"Why Have You Avoided Talking About This Brand?" A Closer Look At The Squale 1521 50 Atmos 

Squale is one of the most underrated watch brands out there. I walked into an upscale watch store in Dallas Texas just to browse. The gentleman behind the counter asked me if I was a collector of watches. I inquired as to why he asked that and he said because you are wearing a Squale and most of the general public doesn’t know about the brand. Only watch enthusiasts.

My 1521 is by far the most accurate and consistent watch I own. It is the blasted case, and I put it on an orange Bonetto Cinturini rubber strap that matches the minute hand. It pops, and I love it.

I've had a 1521 blue/polished for 4.5 yrs now, and it's survived several purges of my collection. I consider it the most beautiful and well-designed dive watch I've ever seen at any price. I always look forward to it's turn on my wrist as it's nearly perfect in every way. Some say it's "over branded" but there are historical reasons why it's that way and I won't let a triviality like that spoil an otherwise splendid piece.

I own three Squale watches, adore the brand and its amazing heritage.

I've got the 60 atmos on polished mesh with the blue dial & blue/white bezel. I've had some pretty heavy hitters in my collection over time like an AP RO diver, Submariner, Panerai, but the Squale by far gets the most comments from people. It is a stunning looking watch. If someone said "make a watch look like summer on a yacht in the Mediterranean", this would be it

Glad to see you covering Squale. I realize that the focus generally needs to be on brands you’re a dealer of, but it’s nice seeing other watches covered too, especially ones that aren’t as well known. I’d love to see you cover Fortis; they’ve been doing great work, reinvigorated by their change in ownership a few years ago. Their lineup has been thoroughly overhauled; really nice watches.

I finally bit the bullet and acquired that blue chronometer variant. Always wanted the 1521 but thought the standard variant was overbranded. It is a beauty and looks amazing on an orange tropic rubber strap. Glad you finally covered it Teddy!

I have the 1521 Militaire on black tropic strap. Love it, it's a keeper

I own the blasted Militaire version with no date and love it. Very similar to the bund they made with Blancpain. Had no worries wearing this in the ocean while on vacation in Brazil, as well as no worries about attracting unwanted attention to my wrist while exploring Rio. Definitely a keeper for life. Too many memories to ever let it go at this point!

I personally love my 1521. I have the Opaco version which is the matte bead blasted version with black dial and bezel. Runs the ETA 2824, I have it on their signed Milanese bracelet. Even though it was one of my earliest foray into dive watches, it still remains one of my favourites! Solid performer. Every year I ask myself, “should I sell it?” and every year it’s the same answer! I need to wear it more like I used to… it deserves the attention!

I bought the classic model just over a week ago, and I am really satisfied with this purchase. I usually wear smaller vintage Seiko watches, and I find that this much larger watch is almost as comfortable. The recessed crown is a must for comfort despite the more complicated access. As for the style, it is definitely classic, but in a good way. It is the perfect balance between vintage and modern. Finally, accuracy has been very good so far.

Have the 1521 COSC black variant, on a black leather strap, shiny indicies, and glowing in the dark, makes it my most worn watch, the last year, love it😍

Have had my blue 1521 since 2017 - still love it. Bought it with the amazing shark mesh bracelet as well blue rubber. My favourite summer watch!

I have a Squale Sub-39 Heritage GMT. I absolutely love the watch. Very retro yet functional as a caller GMT. Feels like am wearing a part of history on my wrist.

Love my 3 Squales. I have a 1521 blue ray, a T-183 (limited edition red), and a 1545.

Since I got my Squale 1521 it has become my favorite diver in the collection, because the case is really a joy to wear in terms of comfort. Again, I'm usually a bracelet guy, but this watch is such a strap monster that I started to use (also with other watches) more straps of different types. From my experience one of the best "affordable" professional divers out there.

Big fan of Squale here. Fabulous family watch Co. with an epic history. I have 5 of their watches, favorite being the polished 1521 Ocean variant.

Thank you Teddy for a great video. I have had the 1521 like the black face presented for about 5 years now and find it extremely comfortable. I confess that it is in fact a desk diver for me so I have it on leather straps most of the time but also enjoy it on the rubber and shark mesh bands that I have acquired for it. It is truly a great watch and considered a keeper in my collection of divers watches (my favorite style) that I own.

black dial, blasted case and blasted shark mesh bracelet. my first real watch. love it!

I own two Squale watches and love them! This brand and the two I have in my collection are in the top three favorites I wear quite often!

