One instrument. Two new expressions.
Swiss watchmaker Bühlmann introduces two new interpretations of its distinctive Decompression 02 mechanical diving watch. The new Black and White editions explore two contrasting expressions of a timepiece that brings together pioneering diving science, mechanical ingenuity and functionalist Swiss watch design.
Two colours. Two personalities.
The Black and White editions explore two contrasting expressions of this philosophy.
Bühlmann Decompression 02 First Edition Black.
Black emphasises the watch's powerful, performance and dive safety character. Its dark, technical appearance reinforces the impression of a high-performance mechanical instrument, purposeful and uncompromising.
Bühlmann Decompression 02 First Edition White.
White creates a striking interplay of contrasts, drawing attention to the intricate architecture of the dial, the decompression data and the beauty of its mechanical indications. An expressive interpretation of Swiss functionalism, where engineering becomes an essential part of the aesthetic experience.Different in personality, identical in purpose. Both reflect Bühlmann's interpretation of Swiss functionalist design resulting from the intelligent engineering of real needs.
An unconventional watch with an extraordinary story
Behind the Decompression 02 lies a remarkable chapter in the history of diving. Professor Albert A. Bühlmann, the Swiss physician and scientist whose pioneering research laid the foundations of modern decompression science, developed the ZH-L16 algorithm, which continues to underpin many of today's dive computers and decompression tables. Conceived with his son Thomas Bühlmann, the Decompression 02 translates this scientific heritage into an entirely mechanical diving instrument. Its rotating decompression dial incorporates 17 dive profiles derived from Bühlmann's decompression tables, while the signature Twin Safety Bezel® enables separate measurement of total dive time and decompression stops with two different fail safe mechanisms. A mechanical Fly-No-Fly indication extends the instrument's functionality beyond the dive itself.The result is a watch of unmistakable character, where scientific purpose, mechanical complexity and distinctive design come together.
We built the Decompression 02 the way it had to be built, with no concessions to established dive watch design conventions. Its character comes from its purpose. Black and White reveal two very different sides of that same philosophy.
Guido Benedini, CEO Bühlmann Watches
Mechanical presence. Maximum comfort.
With its commanding 48.5 mm stainless steel case, the Decompression 02 makes a powerful visual statement.Yet its distinctive construction also reflects careful attention to ergonomics. A concave caseback, a 5° inclined case architecture and articulated strap attachment at 12 o'clock allow the watch to sit comfortably on any wrist despite its imposing dimensions. Powered by the Swiss automatic Sellita SW300 movement and water-resistant to 575 metres, the Decompression 02 combines the presence of a professional diving instrument with the craftsmanship of Swiss mechanical watchmaking
The Twin Safety Bezel of the Decompression 02.
The decompression stop times for the 17 dive profiles featured on the rotating Bühlmann Twin Dive Dial® are derived from Dr. A. Bühlmann's renown dive tables which still, after 40 years, remain among the most widely used and widely adopted by the diving industry, including in dive computers.
The ZH-L16 Decompression table with 17 dive profiles printed on the turning bottom dial is revealed by the dial opening at 6 o'clock.
A continuing commitment to diving science
Bühlmann Watches shares a long-term commitment to advancing diving safety through scientific research with DAN Europe (Divers Alert Network Europe). A portion of the proceeds from every Decompression 02 sold supports the DAN Europe Medical Research Fund and its work towards a deeper understanding of decompression physiology and more personalised approaches to diving safety.The partnership continues the scientific legacy of Professor Albert A. Bühlmann, whose work remains fundamental to modern diving.
“My father always believed that science should serve safety. I am proud to witness his groundbreaking work embodied in this exquisite mechanical instrument, and supporting DAN Europe's research, a true continuation of his life's mission.”
Thomas Bühlmann, co-founder Bühlmann Dive Watches
The Twin Safety Bezel of the Decompression 02.
Two exclusive editions. Twenty pieces each.
The new Decompression 02 Black and White references join the Druckkammer Blue and the Orange First Editions, completing four distinct expressions of the same mechanical instrument. Each new first edition reference is produced in a strictly limited edition of 20 individually numbered pieces, offering collectors the opportunity to own a particularly exclusive interpretation of the Decompression 02.
Technical Features
The 48.50 mm stainless steel Decompression 02 with ceramic bezel is powered by a slim Swiss made Sellita SW300 mechanical automatic movement and has a sapphire crystal.
The other notable features are:
- Legacy-based design and usability: Inspired by Bühlmann’s original circular decompression calculator with "Golden Zone" logic: 17 most frequent dive profiles and an 18th "fly-no-fly" segment
- Twin Safety Bezel®: Two counterrotating bezels for total dive time (clockwise block) and deco time (counterclockwise block)
- Twin Decompression Dial®: Two dials with a rotating sub-dial featuring the ZH-L16 decompression data, visible through a sapphire opening
- XXL minute hand: Enhanced readability for timing decompression stops, total dive time and bottom time
- Minimalist hour hand: Keeps visual focus on the minutes hand and the dive and decompression timing
- 5° case inclination: Improves dial legibility
- Helium valve: to prevent damaging the watch after prolonged stays in mixed gas pressurised atmospheres
- Flexible strap joint at 12 o'clock: Adapts the watch to all wrist sizes for maximum fit and comfort
- Detachable Strap extension: providing the extra length to wear the watch over your wetsuit
- Concave case back: for extra wear comfort
- 575m water-resistance: a depth that matches Bühlmann's own hyperbaric record and the necessary water-resistance with a sufficient safety margin for diving in the "Golden Zone"
- Special dive box: a unqiue box for that special gift and a practical box to travel with the watch
- Swiss made: a guarantee of horological quality, manufacturing standards and manufacturing sustainability
Prices, edition and sales information
The Bühlmann Decompression 02 First Edition White and Black are limited to only 20 pieces.
Retail price is CHF 4'500.00. The watch can be purchased exclusively at buhlmannwatches.com and watchangels.ch
About Bühlmann Dive Watches
Bühlmann is an independent Swiss watch brand founded around the scientific legacy of Professor Albert A. Bühlmann, one of the pioneers of modern decompression science. Created with his son Thomas Bühlmann, the brand develops distinctive mechanical diving watches that bring together scientific heritage, purposeful engineering and Swiss watchmaking. Guided by a philosophy of Swiss functionalism, Bühlmann believes that compelling design emerges from the intelligent engineering of real needs. Visit website.
