A Purple Reign: The Daring Vulcain Skindiver GMT Purple Limited Edition

Here at Coolector HQ, we’ve got a real soft spot for timepieces that expertly walk the line between vintage charm and contemporary cool. It’s a difficult trick to pull off, but when a watchmaker gets it right, the results are invariably spectacular. That’s precisely the territory we’re in with the latest release from the storied Swiss brand, Vulcain.

They’ve taken their beloved Skindiver Nautique line, a collection already steeped in 1960s diving heritage, and injected it with a shot of pure, unadulterated personality. This is a watch that doesn’t just tell the time; it tells a story of adventure, history, and audacious style, ready to turn heads from the airport lounge to the ocean floor.

Forget your conventional blacks and blues for a moment. The first thing that will grab you about this timepiece is its stunning matte purple dial. It’s a bold choice, and one that works magnificently. This isn’t a loud, garish purple, but a deep, sophisticated hue that gives the watch a unique and captivating character.

Paired with crisp white printing and generously applied Super-LumiNova® on the hour markers and hands, legibility is never in question, whether you’re checking the time in a dimly lit cabin or exploring the depths. Framed by a bi-directional ceramic bezel, the entire face of the watch exudes a sense of purposeful design and retro flair.

Vulcain has wisely remained faithful to the compact proportions that made the original 1960s model such a roaring success. The brushed vertical 316L stainless steel case measures a perfectly judged 38.3 mm in diameter, a sweet spot that will appeal to a wide array of wrist sizes and those who appreciate a more classic fit.

What’s even more impressive is the slim profile, coming in at just 12.2 mm thick – a remarkable achievement for an automatic GMT watch. This ensures it wears comfortably and can easily slip under a shirt cuff, making it a versatile companion for any occasion. The vintage aesthetic is topped off with a gorgeous double-domed sapphire crystal that plays with the light beautifully.

Beneath this handsome exterior beats a robust and reliable Swiss heart. Vulcain has equipped this globetrotter with the Soprod C125 GMT automatic movement. For the uninitiated, the GMT function allows you to track a second time zone via a dedicated 24-hour hand, a godsend for anyone hopping across continents or coordinating with colleagues abroad. The movement hums along at a modern frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour (4 Hz) and offers a solid 42-hour power reserve.

True to the spirit of a proper tool watch, it boasts a formidable water resistance of 200 meters (20 ATM), and for those who appreciate mechanical artistry, a screw-down exhibition caseback offers a pleasing view of the decorated movement within. For £2090, you’re not just getting a watch; you’re getting a conversation starter from a legendary manufacture that has been crafting exceptional timepieces from Le Locle since 1858. The Vulcain Skindiver GMT Purple Limited Edition is a compelling package of heritage, functionality, and standout design that is hard to ignore.

---