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Escudo Ocean Seacrest Deep Azul Takes Horophiles To New Depths Of Watchmaking

“We are thrilled to introduce the Deep Azul edition to our esteemed clientele. This new colour variation exemplifies our commitment to craftsmanship, style, and innovation. We are confident that it will resonate with individuals seeking a refined timepiece that makes a statement.”

Simon Correia & Richard Johnson, Co-Founders, Escudo Watches

If you are looking to buy a watch that’s not your average diver with more elegance than an Emmys red carpet, you have landed on the right page.

And at well under £5,000, why not consider flexing something that’s more interesting and distinctive than sitting round the boardroom table, sporting a Tudor Black Bay Pro or Omega Seamaster 300M.

Gentlemen, it’s about time we introduced the new Escudo Ocean Seacrest Deep Azul in matt black.

At A Glance

Making waves already as one of the best British watch brands on the scene, Escudo watches has launched a declination of the popular Ocean Seacrest range with matt black dial.
Launched August 2024, this follows on from the Ocean Seacrest Chocolate Bronze and Azul series with a 39mm case diameter, crafted from 316L stainless steel.
With the company established in 2020 by Simon Correia and Richard Johnson, the Escudo Ocean Seacrest Deep Azul delivers a colourful declination that’s functional yet precise, with sleek stainless steel bracelet, 200 metres of water resistance and deep blue bezel.
Like the Omega Speedmaster, both men have boldly gone where not many have gone before in executing this refined piece, leaning on British and Portuguese maritime exploration, like Vasco Da Gama and Ferdinand Magellan, the latter being responsible for spearheading the first round the world expedition.
As Vacheron Constantin’s success with the Overseas line, Escudo's spirit of adventure courses through their timekeeping veins, combining heritage and cutting edge technology…with a new matt black dial.

Two Countries, One Seafaring Vision

Before we deep dive like a Bell & Ross Hydromax into our review of the Escudo Ocean Seacrest Deep Azul, a little background first.

Oh yes, Chrono Hunter not only plunges where others haven’t dared, due to our one of a kind portal with multiple offers when you buy or sell a watch, but we too provide the finest content via our Chronicles section.

And today’s hands-on experience is no different. Traversing the shores from coast to coast are none other than the brainchildren behind Escudo Watches, Founders Simon Correia and Richard Johnson.

This microbrand may not have the lineage of, let’s say a Patek Philippe or Audemars Piguet with centuries of watchmaking behind them.

Yet their ability to manufacture a versatile, refined timepiece that has got the community talking is testament to where they have come. Harking back to British and Portuguese maritime exploration, the look, feel and craftsmanship will almost sway you in a split second.

Fit for today’s modern adventure-seeker and those with a penchant for wanderlust, those intrepid explorers who only possessed the simplest of tools, coupled with a thirst for knowledge are encapsulated in their watches.

Firmly fixed on adventure with influences from some of the greatest 15th century explorers like Bartolomeu Dias, Duarte Pacheco Pereira and Prince Henry the Navigator, the story is told eloquently through their showcase of divers that has spawned the Preto e Bronze and Silver Inox line among others.

And the Portuguese influences don’t stop there.

From the fleur-de-lis used by cartographers some 600 years ago on the warranty cards and packaging down to the bronze, widely utilised in shipping during this period, they have carefully considered the presentation of their pieces.

Fast forward to 2024, and the brand has formed some impressive partnerships, reflecting their true essence and values. These feature;

Former Benfica and Southampton Defender José Fonte - Global Ambassador & Partner
Ex-Barcelona and Everton Midfielder André Gomes - Ocean Seacrest Silver Inox
Rich Manley - Adventure Ambassador

Not to worry. We ain't calling full time on this one yet. We have only just begun our journey into what makes this brand tick.

Personality Of The Escudo Ocean Seacrest Deep Azul

“We have had tremendous reaction to this colourway in previews at consumer shows. We love this colour combination and decided it was the correct time to launch in combination with the bracelet release”

Simon Correia, Co-Founder, Escudo Watches

We are ready to move on to the timekeeping version of show and tell and like the HMS Beagle · or USS Nautilus, our exploration ship is ready to set sail.

