When March LA.B release a waterproof timepiece, it’s not so much of a ‘diver’s watch’ as it is a surfing one. This passion for the sport can be traced back to founder Alain Marhic’s days spent on the shores of Biarritz, France, where he founded two windsurfing academies in the early 90s. Before he entered the world of watchmaking, he also worked at renowned surfing and snowboarding brand Quicksilver for many years, located just up the coast in St Jean de Luz.

With the new Belza watch, this connection runs even deeper still. In the mid-1950s, as surfing culture was booming across the US, filmmaker Peter Viertel made the move from California to Biarritz, bringing with him his precious surfboard. Seeing him ride the area’s waves caused quite the stir among locals, who quickly discovered the thrill of this new sport. The Côte des Basques remains one of the most beautiful and best-loved surfing spots in the locality, overseen by the famous, grand Villa Belza.

It is a fitting name for this handsome timepiece, more than suited for all kinds of pursuits both in and out the water. Its rugged construction and screwed-in crown helps guarantee its water resistance of up to 200 metres, while the silicon strap is both versatile and comfortable. The practical timepiece loses none of the 70s retro charm that March LA.B is renowned for, from the sleek dial design with baton indexes to the unique ‘Belza’ inscription that offers a vintage finishing touch. The watches are available in a range of different colour combinations across the dial and bezel, in sophisticated shades of black, green and blue.

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