Black to the Future!

Recently, I penned an update on the Ligure 'Tartaruga' Scuba Diver, and how it's performed over the last twelve months of exploration and adventure. However, before I get going I must apologise to all the sci-fi and DeLorean fans out there that have been dragged in by the title, sadly, this may not be quite what you're expecting.

Due to a strange turn of events I've been fortunate enough to get my hands on this black incarnation of the Ligure Scuba Diver. It's called the Nero di Seppia and although it shares the same case, as indeed do all Ligure watches, the Nero di Seppia has been DLC coated. The deep black, incredibly tough diamond-like carbon coating changes the appearance of the watch so dramatically on the wrist that it surprised even me! This is a relatively short appraisal as it's more of an extension to the initial review and subsequent update. Nevertheless, on seeing the the Nero di Seppia 'in the flesh' so to speak, I have been more than impressed by its presence and decided to jot down a few words on its behalf.

What's in a Name?

Nero di Seppia seems a strange name for a watch, but when translated into English the name makes a little more sense. Nero di Seppia is obviously Italian, and refers to the deep black colour of the case. Yes, you guessed it, cuttlefish ink. When you look at the case's velvety black surface it does indeed evoke thoughts of this dense, black liquid along with the call of the sea. I've seen and owned one or two black watches over the years, but the DLC finish on the Ligure is close to three dimensional. It's appearance is almost liquid, hence the name.

It's the Same, but Different

The Nero di Seppia is, for all intents and purposes, exactly the same watch; however, in real terms it couldn't be more different, appearance wise. Nestling inside is the same Sellita SW200-1 movement that powers all the Ligure three-hand models, so there's nothing to concern yourself with on that front. Generally, black watches are looked on as 'tactical' offerings, but strangely, the Ligure really doesn't fall into that category. It retains all of the style and sophistication that one would expect of a gentleman's timepiece, while at the same time displaying a discreet confidence; rarely does a black DLC coated watch pull this off. Although the dial layout is the same, the Nero di Seppia is offered with slight variations on hand colours and lume. This particular one has a polished silver outlined hand-set with sand coloured lume adorning the hand-set, applied indices and bezel insert. This configuration softens the whole appearance while maintaining low light visibility. In my full review of the Ligure 'Tartaruga' Scuba Diver I commented on it's ability to take you back in time to a slightly more formal age, but without being retro. This quality remains with the Nero di Seppia; when you glance at it there's just a hint of time gone by, and then it's gone.

Performance

I have to be honest here and say that I don't know. This is a brand new watch and has to be returned to Ligure. The closest I've been is to hold it around my wrist in the office! I have, however, had the chance to try out the lume and it meets all expectations admirably. I've no reason to suspect that it will be any different performance wise from my other Ligure, as essentially it's the same watch. Holding the Nero di Seppia around my wrist I did notice something that struck me as a little odd. Visually, it appeared slightly smaller than its sibling! As a general rule, black watches tend to appear slightly larger or more 'dominant'. I swapped them over a time or two, but the Nero di Seppia always appeared slightly smaller or compact. It may be that as the whole watch, including the bezel insert is satin black, the only light that's reflected is a slight 'twinkle' from the hands and applied indices. These little touches remind me so much of ORIS. Finally, a quick visit to the timegrapher confirmed that everything was in apple-pie order timekeeping wise, as one would expect.

The Last Word

Like its siblings, the Nero di Seppia is every bit a gentleman's timepiece. Yes, it's different in appearance, but so are gentlemen; it's their core values that make them what they are. There's little doubt that the Nero di Seppia will always step up to the plate when required to do so, no matter what the conditions may dictate. As I mentioned earlier, it's the same, but different.