The Serica 5330 Dive Chronometer With A Date

The guys at Serica take their vintage-inspired designs very seriously. The brand’s watches are all about the perfect proportions, high legibility, and great wearability. Up until now, a date window wasn’t part of that equation. However, as representatives of many brands tell us, some people won’t buy a watch unless it has a date window. So Serica’s founders, Jérôme Burgert and Gabriel Vachette, went back to the drawing board. The result is a well-thought-through new reference. It’s the new Serica 5330 Dive Chronometer.

It might sound surprising, but until today, none of Serica’s watches has featured a date window — not even the 8315 GMT. That means this wasn’t an overnight decision. The integration of this date window into the 5330’s dial demonstrates Serica’s attention to detail in its design approach.

The Serica 5330 Dive Chronometer

At first glance, you might think the new Serica 5330 Dive Chronometer is simply the brand’s 5303-1 with a date window. Well, when we look at the dimensions and design of the brushed and polished case, that’s indeed true. The new reference 5330 has the same 39mm stainless steel case as the 5303. It also shares the 12.2mm thickness (including the double-domed sapphire crystal) and 46.5mm length from tip to tip of the twisted lugs. The two-scale bezel, with a ceramic insert and vault-like operation, is also still there, but that’s also where the differences start to show.

The Serica 5303-1

The new Serica 5330

First, the ceramic insert is now a very dark shade of gray that pairs well with the black dial. The insert also lacks the 45–60-minute hash marks and simply shows the number 50 instead. Then, we come to the black dial, which is matte here but has always been glossy on the 5303-1 Dive Chronometer. It still has the quirky lollipop-like hour markers and the characteristic white Broad Arrow hands. In true Serica fashion, there is, of course, no logo at 12 o’clock, but there is the “chronomètre” and “300m=1000ft” text at 6 o’clock.

A well-integrated date window

At 3 o’clock, you’ll find the new date window. It has the same eggshell color as the lumed marker it replaces and displays red numbers to make the date more visible. Aside from that date window, the dial layout seems to be the same as on the 5303-1. However, the minute track is now slightly further from the edge to embrace the cutout for the date. The best way to prove this is the fact that the “Serica Swiss” text isn’t on the inside of the minute track anymore. It’s now on the outside, as there’s more space there.

A capable COSC-certified movement

Inside the new Serica 5330 Dive Chronometer is the same Soprod M100 automatic movement that’s also in the brand’s 5303 Dive Chronometer. This 25-jewel caliber runs at 28,800 vibrations per hour and offers a 42-hour power reserve. Though you can’t see it through the case back, it also has Côtes de Genève finishing, and as the watch’s name suggests, it’s a COSC-certified chronometer. This means it should be accurate to within -4 and +6 seconds a day.

To prove how capable the new 5330 Dive Chronometer really is, French adventurer Alexandre Gaye will wear the watch during his solo crossing of Vatnajökull, Europe’s largest glacier, in Iceland. The Serica Isskrími Expedition is a 180km journey that he will complete solo this April.

Comfortable on the wrist

On the wrist, the new Serica 5330 feels just as much at home as my 5303-3. The 39mm case is comfortable, especially when paired with Serica’s splendid Vesper mesh bracelet. I still love how you can adjust it to exactly the right size and how the end links offer ample articulation. It’s these thoughtful details that make a Serica watch what it is. You might not notice a big difference between the new dark gray bezel insert and the fully black one on the 5303-1 in the pictures. However, in person, the gray color matches the matte black dial perfectly, and together, they make the 5330 look more sophisticated.

Since there’s no magnifier over the date window, it won’t constantly draw attention to itself. But because of the red text and light background, it’s easy to read when you need to. The red numbers are a nice, sporty touch, especially paired with the white and red elastic PLD strap. I had never tried such a strap on my 5303-3, but I might look into getting one because I like the look and the comfort it brings.

Available now

Admittedly, I’m not a huge fan of date windows. There’s one on my Cartier Santos ref. 2823, but I’d rather not have it there in the bottom right corner, to be honest. I’d also choose my no-date 5303-3 over this new 5330. However, if date windows are a must-have for you, the 5330 offers a really well-executed example. You do pay a little bit more for it, as the 5330 costs €200 more than the no-date 5303.

The new Serica 5330 Dice Chronometer is available now and can be yours for €1,690. That price includes both the Vesper mesh bracelet and the additional PLD white and red elastic nylon strap.

Let me know in the comments below what you think of the new Serica 5330 Dive Chronometer.

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