With a case diameter of 39mm and a thickness of 12.8mm (only 1 mm more than a Black Bay Heritage and 0.8mm slimmer than an Omega Seamaster 210.30.42.20.03.001), the British hand made engineering that goes into every single piece is clearly on show.

Meanwhile, the unidirectional Azul blue bezel comes complete with dual-bearing action for added accuracy that’s finished in matt aluminium and rounded off with a triangular arrow marker at 12 showcasing the accents of the Portuguese flag in red, green and white.

Again, we tip our hats, chaps to the exquisite attention to detail. As for the dial, it’s a genuine showstopper at this price point.

The arrow head markers residing at 12, 3, 6 and 9 are akin to a compass rose, displaying north, south, east and west.

Another nod to the brand’s nautical influences, this map symbol, otherwise known as a wind rose or compass star has an integral connection with cardinal directions.

Talking of which, Simon Correia, Co-Founder of Escudo Watches mentioned to me in an exclusive soundbite that…“At the moment it feels like the stars are aligning with the brand “

Dating back to the 14th Century, the compass rose is seen on a myriad of charts when portolan charts were actually a thing.

The “rose” meaning is signified via the compass points themselves which funnily enough appear to resemble petals found on this oh so popular flower.

What better way to showcase this than on the matt black dial which is rounded off with 3D lumed cardinal points and markers in silver. Don’t miss the easy to use crown either which has the Escudo logo firmly fixed on it, tipping their hat to those key Portuguese influences.

Other highlights to mention feature tapered silver hands providing top notch clarity in numerous conditions with all encompassing BGW9 & C1 Super-LumiNova®. And as you can see above it is as clear as crystal.

The way the second hand goes right into the tip of the cardinal markers as it does its sweeping is another act of precision from the duo.

Whether water-skiing on the West Coast or scuba diving in the Seychelles, it gives wearers the ability to view this clearly underwater. However, we have saved one of the best features till last.

Long before Escudo was in business, the band Berlin was singing the following in 1986;

“Watching every motion in my foolish lover's game

On this endless ocean, finally lovers know no shame

Turning and returning to some secret place inside

Watching in slow motion as you turn around and say

Take my breath away.”

Well, it turns out Simon Correia and Richard Johnson have done this with aplomb thanks to not just the scratch-resistant sapphire box crystal with triple layer anti-reflective coating, but something rather distinctive that will most likely have many gasping for air...in a good way.

Like a David Blaine magic trick, the virtual holographically central brand logo is only revealed when flexing this beauty by either breathing or steam and otherwise invisible to the naked eye. How about that for innovation?

Sure, the text may be similar to what one would find on a Seamaster or Rolex Submariner, and it may well be a sign of horological appreciation.

But the ingenious way they have gone about concealing this aspect is again perfectly demonstrated.

After all, do you know of anyone doing this in the industry today?!

On the wrist, it has a solid feel but sits very comfortably without any wriggle or wiggle room. It hits the sweet spot for consumers' penchant for slimmer watches, given we are dealing with a 39mm diameter.

On the scales, it’s more than 60 grams lighter than other much loved divers such as a stainless steel Longines HydroConquest (ref. L3.841.4.56.6), weighing in at 210.6 grams.

Just some food for thought around your purchasing decision...

Flip this baby over for a minute and discover a closed dual piece caseback with their ever present shield logo, fleur-de-lis and other details including;

The limited edition number
Stainless steel
Swiss automatic
Ocean Seacrest
WR 200m-660ft

Talk about turning heads…and wrists

Official Specs: Escudo Ocean Seacrest Deep Azul

Reference	0222 2441
Case Material	316L Stainless Steel
Case Diameter	39mm
Case Thickness	12.8mm
Water Resistance	200 metres (660ft)
Bezel Colour	Azul (blue)
Bezel	Uni-directional
Dial Colour	Matt black
Lug Width	20mm
Lug To Lug Width	47.5mm
Lume	BGW9 & C1 Super-LumiNova®
Limited Edition	Yes, 300 pieces
Essential Functions	Hours, minutes, seconds
Weight	148 grams

Escudo 1488 Movement

Take a second to look under the bonnet and discover the Calibre 1488.

