So Are Squale Watches Any Good? 1521 50 ATMOS Diver Review

[@PierreLampert]

Happy owner of a 2023 1521. Most affordable piece in my IWC/Omega/Panerai/Tag/Cartier collection but the one I’ve been wearing the most as I love the design, finish, weight and overall great clarity of the dials. Offset winding not an issue, but power reserve is too limited, particularly if you swap it for another piece more for more then 12h. I love brands and watches that do have a strong heritage or unique story and the Squale family history, passion for diving and support of legendary divers won me over

[@danspanos]

I actually have 2 Squale watches, and love them both a lot! I was lucky to get examples that line up, and have no play in the bezel. One is the sunburst blue version, and one is a sunburst red. I highly recommend them!

[@24hourstime]

After spending some time with these watches I’m really tempted to add one to the collection!

[@JavierEspi77]

My father had one in the 80s and 90s and I finally purchased a 1521 this year. I love it. It offers exceptional value for money.

[@secretariat-13]

Glad to finally see someone review a Squale, I personally own the Montauk which also comes with a Sellita SW200 movement, I love this watch, the bezel action is pretty darn good with hardly any back play, one of the best bezel action I’ve owned, my only gripe and it’s a minor one is one you pointed out and that is the busy dial with 2 Squale logos, (glad to see that gone on the watch you are reviewing ) the Squale logo on top also has a stamped tiny logo above the S and the bottom logo has the Squale shark logo, I hardly notice them anymore but overall it’s a beautiful timepiece and are happy I own it, thank you for reviewing the Squall brand, not many KZbinrs are reviewing these timepieces if at all, great review…PS, the matt finish is definitely my choice as well on this timepiece.

[@24hourstime]

Thank you my friend. Great choice with a Squale in your collection. After spending some time with these divers I’m really tempered to add one to the collection:)

[@edteach3r]

@Secretariat : glad to hear it … my son’s Montauk is making its way from Long Island Watch as I write this. US$465 for a 300m Swiss-made diver plus only US$85 for the bracelet was too good to let it slip by.

[@F-Tier_Physique]

@@24hourstime Just added a Squale Drass Galeazzi to my collection. Absolutely stunning watch, I think a double logo on that one is so pretty, as it is Drass Galeazzis logo. People complain that it is tall, but i havent noticed the case height at all. Havent taken it off for over a week!

[@roamy3605]

I remember years ago Squale received unjust criticism for some of their dive watches. It was completely ridiculous and happened during the start of KZbin watch reviews. Anyway Squale has the history and stature to go up against most any brand of dive watch. I don't have a Squale in my collection but I'd be proud to wear one in the future! Thanks Oleg.

[@andreaiacolina]

Last year I tried a Squale 1521 in wrist at a Watch fair here in Italy and I was surprised on how well the Von Buren case wears also on different wrist sizes, so in the last weeks I decided to order one and it's now on its way to my home.

[@gregalonzo747]

Squale is one of my favorite brands. I have the SqualeMatic 60 Atmos. The case is 44mm. This brand has a long history and at one time made cases for just about everyone. I was very surprised to hear of your alignment issues. For me, that was a first.

[@ozziebrito4527]

I have the 200m squale in blue and I love it. People always confuse it with a Rolex look. Very similar. A great dive watch. 200m is all I need.

[@jaycamacho8179]

Yep, my coworker asked me if my Squale 1521 was a Rolex 🤣🤣

[@b_altmann]

They confuse the blue one with a Submariner? That’s odd.

[@jeffd3802]

I hear ya. People that don't know watches think anything is. Rolex. My casio mdv106 was mistaken and my oris and longines.

[@b_altmann]

There are normally two logos, because the Squale logo with the shark on the bottom half was how they co-branded with whichever brand they made the case for (for example Blancpain). Although it admittedly doesn’t make sense that they co-brand with themselves, the unit with the shark, 50 Atmos and Professional is quite nice and adds a bit of character. The movements are standard grade Sellitas with the exception of the COSC certified version. The blue version was introduced 10 years ago, the most original is the black version. The engraved logo on the side of the case was introduced around 2015 and dropped again around 2020. -I asked them all these questions directly.