I’ve got the 1521 classic blue dial with the polished case. Absolutely love it. Perfect size, striking blue dial, runs around +10 which isn’t horrible. Perfect summer watch on a rubber strap

I just picked up a black dialed 1521 with the polished case (can't get more classic then that) and my Squale though the non chronometer version is keeping pretty much chronometer time. I got compliments from a firend who over the years had a very serious 1960s and 70s Rolex sports watch collection as well as a few vintage Patek Caltravas, he was blown away with the look.

Nice review! I've been a watch enthusiast for over 30 years. I currently own 12 watches, 3 of which are Squale 1521s and they get a lot of wrist time. I just love them and the brand!

Fantastic watches! Along with Certina and Citizen, the best value in serious dive watches. My 1521 is the cheapest watch in my dive box by a long way, but it still gets plenty of wrist time. Just characterful, comfortable and functional - it always get compliments. An total favourite - I couldn't recommend them enough, especially if you're starting out in diving or the watch hobby or if funds are tight. I really don't see how you could be disappointed: heritage, good value, cool style, functionality, any colour, easy to service..! WNTL?!

I have several Squale watches, and they are all top notch!

I've got the 50 Atmos 1521 on the mesh bracelet with the blasted case and it's a great watch for the money and it probably has the smoothest bezel action of any of my watches.

I love my 1521 Militaire, the non date Version. Simple and beautiful with a cleaner Dial-Design.

I have the 600m resistant with round glass. One of my favorites, a lot of dealers and collectors have tried to buy it from me but Im no interested in selling it for sure. Quite acurate.

I have the blasted Militaire on an Artem sailcloth and just love the minimalist dial and diving history this brand had. Such a comfortable watch to wear especially on a NATO!

Squale is one of my favorite brands. I have the Onda and the Matic.

Squale has it all. Quality watches, fantastic cases, and what a history. You get all of this and at an affordable price.

DAMN.... teddy must be a mind reader. i just heard about this company Monday and was looking for some info on it. then Teddy drops this video today!. Love it

Just watched your trip to Longines, lucky man it looked brilliant, yes they are very humble. Got to admit never heard of Squale watches.

Excellent review Teddy! ... as you said these can be polarising and in the past have been looked down upon or overlooked by some. For me this is one of the most charming, honest, true dive tool watches around. Ive owned, sold and rebought the 1521 more times than I care to admit as my collection grew over the past 10 years. Although I own far more prestigous and iconic swiss divers these days ... this little guy holds its own. I still have a 1521 blasted in the case, and ive even taken it diving on holidays and it is a joy. I love the idea of the new COSC model with applied indicies and a lumed bezel, I just wish they had left the pearl pip on the bezel. Great to see the brand seems to be surviving and or growing ... I think they should slowly move away from their more homage oriented models to focus on the 1521 and other origionals (but I get its all money). Excellent coverage as always teddy! ... you have inspired me to dust of the 1521 and throw it on the wrist this weekend for a change!

The Ocean always catches my attention. What a beautiful watch! Agree with the power reserve..

For those wondering about the French name of the brand : squale is a synonimous of shark ( requin ) in french, hence the logo, and to simplifiy it, you don't pronounce the e. Squal, for an english speaker. In italian they do pronounce it so basically it, take it as you want. As from my 5 years of experience with the watch : poor customer service, I had to keep mine with a small dent on the bezel but I love the watch itself. I wear it right now. Wears very well, much smaller than the dimensions, stunning, and keeps a +2 sec a day with the ETA 2824 grade 2 élaboré that is in my version. It started bad and I've seen many let down on the QC so buy from a reputable authorized dealer and you'll be fine, it's my favorite watch. 1521 blue, polished. The meditteranean sea on the wrist.

I’ve had my 1521 original blasted for 10 years and the aluminum bezel certainly shows it’s age, the minute hand orange paint faded after 3-4 years. I had it serviced at 7 years which cost €150 and was advised not to leave so long for the next one as it was pretty messy inside. Good solid watch for every occasion apart from trying to make it look more expensive than it is.

I quickly rushed to own a Squale "cinnamon" and quickly fell out of love when I noticed the movement was ticking fast. Still get tons of compliments to this day and will remain in my collection. Great vid Teddy!

I really like my Squale watches, have a couple of 1545 GMT versions, one with blue ceramic bezel and black face and the other in the dark green bezel and face.

Although I dont have one yet I love the squale! Hope to get one some day

I’ve been thinking about buying the blue COSC. My 2 pullbacks are that I don’t like the black strap with the blue dial (O can always buy a blue one and better) but the second one is that I like my divers to have the bracelet also, and I don’t like their bracelets. That’s a huge no for me. If it came stock with a solid steel brushed 3 piece link bracelet, I will be buying it right now.

