Edox Skydiver: owner reviews and feedback

The Edox SkyDiver, relaunched as a modern collection in 2019, draws its identity from a military watch rediscovered in the Swiss company’s archives. According to communications published by Edox over the years, this original piece is associated either with 1969 or with a drawing dated 1973 carrying a reference to a special limited production. Its story is linked to an order intended for Swiss paratroopers, with the objective of providing a robust watch capable of being used on land, in the air and in the water.

The modern reinterpretation retains this tool-watch aesthetic while adopting contemporary materials: 316L stainless steel or bronze depending on the version, sapphire crystal, rotating bezel, screw-down crown and Swiss movements.

The family has gradually expanded around several sizes and performance levels, from 42 mm SkyDiver models water-resistant to 300 metres to 44 mm Neptunian models capable of reaching 1,000 metres, followed by the more compact SkyDiver 38 and chronograph versions.

Design & legibility: military codes reinterpreted

The SkyDiver is recognisable by a deliberately straightforward dial built around large hour markers and hands wide enough to be identified quickly. The first modern reissues notably retain large round or rectangular markers, a peripheral minute track and a date at 3 o’clock on several references. Some variants use gradient dials recalling the natural ageing of certain vintage watches, while others favour stronger colours such as blue, green or black. Hands and markers receive luminous material to make reading easier as ambient light falls. The visual personality of the SkyDiver relies on a balance between vintage military aesthetics and genuine sports-watch legibility. The domed sapphire crystal used on many references contributes strongly to this retro impression: its profile evokes the acrylic crystals of the 1960s and 1970s while providing better resistance to scratches. On dive models, the unidirectional bezel provides a simple reference for measuring elapsed time. SkyDiver 38 models use a ceramic bezel, while the Neptunian family develops this functional dimension further with Super-LumiNova X1 and components designed for immersion at significantly greater depths.

Case, bracelet and comfort: from 38 to 44 mm depending on use

There is no single SkyDiver size. The first modern Military Limited Edition models use a 42 mm case, with thickness close to 11.5 to 12 mm depending on the source and variant. The 2022 Date Automatic editions retain 42 mm but reach approximately 13.9 mm with their strongly domed sapphire crystal. In 2023, Edox reduced the diameter to 38 mm on the SkyDiver 38 Date Automatic while retaining 300 metres of water resistance; stated thickness is then 13.7 mm. The Neptunian, for its part, uses a much more substantial 44 mm case to provide 1,000 metres of water resistance. The choice of diameter therefore considerably changes the character and comfort of the SkyDiver. The 38 mm models fit more easily under a sleeve and suit a very broad range of wrist sizes, while the 42 and 44 mm versions provide greater presence. Bracelets and straps vary between steel, leather, nylon and rubber. Several limited editions are supplied with a second interchangeable strap. Screw-down crowns and screw-down casebacks contribute to water resistance, but leather straps are naturally less appropriate for repeated immersion than steel, synthetic textile or rubber.

Movement: the Edox 80 calibre at the heart of the automatic versions

A large proportion of modern automatic SkyDiver watches use the Edox 80 calibre, a Swiss movement derived from the Sellita SW200 family. It operates at 28,800 vibrations per hour and, on documented generations, provides a power reserve of approximately 38 hours. Usual functions are hours, minutes, central seconds and, depending on the reference, a date at 3 o’clock. This architecture is widely used in Swiss watchmaking, which provides a practical advantage when servicing becomes necessary. The Edox 80 calibre favours proven and easily understood mechanics rather than a particularly long power reserve. A watch left unworn for an entire weekend may therefore need to be reset when picked up again. The SkyDiver family is not exclusively mechanical: certain chronograph variations use a Swiss quartz movement. The 2024 SkyDiver Chronograph, for example, receives the quartz Edox 101 calibre and adds a chronograph, date and telemeter scale. This diversity allows a choice between the traditional character of an automatic and the straightforward convenience of quartz. Exact recommended servicing intervals for the complete family are not communicated; for watches regularly immersed, periodic water-resistance testing remains particularly relevant.

