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The Making of a CLERC Hydroscaph Case

“A perfect circle in a perfect square” is how CLERC describes its famous and unique Hydroscaph case architecture design. Its inspiration came from a desire to unite two very basic geometric shapes in perfect unison and harmony. There’s also an element of mystery and surprise, of course, as the case geometry appears to change depending on the viewing angle. Is it a square? Is it a circle? No, it’s actually both!

No matter how you look at it, the Hydroscaph case is clearly the most instantly recognizable feature of the collection. No other watch looks anything like it – and that’s one of the many reasons the Hydroscaph appeals to people all over the world.

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The Hydroscaph case corresponds to one of the most complex constructions in contemporary watchmaking. Developed in close cooperation with a team of underwater exploration professionals, it comprises 81 to 103 individually machined parts ensuring that each individual case is truly unique. Developed and fine-tuned by series of formidably demanding tests, the high-tech case is guaranteed water-resistant from 500 to 800 meters and reflects an uncompromising approach to both functionality and aesthetics. The generously sized case – instantly recognizable by its iconic exclusive rotating bezel – forms a perfect circle in a perfect square and is protected from any inadvertent activation by an exclusive device.

Pivoting the bezel by means of the dedicated crown requires prior deployment of a retractable flap built in to the crown. Once retracted, the bezel is thus securely locked and protected from any accidental deregulation when diving. The time-setting and winding crown provides an optimal grip, while the glare-proofed 4 mm sapphire crystal protects this luxurious high-tech watch from any scratches or violent impacts.

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The Hydroscaph is a powerful working “exploration machine” and as such it is designed and engineered for draconian environments – the kind you find very deep under the oceans. At those depths, there is zero tolerance for mistakes, zero margin for error, and no time for ambiguity. DLC coating ensures the Hydroscaph case is as hard as diamond – the world’s most resistant material. Five gasket barriers inside the case protect the watch internals from any chance of water penetration – even if the diver activates the bezel or the pushers on the chronograph model while under water (such usage is not recommended, but tested against anyway). The 4mm sapphire crystal is completely scratch and shock-proof.

 

Of course, the CLERC Hydroscaphs have a very unique advantage no other dive watch can offer: actual live testing in deep water. Thanks to our partnership with Sub Aviator Systems and their Nuytco-based laboratories and research center, CLERC is the only watch brand in the industry able to test its watches by attaching them to a real-life underwater submersible capable of reaching down thousands of feet of water. With access to these amazing underwater flying machines and the high-tech laboratories they come from, CLERC is writing a new chapter in what it means to really test the world’s most powerful luxury diving watches.

This article describes in detail the unique testing processes our Hydroscaph diving watches endure.

Testing Diving Watches the CLERC Way

CLERC Hydroscaph watches are designed as powerful luxury exploration machines built for extreme life conditions – the kind you find at 500-800 meters under the oceans. At those depths, survival depends on uncompromising quality, precision, toughness, and reliability. This is why CLERC Hydroscaphs undergo some of the most intense and comprehensive testing in the industry.

A diving watch is subjected to much harsher conditions than a regular time piece. And a luxury diving watch must also meet the aesthetic expectations of the most discerning owner. This is where the CLERC Hydroscaphs combine raw power with pure luxury.  Hydroscaphs are run through a set of particularly stringent tests well above and beyond conventional norms.

Testing starts at our Swiss land-based laboratory facilities where each Hydroscaph model type is tested for traction, shock, visibility (night-vision), magnetism, water-tightness, and resistance to seawater and corrosion. But these are just the basic starting qualifications for a Hydroscaph watch. Our three Hydroscaph versions – the Central Chronograph, the H1, and the new GMTs – all undergo extensive design and architecture testing a numerous levels.

GMT-CThe H1 is a COSC-certified chronometer. This means the Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres has issued a unique serial number for its movement after each has passed a rigorous set of precision tests. Only 1% of all Swiss watches achieve this certification. COSC tests run for fifteen consecutive days and nights at multiple temperatures and operating conditions. A COSC-certified movement is guaranteed to have a specific precision and accuracy to within very strict parameters. COSC-certified watches are the thoroughbreds of the Swiss luxury watch industry. For an extensive dive into what it takes to score a COSC certification, click here.

Last but not least, CLERC is the only Swiss luxury watch company able to test its dive watches outside traditional labs under extreme depth conditions. That’s because within the framework of its long-term partnership with Sub Aviator Systems and Nuytco Research, CLERC has access to the most prestigious underwater manufacturing and Research & Development laboratory in the subaquatic world. Sub Aviators/Nuytco are to underwater research and innovation what NASA is to space travel. As a matter of fact, even NASA astronauts train at Nuytco facilities in Vancouver, Canada!

