DELMA Quattro Dive Watch Evaluate

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

However dangle on — my final run-in with pro-level luxurious didn’t go so properly. And restricted editions are neat, however GearJunkie typically 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 capable of get my arms on one in every of these Quattro divers, with no restrictions as to testing or signatures on authorized types. That sort of self-confidence from a maker tends to talk volumes. 

So, over its week on my wrist, the Quattro endured fairly a trip. Gymnasium periods, lengthy journeys, and excursions into the weather. So listed here are the great, the dangerous, and the conflicted findings on this fascinating luxurious timepiece. 

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

What’s DELMA?

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

However how did DELMA survive the Quartz Disaster when some extra well-known manufacturers didn’t make it? By embracing the tech, because it seems. Per the press launch, “The unique DELMA Quattro was launched within the early ’80s with a quartz motion and gained reputation with divers, notably within the US via DELMA’s presence at Florida dive exhibits.” 

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

DELMA Quattro Computerized Dive Watch Evaluate

This restricted version eschews the unique quartz, returning to the mechanical subject 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 at all times, I’m a sucker for a date window. 

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

That is a kind of watches that gathers a little bit of glow each time you cross a window, which makes for a pleasurable sporting expertise. And talking of which, that is the place the Quattro’s social gathering trick comes into play – the Fast Bracelet Alternate System.  

Per DELMA, “The case effortlessly performs in three distinct types. It may be quickly affixed onto the bracelet, rubber strap, or decompression plate with out the necessity for any instruments. In line with the dynamic nature of the watch, the crown possesses a particular notch so it may be merely unscrewed with its bespoke device, a coin, or by hand by eradicating the watch head.”

A literal “screw-down” crown – neat. It’s price noting that, in both on-wrist configuration, the sapphire case again means that you can try the Sellita’s inside 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 cases of the title. That’s a bit loud for me, although the match and put on are glorious. 

Why didn’t I take a look at it on the bracelet? Properly, 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 Resolution in Search of Issues

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

On some degree, the Fast Bracelet Alternate 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 device holds some enchantment.

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

Particularly, I’m speaking in regards to the crown. When the watch module is locked into place, I’m unable to drag the interface into its date or time-setting place. You’ll be able to wind the watch utilizing your thumbnail.

However 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. However my tester ran someplace within the neighborhood of +7 to +12 seconds per day. By the point its keep on my wrist was via, it was operating greater than a minute forward. That’s no good, particularly for a watch at this value level. 

And positive, you would possibly argue that that is acceptable on a “device watch.” I disagree. To earn that designation, you have to excel at your important goal.

The “device” aesthetic is meant for one thing that does its job with out regard for fancy seems. Unhappy to say, this DELMA falls a bit of brief. 

DELMA Quattro Diver Evaluate: Conclusion

I want I may say I cherished this one. As a result of with its 500m water resistance, clear face, and great readability and lume, there’s loads to love in regards to the Quattro. However at virtually $2,500, I’m struggling to justify this watch’s place. 

Even with the module swapping, show case again, and general ruggedness of the package deal, I don’t perceive how the Quattro retails for almost 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? Absolutely that has one thing to do with it. The water resistance? Manufacturers like Spinnaker and Squale are doing the identical factor for much less, with the very same motion within the latter case.

A few of that money virtually definitely goes towards the packaging (each the watch field and included carrying sleeve), that are luxurious gadgets in their very own proper. Look – if you happen to like what you see right here, and the concept of the Fast Bracelet Alternate lights your fireplace, then extra energy to you.

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

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