Chronological milestones and main models (2019–2025)

(2019) Edox SkyDiver Military Green Steel:

This edition marks the modern return of the SkyDiver and reproduces many elements associated with the military watch rediscovered in the Edox archives. The Edox SkyDiver Military Limited Edition 80115-3N-VD has a 42 mm 316L stainless-steel case, a black ceramic unidirectional diving bezel and a gradient dial progressing from green to black. The markers and hands are luminous, while a date appears at 3 o’clock. The automatic Edox 80 movement provides approximately 38 hours of power reserve and operates at 28,800 vibrations per hour. The screw-down crown, screw-down caseback and sapphire crystal allow a stated water resistance of 300 metres. The caseback carries a motif referring to paratroopers. Produced in 555 pieces, this version is accompanied by a steel bracelet and military-style textile strap, making it easy to change its appearance between everyday use and a presentation more directly inspired by equipment watches.

(2019) Edox SkyDiver Military Bronze Black:

The bronze variation significantly changes the character of the first modern SkyDiver. The Edox SkyDiver Military Limited Edition 80115-BRZN-NDR retains a 42 mm diameter and stated water resistance of 300 metres, but its bronze case progressively develops a patina that can change its colour over time. The unidirectional bezel uses a black ceramic insert and surrounds a dark dial whose hands and markers adopt tones consistent with the warm colour of the case. The crystal is sapphire and the crown screws down. The automatic Edox 80 provides approximately 38 hours of power reserve and drives hours, minutes and seconds with a deliberately simple presentation. The leather strap reinforces the vintage appearance and warm bronze tone but is less suitable than rubber or a metal bracelet for regular use in water. The patina also makes each example progressively different, an important characteristic to accept before choosing a bronze watch.

(2021) Edox SkyDiver Neptunian Blue:

With the Neptunian, Edox develops the SkyDiver into a genuine professionally oriented dive watch rather than simply providing an aesthetic reissue of the military watch. The Edox SkyDiver Neptunian Automatic 80120-3NM-BUIDN uses a 44 mm stainless-steel case capable of resisting a stated pressure of 100 atmospheres, or 1,000 metres. Construction includes a sapphire crystal approximately 3 mm thick, a rotating ceramic bezel, screw-down crown and automatic helium-release valve intended for saturation-diving environments. The blue dial receives a date at 3 o’clock and hands and markers treated with Super-LumiNova X1 to favour reading in low light. The automatic Edox 80 calibre powers the watch and offers approximately 42 hours of power reserve according to the specifications communicated for the Neptunian. The caseback features Neptune holding his trident. Its diameter and considerable thickness make it particularly suited to enthusiasts seeking a highly present dive watch whose technical capabilities greatly exceed the requirements of ordinary daily wear.

(2022) Edox SkyDiver Automatic Black & Brown:

This limited edition returns more directly to the aesthetics of the archival watch and favours an understated military character. The Edox SkyDiver Automatic Limited Edition 80126-3N-NINB uses a 42 mm stainless-steel case, semi-matte black dial and brown leather strap. The large applied markers and hands receive Super-LumiNova to preserve night-time legibility, while the date window at 3 o’clock is surrounded by a light-coloured frame making it immediately identifiable. The domed sapphire crystal visually evokes old acrylic crystals while offering far greater scratch resistance. The automatic Edox 80 calibre provides approximately 38 hours of power reserve. A screw-down crown and robust case construction allow 300 metres of water resistance to be retained despite the retro aesthetic. The leather strap is interchangeable and a second black strap is supplied. Produced in 600 pieces, this version favours a more versatile presentation than the substantial Neptunian and can easily be worn with everyday clothing away from the water.

