Squale Matic S Review: A Versatile Evolution of the Squale Dive Watch

A Squale dive watch has long been associated with purpose-built design and professional-grade performance. Backed by decades of expertise in underwater watchmaking, Squale continues to refine its approach, balancing technical capability with modern aesthetics.

One model that clearly reflects this evolution is the Squale Matic, particularly the Squale Matic S. While the original Matic is known for its robust construction and deep-water performance, the Matic S introduces a more refined direction. 

With a slimmer case, improved proportions, and a cleaner overall design, it offers a more versatile wearing experience without compromising its core function as a serious dive watch.

In this discussion, we’ll explore what sets the Squale Matic S apart, from its design enhancements to its technical features, as well as how it compares to the original Matic. Let’s take a closer look all the way through!

A Closer Look at Squale Watches

To better understand the appeal of the Squale Matic, it helps to look at the heritage behind the brand. Squale is not a newcomer in the world of dive watches, in fact, its roots trace back to the early days of underwater horology.

A Brief History of Squale

The story begins in the 1950s, when Charles Von Büren, together with Helene Von Büren, established a watch factory in Neuchâtel, Switzerland. At a time when dive watches were still a relatively unexplored category, their focus was already clear: creating timepieces designed specifically for underwater use.

In 1959, the Squale name was officially registered, marking the beginning of the brand as we know it today. Early on, Squale specialized in manufacturing watch cases not only for its own models but also for other Swiss brands. These cases quickly gained recognition for their durability and distinctive design, often identified by the iconic shark logo.

By the 1960s and 1970s, Squale had begun producing watches under its own name, while also gaining credibility among professional divers. Notably, renowned freedivers such as Enzo Maiorca and Jacques Mayol wore Squale watches when setting world records, reinforcing the brand’s reputation for reliability in extreme underwater conditions.

Throughout the following decades, Squale continued to evolve, introducing key models like the 1521 and 2002, and even becoming an official supplier to professional diving units. After a period of transition in the 1980s, the brand was revitalized in the 2000s, bringing back its most iconic designs for a new generation of enthusiasts.

The Squale Matic, introduced in 2015, stands as a modern expression of this long-standing expertise, combining technical performance with contemporary design.

The Philosophy Behind Squale

Beyond its history, Squale is defined by a clear and consistent philosophy that shapes every watch it produces:

1. Watches First

From the very beginning, Squale has been entirely dedicated to watchmaking. Even before the brand name existed, the company was already producing timepieces for other manufacturers. This singular focus has allowed Squale to refine its craftsmanship over decades, resulting in watches that prioritize both function and detail.

2. Built for Diving

Since 1959, Squale has exclusively focused on dive watches. This specialization reflects Charles Von Büren’s deep passion for the underwater world. Every model is designed as a practical tool, built to support divers in real conditions rather than simply imitate the aesthetics of dive watches.

3. Professional Standards

Squale watches are engineered to meet rigorous performance standards, ensuring reliability even in demanding environments. Over the years, they have been trusted by professionals ranging from military units to athletes and commercial divers. This professional endorsement highlights the brand’s commitment to producing instruments that perform when it matters most.

Read also: German vs. Swiss Watches: Which One is the Best for You?

What’s the Difference Between Squale Matic and Squale Matic S?

At a glance, both the Squale Matic and Matic S belong to the same lineage of professional dive watches, sharing a strong emphasis on performance, durability, and underwater reliability. 

However, the difference lies in how each model interprets that identity, one leans toward robust, high-depth capability, while the other refines it into a more versatile, everyday form.

Squale Matic Watch

The original Squale Matic is built with a clear focus on professional diving performance. It is designed to meet the expectations of serious underwater use, featuring a solid construction and water resistance up to 600 meters. 

Its overall build feels more substantial, supported by technical elements like a double-domed sapphire crystal that ensures both durability and clear legibility underwater. Visually, it balances functionality with bold aesthetics, using vibrant dial colors and applied indices that remain striking even beneath the surface.

Squale Matic S Watch

In contrast, the Squale Matic S represents a more refined evolution of the same concept. While it retains the core DNA of a professional dive watch, it introduces a slimmer and more ergonomic design that better suits daily wear. 

One of the most noticeable updates is the reduced case size, available in 39.5 mm and further downsized to 37.8 mm. This adjustment not only enhances comfort but also gives the watch a more balanced and symmetrical look, with the crown repositioned to the traditional 3 o’clock placement.

Beyond size, the Matic S also refines its overall proportions. The domed sapphire crystal is slightly reduced, contributing to a thinner profile without compromising performance. 

Finishing details are more emphasized as well, with vertical brushing across the case and polished bevels that add a more contemporary and elegant touch. As a result, the Matic S feels lighter on the wrist while maintaining the premium character associated with the original Matic.

Another key difference lies in wearability and styling options. The Matic S introduces newly designed straps and bracelets that are tailored to its slimmer case, including modern rubber and hybrid materials that blend performance with a more lifestyle-oriented appeal. This makes it a more flexible option for those who want a dive watch that transitions easily from underwater use to everyday settings.

In short, the Squale Matic prioritizes maximum performance and a more robust dive-watch presence, while the Matic S refines that foundation into a slimmer, more versatile, and contemporary design. Both deliver strong diving capabilities, but the Matic S stands out for its improved comfort, updated proportions, and modern aesthetic direction.

