A dive watch from an independent watchmakers is something unusual. The extraordinary  Finnish watchmaker Stepan Sarpaneva is not afraid of the unusual and releases his new dive watch, the Sarpaneva Korona K0.

Sarpaneva showed me a prototype of his new dive watch during Baselworld. The size of the titanium case is 46mm and i assumed it would be a bit too big for my wrist. I was proven wrong when i put it on my wrist. The Korona K0 actually fits very well and comfortable!

The new Sarpaneva Korona K0 does not look like the typical dive watch. This high-end sports watch has a remarkable mechanism to operate the internal dive time ring. The dive time ring is in fact, directly integrated into the movement. The movement’s mainplate is modified to incorporate the diver’s timer ring. This unique feature allows all functions to be set by using only one crown. Yes indeed… one crown to set the time and adjusting the internal dive timer ring. Now you never accidentally turn the dive ring during a dive!

The base movement is the trustworthy Soprod A10, which is used in my Korona K1 and other Korona models as well. Besides the modifications for adjusting the internal dive ring, the movement is black nickel-plated and has a perlage finish. Here are the movement’s specifications:

• 11.5 lines
• 28800 vibrations per hour (4 Hz)
• Automatic winding
• Stainless steel winding mass with white gold masses
• 42-hour power reserve
• 25 jewels
• Black Nickel-plated
• Perlaged finishing

I already mentioned how comfortable the 46mm titanum case feels around the wrist, which is typical for Sarpaneva watches. Also typical for Sarpaneva watches, is the case’s thickness. It measures only 10mm, which is also adds to the Korona K0 comfort and makes it very qualified for wearing with a long sleeve shirt. Even the Blancpain Fifty Fathom which features Blancpain’s ultra slim automatic movement, is 15.5mm thick. And this is a difference you will absolutely notice when wearing such a high-end dive sports watch with your suit.

The beautiful dial is black diamond coated, which is surround by the internal dive ring. Parts of the dive ring are also diamond coated, however not black but imperial blue. I think the other parts are sandblasted stainless steel. On the dial are round markers with applied Superluminova, which is also applied on the rhodium-plated hands. Easy to read the time in the dark… or in deep waters

The 1.5 mm thick sapphire crystal has several layers of anti-reflection coating on the inside. This is to prevent the anti-reflection coating from getting scratched, something that unfortunately happens too often when the coating is also on the outside. The logo, SARPANEVA, is also printed on the inside of the crystal.

Specifications of the Sarpaneva Korona K0

• Titanium grade 2, matt finished
• 46 mm in diameter
• 10 mm thick
• Bajonette screwdown crown
• Water-resistant to 200 m
• Hands and markers with Superluminova
• Rubber strap

One downside… you’ll have to wait until next year. The Sarpaneva Korona K0 is available in 2011. For now, one more photo to enjoy this high-end dive watch.

Statistics of Monochrome show an increased search for independent watchmakers. Although it’s easy to find information online, it is difficult to see their watches yourself…. unless you’re close to one of the few boutiques selling watches from independent watchmakers.

Before making the decision to buy a watch, most watch collectors like to see and feel a watch. In most parts of the world it’s fairly easy to get a closer look at watches from brands with a large dealer network like Rolex, IWC, Cartier, TAG Heuer and Panerai. If you’re looking for watches from independent watchmakers it’s not so easy to find a dealer.

If you live in Europe, a trip to watch-mekka Switzerland is of course the best option. Most independent watchmakers live and work in Switzerland and in most cities you’ll probably find several boutiques who represent these watchmakers. However if you’re not in the position to visit Switzerland, there are only a few dealers in the rest of Europe. Since the opening of the Grönefeld Boutique, watch collectors in North West Europe only have to drive a few hours to see watches from several independent watchmakers, including of course the Grönefeld GTM-06 with tourbillon and minute repeater.

Recently i visited friends in the east of the Netherlands, which was a great opportunity to also pay a visit to the Grönefeld Boutique. Due to the Boutique’s location, in the east of the Netherlands, watch collectors from the Netherlands, Belgium, north Germany and even Denmark it’s only a few hours by car.

For me as an admirer of independent watchmakers (and proud owner of a Sarpaneva Korona K1) it was great to see watches made by Kees Engelbarts, McGonigle, Speake-Marin, Sarpaneva, Grönefeld and Sarpaneva’s affordable collection S.U.F. which means Sarpaneva Uhren Fabrik. The S.U.F. collection start just below 3.000 euro including tax. Yes that’s right, watches from an independent watchmaker for a very friendly price!

This S.U.F. Flying Finn has a black DLC coated case and a black dial. You can choose from several dial colors and options like a DLC coated bezel and even the movement can be DLC coated.

Another brand the Grönefeld Boutique represents is Speake-Marin. The Speake-Marin Piccadilly with white dial and roman numbers is high on my wish-list. Here you can see it on a white alligator strap… nice for the summer!

Another beauty from Speake-Marin is the Serpent Calendar. This one is in rose gold and also has a white enamel dial with roman numbers.

If you’re interested in watches from independent watchmakers and live in the Netherlands, Belgium, north Germany or Denmark, a trip of a few hours by car is well worth it. I advice you to contact the Grönefeld Boutique and let them know when you would like to visit them.

Sarpaneva Watches organizes a pre-Basel competition. Show your favorite wrist shots at Sarpeneva’s Facebook page.

With less that a week to go, the countdown to the start of Baselworld has begun. Last year Sarpaneva released the new Korona series in red gold and white gold. Sarpaneva has not shown any pre-Basel release yet, however he shared some teasers… and offers the chance to win a signed copy of Masters of Contemporary Watchmaking. How to win this book? Easy… show a wrist shot of your favorite watch at Sarpaneva’s Facebook page.

What Sarpaneva’s novelty will be for Baselworld this year? I have no clue, however here are the teaser photos. If you know what it will be, please do let me know

And… do you have an idea? The Sarpaneva moon seems very big, as do the rest of the watch parts…

Visit the Facebook page of Sarpaneva Watches and post your favorite wrist shot! You have until sunday…

It’s been roughly 9 months since I bought my ‘grail-watch’, a Korona K1 from the Finnish watchmaker Sarpaneva. So enough experience to sit down and write about this watch that’s been almost constantly on my wrist for almost 9 months.

In May of last year it was finally time. The months before had been an intense period. Of course a decision like this was not made overnight, so long lists of potential watches had to be narrowed down. Or maybe the decision was not so difficult, it was just me having difficulty with spending so much money on a watch.

When my decision was final, the deal was made and a ticket to Helsinki was booked… there’s nothing like buying your watch from the watchmaker who made it… no who designed it! It’s his creation that somehow touched me in such way that I wanted this watch. Wanted it so bad that I sold quite a few other watches to raise the funds.

After nine months of almost continuous wearing my Sarpaneva Korona K1, all I can say is that it was my best decision ever (when it comes to watches). On watch forum PuristS Pro i posted an extensive review about my Korona K1 and how it’s made. I hope my review sheds some light on how special this watch is. Have fun reading the review…

And do let me know what you think of it!