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Do you know an amagnetic mechanical watch is a key a part of an EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) diver’s tools? Admittedly, I didn’t. Nevertheless, because it seems, the slightest magnetic disturbance can set off explosives, rendering any battery-powered watch harmful to EOD divers. Due to this, the French Navy turned to Serica for an amagnetic mechanical different. I bought an opportunity to go hands-on with the brand new Serica 5303 PLD.
The Serica 5303 PLD will be ordered beginning Could twentieth, 2025. This new model of Serica’s diver prices €1,690 and comes with the acquainted mesh bracelet and a secondary elastic Serica PLD strap. Let’s have a more in-depth look!
The Serica 5303 PLD shares most of its specs with the common 5303
In case you are accustomed to Serica’s 5303 diver, the PLD bundle will feel and appear acquainted. It’s, in any case, a comparatively modest adaptation of the French model’s core dive mannequin. You continue to get a 39mm stainless diver with 12.2mm thickness and a 46.5mm lug-to-lug. Serica charges its water resistance at 300 meters due to a thick sapphire crystal up prime and an all-steel case again.
The unique 5303
Inside ticks the Soprod caliber M100. It is a drop-in different to the ETA 2892-A2, though it isn’t an actual clone. This motion from the Festina Group comes with a 42-hour energy reserve and ticks at a 4Hz (28,800vph) frequency. Serica offers regulation inside COSC requirements, and the watch is licensed accordingly.
Whereas the Serica 5303 PLD comes with a secondary strap, the mesh bracelet might be your first choice. Frankly, I discover this the weakest hyperlink within the bundle. Though the mesh with its fitted finish hyperlinks actually seems to be suave, it isn’t the best by way of ease of use, and it feels a bit dainty, particularly for a military-themed watch.
The Serica 5303 PLD therapy
So, what’s new concerning the PLD model of the 5303 for the French Navy divers? The obvious factor to leap out is the brand new bezel shade. The workforce at Serica tends to nail the usage of colours, and that is no exception. You get a darkish, barely grayish blue, making for a really stylish and versatile look. Talking of the bezel, the common 5303’s minute and hour scales make means for a “most dive time” scale. The bezel shows the utmost allowed operation time for a spread of depths.
The opposite variations are extra delicate. The seconds hand, for example, acquired a little bit of a steroid therapy. The ensuing fats lollipop aids in legibility with its thicker lume plot. Eager observers may also word the “amagnétique” signature at 6. As talked about within the opening paragraph, that may be a key bit of knowledge for the Serica 5303 PLD’s audience.
Lastly, the extra elastic strap represents Serica’s tackle a French Navy basic. The material loop closes with customized brushed Serica {hardware}, finishing a horny bundle.
Sporting the Serica 5303 PLD
It’s no secret that I’m a fan of Serica’s aesthetic. I get why it could be divisive, however I just like the mid-century vibe with fashionable design quirks. Once I first unpacked the brand new Serica 5303 PLD, I immediately related with the watch. It feels particular, and I discover it very enticing. The odd shade mixture of a blue bezel with a khaki-green and yellow strap makes it look as if I put it on a random strap from my assortment myself. Curiously, I discovered this makes it really feel worn in and acquainted immediately. The consolation supplied by this type of elastic strap solely helps that have.
I’ve all the time been a fan of the 5303 and its proportions. It feels ever so barely tubby in a likable and sympathetic means, particularly with the added layers of cloth beneath. I additionally discover it wears pretty small for its 39mm diameter, which I like.
Though the PLD actually offers off a tool-watch vibe, it’s also nonetheless very a lot a Serica. Which means it oozes Parisian aptitude and elegance. I suppose the refined little particulars, just like the cut up bezel and properly curved lugs, present a little bit of je ne sais quoi. Or possibly I’m simply projecting. In any case, a software watch from Serica by no means feels medical like, say, a Sinn.
This additionally means I battle slightly bit with the navy theme. I’m nonetheless not sure whether or not that’s what I would like from Serica or whether or not it’s higher left to different manufacturers. Nonetheless, I absolutely perceive that any younger model would soar on the likelihood to collaborate with a navy unit, even when just for the road cred it offers.
Closing ideas
I vastly admire Serica’s power in conveying a particular picture by means of its watches. The aesthetic is so particular that you’ll acknowledge a Serica from throughout the room. That’s no imply feat, particularly if you lean on a classic design language on the similar time. Serica finds a novel signature, creating one thing that stands alone. The truth that this design language isn’t for everybody solely speaks for the model. It’s higher to be nice to some than to be mediocre to all people.
I might see myself driving an outdated Citroën DS right down to a stunning French harbor city, boarding a small boat, and going out for a dive in turquoise waters earlier than lunch whereas carrying the Serica 5303 PLD. That’s exactly the form of spell this watch places on me. That can also be fairly far faraway from naval EOD operations. Is the 5303 PLD too elegant for its meant function? Or is Serica just too suave to be thought-about a navy provider? Or is all of it in my head, and may we merely embrace fashionable navy watches from the Parisian model?
I actually don’t know. However I just like the watch so much!
What do you consider the brand new Serica 5303 PLD? Tell us within the feedback part under!
