Skin Divers and lume plots - the FLX001 from Fleux

Diving is an among the most popular activities today , but back in the 60s and 70s was more like a religion. Space exploration was at is peak but not everyone wanted or could be an astronaut, so the next big frontier needed to be discovered: the sea.

The desire to discover the unknown is something that always drives us as human species but also, we have to be conscious that we have our day to day lives. Boring chores and jobs are the norm, and just like being an astronaut, not all of us can be a professional pilot, diver or Explorer, we have to compromise. That said, there is hope, an explosion of companies a while back decided to simplify our beloved professional diving watches and we can all have a go. Dates were added to the dial, less water resistance for a slimmer profile, a thinner bezel where some of the few changed that brought us the Skin Diver, a more elegant proposition.

There is no real explanation why the term “skin diver” but we can guess that it because now the watch can become part of your day to day, easier to pull. 

With these bases covered, we have what to me is one of the best examples for these of watches, the FLX001 from Fleux. A Canadian company that is obsessed with making the best skin diver out there regardless its competition, it is a good one.

The recipe is quite simple, as an enthusiast with an eye for design, Edward has been studying the lines and history of divers in general. The result is a well machined case with good proportions that can be look as a heck of an elegant watch. Warm tones, black dials and glossy finishes adorn the 3 variations Fleux is offering and today we have the first iteration, the FLX001. A one of a kind retro diver that takes you back in time with a big nostalgia punch. Let’s dive in ( I know…)

The specifications

The 38mm by 47mm case is outstanding, there is no other word for it. The angled down lugs hug well and feels good on my 6.25 inch wrist. There a mix of surfaces and angles that makes it more complex that early day divers, we are very happy with the choice of not going with a full polished case, it would look potentially more period correct but a bit too shiny, not good for the sharks out there. The dial is a testament to good design, the top half of the dial has larger lume plots that the bottom half. At the beginning I was think on why? But legibility is highly increased by this small detail, kind of a California dial, you can distinguish easier the time at a glance , and at night , they do glow nicely.

The orange minute hand takes all the attention, it is large and dominates the dial in a good way. It pairs well with the creamy color lume and gilt accents. The FLX001 doesn’t only look period correct but also balanced, is not exaggerating the vintage look but merely mimicking it.

The dial is covered by a hesalite domed crystal and we are so happy about it, not only creates that lovely distortion to the dial but also gives this warmth that sapphire simple cannot compete with. Sure it will show scars over time but that’s part of the fun, nothing that a little tube of polywatch cannot take care of. 

The watch is powered by a SII NH38A, I spoke to Edward about this movement and if he mentioned that he hasn't done anything to it. To me, it’s the best winding feeling experience I had with this movement at any price point, it clicks like nothing else, is crisp and accurate also, I like it a lot.

The FLX001 also has a screw down crown which provides the watch with 200 meters of water resistance, a lot for the small companion. The aluminum bi-directional bezel is a friction fitted and oozes quality. We would like to see a ratcheting bezel at some point but it would go against the design and originality of any skin diver so, we are good with the choice of adding it here. 

On the wrist

Surely a category of watches that has the word “skin” must be comfortable and the FLX001 doesn’t disappoint. To be fair this is not a surprise as we already knew the wearing experience from the FLX003 reviewed last year but that’s doesn’t take merits from a good design, it still feels great.

The size proportions are spot on, it is tall at 14mm but that is because of the hesalite crystal. The mid case feels thin and the case construction robust enough to take a challenge.

The FLX001 comes with a Saffiano black strap which looks dressy and I have to say that it matches well. As a watch, this is a refined product that can work with a suit or a T-shirt. I’ve added the watch into a beige leather suede strap and it looks quite cool by matching with the lume color, you’ll be the judge. I know it might cringe some of toy purists to use leather on a diver but it still looks great.

I wore the FLX001 everyday, it can be used with a fabric strap for more physical activities and then you could add a rubber strap for added comfort. At the office it looks in place because is very discrete, the glossy nature makes it stand out a bit, nothing too hard to handle. The orange tones are very subtle, they are not screaming legibility, instead they are matching the retro I’ve given by the rest of the dial.

Legibility is a strong point , the asymmetrical lume plots play a good part on this while the dark dial makes everything else pop with ease, I am sure we did not got here by chance, it is a well thought out design.

Conclusion 

Having a diver that looks this good and performs this well is a rare thing, specially at the price point that Fleux operates. The FLX001 is 499 USD which is lower that you similar Seiko equivalent. To me it is a bargain because of its originality and quality of execution, rarely I have a watch so well rounded.

The attention to detail is very high, we enjoy that the acrylic crystal is a design choice and not a budget one, these are the types of enthusiasm we look for, a passion project not a commercial exercise.

Fleux is a brand that has been doing so great designs at a modest price , we had a sneak peak on what is coming and we also believe you are going to like it. The passion of a person for a particular category seems to be driving this Canadian based company with full force, the result is an everyday second skin.

For more information, please visit https://www.fleuxwatches.com/products/flx001

Technical Specifications 

• 316L Stainless steel case

• 20ATM (660ft = 200m) water resistance

• 38mm case (+1mm with bezel)

• 14mm case thickness (to top of crystal)

• 12mm case thickness (from the bottom of the lugs to the top of the bezel)

• 47mm lug-to-lug

• 20mm lug width

• Hesalite double-domed crystal

• Brushed case finishing

• Polished chamfers

• Bi-directional friction fit bezel

• Aluminum bezel insert

• SII NH38A Movement (Japan) | 21,600 bph | -20~+40s per day | 41 hr power reserve

• Super-Luminova C3 "Old Radium" puffy lume plots

• "OG" caseback (only on FLX001 and FLX002 models) 

• SEAQUAL recycled ocean plastic strap w/ quick release spring bars

• Saffiano leather (PU) flat-pack travel watch box