Over and above a classic sponsorship, the partnership between Clerc and the American submersible manufacturer is part of a clear prospect of synergies and sharing of skills. Founded on common values and passions, the collaboration between the two designers of the “exploration machines” thus offers the Geneva watchmaker privileged access to the Research & Development laboratory of the world leader in marine technology, allowing it the benefit of considerable technological advances and the possibility of testing its watches under extreme circumstances. Within this framework, Clerc Genève thus joins in the launch of high-tech private submarines named “Orcasub”, and whose development potential promises unlimited explorations, to which the brand brings its skill and experience in luxury.

When a leader in the manufacture of Swiss diving watches and an American manufacturer of private mini-submersibles join forces, the marriage turns into a long- term partnership that clearly demonstrates their respective know-how. Founded on authentic shared human values, the collaboration between Geneva watchmaker Clerc and the American Sub Aviator Systems company produces a fertile union in which a love of the sea combines with an inextinguishable taste for exploration, as well as a determination to share a set of skills that are unique in all the world in order to take on new challenges together. The link between the two developers of “exploration machines” is fairly self-evident, because both have the same passion for the sea depths – watch brand owner Gérald Clerc is indeed a diver himself – and both create powerful, innovative instruments intended for extreme use. Driven by an exceptional spirit of adventure, Clerc Genève and Sub Aviator Systems nurture the same philosophy of uncompromising excellence, drawing on curiosity, perseverance, courage, discipline and adaptability. Nevertheless, this closeness is not confined to a list of points in common. It is embodied in a close technical cooperation between the watchmaking brand and the designer of aeroplanes of the deep, which between them have nearly 200 years of experience in their area of expertise.

The uncontested master of underwater technology

Through this synergy of skills, the design of new Clerc Genève diving watches benefits from the science and advanced solutions of Nuytco Research, world leader in underwater technology, which, in conjunction with Sub Aviators, has just created the second generation of private submersibles named “Orcasub”. These high-tech submarines are capable of exploring underwater to a depth of 2,000 feet. Founded in the 1960s by deep-sea explorer, scientist and brilliant inventor, Phil Nuytten, Nuytco Research has been the ultimate reference in the design, conception and manufacture of atmospheric diving suits, submersibles and all technology connected to underwater applications for 50 years. This pioneer in the industry has made its mark on the entire diving universe through its major innovations. Today, the Canadian company is involved in the most significant underwater operations, in the realms of science, rescue research, oil rigs, military applications and even the cinema (as with the films, The Abyss and Titanic), and national navies from all over the world as well as NASA call on its impressive experience and advanced technologies. The development and testing of diving watches made by Clerc Genève enjoy the benefit of this specialised knowledge today.

A research and testing laboratory that is unique in all the world

Within the framework of its long-term partnership with Sub Aviator Systems, Clerc thus gains access to the most prestigious Research & Development laboratory in the subaquatic world. For the first time, a watch manufacturer enjoys the benefit of the know-how and experience – enriched by half a century of innovations – of the pioneer in underwater exploration. In this way, the specialist in submersible technologies makes its pool of scientific expertise available, notably benefitting the development of new watchmaking materials and ever more specialised technical solutions, able to withstand the extreme conditions encountered at great depths. In addition, it allows Clerc to conduct its tests in conditions that are identical to those applied to Nuytco Research’s high-tech equipment. In other words, Clerc Genève can test the resistance and performance of its powerful diving watches under realistic conditions. Corrosion, readability, air or water pressure, extreme temperatures, shocks, underwater storms... the testing possibilities are unlimited.

The introduction of luxury private submarines

On the other side of the coin, the mutual advantage of this expertise – in which each party excels in its respective sector – is reflected by Clerc in its pioneering approach that combines luxury and raw power, and which draws on more than 140 years of experience in the demanding world of high-end watchmaking. In its capacity as a partner to Sub Aviator Systems, Clerc Genève is participating in the emergence of private underwater exploration with the introduction to the market of the luxury “Orcasub” submarines, the ultimate vehicle of a completely unprecedented, unique human adventure.

Developed by Sub Aviator Systems and Nuytco Research, these personal underwater vehicles combine the most advanced flight and submersible technologies of both companies. Marrying speed and smooth handling, “Orcasub” is capable of crisscrossing the depths at more than 2,000 feet (around 600 metres) below the surface. The exceptional vision offered by an odyssey to these extreme depths is a bit like a trip to the moon: there are very few people up to now who have had the privilege of discovering a panorama this fascinating, enabling the discovery of as yet unknown species. This is a supremely luxurious experience and an even more unique opportunity when this incredibly rich adventure is conducted at the helm of one’s own submarine! Through lending its specialised knowledge of the luxury universe, as well as its aesthetic approach combining power and discipline, Swiss brand Clerc Genève is contributing to transforming this aeroplane designed to go to great depths into a prestigious object of peerless exclusivity, combining cutting-edge technology and sophisticated design. Clerc is thus proud to be bringing its name and know-how to an exceptional human adventure and to be taking part in the development of a new market offering exciting prospects.