Delma Blue Shark III Azores Watch Review
The Delma Blue Shark III Azores shares much in common with the Delma Blue Shark III, a model Angus Davies reviewed back in 2019. Despite having worn a number of watches since, Angus still recalls his ‘hands-on’ experience of the Delma model and its various attributes, in particular robustness, readability and value. The new Delma Blue Shark III Azores is available in a choice of a blue gradient dial or a green gradient dial and helps raise funds for a worthy cause, the Megalodon Project.
Delma Watches
Over the last few years, I have become increasingly aware of Delma, the family-owned watch brand based in Lengnau. While its collection of models is diverse, they all deliver a welcome degree of robustness and represent excellent value for money.
In 2019, I received a press sample of the Delma Blue Shark III. Despite having worn and reviewed hundreds of watches since I can still remember my simulated ownership experience.
When reviewing the Delma Blue Shark III, what struck me the most was its notable robustness. The model has a maximum water resistance of 4000m, a depth that would subject the watch head to colossal pressure. Intended to withstand such arduous conditions, the case and supremely thick sapphire crystal look capable of post-apocalyptic survival. The scale of the 47 mm case and its perceptible heft may not suit all would-be wearers, but I remain a fan. Moreover, while many owners are unlikely to use this watch in anger, its robustness and lucid dial indications remain equally relevant to life on terra firma.
Delma Blue Shark III Azores – two versions
Now, the Swiss watch brand has unveiled two new additions to the Blue Shark III family, the Delma Blue Shark III Azores. These latest watches are available with a bewitching blue gradient dial or, alternatively, an eye-catching green gradient dial variant. Personally, the latter option would be my favoured model thanks to its unusual dial tones. In addition, the green gradient dial comes supplied with my favoured aluminium bezel. The specification of these latest models shares much in common with the watch I wore in 2019. This is no bad thing because I loved every square millimetre of its testosterone-rich physique back then. Moreover, nothing has diminished my affection for the watch since.
You may well have noticed that both versions of the Delma Blue Shark III Azores have a different moniker from other examples of this tough timepiece. Delma is working closely with the Megalodon Project, a research initiative taking place in the waters surrounding the Azores archipelago that includes documenting the behaviour of Megalodon shark. ‘The purchase of each Blue Shark III Azores will directly contribute to the Megalodon Project and ocean conservation efforts’.
With its many attributes, as well as the philanthropic contribution the model makes, there are many reasons to recommend these über-robust divers’ watches.
Delma Blue Shark III Azores – brand’s press release (May 2021)
Two new editions of Delma’s extremely powerful Blue Shark III join the collection, this time with a poignant mission. The new Blue Shark III Azores models will support the Megalodon Project in partnership with our ambassador, ocean conservationist and photographer Magnus Lundborg.
Marine manifest
Scheduled for summer 2021, the Megalodon shark tagging project will use pioneering research to better understand the life and habitat of magnificent and endangered sea creatures including the elusive Blue Shark which can be found in the abundant waters surrounding the Azores archipelago. Magnus alongside a team of scientists will conduct a study on marine megafauna by creating a network of satellite tags and documenting the sharks’ behaviour through data collection and photography. Their findings will be used to educate the public and government about the vital role sharks play in the ecosystem in order to cultivate conservation strategies and encourage sustainable solutions.
The Azores is an ideal site for this research as it is a crossover point, both in terms of ecological zones and seasonal migration routes for many big underwater mammals and fish. It is also a key breeding ground, acutely positioned to be cool enough in the summer and warm enough in the winter to harbour essential nutrients and sunlight at all times of year.
Evoking the ocean
The new Blue Shark III models possess textured gradient dials which embody the colours of the subtropical oasis of the Azores at varying depths. The bright blue fading to deep navy and rich turquoise which graduates to vibrant green are reminiscent of the North Atlantic’s range of habitats at varying depths where the participating photographers and scientists will conduct their research and experience the life of endangered sharks and whales firsthand.
The Azores models have the exceptional strength of the original Blue Shark III and can sustain depths of up to 4,000 meters. They are equipped with quintessential divers’ watch attributes including a helium escape valve and unidirectional bezel. Available with a black DLC or stainless steel bezel, each special Azores model comes in a bespoke Blue Shark box outfitted with custom tools and a rubber strap making them easily adaptable for all conditions. These new editions give Delma’s renowned Blue Shark series heightened meaning by using their extreme durability and natural beauty to benefit their namesake.
Time for conservation
Delma’s sponsorship of the Megalodon Project will afford us the unique opportunity to closely follow the project and support the tagging of a specific shark. The name of the shark will be defined by Delma’s fans and followers who will soon be able to provide their suggestions and vote on the final name on Delma’s Facebook and Instagram channels.
Andreas Leibundgut, Head of Marketing at Delma explained the significance of this partnership “The opportunity to take part in this special mission focused on sharks has not only inspired a new edition of Blue Sharks, a series of timepieces that epitomizes Delma’s commitment to diving and sea exploration, but it enables us to better understand and contribute to diving for scientific and conservation purposes. We look forward to seeing this project come to light through Magnus’ lens and sharing the experience with our audience”.
The purchase of each Blue Shark III Azores will directly contribute to the Megalodon Project and ocean conservation efforts. The combination of captivating colours, extreme strength and philanthropic benefit make the new Blue Shark III Azores the ultimate diving watch for those who cherish the splendour and importance of all marine life.