Yesterday, Squale unveiled the new Squale Master x Palombari of Comsubin. Squale has worked with the Italian Navy since the 1980s when it won two contracts to supply to the La Spezia-based Diving Operations Group (G.O.S.). Prior to this new model, its most recent collaboration was the Master Marina Militare in 2022. Fast forward to today, the new Master x Palombari del Comsubin models epitomise outstanding divers durability. Built for excellent performance in extreme conditions, this new model was designed to accompany the treacherous missions of the Palombari of Comsubin. However, with the first 80 of the 500 pieces available already given to the Palombari, you will have to act fast to secure one for yourself. Read on for more about the new Squale Master x Palombari of Comsubin and Squale’s ties to the Italian Navy.
Who are the Palombari of Comsubin?
The COMSUBIN, or the Divers and Raiders Group Command, is the Italian Navy’s special operations department. The department splits into two different subsections, which are the G.O.I., the Operational Raiders Group, and the G.O.S., the Operational Divers Group. Whilst the G.O.I. specialises in counter-terrorism and hostage situations, the G.O.S. works more with recovery operations of submerged devices.
Based in the Ligurian coast of Italy, the Palombari is an elite subdivision of the COMSUBIN that falls into the G.O.S. subsection. This Palombari works on many special diving operations, such as the disposal and deactivation of unexploded devices found in the sea. Additionally, the Palombari assists in emergency operations such as that of the Costa Concordia capsizing.
Training for the Palombari is highly thorough and takes roughly a year to complete. Candidates undergo training on how to work underwater as well as how to use the different breathing devices and diving equipment. Successful candidates emerge from this training with a wealth of different credentials, such as a military scuba diver certificate and a Manoeuvring Technician qualification for Hyperbaric Systems.
The New Squale Master X Palombari Comsubin (Code: MASTERGOS)
Dial and Case
Robustness is at the core of what is required by the Palombari in a watch. And, with its brushed grade 5 titanium case, that’s exactly what this new Squale Master provides. This highly exclusive limited edition piece is the brand’s first-ever 100% grace 5 titanium timepiece. This 42mm case helps to seal in the watch’s outstanding 1200 metres of water resistance. Meanwhile, its brushed finish adds some texture to its design. Both highly resistant and lightweight, the titanium body of the watch makes it the ultimate diving companion.
At its centre, a blue sunray dial catches the eye. It boasts incredible attention to detail, including a Palombari motif at 6 o’clock and a neat date display at 3 o’clock. However, the real standout feature of the dial is its double-layered design. To form the dot indices, this blue top plate is cut away to reveal a luminescent base plate. This ensures the maximum amount of SuperLuminova to guarantee the highest possible level of readability in low-light conditions. Similarly, the dial’s hour and minute features a luminescent inlay. In the same colour as the dial, a brushed ceramic 120-click bezel frames the dial. It also has SuperLuminova features, perfect for tracking the timing of lengthy dives.
Providing the highest quality protection, a domed sapphire crystal encases the dial. Moreover, its anti-reflective coating only improves the dial’s clarity.
Movement and Finishing Touches
Beating within the model’s titanium case is a Sellita SW200-1 calibre Elabore grade movement. This has a power reserve of 38 hours as well as 26 jewels and a frequency of 28,800 A/H.
On the case itself, an added functional touch is the red O-ring on the screw-down crown. This O-ring, also known as a gasket, is only visible when the crown is open. As a result, it makes it easy to tell at just a glance whether the crown has been closed properly or not.
Generously, the watch comes with two straps. The first is a black rubber strap which ensures an ergonomic fit to the wrist. Reinforcing the model’s ties to the Palombari of Comsubin, the second is a textile strap which features the blue camouflage pattern featured on the traditional Palombari uniform.
What do you think of the new Squale Master x Palombari of Comsubin? Let us know below if you will be trying to get your hands on one of the limited 500 pieces.