Based on the Sellita SW200-1 no date, this automatic movement has nothing but precision and accuracy with this oh so popular calibre that’s widely used in the sector. How do we know?

Our moles have been digging fervently to ensure what you see is definitely what you get with this new novelty. While Selitta provides gives its movements to brands like Baume and Mercier, other watches that house this specific calibre include;

Oris Aquis Titanium Date
Alpine Seastrong Diver Heritage
Tudor Royal Automatic Date pre-2023 models

Sure, it might not be weekend-proof in terms of power reserve with 38 hours on the clock. Nevertheless, it’s a Swiss-made automatic movement that has been tweaked and revamped ensuring you won’t lose valuable time.

And we all know we aren’t masters of this discipline.

Official Movement Specs

Number of Jewels	26
Movement Name	Escudo Calibre 1488 base Sellita SW200-1 no date.
Decorated	Yes
Frequency	28,800 (4Hz)
Power Reserve	38 hours
Thickness	4.6mm
Diameter	25.6mm

Strap Yourself In For A Nautical Adventure Like No Other

Hats off to both Simon Correia and Richard Johnson when it comes to the bracelet. Benefitting from both polished and brushed aspects, you may find something of this ilk at a significantly higher price point.

“Classic colours meets beautiful bracelet”

Richard Johnson, Co-Founder, Escudo Watches

We’re talking Zenith Defy Extreme Mirror or the Grand Seiko “White Birch” SLGH005 (RRP £8,950 at the time of writing) with all the Daliesque abstract descriptions you can throw at it, thanks to its tree forest inspired dial, a stones throw from their Shizukuishi studios.

A mouthful indeed.

But what we are drooling over is the attention to detail here. They have thought out every nut, bolt and indeed, solid screw link that’s found on this particular bracelet. Made from 316L stainless steel, it should withstand more knocks and tumbles than Tyson Fury.

This really is a solid piece of kit, bolstered by its 200 metres of water resistance, leading to first rate resilience and more longevity than Simon Cowell’s career.

This is a robust piece but at the same time provides effortless comfort on the wrist that has turned many dive watches such as a Rolex Submariner or Tudor Pelagos 39 into a major GADA piece (That’s go anywhere, do anything by the way), as the ideal everyday driver.

This one may fit the bill

Who needs Thelma or Louise when you have an Escudo Ocean Seacrest Deep Azul?

In fact, with so much brushing and polishing, you will notice the difference with smooth links giving a fully rounded look that’s comfortable and can be accentuated with all manner of outfits for both the boardroom or that late night bar.

There are Portuguese touches again that are embodied on the fold over clasp with the Escudo logo as well as an engraving entitled “LISBON LONDON”, paying homage to its roots with the signature fleur-de-lis separating the text.

But the beauty of this bracelet lies within its easy to use micro-adjustment system that works seamlessly and is adjustable for those gents on the fly, or those racing to that last minute meetup.

Accessed through a push button situated within the trigger release, it means there are limitless possibilities to obtain the most suitable fit so your wrist game remains on point.

Bracelet Specs

Bracelet Style	3-Link
Bracelet Material	Stainless Steel
Micro-Adjustment System	Yes
Clasp Style	Fold over

Where Can You Buy A New Escudo Ocean Seacrest Deep Azul?

Available to purchase direct from Escudo watches here, it is priced at £1,645 as of August 2024. However, as this is a limited edition, we expect this to take off as much as an IWC Mark XX silver dial.

Besides, you can even register your own limited edition number with them directly between 1-300 should you wish to do so. Note, like tickets to Wimbledon or front row seats at the Royal Albert Hall for Last Night Of The Proms, this is only on a “first come, first served” basis.

