Vintage Eye for the Modern Guy: Méraud Bonaire

Inside the new watch is a no-date modified STP1-11 automatic caliber, capable of a 44-hour power reserve and protected by an engraved and numbered case back featuring the image of a vintage scuba diver complete with a harpoon in hand The Bonaire is available on either a high-quality textured leather strap or a metal riveted bracelet, with each model coming with a complementary NATO-style strap, rubber tropic strap, and strap tool While through its construction and design features the watch is easy to identify as a modern creation, the piece clearly has vintage influences, some of which aren't easily identifiable.

At first glance, I immediately saw the allusion to vintage Blancpain watches like the Fifty Fathoms with the raised bezel insert, hands, and hour markers In talking with founder Stijn Busschaer, where he acknowledged the Blancpain influence on the design, he further referenced the Rolex 5512, dive watches from Gruen, the Benrus Ultra Deep, the Bulova Devil Diver, and the Zenith S58 Together, these influences tie the watch to a larger 1960s-inspired design, which was Busschaert's goal as a primarily vintage watch collector himself looking to create something that other vintage-minded collectors would appreciate.

With Méraud Watch Co making such a splash with their first neo-vintage piece, it should come as no surprise the brand is planning more watches in the future Caleb Anderson is a freelance writer with a primary focus on vintage watches. Source