Thanks for finally doing this one Teddy! My classic 1521 has been all over the world with me and as a diving/swimming/surfing tool it's just fantastic. The legibility, comfort, and way it catches the light inside the case are top notch. When surfing the crown being tucked away means no bruises. Yes, a higher power reserve or slightly thinner case would be nice. That said this is still my favorite for getting out on the ocean, and I would not trade it in those conditions for any other make or model.

The blasted blue Squale 50 atmos is my favorite diver. It is simply beautiful. Thanks!

Great review, great watch for the price. Bought my black polished on black rubber 1521 early summer. Became my daily despite being the cheapest piece in my collection (IWC, Omega, Panerai). Reserve is too limited indeed and precision of this base model could be improved but all the rest is flawless. Easy to wear from sporty to more business casual. A lot of my friends asked me about it as they did not recognize the model nor brand. But once in the know of the VB history, they just want to buy one themselves. Biggest issue is absence of any retail network here in the US. Their DTC site is beautiful and worth browsing, particularly the brand video featuring CVB’s daughter, an experienced diver and watch lover herself. So thank you Teddy for sharing your knowledge on a beautiful watch worth knowing.

Have a fully Polished Ocean Blue that always puts a smile on my face every time I put it on! The range of shades of blue on the dial is incredible. Non COSC version and it’s still a 3-4 sec a day watch for $900! Then there’s that case! One of the best designed divers that at 500m fits like a glove. Certainly one of best divers under 1k !

Squale is an awesome brand. I have the original model with that beautiful blue dial. When they released the COSC Ocean, I also picked one up.

Got into this brand earlier this year. They have a really unique history, really looking forward to getting a 1545 in December.

I love these watches. I personally do not own a Squale, but would love to. I really appreciate that they keep the watch with it's original styling. Beautiful piece. Thanks for the review.

I have 6 Squale models . Beautiful watch rich history! Squale is fire 🔥😍 no other watches in the category is better.

I’ve got one in the Squale I’ve had it for 15 years and it keeps great time

Epic dive watch and value for the money - the company owes TGV about 20% comms on all future sales - he brought this gem of a Watch brand to the world…

Oh my!! I love you Teddy! My favorite brand! Thanks for this one! I have this one and the Squale Tropic GMT too tone ceramic bezle love it! I love to have this sub 39 👍🏿💯

I've always liked the design of these watches.... and the history.

I'm wearing one now! (a black blasted 1521). The one thing that could be better is thicker lume. And if i am picky, the hands could be a bit fatter.

I own one of the last Squale 1553 sunken dial divers…. gorgeous 😊

I purchased the ocean blue 1521 in full polished case and mesh bracelet. It is one my favorites in my collection. Unique style and steeped in history. It will stay in my collection and passed on to my son

1 Mil subs getting close ! Really appreciate your reviews.

I've been interested for a long time and may well end up getting the classic version one day.

definitely a cool watch. I particularly like the lumed bezel

Oh yes, my type of dive watch. Very well done getting 500 metre with such a slim case, and no nonsense solid case back. This squale is to be used. Really love the black Raleigh style strap as well. Would like to see this style of strap on more watches 😊.

Squale is pure class

I need that! That blue and orange combo is so classy

My old 1521 has the 2824-2 and did not cost extra for COSC accuracy. Hard to get movement now a days. Fantastic dive watch, good value IMHO. Cost $700 a few years ago and I love it. Looks great on a generic Shark Mesh bracelet too.

Have had mine 3 years . Great watch

There is no other brand that gets that vintage feel like Squale ! They do not achieve it with faux patinas etc which in my opinion makes a watch looks like a “wannabe” but they just make them the old school way , they rule and they have the heritage to support it . I love them

Nice quality diver and with a COSC graded SW200 should give an excellent value. Loving the Stainless quartz Marathon watch from your retail store and the exceptional customer service, and competitive price!❤

Here in UK Squale is an unknown brand and very often I can find crazy discount. My 1521 blue it cost me £650. They are own by an independent family and they keep price honest. I which I could say the same of all the other brands.

I will be getting a blasted 1521 soon. Just love the case

TGV says yes

Have the 1521 nitrox limited edition and love it

Im convinced that this brand should be pronounced skwall. A RU-vidr called KDP Ross, his channel is no longer active once did a video about a watch show in New York attended by the company. He asked them the correct pronunciation and it was confirmed to be Skwall.