Therefore time is very much of the essence.

As Co-Founder Richard Johnson put it to me exclusively;

“This represents a serious step forward for us as we believe we are on the cusp of an explosion in interest in the Escudo brand”

Looks like a case of watch this space…

Where Are Escudo Watches Made?

From conception to development not forgetting the design, the melange of Portuguese and UK manufacturing is arguably a USP in their timekeeping arsenal.

Together with leading Swiss movements, in tandem with premium manufacturers, their watches are given the once over before finally being constructed in Winchester.

Did You Know…

The Escudo brand name is much more than the now defunct currency of the said name, beginning in May 1911, and phased out with the Euro on January 1st 2022.

It derives from the Portuguese translation for shield, and not just any shield, but the one found within the ever powerful symbol of the Portuguese coat of arms.

A brilliant and bold display of courage, resilience, valour, and power, it is a symbol of national identity emboldened by the flag.

The five chevrons in the centre represent each of the Moorish Kings defeated in 1139 by King Afonso Henriques during the so-called Batalha de Ourique.

These chevrons form an integral part of the country's faith and divine protection which dates back to the foundation of this great Iberian territory.

Portuguese Order Of Christ, Source: Wikimedia Commons

What’s more the Portuguese cross, originating in the Portuguese Order of Christ, from 1319, known as the Cruz da Ordem de Cristo can be seen in the brand logo, further supporting the deeply ingrained cross-country theme.

What’s Our View?

This is a voyage of maritime exploration like no other.

As far as build quality is concerned, you’d be hard pressed to find a stronger contender sub £2,000.

This is especially true when you are getting the same water resistance and build quality like the 39mm Black Bay Pro in stainless steel with riveted bracelet, priced at £3,640 at the time of writing.

Handmade to order, add in complimentary shipping to all manner of worldwide destinations not to mention a 4 year warranty, and it’s no surprise many are singing their horological praises.

And we don’t need Fatboy Slim to praise what Escudo watches have brought to the table.

Extending the explorer theme, no stone has been left unturned as the presentation box has been given careful consideration, encased with a nautical Columbus style map, tying in nicely with the adventure ethos.

Furthermore, we like the fact every Ocean Seacrest model comes with a Tropic rubber strap and complimentary spring tool bar for good measure.

Not a deal breaker, but it’s just another sign of a well thought out process that puts dive watches firmly on the map.

Full steam ahead.

Conclusion

The hour is not upon us yet.

Brimming with craftsmanship and more elegance than you might see at London Fashion Week, the Escudo Ocean Seacrest Deep Azul ticks many of those key horological boxes that enthusiasts are looking for.

As an entry-level piece, that’s not too dissimilar (minus the bi-coloured Cerachom bezel) to the Rolex Batman, these quintessential dive tones i.e. the blue and black are a resounding hit.

While this colour contrast is apparent on many top Swiss watch brands, including the 41mm TAG Heuer Aquaracer 300 Calibre 5 with ceramic bezel, surely there’s room for other diver related contenders, rather than your ahem…usual suspects.

And this is no Kevin Spacey (or should that be Keyser Söze) of a timepiece. Far from it. After all, time moves on, and this is not 1995.

But one cannot deny the vintage explorer throwback, nautical theme, sleek looks and contemporary feel of a brand that is unquestionably going places.

Their unwavering thirst for adventure is sure to quench any lovers of a “Pepsi” or dare we say Rolex Sprite.

Simon Correia and Richard Johnson have genuinely thought out all the processes along the way of what makes an excellent ticker.

Plus, if they play their cards right, they may be able to construct a family based business to rival the Thierry Sterns (aka Monsieur Patek Philippe) of this world. You heard it here first.

For now onwards and upwards as they say. In the words of the great American writer Mark Twain;

"Twenty years from now, you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than those you did. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from safe harbour. Catch the wind in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.”

The Escudo Ocean Seacrest Deep Azul, we salute you. This really is a mere drop in the ocean as to where the brand is going next…

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Images (unless otherwise specified): Escudo Watches

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