[@charlesflint9048]

I agree, as a tool watch the Matt finish is more practical, also the strap looks better than the bracelet (in my opinion).

[@tristanhanselman6709]

Happy Sunday from Chicago! Great review! I’ve had my eye on the Squale 1521 50 Atmos BLUE for a while. Great looking watch and happy they removed the “branding” on the side not a fan of the mesh strap though.

[@24hourstime]

Thanks Tristan. Happy Sunday man! The rubber strap version is definitely the way I’d go with this one. I didn’t mention this in the review but that rubber strap is one of the best rubber straps I’ve ever experienced.

[@greggusan]

Actually I'm pretty impressed with this. Case shape is really cool, and with those turned down lugs, I think it would fit my not very big wrist with no problem. But genuinely amazed how thin it is for a watch with 500m WR! And definitely prefer sand blasted finish. Great review!

[@camarocarl7130]

I have a 1521 polished and it is perfect. Regulated to well within COSC, bezel lines up and looks like a 1960's tool watch on Shark Mesh! Mine is from last year so it has Squale etched on the case but I don't mind. Has a real ETA 2824-2 so I am very happy. Great dive watch with 500m WR. Highly recommended IMO.

[@ThaiMotoTrails]

Great review. I loved the look of the blasted version and went ahead and ordered one. It didn't dissapoint, very nice watch that both pops and is understated. My bezel has zero play and lines up perfectly so maybe they've improved there. A good value for what you get diver with some real history. Runs +8 sec.

[@theSUPERmere]

Salute from an Indonesian with a Squale 1545 20 Atmos Militaire as a daily beater. :)

[@chriswatchreviews4752]

Hi Oleg! Thank you for your excellent review! Squale has been on my radar for quite some time, I absolutely love their history and style. Hoping to get one of these in for my channel someday. Cheers pal!

[@24hourstime]

Thanks Chris! I’m really impressed those Squale watches. Good luck with your channel. I’ll check it out:)

[@micksumo]

Squale 1521 was my first automatic watch I got the blue ocean. It is still one of my favourite watches. I now own the 1521 green and the pan am 1545. I just love their styling. The 1521 is possibly my favourite watch case I've ever owned. Awesome watches.

[@suttonmatthew]

The high polish has a mechanical purpose to prevent cavity corrosion that starts on the micro-dimples. The super polish is a corrosion preventative measure on professional grade equipment. Look at SCUBA diving valves and fittings as an example.

[@bendskelton]

Thanks for the review! I was considering buying the blasted version - now I'm definitely buying it

[@24hourstime]

Let’s me know how you like it (if you end up picking one up).

[@stevenschoenfeld2331]

So I own 2 different Squale models and both have beautiful cases and wear extremely well on the wrist. My main complaint with both of these watches is that although Squale claims they regulate the watches in (I Believe) 5 positions, neither of the watches I own run very accurately. On my Timegrapher they appear regulated in that there is very little positional variation however, they both run +15 to +20 seconds/day, so seems like they are only regulated to equalize positional variance and not accuracy. Being kind of OCD about the accuracy, this bothers me enough that I hardly end up wearing the watches since even most of my less expensive NH35 powered watches are more accurate.

[@AnitaSpankyBB]

Another great review - this new Squale is one of the nicest releases they've done in a long while - love the Matt finish, the single logo on the dial and no more 'Squale' etched onto the side of the case - it's the one I'm tempted to buy -

[@24hourstime]

Thank you. This watch has quite a bit going for it.

[@FridaysTheBomb]

I don't mind that my 1521 bezel doesnt line up perfectly. The 12 o clock lume pip on mine is also not seated flush to the bezel. But that gives it some real Italian character.

[@BiffTannenBTTF]

I can't help but think a domed crystal would be amazing on this. The vintage Squales have this, and it's amazing combined with this case.

[@alessandrocerioli2151]

The FF 50 atm used a Squale case if i remember correctly.

[@jayn8392]

Matte finish for me too for sure. The misaligned bezel is kinds unforgivable at the price though.

[@VanguardRT]

The Squale engraved logo and 6-o’clock dial logo was more of a nod to its Blancpan partnership on the reference V1545 from the late 60’s and early 70s.

