Introducing Vertex Unveils the M60 AquaLion Taormina

Vertex, a British watch brand with a storied history dating back to 1916, was founded by Claude Lyons to produce military timepieces for the British Army. Like many other brands, Vertex struggled during the Quartz Crisis, ultimately ceasing production in 1972.

In 2016, Don Cochrane, the great-grandson of Claude Lyons, revived the brand with a mission to honor his family's legacy and reintroduce Vertex's exceptional craftsmanship to a new generation of enthusiasts.

Among the brand’s modern offerings, the M60 AquaLion stands out as Vertex’s first dive watch, initially launched in 2022. Now, the timepiece returns in a striking blue-dial edition, released as a special edition for the second annual British Watchmakers' Day in 2025.

The new limited-edition Vertex M60 AquaLion Taormina features a bold blue dial and bezel, inspired by the crystal-clear Mediterranean waters of Taormina, a picturesque coastal village in Sicily. This location holds special significance, as it is where Vertex CEO Don Cochrane first learned to free dive as a child.

Encased in stainless steel, the M60 Taormina measures 40mm in diameter, 14mm in thickness, and 49mm lug-to-lug, making it a versatile diver designed to fit most wrist sizes. The watch features a sapphire crystal, a solid steel case back, and an oversized screw-down crown, ensuring a robust 600-meter water resistance.

The unidirectional bezel, featuring a 60-click mechanism, is inspired by the elevation adjustment wheel of a World War II Bren gun. It is fitted with a luminous blue ceramic insert that perfectly complements the vibrant dial.

The blue dial is adorned with oversized Arabic numerals and indices, crafted from X1-grade Superluminova material, which Vertex claims glows 1.6 times longer than standard luminous applications. The broad hands are also coated with X1 lume, ensuring optimal readability in low-light conditions.

Powering the M60 Taormina is a COSC-certified Sellita SW360-1 no-date automatic movement, operating at 28,800 vibrations per hour and offering an impressive 56-hour power reserve.

The watch is delivered with three strap options: a stainless steel bracelet, a rubber strap with a signed pin buckle, and a nylon pull-through "Zulu" strap. It comes packaged in a waterproof Pelican-style "ruck" case.

Limited to just 50 pieces, the Vertex M60 AquaLion Taormina. Pricing is set at £2,458 (excluding VAT), approximately 11,635 AED.

For more information, visit Vertex official website.