Mirvaine Diver

 Things sometimes get a little weird here at analog/shift.  While most people are off chasing yet another 5512, we are scouring the globe for the coolest things out there - watches that would otherwise be completely forgotten about by the masses of new enthusiasts following the beaten path.  

The Mirvaine Diver is not the most coveted addition to the dive watch pantheon, but it has a style that is wholly unique and absolutely eye catching.  Mirvaine was never a large production house, but like many off-beat brands of the era, they composed their own expressions of sports watches and divers, relying on the bigger manufacturers to supply them with parts and movements.    

The case, a common contract case that is often seen in other divers from the era, is one of the better executions; the thin, sloping lugs wrap nicely around the wrist and give the watch a noticeably low ride.  The thin aluminum bezel is classically styled with a 25-minute indicator segment and a luminous dot that has aged to a lovely dark cream color.  Most apparent is the bright blue internal pulsations scale riding just outside of the glossy black dial.  Unusual to be sure, this splash of color instantly makes an otherwise subdued design into something slightly whimsical.  Adding to the intrigue, and likely the hallmark of the Mirvaine divers, is the funky handset featuring a large 'arrow' hour hand, a fat stick minute hand and a segmented sweep seconds hand.  

Last but not least is the inclusion of a date function at 4:30 showing a 'Roulette' date wheel with even numbers printed in red and odd numbers in black.  Topped off with a Mirvaine-signed case back bearing a classic sailing ship logo and a signed crown, this under-the-radar diver is worthy of some serious attention.