Squale 2001 Heritage Limited Edition Michel Laval Ltd Ed. Full Set
Basic Info
Listing code : OKWOF9
Brand : Squale
Reference number : 2001LAVAL.HT
Movement : Automatic
Case material : Steel
Bracelet material : Rubber
Year of production : 2025 (Approximation)
Condition : Like new & unworn
Scope of delivery : Original box, original papers
Gender : Men's watch/Unisex
Location : Italy
Price : 3,700
Availability : Item is in stock
Caliber
Movement : Automatic
Caliber/movement : Sellita SW 200-1 Elaboré
Power reserve : 38 h
Frequency : 28800 A/h
Case
Case material : Steel
Case diameter : 40 x 43 mm
Thickness : 13 mm
Water resistance : 60 ATM
Crystal : Sapphire crystal
Dial : Black
Dial numerals : No numerals
Bracelet/strap
Bracelet material : Rubber
Bracelet color : Black
Clasp : Buckle
Clasp material : Steel
I am a collector of both Modern and Vintage watches. I am selling this beautiful squale Heritage 2001 Michel Laval Limited Edition 2001laval with mechanical automatic movement. the watch is new "full set" (Papers, Watch Holder Pochet, Box, Warranty Card) and was purchased in June 2025. the watch launched in 2024 is a limited edition of only 300 pieces very famous for the history that accompanies it and therefore now very difficult to find in "new" condition.
Here is the history and related technical data:
Among its watches Squale has produced a cult model for lovers of the brand founded in Neuchâtel by Charles Von büren in 1959: the 2001, a historic reference that was on the market between the 1960s and 1970s; through the Heritage, a new limited edition (300 pieces) based on the historic model that the legendary explorer Jacques-Yves Cousteau (1910-1997) decided to give as a gift at the beginning of the 1972 Antarctic expedition to Michel Laval, first officer of the Calypso, Cousteau's celebrated lab-ship. Of course, Cousteau needs no introduction: he was the most celebrated explorer of the 20th century, as well as an award-winning documentary filmmaker with four Oscars, a Palme d'Or, and a Golden Globe. and the story of the Antarctic expedition is also well known.
In December 1972, the Cousteau Society set off on a four-month expedition with the goal-successful-of obtaining a complete video documentation of Antarctica, from the peaks to the ice crevasses in the ice shelf to the depths of the Antarctic glacial seas. Unfortunately, Michel Laval was the victim of a tragic accident with the mission helicopter and died on Dec. 29, 1972, on Deception Island. He was only 31 years old.
Upon his death, the watch returned to Cousteau, who entrusted it to chemical engineer and filmmaker, writer, and painter André Laban, a longtime member of Cousteau's expeditions and himself a fraternal friend of Michel Laval. André Laban guarded the watch until his death in 2018. and, as per his wishes, the watch passed into the hands of an elderly German collector, a lover of historical diver, who at the end of a very long and romantic negotiation handed it over to its current owner, an Italian digital entrepreneur and great watch enthusiast, whom we had the pleasure of meeting in person but who prefers to remain anonymous.
The Reference 2001, with 40 mm diameter, was on the market as mentioned between the 1960s and 1970s. From her then draws inspiration for the oversized Ref. 2002 (44 mm in diameter), presented in 1968 and on the wrist of the great freediver Jacques Mayol for the historic 67-meter depth achievement in Japan in 1970.
The original 2001 mounts eta Caliber 2772: 25.60 mm diameter (11.5 lignes) and 21,600 a/h frequency; 17 jewels and nickel balance, with hours, minutes, seconds and date functions. The power reserve is 47 hours. This is an extremely reliable movement-and therefore perfect for the type of watch-produced from 1969 to 1982. While this new limited edition is a very faithful reproduction of the model given by Jacques Cousteau to Michel Laval, including the proportions and dimensions.
The asymmetrical "barrel" case, with hidden lugs, makes the 43 mm length feel perfectly wearable. The overall diameter is confirmed at 40 mm, with the crown integrated into the case and positioned once again at 4 o'clock. Also confirmed is the striking two-tone bezel in black and orange. Today's one, unlike the original from the 1960s in bakelite, is made of sapphire crystal to ensure superior resistance; and like the original, it is equipped with the "push to release" system, a safety mechanism that allows the bezel to be released in both directions only with perpendicular pressure, guaranteeing maximum security even in the event of accidental shocks.
The vintage-like design features a black dial surrounded by a white flange with contrasting minute track. The polished steel hour markers are applied and coated with SuperLuminova C3. And the "Saphir" inscription on the dial is also reproposed, as in the historical models, indicating the presence of the sapphire crystal protecting the watch. The "Tropical" rubber strap is also identical.
The real difference between the two models is the level of water resistance. The original 2001 collection represented a milestone in the history of diving watchmaking, in a pioneering period such as the 1960s, with an extraordinary resistance for the times reaching 100 atmospheres. While the current one, probably aimed at a more transversal audience, stops at 60 atmospheres, which is still confirmed as an ultra-professional figure. Another small difference on the inside: the new one mounts the automatic Sellita sw 200-1 Elaboré, with 28,800 a/h and 38 hours of power reserve.
