The Santurce Tiburon and Picua watches, born from the passion of a Puerto Rican husband-and-wife duo, represent a compelling entry into the microbrand dive watch market. These timepieces are more than just functional accessories; they embody a rich narrative of enthusiast-driven innovation, local pride, and meticulous design. With a focus on quality, unique cultural motifs, and a competitive price point, they offer a refreshing alternative to established brands, appealing to a broad spectrum of watch aficionados seeking individuality and genuine craftsmanship.
The Genesis of Santurce Watches: Crafting Timepieces with Caribbean Soul
Founded by Jose and Anita Salas, two fervent watch collectors and community organizers, the Santurce Collection emerged from a shared passion and a vision to create timepieces that resonate with their Puerto Rican heritage. In an interview for the SUPERLATIVE Podcast, the couple shared their journey, illustrating a common trajectory for many independent watch brands. Their initial forays into watchmaking were met with enthusiastic support from their local watch community, leading to the development of the distinctive Tiburon and Picua dive watches. These models are a testament to their dedication, blending classic dive watch aesthetics with subtle nods to Puerto Rican culture, such as the unique case back engraving featuring “El Jibaro Buzo” – a diver wearing a traditional straw hat and wielding a machete. The brand's name itself, derived from a vibrant beach town outside San Juan where the Salas reside, injects a sense of place and personal connection into each piece.
The Tiburon (Spanish for “shark”) and Picua (Spanish for “barracuda”) models, though distinct in color and hand design, share a common foundation of robust engineering and thoughtful artistry. Both watches feature a 39mm wide, 13mm thick sandblasted steel case, reportedly forged for enhanced durability, and a modest 40mm lug-to-lug distance, ensuring comfortable wear for a diverse range of wrists. A flat, anti-reflective coated sapphire crystal protects the dial, while the case boasts an impressive 300-meter water resistance, secured by a screw-down crown. The attention to detail extends to the luminous material application on the hands and hour markers, which is uniformly excellent, and a smoothly operating unidirectional rotating bezel with finely crafted aluminum inserts. Powering these timepieces is a Swiss-made Sellita SW200 automatic movement, known for its reliability and a 4Hz beat rate, offering approximately two days of power reserve. While the movement is Swiss, the watches are assembled in the United States by LUM-TEC in Ohio, adding another layer of American craftsmanship to their appeal. Though supplied with comfortable black nylon NATO-style straps, the watches' versatile design allows for easy customization with other 20mm straps, encouraging owners to personalize their experience.
Beyond the Dial: The Enduring Spirit of Independent Horology
The Santurce Tiburon and Picua watches embody a powerful narrative about the evolving landscape of the watch industry. In an era where large corporations often dominate, brands like Santurce demonstrate the enduring spirit of independent horology, driven by passion, community, and a commitment to genuine craftsmanship. Jose and Anita Salas, through their meticulous design and local engagement, have not only created exceptional timepieces but have also cultivated a vibrant community of watch enthusiasts. Their journey highlights how personal connections and cultural identity can enrich product development, offering consumers more than just a watch, but a piece of a story. These watches are a reminder that true innovation and appeal often stem from a deep understanding and love for the craft, proving that small, dedicated brands can indeed rival the quality and allure of their more established counterparts.