As we all know, divers’ watches have to be rugged, reliable and be easy to use in difficult, and sometimes dangerous conditions. Rolex has very successfully built a whole sub brand (no pun intended) out of the Submariner. So whilst this isn’t a vintage watch like the usual Chrono Duo offering (it was released in 2007), this big beast certainly has presence on the wrist.

Oris has won widespread respect from its series of Limited Edition watches recognising the freediving achievements of Carlos Coste. Who? Well, Carlos’ name appears in the Guinness Book of World Records as one of the world’s greatest ever free-divers. In 2010 Coste completed a world record 150 meter, 2 minute 30 second dive without any breathing apparatus at the Cenote Dos Ojos underwater cave system in the Yucatan Peninsula. The Venezuelan was armed with only a torch and a monofin when he made the death-defying dive and in recognition of this feat, Oris produced the 2011 Carlos Coste Cenote Limited Edition chronograph. Oris had started its partnership with Coste in 2006 and used it to highlight the brand’s diver collection. Each watch in the collection comes with Carlos Coste’s seal of approval.

The Coste collection (which has now had four editions) have several elements in common: they are big, made to very high standards and built to last. This is a limited edition of 2000 pieces, ours being number 1113/2000. This can be seen on the side of the case beside the Helium Release Valve at 2 o’clock. This reference is 7598.

A 47mm case made in stainless steel would be extremely heavy. So titanium was used for both the watch and bracelet. It’s still a big watch and you know it’s on your wrist, but it doesn’t necessarily feel too heavy or unwieldy. The watch is equipped with an Oris 678 chronograph movement. This is derived from the Valjoux/ETA 7750. It has a left hand configuration with the helium release valve at 2 o’clock and the screw down crown and pushers opposite. Orange dial accents with the day/date aperture at 9 o’clock with the 30min subdial at 6 o’clock and the running second at 3 o’clock.

So, 47mm in diameter and 18,5mm in height and a sapphire crystal height of 4mm. water resistant down to 1000 metres. The case back is graced by the Carlos Coste logo and the limited edition number. In other words, you’re buying a rare, limited edition watch that is still robust enough to wear everyday whatever you’re doing or wherever you go.