Kemmner Turtle Diver Diver's Watch Ref. 007
Dive Watch · Kemmner (Roland Kemmner), an independent microbrand. Roland Kemmner was a former engineer for Fricker GmbH before starting his own private label and assembly firm in Bad Wildbad.
Period: Modern Tool Watch (2010s). The design is a neo-vintage tribute to military watches and classic divers like the Rolex Submariner and Omega Ploprof, blending 1970s robust case shapes with modern manufacturing.
Type
Dive Watch
Brand
Kemmner (Roland Kemmner), an independent microbrand. Roland Kemmner was a former engineer for Fricker GmbH before starting his own private label and assembly firm in Bad Wildbad.
Movement
Automatic/self-winding movement, typically a Swiss ETA 2824-2 or Sellita SW200-1. Frequency: 28,800 bph (4Hz), approx. 38-hour power reserve, 25-26 jewels.
Dimensions
Case diameter: 42.0mm, thickness: 13.2mm, lug-to-lug: 51.5mm, lug width: 22.0mm. It wears larger due to the angular lugs.
Description
The Kemmner Turtle is a cult-classic 'super-microbrand' diver known for exceptional build quality that punched way above its price bracket. It features a rugged, industrial aesthetic with a focus on legibility and tool-like durability. The red-bordered minute hand is its most striking visual characteristic, echoing high-end professional diving instruments.
Key Features
Distinctive red 'Ploprof' hands, bead-blasted finish, 42mm 'Turtle' case shape, date at 6 o'clock balance, and the 'Made in Germany' pedigree from a legendary engineer.
Dial Description
Matte black dial with large, circular applied indices. Features red-framed 'Ploprof-style' sword hands with heavy Super-LumiNova C3 application. White date window at 6 o'clock and 'KEMMNER' logo at 12 o'clock.
Case Material
Stainless steel 316L with a bead-blasted (matte) finish for a non-reflective, tactical appearance.
Crystal Type
Saphire crystal, 2.2mm thick, flat with inner anti-reflective (AR) coating.
Bezel Details
Unidirectional 60-click rotating dive bezel with a high-quality matte aluminum or ceramic insert featuring a full 60-minute scale and a luminous triangle at the pip.
Crown & Pushers
Oversized 8mm screw-down crown located at 3 o'clock with deep knurling for grip, protected by integrated crown guards.
Bracelet or Strap
Shown on a tri-color NATO/Zulu-style textile strap (Sand/Black/Red). Originally supplied with a heavy stainless steel oyster-style bracelet with solid end links and a diver's extension.
Caseback Details
Solid screw-down stainless steel case back with circular brushing. Usually engraved with the 'Kemmner' logo, serial number, and 'Made in Germany' text.
Movement Type
Automatic/self-winding movement, typically a Swiss ETA 2824-2 or Sellita SW200-1. Frequency: 28,800 bph (4Hz), approx. 38-hour power reserve, 25-26 jewels.
Water Resistance
200 meters (20 ATM). Suitable for recreational diving, swimming, and snorkeling.
Origin & Provenance
German-made. Components sourced globally (Swiss movement, German-designed case) and assembled in Bad Wildbad, Germany.
Age Estimate
Circa 2011-2016. This model was a staple of Kemmner's 'Turtle' series before he officially retired from production.
Cultural Significance
Represents the 'Golden Age' of boutique microbrands where enthusiasts could buy professional-grade German engineering without luxury markups. It remains a highly sought-after piece on used forums.
Condition Notes
The watch appears to be in Good to Very Good condition. The bead-blasted finish on the lugs shows some light surface wear, and the bezel insert has minor signs of use. The crystal appears clear.
Value Estimate
$450 - $650 USD on the secondary market. Prices have remained stable or increased since Roland Kemmner retired from watchmaking.
Care & Maintenance
Standard 5-year service interval for the ETA/Sellita movement. Ensure the screw-down crown is fully secured before swimming. Check water resistance gaskets every 2 years if used for diving.
Similar Watches
Seiko Turtle (SRP777) for case shape, Squale 1521 for the orange/red minute hand, Sinn U1 for the German tool aesthetic.
Interesting Facts
Roland Kemmner used to manufacture parts for high-end brands like Sinn, Kobold, and Precista before selling directly to enthusiasts via eBay (erkahund), making his watches legendary for 'bang-for-the-buck' value.