In 1924, the brothers Adolf and Albert Gilomen founded A. & A. Gilomen S.A. in Lengnau near Grenchen, Switzerland. In 1966, the company was renamed Delma Watch Ltd. after one of the initial four model names following the takeover by Ulrich Wüthrich & partner.
The Delma insignia first appeared on pocket and wristwatches in 1933, followed by the first chronograph in 1946. Recorded under the name Midland, the classic 18-karat yellow gold chronograph equipped with a mechanical hand-winding movement signifies the beginning of Delma’s sports watch collection.
A sporty chronograph with a stainless-steel case is released, boasting an ETA Valjoux 7736 R movement. The Tachymeter indication on the dial, the luminous hands and genuine leather or rubber strap made it the ultimate racing timepiece.
The Periscope was Delma’s first wristwatch with increased water resistance. Although not yet up to present-day standards, this model started Delma’s divers’ watch tradition.
As of 1975, the company was enjoying great success with its two professional divers’ watches: the Shell Star and Quattro. Delma’s stainless steel automatic models with rotatable bezels remain popular with professional and hobby divers to this day.
Named for its precision and sharp design elements, Delma’s Shark model had a rectangular stainless steel case encompassing an automatic ETA 2789 movement. The intricate bracelet, unique octagonal dial and diamond cut indexes made this unique watch worthy of admiration.
When pocket watches came back in style for a brief period along with the three-piece suit, Delma used the opportunity to produce a prestigious Savonette example in 18 karat gold. Behind the carved spring lid is a refined hand winding Unitas movement with pearled bridges, moon phase and date indication.
The Delma Klondike was launched in 1991 as an annual limited-edition mechanical gold and platinum collection and has served as Delma’s signature line ever since. It was recognized for its exceptional quality and ingenuity by its preselection in the Calendar category at the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève in 2017.
In the mid-nineties Delma enjoyed great success with its Platinum collection including winning the 1st prize in the precious metal category at the JA International Jewelry Show in New York.
As an extension of Delma’s successful signature line, the Klondike was redesigned in stainless steel in 2004. Equipped with a new movement, its refreshed forms and materials made it a noteworthy timepiece among Delma’s sports watches.
The Blue Shark joins the ranks of Delma’s exceptional divers’ watches with a splash. Flaunting a sporty, sturdy disposition and eye on innovation, the original Blue Shark was introduced as a progressive performance divers’ watch with water resistance to 3000 m / 9900 ft that encompassed the latest advancements in functionality and strength.
A new sports watch, carrying the name of the company’s first chronograph is introduced. While it pays tribute to the original, the bold look with exposed screws is undoubtedly fresh. Equipped with a big date and ergonomic push pieces, the Midland Chronograph is a revered companion for aspiring and professional athletes.
The revival of Delma’s first professional divers’ watch marked an exciting moment. Technological advancements allowed us to produce a new Shell Star that kept the distinctive sporty look of the company’s landmark model with features that were unimaginable in the 1970s. Now equipped with a helium valve and water-resistance to 500 m, the Shell Star is a modern precision instrument.
The introduction of the Oceanmaster series stimulated Delma’s Time to Perform campaign and solidified the company’s companionship with extreme sailing. The collection is inspired by Delma’s collaboration with the IMOCA Ocean Masters and has special features for nautical navigation and tactical planning.
Delma’s Blue Shark models have continuously exceeded perceived boundaries of endurance and the Blue Shark III is no exception. Standing out as one of the strongest divers’ watches ever produced, the new Blue Shark III is Delma‘s supreme divers’ watch with water resistance to 4000 meters / 13120 ft. As the series grows, and new technology is introduced, the Sharks become increasingly powerful, resilient, and groundbreaking.
