Italian brand HTD has been captivating us with its cleverly updated version of its release. The two Aquatíc dive clocks line up in the next line. These retro style divers were first announced in 2021 and turned out to be popular with fans. Four years later, both watch cases were redesigned to be slim and the dial design was updated. In addition to that, the HD team was renamed Paletteni. This is now called Bicchierini. It’s time to find out if these new models can beat their predecessors.
Take a look at HTDA quatíc Dive Watches once and you’ll see that you’ve entered the world of skin divers. It is a crowded segment, offering a variety of vintage-inspired skin divers at different price ranges. Before writing this review, I chatted about Fratello’s wise elder Gerald and Skin Diver. He said he stuck to me. When asked if he likes skin divers, he replied: “Yes, I do, but only if they’re affordable.” Gerald prefers to put things in the right historical context, especially when these practical divers become everyday wearers.
The story of HTDA quatíc Bicchierini and Space Boy
As most people know, historically, many skin divers debuted in the 1950s and 60s as dress-down diving watches for snorkeling. The specs didn’t have to be as unrequired as professional diving watches, so the size and dimensions were generally friendly to make them easier to wear. Plus, the watches were much more affordable than their professional counterparts. There is much more to the story of why they are more affordable, such as standardized cases, but it creates a bit of context as to why expensive skin divers are generally not as meaningful historically.
In that context, the two HTDAquatícs have a great spec set at an affordable price, which made them hit the sweet spot. Two new models are available for 664 euros and VAT. In the Netherlands, it leads to a price of around 800 euros. This is a small price increase compared to the previous model’s 750 euros costing three years ago. As I have already suggested, HTD has improved the watch in several ways, and the price increase seems fair.
HTDAquatíc Dive Watch Specifications
Nacho reviewed previous HTDA quatíc models in 2022 and was impressed by their appeal and overall quality. With the new update, the watch should be even better. However, with the growing fierce competition in the price range, fans have plenty of options. Find out more about the watch to see what HTD has to offer. Both watches come with a 39.4mm diameter stainless steel case, 11.5mm thick (including crystals) and a 47mm lagtoo lug. Both watches are 200 meters resistant and feature a 120-click bezel with silver numbers and markings and black aluminum dive inserts with applied le mepips.
It’s a great spec set, especially with a great, slim profile, making it a sophisticated and easy to wear watches. This is thanks to an updated case that not only optimized the profile, but also made it a little more modern in the presence of the watch. Another great detail is the clever finish. The mostly brushed case features polished chamfers, fully polished case sides and a sophisticated interior of the rug. In addition, the bezel grip is changed and features a mix of similar finishes. The traditional grip has been replaced by a faceted grip that rivals the bezel of the Omega Seamaster Diver 300m. As a result of the facet grip, the HTD can give the bezel a great mix of finish.
Very different dials for Bicchierini and SpaceBoy
As mentioned before, there are two dial variations, both of which have lost the “skin diver” text on the dial. In my eyes, that’s a huge plus. Both feature double-tapered hours and minutes of hands and arrow tip seconds filled with room. The layout of the first dial has traditional dots and dashes, but I received an upgrade.
HTD replaced the printed room dots with an application marker filled with Super Luminova. As a result, the watch looks a little more modern. The dialing changed and new names were born. The previous version was named Paretoni, while the newer version is called Bicchierini. You can understand this move as it makes it easier to let go of them in a conversation.
The second model is the Space Boy, with a distinctive dial reminiscent of the classic Oris diver of a 65. This dial design brings you all in with a large number of rooms, color-transformed numbers 3, 6, and 9, and tiny hash marks on fine tracks.
In this new version, the brand chose to use a thicker layer of Lume to give the dial a 3D effect. Compared to the first dial, the obviously retro vibe has more characters. Again, they taste somewhat acquired. Still, HTD is wise to offer these two dial options to fans of traditional skin divers.
Miyota caliber 90S5
Hidden behind the screw case is the Miyota 90S5 caliber. This is a step up compared to the Miyota 9039, powered by the previous generation HTDAquatíc model. The difference is minimal, but the 90S5 is a slightly premium product. The automatic movement runs at 28,800VPH, has 24 gems and provides a 42-hour power reserve. In terms of accuracy, the 90S5 should run within -10/+30 seconds per day. Microbrands are often seen using this caliber, but they have proven reliable and reliable.
Fishing from the look of the watch is a three-row oyster style bracelet with folding clasps and push button releases. The bracelet tapes neatly from 20mm on the case to 16mm on the clasp. It’s a familiar style bracelet that feels like it’s properly made. While Cristo Powered achieves with bracelets, it easily beats many of its competitors’ bracelets. The clasp is simple and offers four fine-tuned positions, but you will need to change them using the tool. Thanks to the link screws, the bracelet is easily sized with a flat head screwdriver.
Wear the new HTDA quatíc model
After I sized the bracelet, it was time to spin the watch. As you know, they wear well for the overall overall proportion. The slim profile makes it a real pleasure to wear the HTDA quatíc model. They sit very well on my 18.5cm wrist and the overall presence is familiar. This is the result of this evolution of previous models and the classic overall design of the watch. But I would say that the new case and bezel design gives the watch a new connection. Plus, it offers great details that give the watch a character.
One of the features of a lovely diving watch is its solid bezel action. The actions on these bezels are impressive, but I found them difficult to grasp. The facet design looks really nice, but it’s the least practical. This made rotating the bezel less enjoyable than with such divers. In particular, there is not much surface to grip, as the overall profile is thin and the bezel is very slim. If I had to mention one detail that I didn’t like that much, it would have been.
Final Thoughts on HTDA quatíc Bicchierini and SpaceBoy
Other than that, I wear the watches as charming. They feel firm, sit on their wrists and look great. I prefer the more “standard” look of the Vickirini, but that may seem common to some. The clearer alien design feels retro, but I understand its appeal and why people love it more. Overall, it’s hard to get wrong with any of these watches. Deciding which one to go is simply a style preference.
Overall, these updated HTDA quatíc Divers proved to be impressive. If you’re looking for vintage-inspired skin divers for under 1,000 euros, these are fine. As mentioned, there is a lot of competition that makes it difficult to stand out. But what HTD likes to use Skin Diver is that it stays quite close to the original design. This intentional step may not be a bit more open about them than some, but it also makes a big appeal to a large audience. If anything, the design of these watches was the industry standard for skin divers at some point.
In addition to that, the brand presents some clever updates that significantly improve the watch compared to the previous generation. Overall, people in HTD need to be complemented to create better updates to existing model ranges. After the gorgeous variante B I reviewed so long ago, the HTD has improved and continues to be impressed.
This is a partnership post. Read about transparency here.