800x600For the first time, a watch manufacturer enjoys the benefit of the know-how and experience – enriched by half a century of innovations – of the pioneer in underwater exploration.  In this way, the specialist in submersible technologies makes its pool of scientific expertise available, notably benefiting the development of new watchmaking materials and ever more specialised technical solutions, able to withstand the extreme conditions encountered at great depths.

In addition, it allows CLERC to conduct its tests in conditions that are identical to those applied to Nuytco Research’s high-tech equipment. In other words, CLERC can test the resistance and performance of its powerful diving watches under realistic conditions. Corrosion, readability, air or water pressure, extreme temperatures, shocks, underwater storms, etc. The testing possibilities are unlimited both inside the research facility and using the SuperAviator personal submersible during real-life dive operations.

NGM_1828One such test was conducted last summer during the CLERC Underwater Flight Discovery Tour in Vancouver – where a Central Chronograph CHY-585 was integrated into the submarine’s heads-up display on the outside. Not only was the watch used to chronograph every dive that day, but it also withstood the rigors of eight consecutive dives strapped to the outside of the submarine!

Between CLERC’s own Swiss lab testing, the COSC certification of the H1 models, and the ability to test diving watches in the most prestigious underwater laboratory and in their natural deep-sea underwater environment, the CLERC Hydroscaph is indeed probably the most tested luxury diving watch in the industry. Which is exactly why we say “raw power meets pure luxury”!

 

Baselworld 2015: Discover the Orcasub Personal Luxury Submersible

For the latest, up-to-date information on Orcasub visit CLERC Exploration Machines on Facebook.

We’ve always said the Hydroscaph diving watch collection was a “new breed of Swiss luxury watches” but in fact, CLERC is further evolving into a new breed of Swiss luxury watch company and forging a new era in the industry.

This is because we have entered into a long-term, multi-level partnership with Sub Aviator Systems, the producers of Orcasub – a Personal Luxury Submersible.Logo-01

Both CLERC and Sub Aviator Systems make what they call “exploration machines”. While CLERC’s powerful yet stylish machines fit handsomely on the adventurous male wrist, Sub Aviator Systems submersibles fly swiftly at 2,000 feet under water. In both cases, these creations are meant to be used in the most extreme of conditions. But it didn’t take our two companies very long to realize that the fit between us was much more than skin-deep.

In fact, you could say it’s symbiotic, because we both share philosophies, values, personalities, and engineering savvy. With this new partnership, we will also share the sort of technical and R&D resources which until now had never been available to traditional Swiss watch companies. Not to mention a combined 200 year legacy of innovation and technical prowess.

NEWT_logo2That’s because Sub Aviator Systems is actually manufacturing partners with a company called Nuytco. And Nuytco is to underwater exploration what NASA is to the Space Program. In fact, NASA astronauts train at Nuytco’s underwater facilities in Vancouver. Owner Phil Nuytten is a legend in the industry on par with men like Jean-Michel Cousteau, who is a close friend and colleague. (He still maintains ties to the Cousteau family). A commercial diver since the 1960s, Phil spent his life pioneering new underwater technologies and tactics. Few if any people have contributed as much to the world of diving – commercially, militarily, and recreationally – than he has for the past fifty years.

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CLERC CEO Gérald sits in the Nuytco Deepworker submersible.

Nuytco has been involved in almost every major underwater operation for science, research, rescue, construction, entertainment, and military application known to man. Phil’s regular clients include the national Navies of virtually every country in the world, the US Navy Seals, NASA, Hollywood moguls (guess how movie classics like Titanic and The Abyss were filmed under water), scientists, researchers, rescuers, and the list goes on. When there’s a problem to solve, a new device or tool to invent, or technical limits to surmount, people call on Nuytco.

For CLERC, the ability to tap into this experience and expertise is an industry game changer. The advantages from a product development, research, manufacturing, and testing perspective are limitless. Improved construction, new materials, greater depths, added safety features, and resilience are some of the key benefits. And no other dive watch companies will be able to test their product for corrosion, legibility, air and water pressure, extreme temperatures, and shock all at the same time and all under real-life extreme depth conditions. Something Nuytco does routinely for all its equipment, and will now do on every new Hydroscaph model starting with the new 2015 GMT model. In many ways, thanks to this partnership, CLERC gets access to the most revered and prestigious “underwater exploration laboratory” in the world.

