WATCH & JEWELRY /
WATCH NEWS
February 7, 2022
A limited edition item with a tale of secret development spanning centuries | EDOX
EDOX | EDOX
The 'Skydiver Automatic Limited Edition' Recreates a 1969 Archive Piece
Swiss luxury watch brand EDOX is releasing two limited edition models, the 'Skydiver Automatic Limited Edition,' from its 'Skydiver' collection of military watches. Production is limited to 600 pieces worldwide for each model, with sales commencing sequentially at authorized retailers across Japan from February 2022.
A Robust Timepiece for Any Adventure, on Land, Sea, or Air
Founded in 1884, EDOX actively explores its rich heritage. In 2021, the brand discovered that the origins of the 'Skydiver' collection trace back to the 1960s. This discovery inspired the creation of the 'Skydiver Automatic Limited Edition,' a limited model revived from the archives of 1969.
While faithfully reproducing the elegant case, highly legible design, distinctive indices, large crown, and domed crystal, the watch has been updated with the latest technology and materials to enhance its specifications.
This release features two models: one with a black dial, beige and white Super-LumiNova® on the indices and hands, and a brown strap; and another with a green dial and strap, and green and white Super-LumiNova® on the indices and hands. Both are rare special editions, limited to 600 pieces worldwide, and each is meticulously assembled by skilled artisans.
The 'Skydiver' watch collection was revived and reintroduced in 2019. Design sketches found in EDOX's factory archives revealed a 'Skydiver' watch produced decades prior but never publicly released. These archive pieces were marked only with '1973 / Special Limited Production,' shrouding them in mystery. However, a former EDOX employee recalled, 'It was a military watch secretly commissioned by a Swiss colonel.' The colonel sought a special timepiece to gift to his elite paratrooper unit, stipulating its secret production. He commissioned EDOX to create a robust watch with exceptional water resistance, capable of withstanding any harsh environment on land, sea, or air.
This model features a 42mm case without crown guards, evoking a vintage aesthetic, and is powered by the precise Swiss automatic movement 'Edox Caliber 80.' The case is crafted from 316L stainless steel, known for its corrosion resistance and use in medical instruments. The slim, unidirectional rotating bezel with 5-minute markers is made of scratch-resistant ceramic. The domed crystal, a key feature of this revival, is made of sapphire crystal, showcasing EDOX's advanced 기술 in shaping this hard material. Combined with the thick sapphire glass, a screw-down crown for enhanced water resistance, and a robust case construction, it achieves an impressive 300-meter water resistance. The case back is engraved with the EDOX logo and a motif inspired by airborne troops, reinterpreted for the modern era.
The dial is finished with a semi-matte coating using the latest techniques, enhancing legibility with its refined tone. Applied indices and hands, in both large and small sizes, are coated with Super-LumiNova®, providing a retro feel and ensuring visibility in darkness. A practical date display at 3 o'clock, framed with a white border, adds presence and balances the overall design.
The soft leather strap features single-point stitching, a technique known as 'couture sellier,' which not only adds a distinctive design element but also reinforces the folded edge on the underside of the strap. The strap is interchangeable via spring bars and can be easily swapped with the included black leather strap. A dedicated leather watch case for convenient transport is also provided.
The 'Skydiver Automatic Limited Edition,' a revival of past archives with modern technology, inherits EDOX's watchmaking DNA from its founding, embodying a timepiece capable of accompanying any adventure, on land, sea, or air.
Skydiver Automatic Limited Edition
- Ref. | 80126-3N-NINB, 80126-3N-NINV
- Movement | Automatic (EDOX Caliber 80)
- Power Reserve | 38 hours
- Case Material | 316L Stainless Steel
- Case Diameter | 42 mm
- Strap Material | Brown leather (80126-3N-NINB), Green leather (80126-3N-NINV)
- Water Resistance | 30 ATM
- Included | Interchangeable black leather strap and dedicated leather case
- Price | ¥264,000 (tax included) each
- Limited Edition | 600 pieces worldwide for each model
- Release | February 2022