[@SynthiaVan]

I dream of a 1521, a blue dial (not sunburst). Brown strap and mesh bracelet. Blasted case or polished, I like them both. I don't mind the "over branding," as Squale was known for their cases more than their own watches. The case script is just a little extra flair and nod to the pride in case making, and the lower shark logo on the dial has always been co-branded on Squale-cased watches. I'd definitely want that logo. The only watch I have now is a Seiko diver, because I can't afford the $1k 1521, but I got a mesh bracelet and brown leather strap for it. It's a place keeper for now.

[@paperback10]

Excellent quality review thanks. I just picked up the polished militaire, used. Very excited to receive it.

[@canadianwatchmonkey3992]

Just picked up a Squale 1521 I’ll be doing a review in a couple weeks on it.

[@CheBar-Hockey]

Hello from MTL! Great review! I have a few Squales and I was quite surprised you are having issues with bezel play and alignement. I have the all black (stealth) one and I love it!!!! Keep up the great work and awesome content. Cheers.

[@watchdogpodcast239]

I had a Squale 1521 and thought it was great. My only dislike was the crown is a little too recessed into the case

[@yannikkissa9419]

So, I have one since a week! Lovely piece. The only thing that turns me off is that the AR coating let the dial gloom blue'ish. But apparently it's only me who is irritated by it

[@antoinechabas9380]

Finally a no-date Squale under $1000! I retired the idea of mechanical/autos with date, who has the time? Love the matte blasted version

[@markplayford5836]

I always wanted a Squale especially the blue dial or blue bezel one. However I could never decide which I like best the polished or brushed, pretty much think I would of picked the full polish with the mesh bracelet. Now I realise that would of been a mistake as I agree with your choice. Been honest think I got distracted with cheaper Seiko’s or microbrands which offer better value for money in my opinion. Certainly nothing wrong with the brand I just think they get overlooked a little now.

[@jaycamacho8179]

I really love what they did with the lug shape. How they slope downward. 48mm is the max length for my 6.25-6.5” round wrists but with the lugs sloping downward it wraps around perfectly and theres very little space between the lugs and my wrist. Compared to my SM BB58 homage which has 48mm lugs that are flat theres more of a gap and the watch looks a little big even though its a 40.5mm case dia.

[@jeromef2001]

What model,is that with these index ? They are not rond

[@danielcarpenter4107]

Love my 1521 classic. Most comfortable watch I own.

[@RichsRantMMAofficialchannel]

I love Squale.

[@SLO7HProductions]

Bezel with a bit of play and doesn't line up 100% isn't a bad thing. I have tested several Rolex Submariners that had the exact same thing. A bit of play and didn't line up 100% unless you moved the bezel a bit, because it is a result of the play.

[@jamesblonde2271]

The only ones I don't lke are the ones with Rolex hands, thats why some people cuss them, the homagy stuff. These are kinda cool, like the screw fix bezel

[@garyzimmerman6367]

Would you please review the damasko Dsub50? Thanks

[@richardthompson1781]

I own a Squale Y1545 30ATM ceramic GMT sw330 movement, +3 to 4 SD, it is a cool watch

[@resjon7981]

Squale watches are pretty decent but have terrible re-sale values. I purchased a 2021 GMT Pepsi Squale second hand and I don't want it anymore and cannot shift it for even less than half the price. I will not buy another I'll stick to Tudor and Longines!

[@juangarza7193]

Are you willing to sell it serious inquiry

[@oOoScarecrow31oOo]

Looks like you got unlucky here as I’ve never seen any quality issue on any Squale I’ve own or seen. One of the best quality divers and specially for the price. The 2 logos came from Squale history as there were doing water resistant cases for other brands and put their logo at the bottom.

[@buckrogers5429]

what is your wrist size?

[@finesse49]

I think by going bigger they're swimming against the current.

[@jefferyneu3915]

The only watch I would want in high polish would be a case made of cobalt. Other than that, polish is a scratch magnet.

[@aubreyhaines7282]

I only can say again! I really like your GMT 😎

[@24hourstime]

Thank you!

