A Deep-Diving Legacy: Squale Introduces The Galeazzi Artiglio
Squale and underwater-tech manufacturer Drass Galeazzi mark the centenary of Roberto Galeazzi’s 1926 patent with the Galeazzi Artiglio. This is a vintage-inspired dive watch with a 600m depth rating and a neat trick up its sleeve. Galeazzi’s patented “spherical-zone structure” helped advance deep-sea exploration. It created a way for underwater vessels and equipment to withstand higher pressure without relying solely on material thickness and rigidity. The second watch from the collaboration follows the first edition from 2021, and 500 individually numbered pieces are available.
The watch takes its name from the Artiglio, the vessel that carried Galeazzi’s Bathyscaphic Tower in 1932. The tower helped locate and recover the cargo of the SS Egypt, which sank in the English Channel to a depth of approximately 130 meters. The operation became one of the era’s best-known salvage efforts. It also helped establish Galeazzi’s reputation as a pioneer of deep-sea engineering. The new model connects that history with a feature found on some early professional diving watches, a “Wet Indicator.” This humidity-detection system alerts the wearer if moisture enters the case.
Galeazzi’s deep-sea legacy
Roberto Galeazzi applied for a patent on his concept for a pressure-resistant hull in 1926. He developed the concept to help withstand the pressures encountered at greater depths. Six years later, his Bathyscaphic Tower joined the Artiglio for the recovery of the SS Egypt. For the new watch, Squale worked with historian Fabio Vitale, president of the Scientific Committee of the Artiglio Foundation. Together, they researched Galeazzi’s archives and inventions. That research informed several of the watch’s historical details.
Most notably, the Wet Indicator brings a functional element to the design. Squale integrates the humidity-detection half-disc into the dial. If water enters the case, this part changes color, giving the wearer an immediate indication.
The Squale Galeazzi Artiglio
The Galeazzi Artiglio uses a 39.5mm 316L stainless steel case with a 47mm lug-to-lug and 13.2mm thickness (including the sapphire crystal). Brushed surfaces contrast with sharp, polished bevels. A screw-down crown and screw-in case back help ensure its 600m water resistance.
The Pantone 295U blue dial features rectangular markers heaped with a generous helping of Super-LumiNova. As mentioned, it also incorporates the distinctive Wet Indicator at 6 o’clock. A flat sapphire crystal with an anti-reflective coating bears the Drass Galeazzi diving-helmet logo on its underside. As a result, the logo appears to float above the dial.
Meanwhile, a unidirectional bezel with a K1 glass insert continues the blue color scheme. Its markings use BGW9 Super-LumiNova. Squale supplies the watch with a sand-colored canvas strap and a blue rubber strap with a mosaic texture.
Squale has equipped the Galeazzi Artiglio with an automatic Elaboré-grade ETA 2824-2 and, thankfully, removed the “phantom date” position. This 25-jewel movement ticks at 28,800 vph and provides a 42-hour power reserve. It’s a proven workhorse caliber that’s as reliable as it is serviceable.
The brand also extends the historical theme to the presentation box. Inside, the set includes a canvas and microfiber travel pouch, along with a commemorative medal bearing the Drass Galeazzi and Squale logos.
Initial impressions
Incorporating a functional feature associated with early professional diving instruments, the Squale Galeazzi Artiglio takes a refreshing approach to this historical collaboration. Instead of just relying on vintage-inspired aesthetics to charm potential buyers, the Wet Indicator on the dial adds a functional dimension to the watch. The Drass Galeazzi references also remain relatively contained within the overall design.
Limited to 500 pieces, the Galeazzi Artiglio is available through authorized retailers and Squale’s online boutique. It is priced at €1,890 / US$1,990. Let us know what you think of it in the comments section!
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