Collection
Bernard Cheong offers a retrospective on watches from 2004 to 2009, focusing on 'unloved' models that he believes deserve more recognition. He highlights the Hublot Subaquaneous, praising its slim profile and elegance despite its 2000m depth rating, and contrasts it with the massive Panerai 193, reflecting on how size and depth ratings often diverge from practical wearability.
The Hublot Subaquaneous.
Capable of 2000m depth. Yet...unlike the IWC Porsche Ocean 2000, Rolex, Later Biver sized Hublots, even the Bulgari Scuba Pro, is largely forgotten.
It was/is cool. Looked slim. Had an air of elegance which usually is not found on 2000m dive watches.
The finish was top notch.
The crown was metal. All metal, with a red collar.
I have one.
The watch is extremely comfortable. It was among the last of Croco's watches before Biver.
These never sold well...so they may not be all that common.
But I would buy another used.
The strap is very soft, and a nice smell of vanilla.
Look at how thin small it is compared to yet another unloved Panerai.
The hybrid 193.
I removed the battery. Since I don't dive.
But opposite to the Hublot, it is massive.
Thicker than most PAMs.
It is the most comfy PAM that I own. The footprint of the case back is tiny.
I look at these divers, their sizes make little sense to their depth ratings....but surely they all look the part.
With the exception of the Hublot Subaquaneous.
Even the name "subaquaneous" is so cool.
Tourbillons from the years 2004, the Greubel Forsey vs 2008 the Toric from Parmigiani make some sense.
They seem to take up only the space they need.
Have a look.
The GF Vision was born earlier, but is thicker, bigger, maybe because they needed a tilted tourb, and also to show the extremely beautiful finish.
Just look at the bridge that holds the cages.
Rounded rather than flat.
Black polished round.
Of course, some flat bridged tourbillons are also superbly done...GF also does flat recently.
This pic I took with a TOIUT Zeiss shows the incredible work done, in 2004...with the technology they had at the time.
The resolution was so high, I had to dilute it.
Look at the cut.
It's like fine tailoring!!!
Look.
If you place them all into a box.
I am going to put the MBF 1 and the MBF6 and an Omega central Tourb into this.
I will have to buy them used.
No choice,
Except for the MBFs.
The IWC Ocean 2000, reference 18.01, represents a significant development in high-performance tool watches, distinguished by its robust construction and functional design. It was developed in collaboration with Porsche Design, marking a period of innovative material use and engineering in watchmaking. This model is notable for its substantial water resistance while maintaining a profile that was considered relatively slender for its capabilities at the time of its introduction. It stands as a testament to the era's pursuit of extreme utility in wristwatches.
This reference features a case crafted from titanium, a material chosen for its strength-to-weight ratio and corrosion resistance, particularly advantageous for watches intended for demanding environments. The watch is powered by an automatic movement, ensuring reliable timekeeping. Its crystal is designed to withstand the pressures associated with its high water resistance rating, contributing to the overall integrity of the timepiece. The design prioritizes legibility and durability, reflecting its purpose as a precision instrument.
For collectors, the Ocean 2000 holds interest as a product of the IWC and Porsche Design collaboration, representing a specific chapter in the evolution of professional-grade watches. Its technical specifications and material choices appeal to those who value engineering and practical application in watch design. The model's historical context and its influence on subsequent designs contribute to its relevance within the broader landscape of modern watch collecting, particularly for enthusiasts of technically advanced timepieces.
13 Greubel Forsey listings are live on the eBay market and 2 collector listings on the WatchProSite marketplace.
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