[@ozziebrito4527]

Review the 1521 and love your Rolex

[@24hourstime]

Thank you my friend!

[@olipantea8508]

I like Squale, very interesting mesh bracelet design

[@alanfearon6568]

while I like my squale 1521, I think my Certina PH500 is better!

[@misko7482]

I really wanted to love it and bought their coke ceramic gmt. It looked stunning. Horrible bezel play. Felt like a chinese toy. I had to return it and bought steinhardt gmt (I already had 3 of their watches so wanted something else). It was simply perfect. For half the price. I am now tempted with their Marina Militare - it is simply stunning, but have a hard time trusting the quality. Maybe because it is straight up diver with 120 ATMs water resistence it will be better?

[@jtsnowman66]

Are they any good?? One of the most distinguished dive watches out there. Ton of history.

[@24hourstime]

Lol

[@jtsnowman66]

@@24hourstime Thanks for taking the time to reply Oleg! - A fellow lower mainlander/watch enthusiast

[@JS-ev4xc]

But the shark logo is the star of Squale watch, the plain text logo is actually less interesting. Squale is indeed worthy, with its heritage. I love its root beer sub homage but the SS bracelet is a let down as the watch will look better with a 2-tone bracelet.

[@stelugud]

Squale Onda laguna on my wrist, beautiful watch. Accuracy +12secs per day so its not great. The lume is very bad, after 1min in the dark u dont have it anymore. I wear it everyday❤️

[@speedypaul2314]

Bond doesn't seem too bothered about the stick or the squale 😂

[@nickberetanos7541]

Oleg. We are in Vancouver. Get out there and get some action shots.

[@24hourstime]

It’s been raining too much. Don’t want to leave the house 😂

[@istvantoth7431]

Naaah, I'll pass. They must sort out the bezel game first, for that price asked.

[@ajbones4207]

Hi Oleg, and a salutatory rub on the belly for Mr.Bond. I'd like to hear your opinion on the Squale # 5145 Black Ceramic GMT. I wasn't crazy about any of the other models but this one in my opinion I think is superb. Hell ! I purchased one myself and it was less than 1,000 USD. One of my favourite respectable beaters.

[@24hourstime]

I’ll do my best to review one in the future. They seem like solid watches based on specs but I’d have to spend some time with one to really know.

[@bobbybodybagz]

TGV disliked this!

[@24hourstime]

😂 😂 😂 I thought I was fair on this watch

[@bobbybodybagz]

@@24hourstime very.

[@westerncitizen2188]

THIS GUY GIVES ME THE SHYTES!

[@stevefox8605]

Not a brand that's ever appealed to me tbh, that orange coloured minutes hand just ruins it, along with the pointless date complication on many of their watches. I don't doubt they're well made, just think there's better out there for the money , these are a bit generic for my tastes, but good that they're out there and there are models they make that I would seriously consider . Cheers 👍👍

[@24hourstime]

That’s fair. You’re right there are so many choices in this price category

[@Furniture121]

Squale does nothing for me, and I can't put a finger on exactly why it's the case. In general they just seem like one more brand making generic divers... For around the same money I'd rather get a Christopher Ward, Mido, or Tissot.

[@watchdogpodcast239]

Ha that's exactly how I feel about CW. Squale has great history as a case maker. Thats the significance of the double logo. Imo, CW has wishy washy branding and while I know they make good watches, asthetically most models give me a designer watch vibe. One of the reasons I love this hobby is because we all have different likes and dislikes and there's something for everybody

[@SoldouttotheTruth]

Yours is fake. That's why you have that play!

[@ItsfunnehKREWfan]

History is cool. Their marketing, website and product launching is terrible. Like a mum and pop shop. Their cardboard box packaging cost them 50 cents for sure. Omg it’s awful and makes you regret purchasing before you open the box. Already you’re thinking I made a mistake and then you realise lots of enthusiasts but none that want to spend money you did to take it off your hands. Is it good? Yeah kind of but I keep thinking about the absolute shitty box 📦 🙄 would I buy one again? Hell no! Don’t try to be smart or original. Just save some more money and buy a used submariner or seamaster. You’ll be happy you did. 🤦‍♂️