I enjoy videos like this. Any chance we can get a robust video on Raymond Weil? Love to know your opinion on the quality for price point, etc.

I do find the blue 1521 quite attractive. Something about the blue dial contrasting with the orange minute hand. Quite tempted to acquire one although I’ve already have a blue Pelagos and a blue BB58. I love blue watches, what can one do ? Nice review Teddy, thanks for quality content again.

OG followers would know that you already mentioned the brand a few times in the past 😎

The 1521 is one of the best divers at the $1,000 mark! Solid timepiece!

Hello Teddy--I'm a big fan of your work and also maybe had a question or suggestion for a future video if you come across this comment: I'm very into watches for the past 6 months and gone through a rabbit hole of information of various brands and what they do. One brand in particular I haven't heard much about--besides the reference here and there: is Eterna. If I'm not mistaking its where eta derived, or they had a role in its development? I'm not sure if anyone is more curious besides myself but I heard a lot of this brand and my first automatic watch was a Eterna and would love one day to hear more about this company and what they're know for--as they seem to have rich history I'm sure you know about vastly more than me. Thank you--cheers everyone!

Had 2 1545's very well built

My favourite brand, Diver's who wear Squale know their dive watches.

Love my Squale 1545. My only complaint is the lume is weak on it. The bezel clicks and look are incredible. Great daily driver watch.

Teddy, nice video. For your information, the “c” in Blancpain n is not pronounced. Just like the “c” in Mont Blanc.

I have the black dial 1521 COSC and the blue dial Sub-39 gmt….honestly, I love these watches…500 and 300 meter divers under 13mm thick….why can’t others do this?

I own the black one with the blasted case and am pretty sure this is not my last Squale, and not even my last 1521. The style is somewhat understated and yet very confident and standing on its own. One serious negative I would say is the stock rubber strap (the one with the large holes, not the tropic one) which is somewhat hard and inflexible and feels just cheap. I prefer to wear it on a black solitary (one-ply) nato strap, or a black and orange one if I feel flashy. :)

I literally just dropped off my 1545 GMT to get serviced yesterday for a crown that popped off. 😢

For a brand with heritage, Swiss Made and good built quality, Squale is definitely a steal for the price as it really can compete with brands that cost much higher.

I have cosc in blue , great watch looks great and very comfortable to wear what more do you need .

I've owned the Blue Ocean Blasted 1521 on a vintage leather strap for around 7 years now. Incredible watch that's always in my rotation. If you've ever hovered over the buy button of a Squale you fancied, do yourself a favour and just click buy. You will not regret it.

If i would buy one it would solely be for its heritage and historical significance. The specs can be had for less with microbrands such as zelos or christopher ward. Thanks for the review 🎉

Great video. I love the history of the company and they make great watches. I have the newer T-183 with forged carbon bezel, completely in SuperLuminova, and a new dial of the same material. I had the previous version, this one, so much better 🤌🏻

The 1521 was my first ever watch (maybe 5-6 years ago?). The case is A-MAZ-ING. Definitely the stealer of the show. The only negative thing I have to say about it is the bezel scratches extremely easily. Other than that, it’s a great watch.

Wheres TGV? Would've been an epic crossover.

I own a 1521 Ocean blue and it is a gorgeous watch, probably my favourite and is difficult to take off in the summer. I would point out though the time keeping on mine was awful and it took 2 difficult attempts sending it back to Squale to sort it and even then it came back with scratches on the case back!! I couldn’t be bothered after all the hassle to raise it again so have just put up with it!!

Love SquaLe watches

Agree about the recessed crown. I own a 1521 Ocean. The blue dial is a huge draw. Strangely the Marine Militaire version also calls to me, but are two 1521’s too much?

I really want a 1521 in blue as an everyday watch. However, I can’t decide between the blasted and polished finishes. Would anyone have a suggestion on which would be the better choice and would look better in the long run with scratches?

I bought two 1521's a few years ago - the polished blue version and the matt black. I like the look of both, but agree the crown isn't easy to unscrew and pull out. I noticed the Ocean version has deleted the Squale logo from the side of the case. You didn't show the side of the black standard version. I feel it would be a loss to take the name off their case sides.

Teddy, nice video. For your information, the “c” in Blancpain n is not pronounced. Just like the “c” in Mont Blanc. Also, eschew is pronounced esh-oo.

I like these but I prefer the T183 Carbon in blue.

You muat ask squale to make a TEddy edition like they did with Urban Gentry

"Squale" being a French word for shark (hence the logo...) the only correct way to pronounce it is the French way: "SKWAL"

Squale is awesome! I have a 1521 and a 1545.