I think it’s officially okay to state that the 1970s have arrived…again. Their new herald? The integrated bracelet sports watch. Guy Roebuck, of the Roebuck Watch Company, has seen the future of dive watches and apparently it lies in the past. I tend to agree.

The Roebuck SCUBA builds on a developing trend which has seen a number of watch brands look to the 70s for inspiration–whether it be from their own vast catalogues, or simply by sampling design cues from the era. The angular octagonal case of the SCUBA, with its hooded lugs, most closely resembles the Omega SHOM (Service Hydrographique et Océanographique de la Marine) of the late 70s, but there are also echoes of the Eterna Kontiki and the VC Overseas, among others. What differentiates the SCUBA from these models is its penchant for fun.

The fumed, gradient dial bursts from a desaturated centre to deep rich colours at the edges. The model shown here is a somewhat staid sunburst black–or Storm, which can still appear brown, or silver, or gold, depending upon the light. But there are two other colour variants which truly embody summertime–the Deep Sea, which is a rich blue, and the Coral, which has a hot pink glow in certain lights. Coupled with colourful bezel choices of red, orange, or black, alongside matching two-tone straps, the SCUBA is truly a playground of options. The sandwich-style markers of the SCUBA also contribute to its playfulness, not to mention its bold legibility–particularly in the dark. A mix of C1 and BGW9 Super-LumiNova adorn the indices and the hands for an inspiring light show.

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The SCUBA measures 42mm in diameter and a comfortable 47.3mm lug to lug. It is also slender for a diver, at only 11.75mm in thickness. Its case is primarily brushed with polished knurling on both the bezel and the signed crown. The bezel insert is sapphire and also lumed in BGW9, as is a small ring around the outside of the crown. The crystal is flat sapphire with an AR undercoating. The back of the SCUBA is equally pleasing, embossed with a sea turtle swimming among kelp.

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But the SCUBA is more than just a pretty face. With its screwed down crown and caseback, the watch boasts 300m of water resistance. The integrated strap is also robust and comfortable. It comes with a milled stainless-steel, push-button divers’ clasp, that is easily adjustable for length by way of a fold-over clamp.

Powering the timepiece is the Miyota 9015–or the 90S5, if choosing the no-date option (shown here). With all the mixing and matching possible, the SCUBA offers an admirable 12 variants.

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SPECS

Case	316L Stainless Steel 42mm Diameter 47.3mm Lug to Lug 11.75mm Thick 20mm Lug Width 300m Water Resistance 120-Click Bezel /w lumed sapphire insert Screwed down crown and caseback
Dial & Crystal	Flat Sapphire Crystal /w AR Undercoating Sandwich Dial C1 and BGW9 Super-LumiNova (Hands & Markers)
Movement	Miyota 90S5 (& 9015 variant) 28 800bph 24 Jewels 42-Hour Power Reserve
Strap	Integrated Two-tone Rubber /w Stainless-Steel Clasp

Of Interest

The SCUBA is Roebuck’s second watch. Their first, the Diviso–a racing-inspired timepiece–was launched in 2019. Originally, the brand had hoped to launch the SCUBA earlier this summer on Kickstarter, but even with more than 50 backers, they did not reach their funding goal. Rather than let those backers down, brand CEO, Guy Roebuck, is launching his own pre-sale, beginning on September 7th. Pre-sale pricing for the SCUBA will be $400USD. Also of note, at the time of publication, a stainless-steel integrated bracelet option was in the works.

Quibbles

The model shown here is a prototype. While the watch feels complete, some small changes will occur in the final version. I find that the rotor can be noisy when on wrist, but this, too, might change in the final rendering. Of course, some will find an integrated strap to be limiting; however, unlike other integrated models, the SCUBA does have a normal 20mm lug width. A NATO might do well.

Final Thoughts

For all of its vintage styling cues, the SCUBA wears and feels like a modern watch. It is solidly built and has both heft and presence on wrist. The tolerances around the integrated strap are flawless. Its clasp is rugged. It is every ounce a sports watch. Highlights include the attractive sunburst dial and powerful marker lume. A piece that is one half style and the other half adventure.

For more information about the watch and the upcoming pre-sale, visit the brand website.

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