The collaboration between Squale and The Urban Gentry is a celebration of heritage, craftsmanship, and the deep passion that watch enthusiasts share for mechanical timepieces. This limited-edition diver’s watch not only honors Squale’s rich history in producing professional diving instruments but also reflects the personal style and philosophy of The Urban Gentry, a widely respected figure in the online watch community. Designed for collectors and adventure-seekers alike, the Squale x Urban Gentry edition offers a refined balance of vintage aesthetics and modern functionality.
Background of the Collaboration
Squale is a Swiss brand with a legacy dating back to the 1950s, best known for producing robust dive watches used by professionals and military divers. Their timepieces have a distinct style simple, legible, and built to endure the pressures of underwater environments. Over the decades, Squale has become a cult favorite among divers and collectors looking for reliable, heritage-rich watches.
The Urban Gentry, founded by TGV (The Gentleman Villain), is a prominent YouTube channel focused on horology, lifestyle, and appreciation for mechanical craftsmanship. TGV’s style combines old-world charm with practical sensibilities, and his watch reviews and content have earned the trust of a loyal global following. The partnership with Squale reflects TGV’s respect for tradition and functional design.
Design Philosophy and Aesthetic Appeal
The Squale x Urban Gentry diver’s watch is built on the foundation of Squale’s classic 1521 case, a model revered for its comfort and water resistance. This design offers a vintage-inspired silhouette while incorporating subtle modern refinements that reflect TGV’s own taste and sensibilities.
Case and Finish
- Case diameter: 42mm
- Material: 316L stainless steel with polished and brushed finishing
- Thickness: Approximately 13mm
- Lug width: 20mm, allowing for a wide variety of strap options
- Water resistance: 500 meters (50 ATM)
The case features the signature Squale crown at the 4 o’clock position, which adds to wrist comfort and prevents digging into the wrist an important feature for divers and daily wearers alike. The satin brushing on the sides contrasts beautifully with the polished bevels, offering a refined look without losing its tool-watch character.
Dial and Hands
The dial design was carefully curated to reflect a timeless and understated elegance. It uses a matte finish to reduce glare underwater while enhancing legibility. The applied markers are filled with Super-LumiNova, providing excellent visibility in low-light conditions. The color scheme, often navy blue or deep black depending on the version, evokes the depths of the ocean and maintains a versatile style for both casual and formal wear.
The hands are a classic sword-style, filled with lume, while the lollipop seconds hand adds a touch of vintage flair. TGV’s signature Gentry touches are subtly incorporated into the dial, such as the discreet logo placement and tastefully balanced typography.
Crystal and Bezel
- Crystal: Domed sapphire with anti-reflective coating
- Bezel: Unidirectional 120-click bezel with aluminum or ceramic insert
The sapphire crystal enhances durability while giving a vintage bubble effect reminiscent of acrylic domes. The bezel is easy to grip, rotates smoothly, and aligns perfectly an essential feature for divers timing decompression stops or casual users measuring elapsed time.
Movement and Performance
At the heart of the Squale x Urban Gentry watch is a dependable Swiss automatic movement, typically the ETA 2824-2 or its modern Sellita equivalent SW200-1. These movements are known for their reliability, ease of servicing, and accuracy.
- Frequency: 28,800 vibrations per hour (4Hz)
- Power reserve: Approximately 38 to 41 hours
- Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, and date complication
Each movement is adjusted in-house by Squale’s watchmakers, ensuring it meets the performance standards expected by divers and collectors alike. The presence of a screw-down crown and caseback enhances water resistance and protects the movement from dust and shocks.
Straps and Wearability
The Squale x Urban Gentry edition usually comes with a high-quality tropic-style rubber strap or a leather strap depending on the variant. These are chosen not just for aesthetics but also for comfort and practicality.
- Rubber strap: Designed for water use, flexible and durable with vintage texture
- Leather strap: Suitable for daily and formal wear, adding a classic touch
- Optional NATO or bracelet: Many users swap in NATO or steel mesh bracelets for additional versatility
Thanks to the 42mm case size and ergonomic lugs, the watch wears well on a range of wrist sizes without feeling bulky or top-heavy. The lightweight build and thoughtful design make it a comfortable companion for both daily wear and adventure.
Limited Edition Appeal and Community Impact
Being a limited collaboration, the Squale x Urban Gentry diver carries a special appeal for collectors. Limited production numbers and the personal involvement of TGV in the design process make it a rare and meaningful acquisition. Many collectors enjoy owning a watch that represents both mechanical tradition and modern watch culture.
Additionally, this collaboration has helped bring renewed attention to the Squale brand, especially among younger watch enthusiasts introduced through The Urban Gentry’s content. It also showcases how influential voices in the horological community can help shape future releases and push brands toward design excellence.
Why Enthusiasts Love the Squale x Urban Gentry
This watch is more than a tool it’s a symbol of shared values in watch collecting:
- Heritage and authenticity: A brand with true diving credentials
- Mechanical craftsmanship: Powered by a trusted Swiss movement
- Accessible luxury: Premium build quality without excessive pricing
- Emotional connection: Designed with input from a beloved figure in the watch community
Whether it’s worn on the wrist or kept as part of a larger collection, the Squale x Urban Gentry stands out as a purposeful and thoughtfully crafted timepiece.
The Squale x Urban Gentry watch represents a meeting point between tradition and modern horological enthusiasm. With its rugged build, understated elegance, and deep connection to the watch community, it offers tremendous value and meaning to those who appreciate timepieces with a story. Backed by Squale’s professional dive watch legacy and The Urban Gentry’s passion for thoughtful design, this limited edition is destined to remain a treasured item among those lucky enough to own one.