Read also: How to Use Dive Watch Bezels: A Simple and Thorough Guide

Squale Matic S Review

The Squale Matic S represents a more refined direction within Squale’s dive watch lineup, retaining its professional capabilities while introducing a design that feels noticeably more versatile for everyday wear. With its slimmer proportions, updated case structure, and thoughtful finishing, the Matic S reflects how a tool watch can evolve without losing its core identity.

In this review, the focus is placed on selected Squale Matic S models currently available through Gnomon Watches. 

Below are two standout variations that best represent the character of the Matic S collection, each offering a slightly different take in terms of color, materials, and overall feel.

1. Squale Matic S Two-Tone (Mosaic Rubber and HydroLeather)

At its core, Squale Matic S Two-Tone is powered by the Sellita SW200-1 automatic movement in Elaboré grade. Known for its reliability, this movement operates at 28,800 vibrations per hour (4Hz) and features 26 jewels, delivering stable and precise timekeeping. With a power reserve of approximately 42 hours, it remains dependable even after a day off the wrist.

Visually, the watch is defined by its sunray black dial, which adds depth and subtle dynamism under changing light conditions. The applied markers and hands are coated with Super-LumiNova C1, ensuring clear legibility not only in low-light environments but also during deep dives. This is further supported by the anti-reflective domed sapphire crystal, which enhances visibility from multiple angles while maintaining durability.

The case is crafted from 316L stainless steel, featuring a combination of brushed surfaces and polished bevels that elevate its overall appearance. Measuring 37.8 mm in diameter (39.5 mm including the bezel) and 12.6 mm in thickness, the watch offers a compact and ergonomic profile. 

The repositioned screw-in crown at 3 o’clock improves symmetry and comfort, while the solid caseback and robust construction contribute to an impressive water resistance of up to 600 meters.

Functionality is further reinforced by the unidirectional steel bezel with an enamel insert, designed for precise dive timing. The luminous markers on the bezel enhance usability in challenging conditions, making it a true professional instrument.

One of the defining features of this model is its strap versatility. It is available with both a Mosaic rubber strap and a HydroLeather option. The Mosaic rubber strap offers a lightweight and sporty feel, ideal for active use. Meanwhile, the HydroLeather strap combines a rubber base with water-repellent leather inserts, striking a balance between durability and a more elevated, lifestyle-oriented look.

2. Squale Matic S Light Blue (Mosaic Rubber and HydroLeather)

The Squale Matic S Light Blue offers a refreshing take on a professional dive watch, combining technical capability with a more vibrant and contemporary visual identity. While it shares the same robust foundation as the rest of the Matic S lineup, this variant stands out through its distinctive color and refined detailing.

The most striking feature is its light blue dial with a sunray finish, which creates a dynamic play of light across the surface. This not only enhances its visual appeal but also adds depth and character. For optimal visibility, the hands and markers are treated with Super-LumiNova C3, offering strong luminosity in low-light settings and underwater scenarios.

Encased in 316L stainless steel, the watch features a balanced combination of symmetrical brushing and polished surfaces. This interplay of finishes gives the case a clean yet refined look. Its compact dimensions, 37.8 mm in diameter (39.5 mm including the bezel) and 12.6 mm in thickness, ensure a comfortable fit on the wrist, while still maintaining a solid, professional presence.

This model runs on the Sellita SW200-1 automatic movement, a well-regarded caliber valued for its precision and long-term reliability. It delivers consistent performance for both everyday wear and demanding underwater conditions, making it a dependable companion in any environment.

The double-domed sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating improves legibility from various angles, reducing glare while preserving clarity. Complementing this is a unidirectional steel bezel with an enamelled and lacquered insert, designed for precise dive timing and enhanced durability.

Functionality is further supported by a screw-in crown and a water resistance rating of up to 600 meters, reinforcing its credentials as a serious dive instrument.

In terms of wearability, the model is available with two strap options. The Mosaic texture rubber strap delivers a sporty and lightweight feel, ideal for active use. Meanwhile, the HydroLeather strap combines a rubber base with water-repellent leather inserts, offering a more versatile and refined alternative suitable for everyday wear.

Overall, the Squale Matic S Light Blue successfully merges bold aesthetics with professional performance. It is an excellent choice for those who appreciate a dive watch that not only performs reliably but also adds a distinctive touch of color and modern style to the wrist.

Final Thoughts

The Squale Matic S ultimately demonstrates how a professional dive watch can evolve without losing its original purpose. Rooted in decades of underwater expertise, it carries forward the same technical reliability associated with Squale, while introducing a more refined and wearable design.

Compared to the original Matic, the Matic S feels more balanced in everyday use. Its slimmer case, improved proportions, and updated finishing make it more comfortable on the wrist, while still offering the robustness expected from a 600-meter dive watch. This balance between performance and wearability is what defines its appeal.

Each variation within the Matic S lineup also brings its own character. The Two-Tone model leans toward a more understated and versatile look, while the Light Blue version adds a fresher, more expressive touch. Despite these differences, both maintain the same core strengths, reliable movement, solid construction, and strong legibility in all conditions.

In the end, the Squale Matic S is not just a continuation of the Matic line, but a thoughtful refinement of it. It offers a more modern interpretation of a classic dive watch, making it a compelling option for those who want professional capability in a form that fits seamlessly into daily life.

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