Herbelin, France’s premier independent watchmaking atelier, unveils a striking new addition to its acclaimed Newport Héritage collection.
This latest diver pays homage to the golden era of 1970s tool watches while embodying the refined craftsmanship and design language that have defined the brand since its founding in 1947.
Rooted in the DNA of the original Newport, first launched in 1988, the Newport Héritage Diver reinterprets archival design cues through a modern lens. At once bold and elegant, it evokes the free-spirited, adventurous ethos of vintage dive watches, infused with a distinctly French flair. The result is a rare blend of retro soul and contemporary performance, an essential piece for collectors with an appreciation for both form and function.
“Herbelin is a brand enriched by a genuine horological heritage dating back to the mid-20th century. This legacy allows us to draw inspiration from a past that speaks directly to today’s passion for vintage style.”
Mathieu Herbelin, Co-Creative Director and grandson of the brand’s founder
Housed in a 42mm cushion-shaped case crafted from 316L stainless steel, the Newport Héritage Diver channels the utilitarian silhouettes of the ’70s. A unidirectional ceramic bezel, complete with 120 firm clicks, ensures tactile precision and glove-friendly operation, faithful to its professional-grade intent. Water-resistant to 300 meters, it’s not just a vintage-inspired showpiece but a capable instrument designed for true aquatic use.
The grained black dial, reminiscent of rippling open seas is framed by a Mediterranean sky-blue flange that plays with light like sun glinting on water. Bold, oversized markers and hands are treated with Super-LumiNova for exceptional low-light readability, while a crisp white day-date aperture at 3 o’clock enhances daily functionality. The nickel-toned central seconds hand adds a dynamic visual contrast, underscoring the watch’s technical character.
At the heart of the Newport Héritage Diver beats a Swiss-made Sellita SW220-1 automatic caliber, selected for its robustness and regulated in-house by Herbelin’s master watchmakers in the Jura mountains of Franche-Comté. The movement boasts a frequency of 28,800 vph, a 41-hour power reserve, and a refined adjustment of 0 to +15 seconds per day, marking a balance between reliability and performance that seasoned collectors value.
Visible through the exhibition sapphire caseback is a custom-engraved Herbelin rotor, offering a view into the mechanical artistry behind the timepiece. The screw-down crown and caseback ensure full diving capability, speaking to the brand’s uncompromising standards of durability and execution.
The Newport Héritage Diver is delivered on a 1970s-style woven technical fabric strap, selected for both its historical relevance and comfort. Collectors will appreciate the quick-change system that allows effortless transition to an FKM rubber strap for sport use or a Milanese mesh bracelet for a more urbane, heritage-inspired look.
Technical Specifications:
NEWPORT HÉRITAGE DIVER
Ref: 1774AN154
Case:
• Polished 316L stainless steel, with brushed sides
• Black ceramic unidirectional bezel
• Domed sapphire crystal, double-sided
• Transparent case back
• Screw-down crown engraved with a marine wheel
• Screw-down case back
• Cushion-shaped case, 42 x 42 mm
• Thickness: 13.95 mm
• Water-resistant to 300 meters
Dial:
• Matte black grained texture
• Faceted hour and minute hands and indexes in steel, coated with luminescent material
• Central nickel seconds hand with running indicator
• Double day (English/French) and date aperture at 3 o’clock
Functions:
• Hours, minutes, seconds, day, date
Strap:
• Technical textile strap inspired by marine ropes, in Newport blue with sky-blue stitching
• Folding deployment clasp
Movement:
• Swiss automatic movement (Sellita SW220-1), finely regulated by Herbelin’s master watchmakers
• 26 jewels, 28,800 vibrations per hour
• Engraved Herbelin oscillating weight
• Power reserve: 41 hours
Price: RRP £1,150.00
For more information please visit Herbelin