Like many new arrivals to the horological marketplace, Aulta started with quartz movements.

I have no issues with quartz, unlike some watch lovers. In fact, the watch I wear most is a Citizen Eco-Drive quartz chrono that I bought almost 15 years ago. It's been running strong for over a decade.

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That said, I own a few mechanical and automatic watches as well. This is where Aulta is going with its new Acuatico line — watches powered by workhorse Japanese Miyota 8215 movements (40-hour power reserve) and selling for $240.

I'm not really a fanatic when it comes to the timekeeping accuracy of sturdy Japanese automatic movements. They tend to be beaten — and beaten badly — by anything quartz. But that isn't the point. The movements in both my Seiko and the Aulta aren't meant to survive splashing and bashing, and they do a reasonable job of telling you how long you've been underwater. Neither Seiko nor Aulta uses a see-through caseback — first, because the movements aren't that much to look at, but also because good dive watches don't have them, the better to ensure water-tightness.

As many commenters and enthusiasts have pointed out, you see this type of watch on dive boats more often than fancy Swiss pieces because it's no big deal to lose one to Davy Jones' locker.

But as far as watches go, the

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I actually think this might be an excellent gift package for the watch: $240 for the bracelet version, plus a nice leather strap (something like this, from Worn & Wound). The watch lover in your life with probably appreciate the combination.

Aulta might not yet have the credibility of a Seiko or Rolex, but the company has done a good job of building a brand around an aquatic lifestyle and hasn't let quality slide. The

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