The new Paradisi diver watch boasts a casing crafted from an AMPCO bronze alloy that blends durability with timeless elegance. A one-of-a-kind collaboration where advanced engineering meets bold design—creating a bronze dive watch unlike any other.
The Minds Behind This Distinctive Timepiece
Materials matter just as much as design when it comes to diving watches. That’s why the collaboration between Paradisi Watches, an independent watchmaker known for its precision craftsmanship, and AMPCO METAL, specialists in advanced alloys, has brought to the world something remarkable.
When Paradisi set out to create a bronze dive watch that could withstand the harshest underwater conditions while maintaining a bold yet simple and memorable aesthetic, they needed more than just standard materials. They needed a partner who could provide alloys with reliable and uniform parameters under all critically demanding circumstances.
The result is the RP02, a limited-edition timepiece utilizing AMPCO® 18 aluminum bronze, blending the best of innovative engineering and artisanal watchmaking. The watch itself is a testament to what happens when two brands share a commitment to excellence without compromise.
Crafted to Be Seen
The Design of the Paradisi RP02 Bronze Dive Watch
A close-up of the RP02 bronze diver watch
In the case of many dive watches, functionality often overshadows its image. But for the Paradisi RP02, design is just as important as performance. This timepiece is crafted not only to withstand extreme conditions but also to stand out with its bold, simple and timeless aesthetic.
At the center of its distinctive look stands the bronze casing made of AMPCO® 18 and the winding crown made from the same alloy. Unlike traditional materials, like stainless steel or titanium, bronze develops a natural patina over time, giving each watch a unique character that adapts with its wearer. This aging process doesn’t just add charm, but it also tells the watch’s story, making every RP02 a personal testimony.
The design embraces simplicity, allowing the craftsmanship and materials to shine. The hand-satin finish enhances the warm tones and “natural” shine of the bronze, while the minimalist dial keeps the focus on what matters most—clarity, precision, and elegance. It’s a design that balances sturdy durability with refined aesthetics, making the RP02 a striking sight on land or in the ocean.
The RP02 isn’t just built to last! It has been crafted to be seen, admired, and appreciated, both for its engineering and its evolving beauty.
A look at the pure bronze casing without the other components
Built for the Depths: Great Performance Under Pressure
The Paradisi RP02 has found its place among unique dive watches, because it wasn’t made just to look impressive. It was also engineered to perform under very extreme conditions. Originally crafted to withstand depths of up to 1,000 meters, this bronze diver watch has vastly exceeded expectations during testing. It remained water resistant even at 1,800 meters without the need for a helium escape valve.
This remarkable performance was made possible thanks to the strength of AMPCO® 18, an alloy trusted in aerospace and marine industries for its exceptional mechanical properties. The superior structural integrity allows the RP02 to endure intense pressure, making it a reliable companion not just for divers but also many professionals working in hostile environments.
Besides that, AMPCO® 18 is a technological phenomenon that possesses several other vital parameters that make it such a versatile and high-performance alloy, for example:
- Precision Machinability
The finer and more compact grain structure allows for intricate detailing and tight tolerances even in high-end watch components. - Refined Surface Finish
Provides the option to achieve a luxurious, hand-satin finish thanks to a surface which responds very well to polishing.
- Density
At a value of 7.45 g/cm³ contributes to a solid yet balanced feel on the wrist.
- Tensile Strength
Up to 745 MPa, ensuring robustness in high-pressure environments.
- Hardness
Brinell hardness of 192 HB for excellent surface durability.
Beyond depth ratings, the bronze RP02 is built to resist thermal fluctuations, mechanical stress, and the corrosive effects of saltwater environments. It’s a watch designed to thrive where others can’t go, proving its worth in the most demanding conditions.
Interesting fact: Did you know that bronze has a maritime heritage? Ship propellers as well as diving helmets were at times made using bronze. Paradisi isn't just keeping up with the times, but also with nautical traditions.
A diving helmet on display in a museum
The Science behind Comfort: Biocompatibility at Its Best
A dive watch doesn’t just have to bear the elements. It’s also exposed to the wearer’s skin for days, weeks or even months. That’s why biocompatibility matters, especially for a timepiece designed to perform under severe circumstances like the Paradisi RP02.
Thanks to its AMPCO® 18 bronze casing, the RP02 offers more than just durability and corrosion resistance. It’s made from a lead-free, nickel-free alloy ensuring it’s safe for prolonged skin contact without causing irritation or allergic reactions. This is particularly important for divers and other professionals who rely on their watch in environments where comfort is as critical as performance.
What sets AMPCO® 18 apart is that it’s not just hypoallergenic, it’s also certified as food-safe and approved for use in medical applications, further emphasizing its exceptional standards of safety and quality. Unlike traditional bronze alloys, which can cause skin discoloration or react over time, AMPCO® 18 gives the user peace of mind with all the ruggedness of bronze minus any of the drawbacks.
It’s the perfect balance of strength, safety, and comfort, proving that high performance doesn’t have to come at the expense of wearability.
A detailed look at the casing of the bronze dive watch
Superior Quality Is Worth the Investment
For Paradisi Watches and AMPCO METAL excellence isn’t only a feature—it’s the foundation. Their shared focus on quality, precision, and performance naturally sets them apart, not just in what they create but in the values they uphold. As Riccardo Paradisi stated, “The cost is about 30% higher than traditional alloys, but the performance is in another league.”
That’s not a premium just for the sake of it. It’s the reflection of materials engineered to last, and craftsmanship designed to inspire. In this case, the worth lies in the experience, the performance, and the lasting benefits.
The Appeal of Microbrands
Paradisi’s Limited-Edition Craftsmanship
Mass-produced watches are basically standard, yet Paradisi Watches stand out as a brand that values exclusivity, precision, and authenticity. As an independent watchmaker, Paradisi thrives on creating timepieces that reflect a deep passion for mechanical design and artisanal craftsmanship—and the RP02 is no exception!
What makes the RP02 even more remarkable is its limited production run of just 50 pieces worldwide. The same goes for the 904L Stainless Steel and Grade 23 Titanium watches. The whole RP02 line consists of 150 watches and no more.
But it isn’t just about rarity. The aim is to ensure that each watch receives the meticulous attention to detail it deserves. From the precision machining of the AMPCO® 18 bronze casing, to the hand-finished details that define its aesthetic, every RP02 proves Paradisi’s pledge for quality.
Unlike larger brands focused solely on volume, Paradisi invests time and effort into perfecting each watch. Treating it not as a product but as a piece of functional and wearable art. This dedication to craftsmanship, combined with innovative materials like the AMPCO® 18, is what makes Paradisi’s RP02 one of the best microbrand dive watches. An absolute must for those who value both performance and individuality.
The complete allure of the PR02 with the AMPCO® 18 bronze casing
Finishing Touches
The Paradisi RP02 is many things, but it surely isn’t just another bronze dive watch! It represents a bold step beyond conventional design, blending functionality with an evolving aesthetic that tells a story unique to every wearer.
The partnership between Paradisi Watches and AMPCO METAL has resulted in a timepiece that does more than simply tell the time—it reflects character, resilience, a passion for pushing boundaries and above all, reliability under any circumstances.
Limited to 50 pieces, the RP02 wasn’t made to blend in, it was made to stand out, whether on land, in the water, above and below the surface.
This quote has been translated from the following article written in Italian.
If you are interested in learning more about this unique diver watch, download our thorough case study!
