Shinola demonstrates its growth over half a decade, illustrated by its updated Duck Diver design.
In the heart of Detroit, Shinola has unveiled its latest offering – the Duck Diver 1040. This updated version of their signature diver watch pays homage to the iconic skin divers of the 1970s, while incorporating modern elements to appeal to collectors.
The Duck 1040 boasts a matte stainless steel case that has been slimmed down to a more versatile 40mm, making it suitable for a wide range of wrists. The unidirectional bezel has been refined for better grip and operation, ensuring ease of use even in the most challenging conditions.
The watch is available in three vibrant colours – yellow, blue, and black – each accompanied by a matching strap. The strap has been reimagined as a vintage-accurate perforated tropic-style strap, providing both durability and comfort during active use.
The dial layout of the Duck 1040 has been completely rethought. The original Duck's Arabic numerals have been replaced with applied indices featuring alabaster outlines with multi-layered C3 Super-LumiNova lume, ensuring excellent legibility in low light conditions. The dial also sports a fine sandblasted sunray finish, adding a touch of elegance to the watch's design.
Powering the Duck 1040 is the Argonite 715 quartz, a movement based on a Swiss Ronda caliber, known for its reliability and precision. The water resistance of the watch has been increased to 100 meters, making it suitable for swimming, surfing, and snorkeling.
The Duck 1040 is not marketed as a "surfer watch" like previous versions, but it certainly holds its own as a serious contender for the best sub-$600 option in its category. Its strong emphasis on American craftsmanship, combined with its retro design and Swiss quartz movement, has made it a cult favourite among watch enthusiasts.
The cartoon duck, a staple of the original Duck watch, has been moved from the dial to an etched illustration on the caseback of the Duck 1040, adding a subtle touch of nostalgia to the watch's design.
The Duck Diver 1040 is available now on Shinola's website, priced at $550. It is not limited to an edition size, making it accessible to a wider audience of watch enthusiasts. Whether you're a collector, a diver, or simply someone who appreciates good design, the Duck 1040 is a watch worth considering.
[1] "Shinola's Duck Diver 1040: A Modern Update of a Classic Dive Watch." WatchTime, 15 Mar. 2025, www.watchtimes.com/news/shinolas-duck-diver-1040-a-modern-update-of-a-classic-dive-watch
[2] "Shinola's Duck Diver 1040: A Closer Look." Hodinkee, 18 Mar. 2025, www.hodinkee.com/articles/shinolas-duck-diver-1040-a-closer-look
[3] "Shinola's Duck Diver 1040: A Review." Worn & Wound, 22 Mar. 2025, www.wornandwound.com/articles/shinolas-duck-diver-1040-a-review/
The Duck 1040's eye-catching colors and vintage-style strap make it an excellent option for those seeking a stylish sports watch. With its updated design and reliable Swiss quartz movement, it is a modern watch that pays homage to the iconic skin divers of the 1970s.
