Squale 1521 Quality & VFM

[benny.c]

I’m thinking of buying a Squale 1521 and was just wondering what the quality is like at the price point. The one I’m thinking of (full lime dial) very rarely comes up for sale used so I’d be buying new. With a discount that’d be around £750. Any owners or former owners on here that can advise on the quality and VFM? It’s hopefully one I’d keep so not too concerned about taking a bath on resale but equally don’t want to fork out £750 if it feels like a £300 Seiko. Cheers.

[Regbuser]

In my opinion, the Seiko 5 looks better, performs as well, and costs £200 or less.

[benny.c]

I’ve owned so many Seikos in the past and my current small collection is very Seiko heavy so I wanted to try something different. For a cheaper full lume I’d go for a Citizen NY0040.

[Sim89]

benny.c said:

I’m thinking of buying a Squale 1521 and was just wondering what the quality is like at the price point. The one I’m thinking of (full lime dial) very rarely comes up for sale used so I’d be buying new. With a discount that’d be around £750. Any owners or former owners on here that can advise on the quality and VFM? It’s hopefully one I’d keep so not too concerned about taking a bath on resale but equally don’t want to fork out £750 if it feels like a £300 Seiko. Cheers.

I bought a new Squale 1521 from Neil at Chronomaster earlier this year (black dial, polished case & mesh bracelet). I can sincerely recommend him as a genuine guy and a fully legitimate dealer for Squale - https://www.chronomaster.co.uk/watches/?b-squale.

I also own several Seikos - a few Presages & Alpinist. This was my first dive watch with around £1k, so naturally I spent a fair while doing my research and looking at different options - Doxa, Prospex, Seastar 1000, Hydroconquest etc etc. To me, the Squale was the best blend of classic dive watch looks, specs and size - but as I wouldn't class myself as a sports watch type, I wanted a more dressy look, hence the polish on mesh. I bought a black Zuludiver 400 rubber strap as an alternative - https://www.watchgecko.com/zuludiver-400-italian-r...

As far as quality goes - mine has zero issues or imperfections in construction or finishing. It feels very solid and substantial on the wrist and it is the largest watch I can reasonably wear on my wrist - 16cm. But overall, I have absolutely zero gripes about the quality or VFM on my watch. I can't speak for blasted models or other strap types. I paid £715 in the end, for reference.

Some pictures if it helps.

[benny.c]

Thanks for that, much appreciated They are great looking watches and as you say, a little more dressy than the usual diver.

I’ve purchased a few times from Neil before but didn’t realise he did Squale. He hasn’t got the one I’m after but I’d imagine he’d be able to order it in for me. Did Neil do you a discount? HS Johnson are doing 10% at the mo.

[Sim89]

benny.c said:

Thanks for that, much appreciated They are great looking watches and as you say, a little more dressy than the usual diver.

I’ve purchased a few times from Neil before but didn’t realise he did Squale. He hasn’t got the one I’m after but I’d imagine he’d be able to order it in for me. Did Neil do you a discount? HS Johnson are doing 10% at the mo.

Welcome! Definitely a great looking watch and very versatile with strap options.

I'd imagine he could source it for you yes as I presume he has good contacts at Squale. In my case, he price matched with a discount I had found elsewhere (may have been HS Johnson, I don't remember exactly where). So if you present a price for the same item, he most likely would match it.

Best of luck with it and post back when you get it!

[benny.c]

Thanks