Auch verfügbar auf 
Deutsch
With the DAVOSA Ternos Professional Megalume Automatic, the professional diver series of the Swiss manufacturer gets a new special model that has it all. The visual distinguishing feature is the dial, which glows green in the dark. 500 copies were produced – one of which I was allowed to test for you…
Ternos – a portrait of the all-rounder
Here you can buy the watch in my shop!
By loading the video, you agree to YouTube’s privacy policy.
Learn more
The big special model weeks continue. With the Ternos Professional Megalume Automatic, the Swiss manufacturer DAVOSA now presents us with a collector’s item based on a successful diving watch collection.
Within DAVOSA’s model range, the Ternos can be described as something like the all-rounder among diving watches. Especially those who are still unsure which attributes of a diving watch are particularly important to them will find what they are looking for in the Ternos category. Just to be on the safe side, I did the math: currently, the manufacturer offers six sub-collections that cover everything from classic Ceramic to vintage and GMT versions to professional standards. The name and the existence of a built-in helium valve make it clear that the Ternos Professional is the first choice if you want to move up from snorkeler to ambitious hobby diver.
The Professional was already used twice in the past when it came to creating a special model. In the meantime, the Black Suit and Matt Suit models have been sold out. However, fans of the Swiss brand now get a new chance to grab one of the coveted special models. The Ternos Professional Megalume Automatic is in the starting blocks. The main focus of this limited edition is the illumination of the dial, where DAVOSA has chosen a rather unique philosophy.
However, it only really becomes noticeable when you take the timepiece out of the daylight and into the darkness – or, for that matter, dive into the depths of the sea. I hope my watch photographs can adequately convey the effect. The entire dial shines in a luminous shade of green.
What makes the DAVOSA Ternos Professional Megalume Automatic glow.
To this end, DAVOSA did not skimp on luminous coating and applied Swiss SuperLuminova luminous material type C3 on the entire dial. The ultra-phosphorescent light raises the readability to a new level, which is not known from conventional diving watches. Of course, illuminating the dial over a large area is not a completely new invention. However, the DAVOSA Ternos Professional Megalume Automatic scores in the implementation. I have never seen it done so well anywhere else!
And who would have thought that we would have ticked off the subject of lighting, is mistaken. In addition to the C3 luminous material, DAVOSA uses SuperLumiNova BGW9. This illuminates the hands, indices and the diving triangle of the bezel. In a cool blue tone, they stand out against the green background. The contrast is high enough to distinguish between the two illuminations.
Wearers and their surroundings will not notice this “magic” during the day. If you admire the Ternos Professional Megalume Automatic on your wrist in a restaurant outdoor or in a fully glazed meeting room, you will only see a light beige dial. Unlikely, but you might see it if you know it.
Even otherwise, the dial meets all the requirements that you have for a timeless and functional diver’s watch. DAVOSA has proportioned as well as positioned the individual elements in a restrained and minimalist manner. Only the hour hand stands out a bit with its playful, circular tip.
The DAVOSA Ternos Professional Megalume Automatic on the wrist
Otherwise, the DAVOSA Ternos Professional Megalume Automatic appears quite sporty when worn on the wrist. The beige dial is framed by a black bezel, which in turn sits on a black case. A black rubber strap completes the technical look. Of all my DAVOSA test models (and there have been a few so far), the black Ternos special edition is visually the most aggressive.
If you also compare it to the distantly related DAVOSA Ternos Ceramic GMT, you’ll notice that the Professional is slightly larger with a diameter of 42 millimeters. This makes it easier to use for divers. In height, the diver’s watch comes in at 15.50 millimeters. At 158 grams, you can hardly feel the DAVOSA Ternos Professional Megalume on your wrist.
In matte black DLC look
When it comes to the case, we find the familiar proportions of the other references again. It is also made of 316L stainless steel. However, we don’t get to see any of that on the wearer, since all surfaces have been coated with a DLC coating. Diamond Like Carbon, or DLC for short, is a popular process in the watch industry for refining components. Stainless steel is already a robust material. The DLC coating makes the case even harder and more scratch-resistant. A nice side effect is the matte black look, which gives the watch something cool as well as technical. In this respect, no stainless steel diver can hold a candle to the DAVOSA Ternos Professional Megalume.
And speaking of water – a great transition, by the way, isn’t it? The case impresses with its high water resistance of up to 50ATM. This would allow it to be dived to a depth of 500 meters, even if that is an unattainable value for humans. For professional demands, DAVOSA has additionally equipped its diver with a helium valve and a unidirectional diver’s bezel. The bezel itself impresses with its ceramic inlay. Thanks to the fluting, the crown, which is enclosed by a side protection, can still be optimally operated while wearing gloves and underwater.
A stylized carbon pattern was applied to the back of the case. However, we are not dealing with real carbon here.
DAV 3021 – and what’s behind it
Inside the DAVOSA Ternos Professional Megalume works a Swiss automatic movement from Sellita. A clone of the famous ETA 2824-2, the SW200-1 is a regular in many similar premium watches. That may not make it the highlight of the watch. Nevertheless, in everyday life, you’ll be pleased with good accuracy and a power reserve of 38 hours. DAVOSA continues the in-house tradition and turns the SW200-1 designation into a DAV 3021, which can quickly give the impression that you’re wearing a watch with a manufacture caliber.
Details worth mentioning
On dives, the rubber strap is the best choice. It is sturdy, durable and comfortable. Most often you see it in combinations with buckles on the wrist. DAVOSA has chosen a different, perhaps more elegant solution. A folding clasp ensures a secure fit and is comfortable to open or close. Adjustable in length, the rubber strap fits different wrist circumferences. If the Ternos Professional Megalume is worn over a diving suit, you can use a diver’s extension. The width between the lugs is 22 millimeters.
Since that’s the way it should be for a limited edition, you have to throw in a special touch here and there. Instead of a simple box, your Ternos Professional Megalume comes in a wooden box. This is polished several times. In addition to the watch, you’ll also find a certificate of limitation.
My conclusion about the DAVOSA Ternos Professional Megalume Automatic
Next to the Megalume 161.583.10, the other five Ternos Professional references almost pale in comparison. Not that I have anything against classic stainless steel divers, but the limited edition Megalume stands out visually. That’s not just because of the glowing green dial, but just as much because of the rest of the watch. In matte black, the Ternos Professional Megalume makes a sporty, almost aloof impression. For a limited special model, it certainly has enough independence.
In terms of quality, DAVOSA once again lives up to its reputation as a price-performance insider tip – if we can even speak of an insider tip here. Stainless steel case, anti-reflective sapphire crystal, ceramic bezel and the Sellita automatic movement inside make the timepiece a worthy premium watch, which is significantly cheaper than the competition at the price of 1,158.00 euros. With its built-in helium valve, demanding dives become possible.
Nevertheless, you have to think twice about 160 euros extra compared to the base model. Except for the DLC coating, there are hardly any rational arguments why the Megalume should be the best Ternos Professional. However, rationality is also the wrong approach to explain limited edition watches. If you don’t care about the looks, it’s best to reach for one of the other references.
Everyone else will have to hurry. The question is not if, but when the 500 pieces will be sold out. As always, you can find all links to the watch below.
More about DAVOSA and the Ternos Professional Megalume Automatic
Here you can find the watch in the store
The Trialing bracelet
The whole Ternos Professional series at a glance
DAVOSA website
My DAVOSA watch reviews in the blog
18 Best Diving Watches 2022 & 23
Watch photography
Gallery
