Belgium’s Meraud launches its successor to their Bonaire timepiece a tribute to vintage diving watches. Get to know this beautiful timepiece in this article.
Introduction
We discussed Méraud’s Antigua timepiece a while ago and now it’s time to highlight their MKII successor to their Bonaire series. This timepiece has a beautiful vintage look and will make the heart of any diving watch enthusiast beat a little faster.
The Timepiece
The bezel or edge of the movement immediately reminds us of an icon, namely the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms, the reference when it comes to diving watches. For the dial, we see influences of the Rolex 5512 combined with the 12 o’clock indication of the Zenith S.58. Yet Méraud elevates this dial to the next level with beautiful silver outlines of the hour markers filled with BGW9 Super-LumiNova. The lack of a date display brings a nice symmetry to the dial layout. The MERAUD logo lettering and BONAIRE 200m indication are also nicely proportioned to the rest of the dial. The dial is available in 3 different color variations: moss green, onyx black and navy blue.
The hour and minute hands are thicker and filled with BGW9 Super-LumiNova which contributes to easy reading of hour and time in poor lighting conditions. The lollipop style seconds hand is a nod to another diving classic, the Rolex Submariner, which adds to the vintage character of this timepiece. Overall, we think this is a successful homage design that brings together the strong aspects of several vintage pioneers in Méraud their own interpretation of how they see the ultimate diving watch.
The case profile of 40mm is slightly larger than the 39mm of its predecessor but has been carefully redesigned to achieve a sleeker look while maintaining a water resistance of 200m. At just 12.2mm tall, this watch exudes a sense of elegance and comfort. The redesigned crown offers improved grip for effortless adjustment.
The beating heart of the MKII is the G101 caliber from renowned watch manufacturer La Joux Perret. This self-winding mechanical movement with a generous power reserve of 68 hours and a “soignée” finish sets it apart from other standard mass-produced manufactures such as ETA and Sellita. The movement is visible through an open back of the case, allowing enthusiasts to admire the beautiful caliber. The rotor of the movement is beautifully crafted and decorated with Méraud’s logo.
As a watch strap, you also have a choice between a metal version fitted with rivets or a specially designed rubber tropical strap. The tropical straps are executed in the same color as the dial.
The metal version has an extra ace up its sleeve. In addition to the vintage inspired rivets the clasp has been completely redesigned, now with a quick adjustment feature for added convenience and comfort. A big plus if you also have their Antigua model in your collection is that the bracelet is interchangeable with those of the Bonaire. So with your new purchase, you can also give your existing Antigua an upgrade or different look and feel.
Watch lovers will also appreciate the practical lug holes on the case of the watch. This makes changing straps easier. We recommend ordering both the steel strap and the tropical strap to make the watch even more versatile.
With the “Swiss Made” label, the new Bonaire represents progress, with Swiss engineering and Belgian design. Unlike its predecessor, the Bonaire is not a limited edition, allowing everyone to enjoy this beautiful timepiece.
Specifications
CASE
40mm in diameter (bezel) – 39mm at the case.
12.2mm in height. 316L stainless steel case finished with a see-through back, “coin-edge” bezel, brushed sides, circularly brushed strap entries with polished chamfers, and holes in the
strap inserts for easy strap changing.
Dial with “chapter ring” finished in “Onyx Black,” “Marine Blue” or “Moss Green.” Each option includes high-contrast lettering and polished indexes filled with Super-LumiNova®. Lunnet made of acrylic “Bakelite” inlay with engraved numerals and indices filled with Swiss Super-LumiNova®.
MOVEMENT
Swiss-Made, La Joux-Perret G101 “soignée” automatic caliber powered by a tungsten rotor, providing an impressive power reserve of 68 hours. Consisting of 24 jewels and a frequency of 28,800 beats per hour (4Hz), with a hacking function for precise time setting.
WARRANTY
2 years
PRICE
925 euros for the rubber strap version and 1025 euros for the steel strap version.
Conclusion
At a starting price of 925 euros to for the version with the rubber tropical strap, we think Méraud is scoring a home run here with their MKII successor to the Bonaire. Available immediately from Méraud’s website, the Bonaire is the ideal gift for the holidays.