For Sub Aviator Systems, it’s about accessing 140 years of CLERC experience in the demanding field of luxury, as CLERC will now market and promote the Orcasub personal luxury crafts on a global scale. CLERC will also advise on interior finishing, customization, and comfort features of the cockpit area.

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CLERC CEO Gérald tries the heads-up display on board Orcasub precursor Super Aviator.

These super-fast, easy-to-use, and maneuverable submersibles will fly two pilots in atmospheric comfort and safety down to 2,000 feet. In all human history until now, people who have personally witnessed life at such depths can be counted on a single hand. But Orcasub will put underwater flight at anyone’s hands – anyone, that is, who can part with the $2 million it takes to custom-build it. But rest assured, that price includes complete Flight Training certification. A lifetime experience no one ever forgets!

CLERC is forging a new era in the history of human exploration machines. And thanks to Sub Aviator Systems and CLERC, deep-sea exploration will soon become as routine as hopping into your exotic car for a quick trip to the local cigar shop.

For a PDF version of this exciting announcement, please click here.

 

 

 

Hydroscaph Close-Up: Exhibition Casebacks

Many watches have see-through case-back viewers. These crystal “windows” let you peek into the heart of the watch: its movement. Hydroscaphs also sport this really cool feature, but – as you’d expect – we did things a little bit different.

Our watches are designed and rated for great pressure at depth, so it wouldn’t have been wise to compromise their toughness with with a standard porthole. And since we don’t craft anything “standard” on the Hydroscaph, we gave it smaller super thick dual porthole viewers.

Deep sea diving machines must resist intense pressures when diving, so  their hull windows tend to be smaller and thicker. The Hydroscaph is no different. Always tough, but always stylish.

What’s your favorite Hydroscaph detail? Show us on Instagram, tell us on Twitter or Facebook, or email it to us at openwater@clercwatches.wpengine.com.

 

Hydroscaph Close-Up: Hands and Dials

Did you know that Hydroscaph hands were (no pun) hand-painted and individually coated with Super-Luminova? Or that the indexes on the dial were also machined individually and hand-finished due to their intricate shape? If you look at a Hydroscaph index up close, you’ll notice the end is not simply cut straight down. Instead, it tapers at an angle towards the center of the dial. Because of this, it is not possible to mass-produce or simply “stamp” them out. And like many other parts and components of the Hydroscaph, it requires manual finishing from a highly-seasoned craftsman (or woman).

The hands are then painstakingly set one by one on top of the dial. Just another reason we like to say “from our hands and hearts to your wrists“.

What’s your favorite Hydroscaph detail? Show us on Instagram, tell us on Twitter of Facebook, or email it to us at openwater@clercwatches.wpengine.com.

 

Hydroscaph Close-Up: the C | CLIP

The C|CLIP is a unique and innovative safety locking mechanism used to secure your Hydroscaph bezels solidly in place once set. As we all know, there is zero room for error or malfunction at 1,650 feet under water. And at those depths, a de-regulated bezel can throw a diver’s timing way off.

This is why CLERC came up with the C|CLIP bezel safety locking mechanism. Easy to use in minimal lighting situations, the C|CLIP – shaped like a CLERC logo – is a small metal tab you flip up to release then set the bezel. Once the bezel is in the desired position, a simple flick of a finger closes the C|CLIP back down safely securing the bezel against any unwarranted rotation.

On the Central Chronograph model, the C|CLIP is located at 10 o’clock. The H1 C|CLIP is positioned at 2 o’clock.

It’s that simple, that failsafe, and that easy to use – as with everything else on the Hydroscaph.

What’s your favorite Hydroscaph detail? Show us on Instagram, tell us on Twitter of Facebook, or email it to us at openwater@clercwatches.wpengine.com.

Hydroscaph Close-Up: Circle in the Square

In this first installment of our Hydroscaph Close-up Series, we take a closer look at the watch’s flagship “circle in the square” case design. It’s a combination of a perfect circle in a perfect square shape.

This is one of the most identifiable – and unique – aspects of the Hydroscaph for both the Central Chrono and the H1 version. Creator Gérald Clerc came up with this idea many years ago and it has become a proprietary CLERC hallmark ever since.

If you stare at the watch directly head-on, you observe what is essentially a circular bezel. However, the bezel is also beveled at the 12, 3, 6, and 9 o’clock positions giving it a square appearance when the light hits just right. These four little details make the case construction quite a bit more complex – not that the 103-piece case isn’t already sophisticated to say the least!

But it’s exactly those kinds of unique details that make the Hydroscaph like no other in the world.

What’s your favorite Hydroscaph detail? Show us on Instagram, tell us on Twitter of Facebook, or email it to us at openwater@clercwatches.wpengine.com.