The International Organisation for Standards, under ISO 6425, states that a recognised dive watch should meet the following requirements: a unidirectional bezel with five minute markers; clearly distinguished minute markings on the dial; readability at 25cm in total darkness; shock, chemical and magnetic resistance; an operational indicator; oh—and of course, a 100-metre depth rating. This covers the bare minimum to qualify—but what if watchmakers went above and beyond?

For someone looking for a sporty watch in steel, chances are they will probably pick up a Rolex Submariner, perhaps a Panerai Luminor if they’ve got a hankering for something a bit more exotic. But what if you don’t want to contribute to this sea of Submariners, want something less common than the lagoon of Luminors. If you’re one of those people, then take note, because here are three watches you’ve probably never even heard of.

Given that the mechanical watch industry was almost rendered extinct by the onslaught of quartz technology at the end of the 20th century, it’s understandable that the rise of the smartwatch is posing a bit of a concern. Can the ancient and outdated mechanical wristwatch survive another round with modern innovation?

Every now and then a watch does something that is actually quite surprising. Whether it’s a feature or a function, a price point or a something plain outrageous, it stops you in your tracks and makes you take a second look. The Ulysse Nardin Sonata Cathedral Dual Time is one of those watches, but there isn’t just one thing to be impressed by—there’s five.