French independent watchmaker Serica has unveiled a rare collector’s opportunity with its Reference 5303 PLD Dive Chronometer—a specialized timepiece initially developed for the Plongeurs Démineurs, France’s elite naval explosive ordnance disposal divers.
Unlike most of Serica’s military collaborations, which remain exclusive to their commissioned organizations, this model will be partially available to the public following military allocation.
Combat Timepiece
The 5303 PLD builds upon Serica’s standard dive chronometer platform but incorporates crucial modifications for underwater explosive disposal operations. Most notably, the dial features “Amagnètique” rather than the usual depth rating, highlighting the watch’s non-magnetic properties—a critical safety feature when working near maritime explosives where even minimal magnetic signatures could potentially trigger detonation. This antimagnetic capability is backed by internal shielding that provides protection up to 50,000 A/M.
Further military-specific upgrades include a redesigned “Fat Lollipop” seconds hand with an enlarged luminous tip for enhanced underwater legibility when tracking critical elapsed time. The 39mm stainless steel case maintains the brand’s signature versatility with crown options on either the left or right side, while the compact 12.2mm thickness and 46.5mm lug-to-lug measurements ensure comfortable extended wear during missions.
Perhaps the most significant tactical enhancement appears on the bezel. The “DT Max” bezel features Abyssal Blue ceramic with a dual-scale system that combines depth markings on the outer scale with no-decompression time limits on the inner scale.
This specialized tool allows EOD divers to quickly determine how long they can safely remain at a given depth without requiring time-consuming decompression stops—vital information when working with underwater explosives under strict time constraints.
Elite Functionality
Powering this specialized diver is the chronometer-certified Soprod Caliber M100 automatic movement, delivering COSC-certified accuracy within -4/+6 seconds per day—precision that can be mission-critical for military operations.
The movement operates at 28,800vph with approximately 42 hours of power reserve, providing reliable mechanical timekeeping without electronic components that could potentially compromise safety around explosives.
While military-issue versions feature matte black dials and casebacks engraved with the Plongeurs Démineurs emblem, civilian models will sport glossy enamel dials and unadorned casebacks. Both versions come equipped with Serica’s signature stainless steel mesh bracelet featuring articulating end-links for improved wearability.
Accompanying the bracelet is a historically significant secondary option—an elastic fabric strap inspired by the handmade parachute webbing straps that French combat divers fashioned in the 1960s and 1970s. Serica has modernized this military heritage with more ergonomic hardware featuring brushed stainless steel finishes and the brand’s name engraved on the connecting buckle.
Priced at €1,690 (approximately $1,870), the civilian Reference 5303 PLD Dive Chronometer represents a modest premium over Serica’s standard models, justified by its specialized bezel, additional strap, and military pedigree.
With total production limited to 500 pieces—and many already allocated to active EOD divers—the remaining civilian examples offer collectors a rare opportunity to own a timepiece with genuine tactical functionality and authentic military heritage.
