A dive watch in today's time, you may ask. Do we really need one? The answer is a resounding 'Yes', especially when it is introduced by the country's largest and one of the most trusted names in the watchmaking segment. Titan has upped the ante in the horological world by introducing the Zero Hour—a high-performance sports sub-brand, built for those who love the adrenaline rush of the outdoors. The new line showcases an impressive range of dive watches including the brand’s first professional dive timer, with a water resistance of up to 500m. A remarkable feat indeed! Boasting an ISO-compliant, the watch is available in options of titanium or steel, and also includes key features such as a helium escape valve, an automatic bezel lock system, and high-grade Super-LumiNova used for exploring the deeper depths of the ocean—making it the perfect companion to literally test the waters with this tech marvel strapped on to your wrist.
We were privy to this launch first hand, as Titan had taken a select group of media professionals to Goa a few weeks ago, to mark this special unveiling, amidst the breathtaking views of the Arabian Sea. With the Zero Hour, the brand also pushes the boundaries as it aggressively forays into the ‘tool watch’ segment, albeit with a watch that does not shy away from the contemporary ‘classic-meets-sporty' design aesthetic—highlighted with the use of Grade 2 titanium to craft the case and bracelet.
“For over four decades, Titan has shaped Indian watchmaking, through design, craftsmanship and a spirit of innovation. With the introduction of Zero Hour, we take a decisive step into the sports and performance watch segment, expanding the boundaries of what we create and stand for. As Titan’s first 500m automatic diver, built to ISO 6425 compliant, this made in India for the world timepiece reflects our growing capability in mechanical watchmaking and high-precision engineering. It is an important milestone in our ongoing pursuit to position Indian horology among the world’s leading watchmaking traditions,” explained Rahul Shukla, Chief Sales and Marketing Officer, Titan Watches, while taking the audience through the technical specifications of the new watch at the event.
It’s interesting to note that the term Zero Hour is associated with the exact moment, when an operation is set into motion, often highlighting the time that’s required for getting into action, without any scope for lapses. The watch is born out of this philosophy, as it is built to endure and perform under high pressure, and the ISO 6425 compliant is proof of that. It is powered by the in-house automatic Calibre 7AC0, beating at a frequency of 28,800vph (4 Hz), with an accuracy of –10/+30 seconds per day—packing in precision even when tested in the extreme outdoors. For this, Titan has also collaborated with the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) to further their legitimacy in the dive-watch segment.
A 120-click unidirectional bezel secured by an Aqua Lock mechanism, allows one to keep track of time underwater, while the sapphire crystal glass, protecting the dial with its triple-layer, anti-reflective coating, ensures legibility even in extreme low-light situations. Besides the 500m timekeepers, the collection boasts 12 watches, created to perform across depths ranging from 100m to 500m, and come with an additional FKM rubber strap, replete with a quick-release system, allowing the wearer to interchange it without the need for additional tools.