Auch verfügbar auf 
Deutsch
An Italian heart beats in the Ligure Tartaruga Blue. The diver’s watch is based on Italian design, high quality and originality. Ligure Watches offers all of this at an attractive price, which almost makes you wonder: what’s the catch? I took a closer look at one of the models…
By loading the video, you agree to YouTube’s privacy policy.
Learn more
All LIGURE WATCHES in my store
Above the rooftops of Portofino
If you are looking for a timeless and affordable diver’s watch close to the premium segment, you should definitely read on now. I have integrated all the collections of the watch brand Ligure Watches in my store. This also includes the Tartaruga, which is the subject of this test. So before you take a closer look at the references and their differences in my store, I recommend that you read this test report first.
The name Ligure in combination with diving watches is better known to industry insiders than to the general public. Reason enough to introduce Ligure Watches in this watch review. The idea for the brand came to three friends Loek, Jannieke and Pieter on a picturesque terrace overlooking the harbor of Portofino. The Italian municipality lies to the east of Genoa in a bay that could have come straight out of a picture book. A founding story could hardly be more romantic. In addition to their friendship, the three are united by values such as quality, originality and an (Italian) zest for life. This also clarifies the pillars of Ligure Watches’ corporate philosophy.
An up-and-coming watch brand with ambitions
Ligure Watches is not one of those watch brands that can look back on decades of history with countless iconic models that can be reissued again and again as required. Nevertheless, the Dutch brand has built up a certain reputation in recent years. Their watches have been discussed and praised by prominent blogs from the industry. Last but not least, the Dutch ex-football star Mark van Bommel was asked to say a few warm words about the diving watches. His black, white and red Tartaruga reminded him of his time at the glorious AC Milan.
In the following paragraphs, I will explain to you how the Tartaruga carries the soul of Italy within it. But first things first. The name Tartaruga stands for one of the four collections that Ligure Watches has in its model range. It is up to each brand to decide exactly when watches are combined into independent collections. Tartaruga shares a case and design with the other collections. Differences arise due to colors and the integration of a GMT function in the case of the Founders Edition.
What’s in the box?
We haven’t even had a proper look at the watch yet, when I have to give it a compliment. The presentation strikes me as positive. The large box, the high-quality case – Ligure Watches knows how to implement a coherent design. The signal color is red, which appears at every nook and cranny. Even at the included second strap made of rubber, which is put on with an additional folding clasp. Comfortable, sporty, uncomplicated: it would be my first choice on a dive.
The three-link stainless steel bracelet is a little more chic.
How a turtle shell influences a watch design
Jannieke is responsible for the design of the Tartaruga. The designer has been active in many industries, but the Tartaruga is the first watch she has ever designed. This is not necessarily a disadvantage. If you come from outside, you are more likely to design something that has never been done before. In any case, she does not have to contend with entrenched conventions, habits or the danger of repeating herself during the design process.
These fortunate circumstances are definitely noticeable in the Ligure Tartaruga Blue. Its charming design has nothing to do with one of the typical diver’s watches that emulate the Submariner look. The most striking feature is certainly the organic-looking case, the shape of which is reminiscent of a turtle shell, especially when viewed in profile. The sea turtle not only fits in with the diving watch theme. Numerous species can be found on diving expeditions off the coast of Liguria.
The ergonomically shaped case sits comfortably on the wrist. Just as the neck of the turtle protrudes from the shell, so does the three-link stainless steel bracelet from the ends of the case. My interim conclusion: an original idea and successfully implemented. The case measures 41 millimetres in width and 42.5 millimetres lug-to-lug. This is due to the unconventional shape of the watch. The width between the lugs is 22 millimetres.
Applied, easy-to-read indices adorn the uncluttered dial. They are coated with Swiss SuperLuminova luminous material to ensure optimum legibility even in the dark.
The Ligure Tartaruga Blue in the dive check
Ligure Watches does not experiment with the choice of materials. If you are looking for them, you will find them in the Nero di Seppia collection. There, the identical case has a DLC coating. Here we find classic 316L stainless steel. Its surfaces have a matt finish and feel extremely high-quality.
Scratch-resistant sapphire crystal protects the dial from external influences. I like its slight curvature, which has a classic look. The winding crown is at 4 o’clock instead of 3 o’clock. This protects it better from contact with sharp objects and makes it more comfortable to wear.
As an ambitious amateur diver, you should be able to take the Ligure Tartaruga Blue with you on dives without hesitation. It is water-resistant to a maximum of 200 meters. With the unidirectional rotating 120-click bezel, you can monitor your elapsed dive time at any time. As a tribute to its roots, the outline of Italy adorns the polished case back of the Tartaruga.
No surprise, but always a good choice: the SW200 from Sellita
Inside the Ligure Tartaruga Blue, the watch manufacturer uses a solid automatic movement from Sellita. It is the SW200 that powers the Tartaruga and the other three-hand diver’s watches in the product range. For watch enthusiasts with a large collection, the choice of the Swiss perennial favorite may not seem particularly imaginative at first glance. However, the big advantage is obvious. Instead of making large investments and accepting a lengthy development process, purchasing a caliber from Sellita is far easier and cheaper. This allows Ligure Watches to concentrate on its core business: making good diving watches.
Sellita’s SW200 is a replica of the famous ETA 2824 and came onto the market when the patent protection for the original expired. On the data sheet, the automatic movement achieves a solid performance without triggering a wow effect. But does it have to? Or is it much more appreciated for its reliability and Swiss quality?
The power reserve is 38 hours. In addition to minutes, seconds and hours, the automatic movement also drives a date function.
My conclusion on the Ligure Tartaruga Blue
Il Tempo é Galantuomo: this is how Ligure Watches describes the Italian way of life. Time is patient and based on positive energy – just like a gentleman. The fact that the Ligure Tartaruga Blue has absorbed the Italian mentality is evident in many places. Functional, classic design without too many experiments and yet without boredom. A high level of quality when you look at the materials used. And a price for which you get a lot of diving watches. As reference LWT210011, the Tartaruga costs just 950.00 euros. That’s not much when you wear this high-quality product on your wrist. The Ligure Tartaruga Blue is fun to wear and brings a smile to the wearer’s face. Simply good diving watches – that’s all you want! The Ligure Tartaruga Blue certainly satisfies this desire.
I also see the Tartaruga on the wrist of beginners. Those who want to buy their first high-quality diver’s watch without immediately exceeding the magical four-digit price limit.
Below you will find all the important links to the watch in the store, the entire collection and much more!
More about Ligure Watches and the Tartaruga Blue
Click here for the watch in my store
The entire model range at a glance
Even more diving watch reviews in my blog
