Born in Neuchâtel, Switzerland, Squale was founded when Charles and Helene Von Büren registered the trademark on July 10, 1959, building on their Von Büren SA manufacturing company established in 1950. The brand pioneered professional underwater watchmaking, initially producing cases for other Swiss brands before launching its own iconic models.
Some of the world's greatest divers have trusted Squale: in 1965, Italian freediver Enzo Maiorca set a world record of 67 metres wearing a Squale Master; in 1968, Jacques Mayol reached 76 metres in Japan wearing the model 2002. Squale went on to become an official supplier to the Italian Navy and the Folgore Parachute Brigade.
In 1982, Charles Von Büren transferred the brand to the Maggi family, who relaunched production in 1988. Today, operating from Chiasso, Ticino, Switzerland, Squale offers a rich collection including the 1521, Master, Matic, 2002, SUB-39, T-183, and the DRASS collaboration series.
1950
Charles and Helene Von Büren found Von Büren SA in Neuchâtel, Switzerland, focused on underwater watchmaking
1959
The Squale trademark is officially registered on July 10; first patent for underwater watch cases obtained
1962
Launch of the Master model
1965
Italian freediver Enzo Maiorca sets a world record of 67 metres wearing a Squale Master
1967
Launch of the 2002 model
1968
Jacques Mayol reaches 76 metres depth in Japan wearing the Squale 2002
1970
Introduction of the 1521 model; Squale becomes official supplier to the Italian Navy and the Folgore Parachute Brigade
1982
Charles Von Büren transfers the brand to the Maggi family ahead of his retirement
1988
The Maggi family relaunches Squale, restarting production of the most iconic models
2017
Squale becomes official supplier to the Italian State Police Underwater Unit with a special edition of the 2002
2019
60th anniversary celebrated; launch of the SUB-39 collection with a limited edition of 150 pieces
2020
Launch of the T-183, the first Squale in fiberglass and carbon fiber; headquarters moves to Chiasso, Ticino, Switzerland
2021
Partnership with Drass Galeazzi — a leader in underwater technologies — resulting in the Squale Galeazzi limited edition
