Squale 50 Atmos Diver PVD (Ref. 1521) "Crazy 88", 1988

Dealer description — Craft & Tailored

Squale famously manufactured diving watch cases for a variety of different companies, as well as manufactured their own watches, and still do to this day. During the 1960s and 1970s, AKA the Golden era of dive watches, Squale provided cases for Ocean Diver/Blandford S.A., Sinn, Blancpain, Heuer, and Doxa to only name a select few. Squale also supplied the Italian Airforce's "Folgore Brigade" which was a parachuting squad and the Italian Navy’s Diving Corps with timepieces during this period. Produced in 1988 as part of the inaugural run of the modern 50 Atmos platform, the Squale Ref. 1521 “Crazy 88” is among the rarest and most historically significant executions of the model. Identified by its 88xxxx serial range, this early batch featured a slim-profile stainless steel case rated to 500m, here finished in factory PVD. The tactical matte black dial is paired with a Marina Militare-style handset—short and wide white hour hand, bright orange minute hand, and paddle seconds. The distinctive acrylic bezel inlay with orange luminous markers further defines the reference. With an estimated ~1,000 units produced and approximately half in PVD, the Crazy 88 represents a foundational reference in Squale’s evolution and a benchmark for early 1521-series divers. SPECS Stock # SQL50PVD88 Brand Squale Style 50 Atmos Diver "Crazy 88" Model 1521 Serial 880XXX Size Men's Material Stainless Steel PVD Dial Matte Black Millimeters 41.5 Bracelet PVD Bracelet CASE & BRACELET The unpolished black PVD case is simply exceptional, showing sharp edges and lines with only very minor signs of previous use present. The original and characteristic acrylic bezel with bright orange numerals and markers is also incredible with only nominal signs of light use present. The case retains its original signed crown located at 4 o'clock. The case back retains all of the factory markings within the center medallion and shows some tool marks on the edges. The watch is paired with an unsigned black PVD stainless steel tapered bracelet that matches the watch head perfectly. The bracelet links display minimal stretch and will fit up to a 7-inch wrist. DIAL & HANDS The matte black dial is in virtually flawless condition, showing no damage or age. The tritium lume plots have taken on a handsome creamy yellow patina and exhibit no degradation when inspected under UV light. The original tritium hands match the dial perfectly, under UV light inspection the lume in the second hand displays some minor cracking and remains stable while the hour and minute hands exhibit no degradation. ACCESSORIES None. The service history is unknown. The watch is running and keeping time, but a movement service is recommended for optimal results and can be purchased upon request.