Delma Shell Star Titanium Watch Review
The DELMA Shell Star Titanium is the latest timepiece to originate from the Lengnau-based atelier. Formed of lightweight metal and presented in a smaller 41 mm case, this latest model sidesteps the leviathan-like proportions of most professional divers’ watches, making it ideal for everyday wear. As US-based journalist Meehna Goldsmith looks upon the Pacific Ocean, she ponders whether this limited-edition model will ultimately be joined by regular versions of the watch.
Titanium divers’ watch
Any one of us who has attempted a diet knows that trimming down your weight, size and girth is no easy task. I’m wrestling with shedding half a stone myself. Doing the same with a watch is equally challenging, although in a different way. It’s painstaking enough to put together a watch. Those millimetre-sized parts demand the steady hand of a microsurgeon. Now imagine having to get the same amount of pieces into a smaller and less bulky case. That’s essentially what DELMA has done with its latest creation, the limited edition Shell Star Titanium dive watch.
Hipsters prefer tastefully sized watches
The beginning of the 21st century saw watches size up. As with any trend, there are brands and watchmakers who push the limit to absurd possibilities. I’m sure you’ll remember some, ahem, creations, trying to pass as watches while they teetered to balance on the wrist.
Fortunately, the pendulum has swung back, with more tastefully sized watches gracing the wrists of horological hipsters. And, in a nice irony, frequently the hipsters are the “older” people who have been interested in watches and collecting for years.
Delma divers’ watches
Don’t get me wrong. A divers’ watch won’t ever be the daintiest timepiece in the room. And, it’s not supposed to be. And who would want it to be? A true diver is a reliable tool capable of doing a very specific job in the murky depths below: that of timekeeper. Visibility, utility and reliability are essential. When it comes to dive watches, you could say that DELMA knows a thing or two.
DELMA’s first professional diver’s watch (1975)
In 1975, DELMA introduced two divers, the Shell Star and Quattro. Both encased in stainless steel with a rotating bezel, they met all the specs for a professional dive watch. Since the Shell Star was such a fan favourite, DELMA decided to dust off the archives. Introduced in 2016, the Shell Star collection was redesigned to appeal to modern tastes. In addition, the mechanics also got an overhaul with up-to-date technology, including a helium valve and water resistance to 500 m.
The Shell Star has a powerful presence with case dimensions of 44 mm. Along with the stainless steel bracelet, the watch weighs almost 8 ounces. Sure, this bad boy announces itself when it enters the room. But the Shell Star needed a hefty and powerful frame to protect the mechanics inside while also withstanding the pressure at 1640 feet below sea level. Still, you’ve got to have a wrist big enough to pull off a 44 mm watch. This can somewhat limit your everyday audience, those who don’t so much need the mechanics necessary to test the limits of the model’s specification.
Magnus Lundborg
But, what if you could slim down the proportions of the Shell Star without sacrificing any of its integrity? Magnus Lundborg, an ocean conservationist and free diver, is also a DELMA ambassador. Differing from regular diving, free diving doesn’t involve oxygen tanks. The length of the dive can only last as long as a breath. Air is a precious commodity, especially when all you’ve got is the amount in your lungs. Weight is a huge issue with free diving. The more weight you’ve got to pull, the longer it takes to move and the more oxygen you burn.
DELMA challenged itself to design a Shell Star specifically for Lundborg – step forward the Shell Star Titanium. This limited edition is an impressive addition to the Shell Star lineup. The frame cuts a fine jib at 41 mm, a very wearable watch that can mingle in a formal setting or in more casual company.
Delma Shell Star Titanium – a choice of three dial colours
The dial, in a choice of black, blue or orange, comes in a cool sand-textured finish with a matching railway track. Baton numerals as well as hours, minutes and seconds tip, glow with green Super-LumiNova C3. In contrast, the markers in the bezel light up with Super-Luminova BGW9 in blue. A date window sits at 3 o’clock.
Shell Star Titanium
Adding some richness and texture to the composition is the unidirectional bezel in black ceramic. While reducing the case size contributed to taking some weight from the watch, the titanium bracelet with deployant clasp and pushers makes the most significant difference. The Shell Star Titanium weighs 136 grams, which is about 4.8 ounces. That’s a 40% reduction compared with the previous stainless steel iteration! No mean engineering trick. You might crack a smile and think what difference could grams or even ounces make? Those amounts are so insignificant. Not so when milliseconds are between you and that life-saving gulp of fresh air. Less weight equals more time.
Sellita SW200-1
Like other Shell Star models, the DELMA Shell Star Titanium uses a Sellita SW200-1 automatic movement that delivers a 38-hour power reserve. This is a no-frills solid workhorse, exactly what’s needed in a tool watch. You can see the movement and DELMA’s personalised rotor through the exhibition case back.
Delma Shell Star Titanium – a new compact case (41 mm)
The DELMA Shell Star Titanium, presented in this compact size, is a really exciting proposition, especially considering the price point. It takes the high-tech performance of the regular edition, fits the mechanics into a shapely case 3mm less than before and tops it off with a titanium bracelet that sits like a whisper upon the wrist.
A deep dive
The Shell Star Titanium will appeal to those who like to geek out on engineering feats and diving credentials, while also attracting others who will be impressed with its nicely proportioned good looks. I have a feeling the DELMA Shell Star Titanium with its new size and refreshed face will create a lot of interest. In fact, I’m wondering if demand for the limited edition Shell Star Titanium will be sufficient to tempt the brand to release a regular version of the model in due course. I’ll have to do a deep dive and think about that one.
Further reading
https://www.delmawatches.com/en-gb
Technical specifications
- Model: DELMA Shell Star Titanium
- Case: titanium, diameter 41 mm; height 13.6 mm, water resistance 50 ATM (500 metres), sapphire crystal to front, exhibition case back.
- Functions: hours, minutes, centre seconds, date
- Movement: Sellita SW 200-1; automatic movement; frequency 28,800 vph (4 Hz); 26 jewels; power reserve 38 hours.
- Price: €1,790 (RRP as of 20.3.2023)
- Limited Edition: 499 pieces