Arinis: The Elegance Of Diving Reinvented By ELKA Watch Co.

By Eric Cosandey

Horlogerie Suisse https://horlogerie-suisse.com/arinis-lelegance-de-la-plongee-reinventee-par-elka-watch-co

The new Arinis diver's watch, faithful to the distinctive codes of the young ELKA brand, combines elegance and functionality. Keeping the dimensions of the original series, it retains the chevé-box sapphire crystal, the characteristic shape of the lugs and the emblematic side line. Equipped with a ceramic bezel adorned with Superluminova numerals, this watch is water-resistant to 20 bars (200 metres).

The name 'Arinis' comes from the ancient name of the village of Saint-Blaise, on the shores of Lake Neuchâtel in Switzerland. This choice pays tribute to the region's rich history, marked by the Celts and the palafitte civilisations, who built dwellings on stilts to adapt to fluctuating water levels. The design of the Arinis is inspired by this history, incorporating elements such as the Celtic wheel found in the lake and the ceramic stocks discovered at Chemin du Diable in Saint-Blaise.

The model I acquired is the undated version, fitted with the Lajoux-Perret Movement in the standard calibre G101 version. Here are its characteristics: - Frequency: 4 Hz - Stop second: Yes - Power reserve: 68 hours - Winding: Automatic unidirectional - Number of jewels: 24 This movement is a plus compared with watches equipped with ETA 2824 or 2892 movements, as it gives us just over a day's extra power reserve, which is no mean feat.

Light and comfortable, this watch is distinguished by its subtly aged beige colour on the bezel and luminova hour markers, a nostalgic reminder of the style of the 1960s. A true diver's watch, it is water-resistant to 200 metres, and features a screw-down crown to prevent any risk of water ingress. The unidirectional notched bezel adds a touch of robustness and precision for diving.

And I wouldn't be a watchmaker if I hadn't put it through its paces on a chrono comparator. And do you know what else? Well, it has an excellent setting. It averages 2.5 sec/day, and the amplitude will probably increase with wear. It says 2824 because that's how my watch is configured, but the parameters are the same between this movement and the ETA 2824. A very fine timepiece that makes a great impression on colleagues and acquaintances, very happy to wear it every day, I recommend it with very good value for money

Eric Cosandey