Clemence Photic Diver: A Local Hero

This summer we introduced Clemence Watches‘ inaugural model, the Photic Diver, with an extra splash by anointing it the Ultimate Shark Week Watch 2021.  With good reason.  This versatile diver lures you in with apex features like tastefully applied gilt accents and a diamond-shaped lollipop while still maintaining rugged sportiness in the water — all packaged in a brand ethos committed to marine conservation.

Hailing from the shores of Edinburgh in Scotland, Clemence reflects both its native land’s love for ocean-bound adventure and commitment to climate positivity.  Scotland as a global leader on sustainability?  Yep, now you know.  In fact, Burt Lancaster can tell you all about it — with that unmistakable voice — in the 1983 whimsical gem Local Hero; where he absolutely would have worn a Photic Diver for scenes just like this.  And if you’ve never seen this movie you’re in for a treat: 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes?!  Check it out.

So with that sentiment in mind let’s see what these gallant Gaels have to offer.

Of the many attractive features what struck me most at first glance was the bezel: thinner, glossier, and yeah I’ll say it classier than most in its league.  The domed sapphire insert gives it a dressed-up snazzy vibe, and its unobtrusive dimension provides versatility for non-diver wear (of course, divers go with anything).

The thin 10.7 mm profile adds to an elegant feel and the 120-click coin edge bezel ratchets with satisfying precision.  The signed, screw-down crown also provides “Clemence C” — but no need to go lenient on a clean, stylish, vintage logo that nicely encapsulates the brand.  Bonus points for augmenting that design language by opting out of the crown guards.

Now for those beautifully adorned applied indices and handset.  The phrase “gilty pleasure” was made for watches like this.  And yes, I’ve buried the lead — because these features define the Photic Diver’s unique appeal.  To be sure it isn’t the only diver to offer gilt accents… or a second hand diamond insert… or to mix it up with numerals on the face (though that 12 and 6 configuration gets some creativity points).

But the Photic Diver packages all of these design choices into a distinct, delectable balance that makes you realize that there are still fresh ways to excel at the “modern-vintage diver.”  Looking even closer at the dial you find the name and logo in subtle marine blue — something I didn’t appreciate until paired with a similar color Perlon strap (an under-utilized dive watch strap, by the way).

In backlighting, the golden accents take on seductive warmth and shimmer; an added bonus for a dive watch clearly meant to be worn in the water against a setting sun.  Which, legend has it, also marks the perfect hour for Loch Ness sightings.

This brings up another distinguishing feature of the Photic Diver: it’s designed to be worn as an actual diver.  Much like Marina (the marine biologist and conservationist soul of Local Hero) you can fit this diver’s tool over a wetsuit to ensure year-round aquatic exploration.

A restrained 39 mm width and 47 mm lug to lug case attached to an above-average quality bracelet with 20 mm to 18 mm taper already fits comfortably on the wrist.  Plus, the Photic Diver’s extension clasp easily accommodates even a thick wetsuit (pictured on 3/2 mm sleeve) while still hold snug in ocean swimming — including among some sizable waves.  Seen here in real-world testing in the surf.

For practical purposes I found the NATO strap (20 mm) more comfortable for active swimming and surfing — but when the water temperature drops I wouldn’t hesitate to bring back the bracelet and wetsuit.

The Photic Diver thrives on land as well. Several features contribute to commendable versatility: the thin bezel and lack of crown guards disguise the diver look that is often blatant on other models, and the unique 12 & 6 numerals give enough of a nod to an Explorer design that it feels up for any adventure.

Personally, I enjoyed wearing it on the road and catching as many lights as possible.

It also performs admirably as a field watch alternative — nicely suited for hikes or horse rides like you’d find in the British countryside (though hopefully not among The Kelpies!).  You likely notice some reflection on the photos; this was really the only limitation I encountered despite 4 layers of internal AR coating, and for what it’s worth, it was not distracting in person.

The Photic Diver sports an exhibition case back showcasing the 4 Hz Miyota 9039 movement housed in a stainless steel case with individually engraved numbering.  If that 002 caught your eye, recall the Scottish birthright of Ian Fleming’s James Bond.  Also, notice the style points on the decorated rotor with rays of light to reflect the “photic zone” namesake: the top 200 meters of ocean penetrated by sunlight and home an abundance of aquatic life.

It’s probably worth mentioning that Clemence joins a small but mighty band of northern British microbrands — including fellow sons of Scotland anORdain, Marloe, along with an active podcast community.

There’s something about the gilt dial and honey-colored spirit combo that just works. Every Scottish watch deserves a whiskey shot, right?

The Clemence Photic Diver launches today on Kickstarter listed at £429, roughly $600 USD, with discount early-bird specials.  This price checks out as reasonable and really a rather sound value proposition when you factor in the respectable specifications, luxurious aesthetics, and overall versatility.

Plus, each purchase contributes to planting a native UK tree, reforesting Scotland’s shores, and protecting its interlinked terraqueous ecosystems.  It is said the best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago; the next best time is today.

If you’ve always yearned for a vintage style diver with high-water marks for character and class — today just might be your day.