The world of dive watches is a crowded one, often saturated with designs that echo familiar archetypes. However, the Marloe Watch Co Morar 310 distinguishes itself by forging a unique path, drawing inspiration not only from the underwater realm but also from the vital work of Search and Rescue (SAR) and Lifeboat services. This is a timepiece that pays homage to the brave and skilled individuals who selflessly risk their lives to extract others from perilous situations, embodying a spirit of humility and unwavering dedication.
Marloe’s design philosophy for the Morar 310 consciously deviates from the plethora of vintage-inspired homages that dominate the dive watch market. Instead, the aim was to create a watch that visually aligns with the functional aesthetics of marine instruments and chandlery, while offering professional-grade performance and robust construction. These nautical tools often feature polished chrome finishes, rounded forms designed to efficiently shed water, and a sturdy, well-engineered build intended for decades of reliable operation.
These very principles underpin the design of the Morar 310. The case, entirely mirror-polished, is a testament to meticulous craftsmanship, comprising three key components: the main case chassis, the case back, and the unidirectional bezel. Several purposeful features are directly bolted to the main chassis, including robust crown guards that provide substantial protection to the screw-down crown, a helium release valve catering to the demands of saturation divers, a soft iron inner cage for comprehensive anti-magnetic protection, and confidently styled tubular lugs.
With a diameter of 41.9mm, the main case chassis presents a silhouette that feels remarkably streamlined on the wrist, despite its substantial 12.05mm assembled thickness (excluding the crystal). The Morar 310 resolutely avoids the well-trodden path of homage designs, instead carving out its own identity as a unique and capable instrument. The dial features generously proportioned, deeply polished frames filled with Swiss Superluminova compound, complemented by large, polished hands also imbued with the same high-performance luminous material. Marloe’s intention was to create a watch with exceptional low-light visibility, and the increased surface area of luminous fill ensures both impressive brightness and longevity.
While the original Morar featured moulded crown guards, the Morar 310 introduces detachable guards, designed to act as sacrificial elements in the event of an impact, offering an added layer of protection to the screw-down crown nestled between them.
A discreet helium release valve is positioned between the lugs at 12 o’clock, maintaining a clean aesthetic at the 9 o’clock location. This one-way valve is a crucial feature for saturation divers, allowing the safe expulsion of helium gas bubbles that can accumulate within the watch case during prolonged deep dives. While this function may not be necessary for the majority of wearers, its inclusion underscores the Morar 310’s credentials as a serious dive watch.
Priced from £699, the Marloe Watch Co Morar 310 offers a compelling blend of distinctive design, robust functionality, and a clear commitment to quality, making it a standout choice for those who appreciate a timepiece with a genuine sense of purpose and a connection to the spirit of exploration and rescue.
