On the night of February 29, the sky around the moon turned red for 103 minutes. The longest lunar eclipse of the century was about to occur.
Christopher Columbus, during his fourth and final patrol of the Central American coast, was forced to dock two of his caravels in northern Jamaica, where he encountered resistance from the indigenous people who did not want to give the crew food and drink.
Admiral Columbus communicated that the God of Christians was furious with the indigenous people and that he would, therefore, make the moon disappear.
He was able to transform a moment of difficulty into an opportunity of salvation for him and his crew, exploiting the phenomenon of the eclipse and his scientific consultations, to the detriment of a people who did not yet know the astronomical phenomenon.
A total lunar eclipse occurred that night and the indigenous people were so shaken by the astronomical event that, from that moment, they supplied the crew for the duration of their stay on the island.
Inspired by Columbus' Eclipse
We chose the traveler-inspired GMT variant
The GMT watch consists of an additional hand, with an arrow-shaped terminal and a ring with the 24 hours engraved on it.
The hand makes a complete revolution every 24 hours and allows you to hold trace of a time zone other than local time.
The 24 hours are engraved on the K1 crystal insert to display the time zone reading to be set via the crown or by rotating the 120-click ring.
The watch case
With a diameter of 40mm and a thickness of 12.7mm, the 1504 is versatile and comfortable for any wrist.
316L steel differs from other stainless steel alloys for the high percentage of molybdenum which guarantees superior resistance to corrosion and atmospheric agents.
The crown and caseback are screw-tightened with gaskets that guarantee water resistance up to 200 meters.
The case finishes are polished and brushed to accentuate the angular shapes.
120 clicks Unidirectional Rotating Bezel
The rotating bezel is a key feature for all diving watches, because it is able to provide the diver with an accurate and safe indication of diving times and breaks decompression.
The K1 crystal insert in various colors is highly resistant to scratches and corrosion, protecting the aesthetics of the watch.
The 1504 Automatic insert is equipped with a coating on all details of BGW9 Superluminova and C3 Superluminova on point to facilitate reading in low light environments.
Dials and hands 1504
The BGW9 Superluminova luminescence on the dial is an innovation that guarantees greater visibility in low-light environments, an essential aspect for divers.
The simple shapes of the triangular indexes and the large hour and minute hands ensure a simple and reliable reading.
Both in polished brass, they are coated with BGW Superluminova and improve readability in all weather conditions, thanks to the intense and long-lasting blue emissions.
The shape of the indexes and hands is inspired by a fundamental element of the compass, the rotating magnetic needle, which always points towards the same point on the horizon as it approaches the north.
Solid clasp bracelet
The totally solid 316L steel bracelet is made up of three flat elements links and is equipped with a screw safety system for binding the links.
The shape restores strength and reliability for movements subject to strong stresses.
The bracelet finishes have a decisive satin finish on the outside to restore a more sporty and wear-resistant character. They are also finished with a mirror polish on each profile of the jersey.
The iconic caseback
The caseback evokes the exploratory and adventurous spirit of Christopher Columbus through the engraving of the fourth and last expedition in which the famous lunar eclipse of 1504 took place.
Mechanical caliber and GMT
The Seiko NH35A is the world's most reliable self-winding mechanical caliber in the entry level category.
In 2022 the variant with GMT complication is presented with the possibility of adjusting the hand for the time zone separately from the other hands.
In our laboratory we give a further check the time on the chronocomparator and we have the possibility to intervene, to ensure one more efficient performance of the calibers.
• Jewels: 24 rubies
• Hourly alternations: 21,600 bph
• Power reserve: 41 hours
• Date function: Days of the month with quick release
• GMT function: Independent GMT hand (NH34A caliber)
• Automatic winding: Bi-directional rotation
• Machine stop: Supported
• Manual winding: Supported
• Manufacturer: Seiko Instruments Inc.