The Serica Ref. 5303 PLD is a 39 mm automatic dive chronometer developed with the Amicale des Plongeurs Démineurs, the association of French mine-clearance divers. Its standout feature is a ceramic bezel graduated in both meters and minutes. Serica labels the 2025 archive edition as limited to 350 pieces; a retailer reports a larger 500-watch total that includes reserved examples.
What is the Serica 5303 PLD?
The Ref. 5303 PLD adapts Serica’s 5303 diving chronometer in collaboration with the Amicale des Plongeurs Démineurs (Mine Clearance Divers’ Association). Serica says the design was shaped around the needs and habits of underwater intervention specialists. The PLD name distinguishes this edition from the wider 5303 collection.
Its defining practical feature is the DT MAX ceramic bezel, which carries both meter and minute graduations. Serica describes it as a way to read maximum working time at a given depth. The maker says the scale is intended to support continuous ascent without decompression stops; that is a product description, not independent dive-safety guidance or a substitute for training and dive planning.
Specifications and design
| Feature | Serica Ref. 5303 PLD |
|---|---|
| Case | 39 mm, 316L stainless steel |
| Water resistance | 30 bar (300 m), according to Serica |
| Movement | SoProd M100 automatic |
| Certification | COSC chronometer certification, according to Serica |
| Bezel | DT MAX ceramic bezel with dual meter and minute graduations |
| Dial and seconds marker | Matte black dial marked “Amagnetic Chronometer”; enlarged luminous seconds marker, which Serica specifies as 1.25 mm in diameter |
| Bezel color | Abyssal Blue ceramic, described by Serica as having grey and green nuances |
| Straps and bracelet | Steel bracelet and PLD elastic/webbing strap options in Historic Green or Louise Blue |
The matte dial and larger luminous seconds marker are legibility details, while the blue ceramic bezel gives the watch its most distinctive color. Serica says the PLD straps draw inspiration from handmade French combat-diver straps of the 1970s. The brand also cites ceramic, enamel and sapphire among the watch’s materials.
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The “Amagnetic Chronometer” wording is Serica’s description. Separately, the standard 5303 collection page describes a three-part soft-iron cage that raises magnetic resistance from 4,800 A/m to more than 50,000 A/m. Those are collection-level claims; they should not be treated as separately verified measurements for this PLD edition.
How many were made?
Serica’s product page labels the 2025 archive release “limited edition of 350 pieces.” Time+Tide gives a different accounting: 350 civilian watches plus 150 reserved for active-duty French EOD divers and association members, or 500 in total. The brand page does not corroborate that broader total, so the clearest confirmed statement is that Serica labels the civilian archive release as 350 pieces; the 500 figure remains the retailer’s account.
Rank #2
- Officially licensed by the United States Department of the Navy, the Navy SEAL series was developed to their specifications and suggestions. For over 25 years, Luminox has partnered with the world’s toughest maritime forces to continuously hone and refine a watch tough and useful enough to be considered “first-line gear” for the finest elite units.
- Technical Specifications: 200 meters / 660 feet / 20 ATM water resistant, Extremely robust hardened mineral glass, Unidirectional rotating Bezel, Date, Protected crown, CARBONOX screw on case back
- Lighting Technology: Green and orange Luminox Light Technology on dial ring, bezel dot and second, minute and hour hands (LLT) - LLT: Self-powered illumination system employing tiny micro gas light sources; Always visible under any circumstances; Never press a button to light up; Does not need a battery to luminaite; 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for up to 25 years.
- Details: Case diameter 43 mm, Case thickness 12 mm, Band length 8.25 inch, Band width 21 mm, Black CARBONOX case with Black Rubber band and Black dial
- LUMINOX - Since 1989, Luminox has been dedicated to creating watches that combine precision, durability, and functionality.
Is the Serica 5303 PLD still available?
Serica’s product page showed the watch as sold out in the page snapshot reviewed, and Time+Tide also showed it out of stock. Stock can change, so those listings do not establish current availability. The Serica page displayed $2,003.00 in its USD-localized view, while Time+Tide displayed €1,690; these are market-specific page prices, not a current or directly comparable global price.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How it fits into the Serica 5303 collection
Serica describes the broader 5303 as a 300 m anti-magnetic dive chronometer with a bezel for timing up to 60 minutes. Its collection page also gives the three-part soft-iron cage’s claimed resistance range. The PLD edition shares the 39 mm case and 300 m rating, but its dual-scale DT MAX bezel and collaboration-specific details set it apart. The available specifications do not establish that it is superior to other dive watches; meaningful comparisons depend on fit, certification, magnetic-resistance evidence, bezel use and price in the relevant market.
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Best Value
- Swiss Made men’s dive watch powered by Swiss quartz Ronda 515 movement with date function and extended 60-month battery lifespan.
- 43mm CARBONOX case with unidirectional rotating bezel, screw-on case back, and hardened mineral crystal designed for lightness and toughness.
- Black and white dial with constant glow illumination, green and orange accents, and luminous hands ensures excellent underwater readability.
- Beige genuine rubber strap provides lightweight comfort and secure fit, ideal for marine, tactical, or outdoor use.
- Water resistant up to 200 meters (20 ATM), built to meet Navy SEAL standards; includes manufacturer’s warranty and original Luminox packaging.
Rank #4
- LUMINOX - Since 1989, Luminox has been dedicated to creating watches that combine precision, durability, and functionality.
Rank #3
- Officially licensed by the United States Department of the Navy, the Navy SEAL series was developed to their specifications and suggestions. For over 25 years, Luminox has partnered with the world’s toughest maritime commandos to continuously hone and refine a watch tough and useful enough to be considered “first-line gear” for the finest warriors.
- Technical Specifications: 200 meters / 660 feet / 20 ATM water resistant, Extremely robust hardened mineral glass, Unidirectional rotating Bezel, Chronograph, Date, Protected crown, Stainless steel screw on case back
- Lighting Technology: Orange & green Luminox Light Technology on dial ring and minute and hour hands (LLT) and green Super-LumiNova on second hand (SLN) - LLT: Self-powered illumination system employing tiny micro gas light sources; Always visible under any circumstances; Never press a button to light up; Does not need a battery to luminaite; 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for up to 25 years. SLN: Light-powered illumination system; Provides glow for up to 1 hour.
- Details: Case diameter 45 mm, Case thickness 15 mm, Band length 8.25 inch, Band width 24 mm, Black CARBONOX case with Black Rubber band and Black dial
- LUMINOX - Since 1989, Luminox has been dedicated to creating watches that combine precision, durability, and functionality.
Sources
- Serica Ref. 5303 PLD product page for naming, specifications, design, edition label and page status.
- Serica 5303 collection page for collection-level water-resistance, bezel and magnetic-resistance descriptions.
- Time+Tide’s 5303 PLD coverage for its reported 500-piece total and displayed price/status.
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.
