For decades, Dr. Bühlmann conducted groundbreaking research at the University Hospital of Zürich, developing decompression algorithms that became the foundation of modern dive tables and dive computers. His work enabled divers around the world to explore the underwater world with greater safety and confidence.

Bühlmann Watches was created to celebrate this extraordinary contribution through mechanical watchmaking. One of the founders of the company is Thomas Bühlmann, the son of Dr. Albert A. Bühlmann, ensuring a direct link to the scientist’s legacy and vision.

In 2021 the brand introduced the Bühlmann Decompression 01, a dive watch inspired by the famous Bühlmann decompression tables. The model was acclaimed by divers and watch collectors alike and quickly established the foundation of the brand.

Today, the Bühlmann Decompression 02 continues this journey, refining the concept and further translating the visual language of decompression science into a distinctive mechanical instrument for the wrist.

Swiss made and produced in limited quantities, Bühlmann watches are created for those who appreciate complicated analog horological instruments rooted in real scientific heritage.

Bühlmann is more than a dive watch.
It is a tribute to the science that made modern diving possible.

I - The Science

In the 1950s Swiss physician Albert A. Bühlmann began pioneering research into how the human body reacts to pressure during deep dives. Working at the University Hospital of Zürich, he developed decompression algorithms that would fundamentally transform diving safety. His ZH-L decompression model became the foundation of modern dive tables and, later, dive computers used by divers across the world.

II - The Exploration

Science met its greatest test in the depths of the ocean Swiss deep-sea diver Hannes Keller was attempting dives to depths never reached before. To survive these extreme descents, Keller relied on decompression models derived from Bühlmann’s research. Their work together marked a defining moment in the history of diving — where scientific theory and human exploration pushed the limits of what was possible underwater.

III - The Horological Translation

Decades later, the legacy of this breakthrough continues through mechanical watchmaking. Founded in 2021, Bühlmann Watches was created to honor the scientific contribution of Dr. Bühlmann and the spirit of exploration that defined this era. With Thomas Bühlmann, the scientist’s son, among the founders, the project carries a direct link to this extraordinary heritage. Each timepiece translates the visual language of decompression science into a robust Swiss instrument for the wrist — a tribute to the science that made modern diving possible.

In the 1950s, Swiss physician Dr. Albert A. Bühlmann began studying how the human body reacts to pressure during deep dives. His work at the University Hospital of Zürich would lead to the development of decompression algorithms that transformed the safety of diving.

At the same time, Swiss deep-sea diver Hannes Keller was pushing the limits of underwater exploration, attempting dives to depths never reached before. To survive these extreme descents, Keller needed something revolutionary: a decompression model he could trust.

The collaboration between the scientist and the diver led to one of the most important breakthroughs in the history of diving — the Bühlmann decompression model, which later became the foundation of modern dive tables and dive computers used around the world.

The Bühlmann brand pays tribute to this unique moment where science and exploration came together to change diving forever.

Bühlmann watches are developed within a framework that connects scientific research, real-world diving experience and mechanical instrument design.
Inspired by the pioneering work of Dr. Albert A. Bühlmann, the Bühlmann Research Program aims to keep the spirit of decompression science alive by supporting research, engaging with the diving community and translating this knowledge into functional watchmaking.

The program is structured around three complementary pillars:

1 - Scientific Research

Through collaboration with Divers Alert Network Europe (DAN Europe), Bühlmann supports research based on large datasets of real diving profiles collected from divers worldwide.
These empirical data allow researchers to further study decompression physiology and contribute to the continued refinement of decompression algorithms. In the long term, such research may enable decompression models that increasingly adapt to individual physiological parameters.
Bühlmann is proud to support this work, which continues the scientific legacy initiated by Dr. Bühlmann decades ago.

2 - Diver Experience

Bühlmann watches are also developed with the practical insight of the diving community.

In collaboration with CMAS Switzerland, the Swiss federation of the world underwater organization, divers participate in usability evaluation and field testing of Bühlmann watches. Their experience helps refine legibility, functionality and ergonomics to ensure the watches remain intuitive instruments for divers.

3 - Mechanical Translation

The final pillar of the Bühlmann Research Program is the translation of decompression science into mechanical watchmaking.
Through design and functional innovation, Bühlmann watches seek to express the visual language of decompression tables and diving research in a robust Swiss mechanical instrument. Each model represents a new step in this exploration of how scientific concepts can inspire functional watch design.
Closing Line (important)You could end this section with something memorable:

A scientific legacy. A living research. A mechanical instrument.