For many of us (myself included), there is no denying the appeal of a cleanly designed diver. Now, you cannot argue that the Limes Endurance II is not truly a dive watch, as it carries a 100ATM WR rating (aka 1000m). It also most certainly fits into the category as a tool watch, and the timing bezel gives it the final diver touch.
Then again, the Limes Endurance II certainly does not measure in as we almost have come to expect from steel dive watches, so perhaps it would be wise to not consider it as one. The 41.5mm stainless steel case measures in at 12.5mm thick, which really is rather thin for a tool watch, quite similar to the Michelsen Arctic Explorer. This means that while the case itself has the watch ready for some rough-and-tumble, it can still work well in less, shall we say, vigorous, settings. When you add in that the case has a mix of both brushed and polished surfaces, then you really do have a more versatile watch.
What initially caught my eye about the Limes Endurance II was not the case, but the dial. Whether in black or blue, the luminous indices pop out in sharp contrast to the matte finish of the dial surface. While very dimensional applied indices can be interesting, there is something to be said about a well-executed flat dial, which is what we have with the Limes Endurance II. Text is kept rather minimal as well, which furthers the clean look to the watch. Also in line with that look is the color-matched insert on the uni-directional bezel. I like the uniformity of the look, and the matte finish looks much better to me than a high-polish metal insert would. Sure, if I could choose, I might ask for a luminous matte ceramic bezel to surround the sapphire crystal, but that is not the case here.
As with other watches we have seen from the larger company (Limes is stablemates with Defakto and Archimede), the Limes Endurance II strikes a balance between affordability and luxury. By that I mean you get some clean German designs in an overall look that punches above its pricepoint. The Limes Endurance II is available now for $787 (on the leather strap) for those outside the EU, and €860.00 for those who need to cover VAT. If you want the steel bracelet instead, the pricing goes up to$879 (or €960 including VAT). While I cannot say I am familiar with the original Limes Endurance, this latest iteration certainly catches the eye, and looks to be a capable watch to accompany you on your day. limes-watches.com
Watch Overview
- Brand & Model: Limes Endurance II
- Price: $787 (€860 incl. VAT) on leather, or $879 (€960 incl. VAT) on the steel bracelet
- Who we think it might be for: You want what I would call a slimline diver
- Would I buy one for myself based on what I’ve seen?: It would be tempting, for sure
- If I could make one design suggestion, it would be: I really think that a ceramic bezel insert would particularly make the watch a slam dunk
- What spoke to me the most about this watch: The dial – it really is a well-done example of how a flat dial can be made
Tech Specs from Limes
- Movement: Swiss automatic movement Sellita SW 200-1
- Watch case: ICKLER diver’s case, waterresistant to 100 ATM, diameter 41,5mm, thickness 12,5mm, stainless steel, brushed and polished finish, sapphire crystal with A/R coating, unidirectional rotating bezel (120 clicks) with 60 min. scale and luminous point, solid screw down case back, screw down crown with I-logo, screw bars
- Dial: Black or Blue with large luminous indices
- Hands: Luminous hands
- Band: Black rubberized leather strap, width 20mm, wrist size: 18,5 – 22cm
