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MICRO MONDAYS: The Circula SuperSport brings real Super-compressor Diver funtionality MICRO MONDAYS: The Circula SuperSport brings real Super-compressor Diver funtionality

MICRO MONDAYS: The Circula SuperSport brings real Super-compressor Diver funtionality

Ricardo Sime

Super-compressor styled divers exist in many microbrand catalogues. The wearability of the design and the integration of the timing bezel are two of the main reasons they are so popular. However, many of these examples lack the real functionality their vintage-inspired references had. That’s why when a brand goes to the extra lengths to create a real super-compressor diver, we all take notice. This is exactly the case with the new Circula SuperSport, a German-made, Swiss-powered, super-compressor diver.

Main Shot
Circula SuperSport (Petrol Dial)

For those unfamiliar with the brand, Circula is a microbrand watch manufacturer from Pforzheim, Germany. The brand came into existence in 1955, but was recently realigned by its founder’s grandson in 2017. Since then, they have released four collections; the Retro Quartz, the Classic, the Aquasport and the Aquasport II. With the help of thousands of watch enthusiasts’ votes, the design of this fifth collection, the Circula SuperSport, was finalised.

Case Shot
Circula SuperSport (case)

That design starts with a 40mm case that has a lug-to-lug of 46.5mm and a thickness of 13.3mm (0.5mm of that is due to the curved sapphire crystal). The case is mostly brushed with the rare bit of polishing coming from those iconic super-compressor dual crowns. At 4 o’clock, we have the crown designated for time and date setting; it’s screw down and bares a lumed version of the brand’s logo. The crown at 2 controls the internal rotating bezel; it’s not screw down and has a cross-hatched design. Overall, this case is very minimalistic, with the dial dominating the visible real estate when looking down at the wrist. It reminds me of those thin yet strong cases they make for iPhones. Which is amazing when you realise the watch is rated for 300 metres of water resistance.

Dial Shot
Circula SuperSport (dial)

From there, we make our way to the dial. Complicated in its execution but with an aesthetic that just works, the dial features an inner-rotating diving bezel. That bezel is lumed and features a yellow colour for numbers from the 60 minute symbol to the 20 minute marker. You’ll see that same colour accented on the 4 o’clock crown.

Moving in from the bezel, we are met with the main dial, which has a sandwich design. This means that below the sunburst green dial sits a layer of lume that glows through. That lume then creates the hour indexes and minute track. Above the 6 o’clock lume marker, you’ll find a date window, with white numerals on a green background. Finally, Circula give you sectioned pencil hour and minute hands with a yellow seconds hand. All three feature lume.

Caseback
Circula SuperSport (casebaack)

Making our way to the back of the watch, we are met with an embossed classic diver’s helmet. The helmet is polished and placed within embossed waves of water.

Movement
Circula SuperSport (movement)

Beneath the caseback you’ll find two things. The first is a Sellita SW-200-1 movement, which in many ways seems to have become the new microbrand workhorse. It beats at 28,800 bph and provides 38 hours of power reserve. Circula gives you the option of getting a standard or top-grade version of the movement. The second thing you’ll find is the actual super-compressor mechanism. A tension spring built into the caseback pushes against the watches O-ring. As the watch goes deeper, the pressure outside pushes against that ring and the seal between both gets tighter. This increases the watches overall resistance to water infiltration.

Bracelet
Circula SuperSport (bracelet)

To complete the package, Circula places the watch on an H-link stainless-steel bracelet. The bracelet is brushed with polished centre links. These links are screwed in and the clasp features six micro-adjustment holes. And if that’s not to your liking, you also have the option of a black tropical rubber strap. Both use quick-change spring bars.

Daily Shot
Circula SuperSport

Overall, the Circula SuperSport is a fun, highly technical diver from a brand that isn’t designing their watches in a vacuum. Their ability to listen to what customers want while still presenting a watch that reflects their values isn’t a simple task. However, Cicula has succeeded on both fronts with the SuperSport. Both fans of the brand and buyers in the market will appreciate this watch and the lengths the brand has taken to give us a real blast from the past. One that’s reasonably sized, relatively thin and tastefully colourful.

Circula SuperSport Collection Price and Availability:

The Circula SuperSport collection is currently available for pre-order on their website. Pre-order by October 20th and the brand will include the stainless-steel bracelet for free. Afterwards, pricing will increase by $100 with delivery to start mid-December 2021. Pricing as of the date of this article is $699 USD

Made in partnership with Circula Watches. However, the opinions expressed in this article are our own in accordance with our Editorial Policy.