SQUALE 2001 Marina Militare: The Italian Navy Dive Watch Finally Released to the Public
For decades, the most authentic military dive watches were never available to the public. They were built for professional divers, military operators, and elite naval units who required equipment capable of performing under the most demanding conditions. The new SQUALE 2001 Marina Militare changes that story.
For the first time ever, the Squale watch developed for the Italian Navy is being released to civilian collectors in a strictly limited edition of just 500 numbered pieces worldwide.
Available in the UAE through WATCHH, the official Squale dealer, the 2001 Marina Militare combines genuine military heritage, professional dive watch engineering, and exceptional rarity.
A Partnership Built on Real Military Requirements
The relationship between Squale and the Italian Navy dates back to the 1980s.
Unlike many modern "military-inspired" watches, Squale's connection with the Marina Militare was based on actual military procurement contracts. The Italian Navy's elite diving unit, the Gruppo Operativo Subacquei (G.O.S.) in La Spezia, required professional underwater instruments built to precise operational specifications.
The Navy defined the requirements. Squale engineered and produced the watches.
This was not a marketing exercise. These watches were designed as mission equipment for military divers operating in challenging underwater environments.
Most of the original military-issued watches no longer exist. Following military protocol, they were withdrawn from service and destroyed after completing their operational life. Today, only a handful of examples remain, including one preserved at the G.O.S. Museum in La Spezia.
The Italian Navy: A Legacy of Excellence
The Italian Navy is regarded as one of the world's most respected naval forces.
Its operations extend across national defence, international missions, maritime security, and special operations. Among its most renowned units is COMSUBIN, the Diver and Raider Command, widely considered one of the most highly trained maritime special forces units in the world.
The standards demanded by such organisations leave no room for compromise. Equipment must be reliable, durable, and capable of performing under extreme conditions.
Those same expectations shaped the development of the SQUALE 2001 Marina Militare.
The Return of a Legend
In 2025, the Italian Navy commissioned Squale to create a new professional dive watch based on the iconic 2001 platform.
The project was developed exclusively for Navy personnel and was never intended for civilian sale.
The result was the 2001 Marina Militare.
Built around the legendary 2001 case architecture and carrying the DNA of the historic Calypso models, the watch featured dedicated geometry and dimensions developed specifically for the military project.
The bezel and dial colours were selected according to military specifications, while domed applied indexes were chosen to maximise underwater visibility and legibility.
Initially available only to members of the Italian Navy, the watch quickly became one of the most sought-after modern military timepieces among collectors.
First Civilian Release — Limited to 500 Pieces
In 2026, Squale has made the unprecedented decision to release the 2001 Marina Militare to the public.
Production is strictly limited to 500 individually numbered watches worldwide.
For collectors, this represents a rare opportunity to acquire a watch directly connected to a modern military project rather than a watch merely inspired by military history.
The combination of authentic naval heritage, limited production, and professional-grade specifications makes the 2001 Marina Militare one of the most important Squale releases in recent years.
Professional Dive Watch Performance
The SQUALE 2001 Marina Militare is designed as a true tool watch.
Key features include:
- Limited edition of 500 numbered pieces worldwide
- First-ever civilian release of the Marina Militare project
- Directly derived from the Italian Navy commissioned model
- Legendary 2001 case design
- Heritage inspired by the historic Calypso platform
- Upgraded 60 ATM (600 metres) water resistance
- Professional dive watch construction
- Domed applied indexes for maximum underwater legibility
- Swiss Made quality and craftsmanship
Every detail reflects the watch's intended purpose as a serious underwater instrument rather than a lifestyle accessory.
Why Collectors Are Paying Attention
Modern military-issued watches rarely become available to the public, particularly while the military connection remains active and documented.
The 2001 Marina Militare offers something increasingly difficult to find in today's watch industry: genuine military provenance, authentic operational heritage, and meaningful scarcity.
For enthusiasts of professional dive watches, military history, and Swiss watchmaking, this release represents a unique chapter in the ongoing story between Squale and the Italian Navy.
Discover the SQUALE 2001 Marina Militare at WATCHH
WATCHH is proud to be an official Squale dealer in the UAE.
With only 500 numbered pieces produced worldwide, availability is expected to be extremely limited.
To learn more about the SQUALE 2001 Marina Militare or to secure one of the first civilian examples ever released, visit WATCHH and discover a watch built for those who appreciate authentic military heritage, professional performance, and exceptional rarity.
Because some watches tell time.
The SQUALE 2001 Marina Militare tells a story.
