One of watchmaking’s most extroverted young brands, Roma1n Jerome make no attempt to fit in with the norm, always breaking new ground with outlandish designs and making use of materials which are sop rare that each piece is pretty much unique in its own right. Indeed throughout its relatively short history the brand have dared to be different, and habitually disguise very serious watchmaking behind a quirky or even toy like cosmetic mask. 

Bringing their offbeat styling to the world of the diver’s watch, the new Octopus Lume ticks all of the Romain Jerome signature boxes, and still come up with a watch which is both irresistibly eyecatching, yet practical too, if it ever comes to being used in the light deprived depths, far beneath the surface of the water.

Weighing in at an impressive 47mm, the matte black PVD coated stainless steel case is not for the bashful. The bezel makes use of authentic, stabilised corroded steel, originally salvaged from wreck of the Titanic, making each piece uniquely finished. Crowns at either side of the case operate the typical time setting, with the second crown rotating the internal sapphire bezel around the dial face, which has a strong luminous reference at the 60 minute mark for accurate dive timing.

Beneath the sapphire crystal, the dial transforms depending on the available light. In normal conditions it is dominated by the menacing black octopus set against a blue background which is inspired by a sea urchin skeleton, with dozens of little cavities which also resemble a flurry of bubbles. In low light the octopus fades, apart from its luminous green eyes, and the bubbles come to life, as each one is filled with blue Super LumiNova, which, like the large arrow-tipped hands, and even the dot at the tip of the seconds hand, glow vividly in the dark.

Behind the octopus engraving on the solid steel caseback beats a Concepto automatic self winding movement. Fully wound the movement will run for 42 hours, although of course, any movement on the wrist keeps the power reserve topped up.

The watch is fitted with a black natural rubber strap with steel tang buckle and features tentacle like suction cups which ensures a luxuriously comfortable wear on the wrist.