by Kyle Stults on March 25, 2010
No, not sleep apnea! I’m talking about a tribute watch for champion free diver Guillaume Néry…
Announced at Baselworld 2010, this new BALL Engineer Master II dive watch now features a world time function. The 45mm diamter brushed steel case (black or white dial) houses a modified ETA 2836 movement (added the world time function). With bi-directional rotating bezel, screw-in crown(s) and 300m water resistance, this should be a pretty solid diver. Comes on a rubber strap or brushed stainless steel bracelet. The watch was created as a tribute to Guillaume Néry (his portrait is engraved on the caseback), and yes there is more to his story below.
Guillaume Néry: A Freediving Star
28-year old Frenchman Guillaume Néry is a BALL Watch ambassador and is known for his feats as a freediver. Perhaps not surprisingly, he is also an ardent advocate and supporter of the oceans and protecting the marine environment. In 2006, he became the world record holder for “constant weight apnea” (aka freediving with a fin(s)) when he descended to an astonishing depth of 109 meters (357.6 feet). He was subsequently bested by Austrian Herbert Nitsch and others, with Nitsch now being the current world record holder in the constant weight category. Nitsch’s accomplishment? 123 meters – or 403.5 feet!
To a landlubber such as myself this kind of thing is totally insane! At these levels, this sport absolutely pushes the limits of human physical capability. To me it is almost incomprehensible how they can accomplish such depths — truly amazing. You can judge for youself here in this BALL sponsored video of Néry’s then record-setting 109 meter freedive:
Néry Freedive to a depth of 109 meters (357.6 feet)
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