TEST DRIVE
DIAL
BRACELET
each number indicates the depth in meters, except for the “05,” spring bar tool will make it an easy swap.
which is both meters and minutes. A diver sets the bezel to his
depth and uses the minute hand to track the time and distance of occasion; few deliver. The Beluga Ascent is one of those few. It is
his ascent against the index. When he reaches 5m, he starts his every inch a rugged tool watch, there is no reason not to wear it
safety break. When the minute hand hits the main arrow, he can in civilized society. It’s mid-range size case, and small dial should
surface. Because of the way it tracks, the bezel rotates clockwise allow it to look quite at home on most wrists while its low profile
as a safety feature, and not counterclockwise like a traditional allows it to slip under most buttoned shirt cuffs. I would hardly call
timing bezel. It is a clever system, unlike any other. Doug has a it a dress diver, but those discrete reflections off of the case ac-
patent pending. Traditionalists will be pleased to know that he has cents, ceramic bezel, and guilloche dial provide just enough polish
made 100 Ascents available with a conventional 60 minute timing to look smart with a suit.
Many brands proclaim their watches can go anywhere for any
bezel, but it seems a shame to delete something so central to the
watch’s identity. with useful features and brimming with character. These traits
appeal at any price point, but for $750, it is quite the bargain,
The Ascent’s brushed stainless steel bracelet to just as
The Beluga Ascent is a handsome, versatile watch, packed
carefully made as the rest of the watch with screw pins, solid particularly considering its Swiss movement and manufacture.
end links, and a signed flip-lock clasp with solid bridges. I found it If you are looking for an excellent, all-around diving watch that
offered a range of adjustment sufficient to fit my relatively small offers some distinction without shouting, then see the Ascent at
6.5” wrist. If you prefer a strap, drilled lugs and the supplied ManchesterWatchWorks.com.
94 | AboutTime Magazine