(2022) Edox SkyDiver Date Automatic Bronze Blue:

This variation combines the historical SkyDiver silhouette with more demonstrative materials and colours. The Edox SkyDiver Date Automatic Limited Edition 80126-BRN-BUIDR has a 42 mm case using bronze, paired with a blue dial and brown leather strap. Its thickness is close to 13.9 mm and the watch is protected by a domed sapphire crystal. The unidirectional bezel uses a ceramic component, while the screw-down crown and case construction provide a stated water resistance of 300 metres. The automatic Edox 80 calibre displays hours, minutes, seconds and date, with approximately 38 hours of power reserve. Differently sized markers and luminous hands retain the military visual identity of the collection. As with any bronze watch, the case changes aesthetically through surface oxidation. The leather strap complements the blue and bronze tones harmoniously but is best replaced by a water-resistant option when the watch is regularly used for swimming.

(2023) Edox SkyDiver 38 Date Automatic Black:

The reduction in diameter to 38 mm represents an important development for a collection previously built mainly around 42 and 44 mm formats. The Edox SkyDiver 38 Date Automatic 80131-3NM-NIB nevertheless retains serious dive-watch characteristics: 316L stainless-steel case, unidirectional ceramic bezel, screw-down crown, screw-down caseback, domed sapphire crystal and 300 metres of water resistance. Its thickness is stated at approximately 13.7 mm and the lug width is 20 mm. The black dial contains luminous hands and markers together with a date at 3 o’clock. The automatic Edox 80 calibre provides approximately 38 hours of power reserve. The steel bracelet receives a system allowing finer wrist adjustment. The main attraction of this reference lies in the relationship between its compact diameter and high water resistance: it offers the historical SkyDiver aesthetic in proportions that are easier to wear on a small or medium wrist while retaining the essential functional characteristics of a modern dive watch.

(2023) Edox SkyDiver 38 Date Automatic Blue:

The blue version uses exactly the same technical base but gives the SkyDiver 38 a more maritime and brighter presence. The Edox SkyDiver 38 Date Automatic 80131-3BUM-BUIN uses a 38 mm stainless-steel case measuring approximately 13.7 mm thick, with a 20 mm lug width and stated water resistance of 300 metres. The blue dial is framed by a matching unidirectional ceramic bezel, while the domed sapphire crystal provides the characteristic curvature sought by this retro collection. The crown screws down and the caseback carries a motif referring to the paratrooper universe behind the SkyDiver. The automatic Edox 80 calibre displays hours, minutes, seconds and date and provides approximately 38 hours of autonomy. The steel bracelet makes the watch suitable both for water and everyday use. Compared with the black version, no fundamental functional difference determines the choice: the blue model simply favours a sportier and more visible appearance.

(2024) Edox SkyDiver Chronograph Blue:

The 2024 chronograph expands the family beyond the traditional automatic three-hand watch. The Edox SkyDiver Chronograph 10116-3-BUIDN uses a 40 mm 316L stainless-steel case measuring 13.9 mm thick, dimensions that position it between the SkyDiver 38 and the larger 42 or 44 mm versions. Its blue dial contains two chronograph counters, a date and a telemeter scale that can theoretically estimate a distance from the time separating two visible and audible phenomena, such as lightning and thunder. The movement here is a Swiss quartz Edox 101, a choice that simplifies chronograph use and offers a different form of accuracy from a mechanical movement. The sapphire crystal is domed and water resistance remains high at a stated 300 metres. The 20 mm steel bracelet can be replaced by the supplied leather strap. This reference therefore offers a more versatile interpretation of the SkyDiver, focused more strongly on timing short intervals than on the strict aesthetic of a military dive watch.

Conclusion

The Edox SkyDiver has today become a family broad enough that it can no longer be reduced to a simple military reissue. The 38 mm models provide a compact approach, the 42 mm versions remain closest to the spirit of the 2019 revival, while the Neptunian pushes the diving concept as far as 1,000 metres. Bronze references favour visual evolution and patina, whereas steel remains more neutral and easier to combine with daily clothing. The chronograph finally adds an alternative for those who prioritise measuring short intervals and the simplicity of quartz. Whatever the version selected, the domed crystal, large hour markers and strong water resistance remain among the collection’s most recognisable characteristics.

To understand how these features translate into real wrist comfort, accuracy, finishing and ownership enjoyment, Dialicious customer reviews provide a useful complement to technical specifications alone.

(Updated August 2026)