Yellow submarine

The Yellow Submarine was the animated musical fantasy film famously conceived by, “The Fab Four” et.al. It was an artistic form of expression which indulged music fans with original lyrics and memorable tunes.

Pepperland was the fictional paradise beneath the waves proffering pleasures to delight all lovers of music. However, there is nothing fictional about this latest subaquatic timepiece created for lovers of horology.

The Graham Chronofighter Prodive Professional is the vivid yellow diving tool created by anglophile Eric Loth and his creative team at Graham-London. Also available in black or blue, it is the limited edition yellow variant that has caught my attention.

Only 200 of these brightly coloured diver’s watches will be produced. Their bright complexion is similar to a Yellow Tang swimming along the reef bed and this provides a clue to the watches intended temporary habitat.

The impressive water resistance of the watch, 600 metres, means that deep sea exploration is viable and a helium escape valve confers professional diver’s watch status.

The dial and case

A black dial provides strong contrast with the white and yellow details of the watch. White batons are used to indicate hours with simple white strokes in between, clearly conveying the all important minutes and seconds.

The date aperture is adjacent the crown as usual, however, both the date and crown are unusually located at 9 o’clock. After a moment of reflection, you realise that locating the crown and date in this location is eminently sensible, as the chrono pusher is also located at 9 o’clock.

Inquiring minds may ask, why the chrono pusher is located on the left hand side of the case and not on the usual right hand side. The simple answer is ergonomics. This watch is equipped with a mono-pusher. The chronograph hands are started, stopped and reset by pressing the thumb shaped trigger at 9 o’clock. Those of us who are right handed will naturally use their right thumb to operate the trigger, hence it is easier to access when located at 9 0‘clock.

Eric Loth is an engineer by trade and has clearly put much thought into the design layout to facilitate ease of use. Imagine wearing a diver’s neoprene rubber gloves and wishing to operate regular chrono pushers. The trigger is inspired.

The pioneering character of the brand is exampled by the propellor-shaped seconds counter. It reminds the wearer the watch is operational, albeit I am unsure how legible it would be in deep water. However, I don’t care because I love the originality of the design.

The hour and minute hands are lined with white Super-LumiNova which match the indexes. The central chrono seconds hand and the hand on the 30-minute chrono counter are presented in a matching yellow shade.

A problem beneath the ocean’s surface is diminishing visibility, especially as the diver explores greater depths. Graham has enhanced legibility by equipping the watch with double luminescent markings in green and blue.

The unidirectional rotating bezel is equipped with a special pattern to enhance grip whilst making adjustments.

The diameter of the case is 45 mm, aiding readability.

The watch is equipped with a yellow rubber strap on a steel pin buckle. It features a diver’s extension to facilitate fit over the diver’s suit.

The crown is presented in a yellow hue and a red safety ring indicates when the crown is unlocked, mitigating the risk of water ingress caused by a forgetful wearer.

A shark is depicted on the caseback of the watch. Nevertheless, my tip would be not to remove the watch when making comparisons beneath the waves.

The movement

A self-winding movement is harnessed within the handsome case. It has a frequency of 28,800 vph (4Hz) and includes a shock absorber should you be bashed against the rocks in hostile conditions.

Several chronographs which are water resistant cannot be fully exploited beneath the waves. Press the pushers at depth and the integrity of the watch can be compromised. This watch is exceptional in this regard.

The chrono mono-pusher, or “trigger” in Graham parlance, is fully functional at 2000 feet or 600 metres. That is remarkable and again reaffirms the watches status as a true diver’s watch.

Conclusion

A criticism of many car designs is that their forms become increasingly homogenous as the wind tunnel smooths away individual flourishes of style and creativity.

Graham-London thankfully does not design its watches in a wind tunnel. Their designs are not tempered by the relentless pursuit of lower Cd figures. This particular watch bestows the wearer with a contemporary aesthetic.

But, this is not a watch which is merely about appearances. There is depth to the engineering. To operate the trigger underwater you don’t have to be an inhabitant of the Octopus’s Garden, your right thumb will suffice.

The legibility is wonderful and the use of different luminous colours is inspired.

This yellow submarine is a horological reality and I love it.

Technical specification

• Model: Graham Chronofighter Prodive Professional

• Reference: 2CDAV.B01A

• Case: steel; diameter 45.00 mm; height 18.2 mm ; water resistant to 60 bar (600 metres); sapphire crystal to front and solid caseback.

• Functions: Hours; minutes; subsidiary seconds; central chrono second hand; 30-minute chrono counter and date

• Movement: Calibre G1750, self-winding movement; frequency 28,800 vph (4Hz) ; 25 jewels; power reserve 48 hours.

• Strap: Yellow integrated rubber strap supplied on steel pin buckle with diver's extension

• Note: Limited edition of 200 pieces.