Alkuperäinen kuvaus

"Stunning"—that is precisely how one can describe the impression made by the Seacraft series upon its introduction in 2011.

"Entering a world that is new to it, Perrelet now accompanies enthusiasts in their discoveries and pursuit of thrills in the ocean depths"—with words such as these, the specialized press welcomed the brand's first dedicated diving collection.

For Perrelet, this was uncharted territory until that point, yet the company entered it with confidence and three dedicated instruments: a three-hand model with date, a GMT, and a chronograph.

All three versions are offered in solid stainless steel cases featuring an elegant interplay of polished and satin-brushed surfaces. The construction includes an impressive 4 mm sapphire crystal with double-sided anti-reflective coating, a screw-down crown and case back, and an automatic helium valve.

The result is an impressive water resistance of 777 meters—a figure that not only distinguishes the series from most of its competitors, but also recalls the year 1777, traditionally associated with Abraham-Louis Perrelet's work on automatic winding.

The timepiece presented is the three-hand version with date, and it makes an immediate, strong impression at first glance.

Despite a diameter of 42 mm, relatively moderate for a contemporary diver's watch, it appears noticeably larger. The reason lies in the slim bezel, the wide dial opening, and the robust proportions of the case.

The white dial, paired with the black bezel, lends the watch a freshness unusual for a professional diver. Rather than appearing overly heavy and utilitarian, the model conveys a sense of lightness, adventure, and carefree days by the sea.

It is a timepiece that feels naturally at home both over diving gear and on the wrist during a stroll along the shore.

One of Perrelet’s most notable achievements is that the watch does not look like a typical "deep-sea beast." Despite its 777-meter water resistance, visually it aligns more closely with lighter, more versatile dive watches rated to 200 or 300 meters.

This gives it a distinct advantage in terms of balance, elegance, and daily wearability. The Seacraft is undeniably a functional tool, yet it never appears out of place out of the water.

The dial is protected by a 4 mm thick sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating on both sides. Thanks to this, the display remains clear and easy to read from various angles and under diverse lighting conditions.

The large applied hour markers, substantial hands, and luminescent dot on the bezel are coated with a generous layer of Super-LumiNova®. This ensures strong and long-lasting luminescence—especially crucial for a watch designed for an environment where natural light quickly fades.

The unidirectional rotating bezel features pronounced fluting that allows for easy operation even with wet hands or gloves. Its action is precise and confident, with 120 distinct clicks per full rotation.

The crown is screw-down and adorned with the Perrelet logo. On the left flank of the case sits an automatic helium valve, engineered to release accumulated pressure during decompression following prolonged stays in a diving chamber.

The case back is likewise solid and screw-down. This is an entirely logical choice for a watch with such water resistance, even if it foregoes the view of the beautifully decorated movement in operation.

The steel bracelet is substantial, solid, and entirely in keeping with the watch’s character. The links are secured with screws, and the folding clasp is equipped with safety pushers and an extension system, allowing the bracelet to fit over a diving suit.

Despite its sturdy construction, the bracelet is comfortable and distributes the watch's weight evenly across the wrist. The build quality, the combination of satin-brushed and polished finishes, and the attention to fine detail clearly reflect the model's positioning above entry-level dive watches.

And, of course, the movement.

The earliest versions of the Seacraft 3 Hands-Date were equipped with the automatic caliber P-261, operating at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour and offering approximately 40 hours of power reserve.

Powering this later example is the caliber P-321—the primary automatic movement that Perrelet subsequently introduced across a large part of its collections.

The P-321 operates at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour, features 25 jewels, and consists of 93 components. The power reserve is approximately 42 hours, with the balance protected by an Incabloc® shock-absorption system.

The movement offers automatic and manual winding, a quick-set date, and hacking seconds for precise time setting. The mainplate is decorated with perlage, the bridges with "Côtes de Genève," and the openworked rotor bears Perrelet's signature decoration.

The only regret is that the robust construction required to achieve a 777-meter water resistance necessitates a solid case back. As a result, the beautifully finished movement and distinctive rotor remain hidden from view.

The Perrelet Seacraft 3 Hands-Date is a timepiece that brings together seemingly conflicting attributes—serious professional construction, impressive water resistance, exceptional legibility, and a design refined enough for daily wear.

It is substantial, yet not clumsy; functional, yet not overtly utilitarian; distinctive, without being eccentric at all costs. It is precisely this balance that makes the Seacraft one of the most intriguing and underrated Swiss dive watches of its generation.