BELHAMEL Contra A39 Automatic Dive Watch

When it comes to combining timeless style with modern functionality, few dive watches hit the mark quite like the BELHAMEL Contra A39 Automatic Dive Watch (£399). This limited edition timepiece, capped at just 500 units, delivers exclusivity and craftsmanship without the inflated price tag, offering a perfect blend of retro charm and rugged modernity. Whether you’re hitting the water or the city streets, the Contra A39 is designed to be both a statement piece and a functional tool.

At the heart of the Contra A39 is the Miyota 9039 automatic movement, a premium engine renowned for its smooth second hand sweeping at 28,800 beats per hour. This high-performance movement outshines others in its class, offering precision and reliability at a level typically found in more expensive watches. Encased in marine-grade 316-L stainless steel with an impressive 30 ATM depth rating, the Contra A39 is as tough as it is elegant. With a hardness rating of 900-1100 HV, the watch is ready to take on whatever you throw at it, from underwater adventures to daily wear.

Measuring a perfectly balanced 39mm in diameter, with a lug-to-lug of 47mm and a thickness of 12mm, the Contra A39 sits comfortably on the wrist. Its polished diamond-cut hands align effortlessly with the applied hour markers on the matte dial, available in two striking colourways: Raisin Black or Charcoal Blue. In low light, the watch shines brilliantly thanks to the Swiss Super-LumiNova (BGW9) lume, ensuring legibility no matter where you are.

The 120-click unidirectional bezel is smooth and satisfying to operate, offering a subtle “tik” sound with each turn. Paired with the double-domed sapphire crystal, which has been hardened and treated with double inner anti-reflective coating, the Contra A39 delivers superior clarity and legibility in any lighting condition.

For those who appreciate the finer details, the screw-down crown and screw-down case-back are meticulously designed. The crown, with its brushed sides and polished end featuring the Belhamel icon, offers ease of use while maintaining the watch’s understated look. The case-back features a hydraulic oil-pressed Contra Aqua mark and is individually numbered, cementing the watch’s limited edition status.

Completing the package is a tapered bracelet (20 to 16mm), hand-finished with brushed surfaces and polished chamfers, giving the Contra A39 an integrated and luxurious look. The milled push-button clasp with micro-adjustment ensures a perfect fit for any wrist, while the quick-release spring bars make changing the bracelet a breeze.

With only 500 units per colourway, the BELHAMEL Contra A39 is the ultimate dive watch for those who demand style, functionality, and exclusivity. What are you waiting for?


Leo Davie