Transcending Earth's Limits: Watches Built for Extreme Elements and Outer Space

Contrary to common belief, few owners of 300m dive watches, like the Rolex Submariner, actually dive below 50 metres. In fact, many seldom, if ever, engage in diving. With most serious scuba divers favouring wrist computers, traditional dive watches often serve more as fashion statements. However, some watchmakers go above and beyond, showcasing innovative engineering prowess with designs that can keep pace with the harshest conditions above, below and even beyond Earth’s surface.

In the current race for the thinnest mechanical watch, marvels like the Bulgari Octo Finissimo Ultra COSC (1.70mm), Richard Mille RM UP-01 Ferrari (1.75mm) and Piaget Altiplano Ultimate Concept (2.0mm) take the spotlight. While they carry exorbitant price tags, these attention-grabbing designs are impressive and innovative, demonstrating watchmaking expertise.