According to Edox, a recent discovery of a sketch within the company archives, of a long-lost timepiece, the SkyDiver, led to the creation of a limited edition watch paying homage to the 1970s archival model.

A retired Edox watchmaker said the original SkyDiver from 1973 was rumored to be a secret project for a mysterious, wealthy Swiss colonel. The anonymous colonel wanted an exclusive timepiece for elite mountain paratroopers under his command. The watch had to be dependable and rugged – just like his troops. He chose Edox because of the brand’s exceptional water-resistant watches that have the ability to handle any situation the paratroopers might face – on land, air or sea.

Using that story, a sketch, and a note found in the archives which read “1973. Special production in strictly limited edition,” Edox created a modern interpretation of the SkyDiver.

Introducing the 2019 Edox Skydiver Military Limited Edition, presented in a stainless steel case measuring 42 mm x 11.5 mm in diameter, with a steel dive bezel and a glossy black scratch-resistant ceramic bezel insert (weight of 145 grams).

While the original SkyDiver had a black dial, the new version has a striking green-gray gradient dial. You could argue the new faded dial color is an improvement, but one questionable design decision was the use of such a large font, particularly “SkyDiver Military.”

The dial features a similar indices, the minute hand has the same pencil-shape, the central seconds hand has the same lollipop design, however, the hour hand now features a large-arrow tip instead of a Mercedes-tip. The date window has also gotten smaller, making way for a partial hour marker, and the date magnifier has been removed completely.

The case, which is has a similar aesthetic to a Submariner, is largely unchanged and includes the same prominent pointy crown guards. The crown screws down, the solid caseback screws-in, and the flat sapphire crystal on the front is 2 mm thick. Water-resistance is 300 meters.

Despite the throwback nature of this modern timepiece, Edox decided to use a white material (with green emission for hours and hands) for the hours, chapter ring, hands, and bezel, as opposed to a faux lume.

Powering the hours, minutes, central seconds, and date is an outsourced Swiss-made automatic movement, covered by a solid caseback, which has a parachute motif-engraved on it.

Limited to 555 pieces, the Skydiver Military Limited Edition comes with gray military nylon strap, an additional metal bracelet, and a special leather pouch. (Ref. 80115 3N VD) Retail is approximately $1,550.

Learn more at Edox.