DELMA Quattro Dive Watch Review

“Go Deep,” the advertising copy for DELMA’s restricted version Quattro diver reads. Available in a number of coloration schemes (and restricted to 999 items), every part in regards to the watch’s face, handset, and bezel has the look of a function-forward, succesful instrument for the wrists of significant professionals. 

But hold on — my final run-in with pro-level luxurious didn’t go so effectively. And restricted editions are neat, however GearJunkie usually critiques gadgets with wider availability. Why make an exception for DELMA?

Frankly, as a result of the model was beneficiant in its providing, I used to be in a position to get my palms on one in every of these Quattro divers, with no restrictions as to testing or signatures on authorized varieties. That type of self-confidence from a maker tends to talk volumes. 

So, over its week on my wrist, the Quattro endured fairly a journey. Gym classes, lengthy journeys, and excursions into the weather. So listed below are the great, the dangerous, and the conflicted findings on this attention-grabbing luxurious timepiece. 

In quick: The DELMA Quattro ($2,490) is gorgeous, in a function-over-form type of method. There’s sufficient water resistance right here for 5 watches (500 m), plus a high quality motion, glorious lume, and total sense of functionality. But whereas it serves its meant goal, the Rapid Bracelet Exchange limits entry to the crown. For a watch at this worth level, I’d have favored to see a bit extra accuracy, together with screwed (moderately than pinned) hyperlinks on the bracelet.

What is DELMA?

Before I get to the watch, there’s an necessary query I have to reply: Who or what’s DELMA? As it seems, this model has been round for some time. The heritage traces again to 1924, however the identify first appeared as a part of A. & A. Gilomen’s core lineup in 1933. Things picked up steam from there, with a protracted lineup of chronographs, sports activities watches, and the model’s first automated dive watch (the Periscope) launching in 1969. 

But how did DELMA survive the Quartz Crisis when some extra well-known manufacturers didn’t make it? By embracing the tech, because it seems. Per the press launch, “The original DELMA Quattro was launched in the early ’80s with a quartz movement and gained popularity with divers, particularly in the US through DELMA’s presence at Florida dive shows.” 

More than 40 years later, the model has come full circle.

DELMA Quattro Automatic Dive Watch Review

This restricted version eschews the unique quartz, returning to the mechanical discipline with a Sellita SW200-1 automated motion.

There’s no chronometer certification right here (I’ll come again to the timekeeping later), however this can be a respectable motion. And, as all the time, I’m a sucker for a date window. 

Onto the face itself. The Quattro is supremely legible, as befits its underwater mantra. Large, utilized indices, mid-sized palms, and beneficiant gobs of lume abound on the dial and bezel.

This is a type of watches that gathers a little bit of glow each time you cross a window, which makes for a pleasurable carrying expertise. And talking of which, that is the place the Quattro’s social gathering trick comes into play – the Rapid Bracelet Exchange System.  

Per DELMA, “The case effortlessly performs in three distinct forms. It can be rapidly affixed onto the bracelet, rubber strap, or decompression plate without the need for any tools. In keeping with the dynamic nature of the watch, the crown possesses a special notch so it can be simply unscrewed with its bespoke tool, a coin, or by hand by removing the watch head.”

A literal “screw-down” crown – neat. It’s value noting that, in both on-wrist configuration, the sapphire case again permits you to try the Sellita’s interior workings. These embrace a customized rotor marked with DELMA’s branding. 

And talking of branding, try the rubber strap. Not one, not two, however three situations of the identify. That’s a bit loud for me, although the match and put on are glorious. 

Why didn’t I check it on the bracelet? Well, that requires a visit to the jeweler.

DELMA opted for pinned hyperlinks on this mannequin, that are a lot much less user-friendly than screws. I’m not an enormous fan of that call, although a half-link and three micro-adjust holes are included. 

A Solution in Search of Problems

Okay. Let me take a deep breath earlier than I burn my bridges with the Swiss. 

On some stage, the Rapid Bracelet Exchange System is neat. I get pleasure from swapping my watches between bracelets, NATOs, and bands, so the concept of having the ability to take action with out the usage of a particular instrument holds some attraction.

The downside isn’t with the idea itself, however moderately in a (for me) worrisome flaw within the execution. 

Specifically, I’m speaking in regards to the crown. When the watch module is locked into place, I’m unable to tug the interface into its date or time-setting place. You can wind the watch utilizing your thumbnail.

But that’s it. If you wish to mess with the timekeeping, you’ll have to pop the module out of its cradle. 

This wouldn’t be as a lot of a deal if the Quattro have been a bit extra correct. But my tester ran someplace within the neighborhood of +7 to +12 seconds per day. By the time its keep on my wrist was by way of, it was working greater than a minute forward. That’s no good, particularly for a watch at this worth level. 

And certain, you may argue that that is acceptable on a “tool watch.” I disagree. To earn that designation, you will need to excel at your foremost goal.

The “tool” aesthetic is meant for one thing that does its job with out regard for fancy appears to be like. Sad to say, this DELMA falls a little bit quick. 

DELMA Quattro Diver Review: Conclusion

I want I might say I liked this one. Because with its 500m water resistance, clear face, and great readability and lume, there’s rather a lot to love in regards to the Quattro. But at virtually $2,500, I’m struggling to justify this watch’s place. 

Even with the module swapping, show case again, and total ruggedness of the bundle, I don’t perceive how the Quattro retails for practically two-and-a-half grand.

I even consulted different critiques to see if there was one thing I used to be lacking. Is it exclusivity? Surely that has one thing to do with it. The water resistance? Brands like Spinnaker and Squale are doing the identical factor for much less, with the very same motion within the latter case.

Some of that money virtually actually goes towards the packaging (each the watch field and included carrying sleeve), that are luxurious gadgets in their very own proper. Look – in the event you like what you see right here, and the concept of the Rapid Bracelet Exchange lights your fireplace, then extra energy to you.

DELMA has a beautiful, offbeat historical past, and if that’s value your private worth of entry, you’re going to love this watch. It’s no Bremont Savannah, and I imply that in probably the most complimentary method attainable. Just as a result of the worth tag baffles me doesn’t imply this isn’t a high quality timepiece.

It’s beautiful, useful, and loaded with heritage, however (as with so many heritage manufacturers) additionally perplexingly high-priced.