A small, family-owned brand that focuses on affordable sports watches, Delma already has a half dozen-strong lineup of dive watches, but its latest is certainly the most novel. Rated to 500 m, the Quattro is a chunky dive watch with an unusual feature: the case module can be detached from the lugs and installed on a decompression plate.

Initial thoughts

Chunky dive watches are common across a wide range of the price spectrum, but most so at the affordable end. So the latest from Delma seems like yet another player on a crowded field.

But the Quattro is interesting in a few respects. For one, the wide bezel and recessed crown give it an unusual enough look that it stands apart from the competition.

Then there’s main attraction, a bayonet mechanism that allows the watch to be installed on a decompression plate. It’s questionable whether this has much functionality for a diver, but it does make the Quattro different.

But detachable case notwithstanding, the Quattro is pricey for a watch powered by a Sellita movement. Seiko’s many Prospex dive watches are about a quarter less expensive, while Sinn’s ultra-robust U1 is only slight more expensive.

Three ways

Massive at 44 mm wide and 15.3 mm high, the case of the Quattro locks into a frame with the lugs via a bayonet-lock mechanism. A tiny sliding button on the side of the case releases the locking mechanism, while the frame is essentially a milled steel ring with the lugs at each corner.

The release button is next to the helium escape valve on the side of the case

That same bayonet-lock mechanism is also found on the aluminium decompression plate that accompanies that watch, allowing a diver to read off the table while referencing elapsed time shown on the watch.

Inside the large case is a Sellita SW200-1, a solid performer that’s tried and tested. Unusually for a dive watch the case back is open, revealing the movement, although it’s not much to look at.

Though limited to 999 pieces in total, the Quattro is available with four different dial colours and either a brushed or black-coated bezel. The most striking combination is undoubtedly the orange dial and black bezel.

The SW200-1

Key Facts and Price

Delma Quattro
Ref. 41701.744

Diameter: 44 mm
Height: 15.3 mm
Material: Steel
Crystal: Sapphire
Water resistance: 500 m

Movement: Sellita SW200-1
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, and date
Winding: Manual wind
Frequency: 28,000 beats per hour (4 Hz)
Power reserve: 38 hours

Strap: Steel bracelet, as well as rubber strap and decompression plate

Limited edition: 999 pieces
Availability: Direct from Delma or at its retailers
Price: US$2,390

For more, visit Delma.ch.