with a watch already in your rotation, but they do not establish how the 2001 will wear on a particular wrist. The available sources contain no hands-on fit testing.
Rank #4
- AUTOMATIC WITH MANUAL WINDING MOVEMENT: powered by the reliable 4R36 Caliber, these Seiko automatic watches for men combine automatic and manual winding capabilities.
- DURABLE UTILITY: this watch is water-resistant to 10 bar, and boasts a stainless steel watch case with hard black coating and comfy green nylon strap, ensuring it lives on your wrist as a robust yet stylish sports watch
- BLACK DIAL WITH BLACK BEZEL: this men's watch features a striking black dial with a black bezel and LumiBrite dial indicator hands for easy visibility
- DAY/DATE DISPLAY: the day and date are both on the watch face, helping you stay organised and on top of your schedule
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Squale’s Sand page lists compatible strap options in 19 mm and 20 mm sizes. Check the fit for the exact reference before ordering an aftermarket strap rather than assuming one size applies across every configuration.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What did the 2001 cost at launch, and what do current pages show?
Monochrome reported launch prices on March 5, 2025, of EUR 1,770, CHF 1,490, and USD 1,590. These figures describe the launch report, not a guaranteed current price.
Best Value
- DURABLE STAINLESS STEEL CASE WITH ROTATING BEZEL: The Casio MDV106 Series features a stainless steel case and screw-down crown, ensuring durability and reliability. The rotating bezel allows for easy time tracking, making it a practical choice for various activities. The sleek analog display with luminous markers enhances visibility.
- 200M WATER RESISTANCE FOR VERSATILE USE: Designed for water resistance up to 200 meters (660 feet), this watch is suitable for daily wear, outdoor activities, and water-related environments. The screw-down caseback and crown provide an extra layer of security, making this a reliable timepiece for various conditions.
- CLEAR ANALOG DISPLAY WITH DATE FUNCTION: The three-hand analog display with hour, minute, and second hands ensures precise timekeeping, while the date display at the 3 o’clock position allows for quick reference. The bold markers and luminous hands enhance readability, making it easy to check the time in various lighting conditions.
- STAINLESS STEEL BAND WITH SECURE CLASP: The stainless steel band with a one-touch 3-fold clasp provides a secure and adjustable fit for all-day comfort. Designed for durability, the stainless steel material offers a polished, stylish look, making it suitable for both casual and professional settings.
- LONG-LASTING BATTERY WITH ACCURATE TIMEKEEPING: Powered by a SR626SW battery, this watch delivers up to 3 years of operation with minimal maintenance. The quartz movement ensures precise timekeeping, with an accuracy of ±20 seconds per month, providing reliable performance for daily use.
At the time the current Squale pages were reviewed, the Sand page displayed EUR 1,770 for the selected locale and marked the watch available with a 24–48 hour shipping estimate. The Reverse Orange page displayed USD 1,840 for its selected locale and also marked the model available. Displayed currency, taxes, duties, shipping, and stock can depend on destination and change over time, so use the live product page for a local quote. The Sand page also stated free shipping and returns and a two-year warranty; those page terms may vary by destination or change.
Quick Recap
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.
