MG-2 Prototyp - Ltd Ed 30pcs

Dievas is a German brand that we’ve since Gnomon started. German made, and Singapore owned, the brand is a mix of hybrid and rugged tactical watches at unprecedented prices. In the tradition of other German-made tool watch brands like Sinn and Damasko, Dievas cases are often CNC milled by German specialists, for super sharp lines, and incorporate interesting materials, such as their hardened 6Steel (which is very similar to tegimented), “aerospace grade” titanium, and with the special watch we’re introducing today, the “Marine Grade High Strength Super Alloy”.

The 1000m water resistant Dievas MG-2 is limited only to 30 pieces worldwide and made exclusively for Gnomon Watches. In fact, this particular model is a prototype series since the inauguration of the progenitor MG-1 in 2016. The main difference between both got to be the bezel system. Back then, the MG-1 was finalised as the final production with a fixed bezel outlook, yet the team felt its a miss if they did not share this MG-2 with a proper diving bezel. After a long discussion among them, Dievas decided to share the remaining 30 prototypes with the world.  Measuring 45mm and 14m thick (without crystal), and lug-to-lug of 54mm, the Dievas MG-2 is a watch of peerless proportions.

Dievas MG-2 Prototyp - Ltd Ed 30pcs

The exceptionally sturdy case of the MG-2’s German high strength marine grade superalloy produced by ThyssenKrupp - a German engineering and steel specialist from Duisburg and Essen - is unparalleled in its remarkable resistance to seawater and anti-magnetic quality. The 100% austenic steel is about 250% stronger, 400% more anti-magnetic and 500% more corrosion resistant compared to the usual, in Dievas’ standard, both SS316L or Grade 5 Titanium. The screw-down crown measures at 9mm to balance off the bold case, while allowing its wearer for effective adjustments. The screwing process works oh-so-seamlessly thanks to the precision engineering and execution by ThyssenKrupp, where one has to try it in person to realise.

Like the MG-1, the uncommon marine grade steel, is the perfect material for diving watches as long term exposure to saltwater in extreme conditions can lead to corrosion. The, marine grade steel, by comparision is completely resistant to prolonged contact with saltwater. The, marine grade steel, is also known for its extreme resistance to cracking and pitting thereby further increasing its reliability. With a case that big and chunky, having some extra hardness is going come in handy. What’s unique on the Prototyp got to be its Marine Grade bezel. Made out of the same material, the bezel befits an old-school yet newfangled bakelite insert that glows in the dark, while bringing the exact material found originally on those dive watches in the seventies… And it functions like one too! The bezel rotates bi-directionally thanks to its friction fit, where it turns in buttery smooth manner instead of the usual “clicks”. Since its a prototype production by a metal specialist from Germany, the bezel with its old-school rotating system does not feel too constrained yet tight enough to lock into position.

Dual layered dial with sapphire crystal

Size and material apart, the design is plain experimental. It’s very chunky thanks to its flat surfaces, distilling an artisanal look. At first, some of us might found it unappealing because of this… but the more we looked at it, the sort of raw, unfinished design spoke to watch enthusiasts like never before. It’s as though the MG-2 is a prototype dive watch straight out from the seventies. Machined and finished just enough to go down to some crazy depth for the sake of a test, and throwing everything into it without caring a hoot. Further amplified by the multi-layed dial put in there, like that of the special dive pieces by renown Swiss giants, is more symbolic than functional.

The dial Dievas placed into the MG-2 is actually very attractive, starkly contrasting the the bold case. It’s a sandwich dial with a hint of Italian dial design, with cutout numerals all around with a date at 3. The typeface is a nice play on what you typically find on this kind of dial, with more narrow and geometric forms. The real winner though is the “sandwich” construction. It’s a sober black color that looks utilitarian against the white Superluminova of the surface below. The hands too feature the lume, as well as amore modern skeletonized design. Playing off of the story of this being a test watch from the seventies, having a “sandwich” dial also seems appropriate, with elegance coming from the black background.

SuperLuminova Luminescence

Overbuilt is further extended to its water-resistant capability. With a thick extra clear sapphire crystal on top and a robust gasket case back with its serial number. The watch is water resistant and individually tested to at least 1000m/3000feet, without an additional automatic Helium Release Valve (HEV)! The MG-2 allows any serious divers to bring it down with them or her during their saturation diving.

Made in Germany and powered by a Swiss ETA automatic caliber, ETA2824-2, it operates at 28,800 bph (4 Hertz) with hacking and hand winding capabilities. It has 25 jewels with a power reserve of 40 hours. A historical proven workhorse for a beast like this is almost a perfect match.

Marine grade high strength SuperAlloy with 1000m water resistance

The Dievas MG-2 comes with a choice of handmade leather straps from Germany. The options include either a matching stitch light brown leather or a full black one in 22mm, fitted with a “Pre-V” Dievas buckle with matching matte finishing as the case itself.

Once again, the Dievas MG-2 is certainly not for everyone, but we’d imagine dye-in-the-wool dive watch enthusiasts will find it very appealing. That said, it’s limited to a mere 30 pieces and are selling fast. At $1390USD, the MG-2 is actually decently priced considering it’s a very limited edition, machined one by one, made of a special steel and features an ETA 2824-2. So, if you’re looking for something cool and overly built, and that will standout from your other watches, the Dievas MG-2 Prototyp might be worth a closer look.

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