La Bergère: A Timepiece Inspired by the Strength of Simone Melchior Cousteau
Before the world knew Jacques-Yves Cousteau as the father of modern ocean exploration, Simone Melchior Cousteau had already become a pioneer in her own right—one who preferred the deep to the spotlight, and whose contributions shaped the future of marine science as much as anyone aboard the Calypso.
Often remembered as Cousteau’s wife, Simone was in truth his indispensable partner—in life, in science, and in every major expedition. She was the first woman to don an aqualung, helping to open the underwater world not just to science, but to humankind’s collective imagination. Long before women were recognized in the male-dominated fields of exploration and engineering, Simone dove fearlessly into the unknown, logged thousands of hours underwater, and managed the crew and daily operations aboard the Calypso with quiet authority. Her role as logistical leader, quartermaster, and diver earned her a name among the crew: La Bergère, or “The Shepherdess”[1].
That nickname wasn’t symbolic—it was earned. Simone was the heart of the Calypso, keeping it supplied, organized, and running smoothly as it journeyed from the Red Sea to the Amazon. She managed tight resources, navigated diplomatic challenges, and cared deeply for both the ocean and the people who studied it. Her resilience and intelligence were constant forces behind the camera and the compass. It’s no stretch to say that without Simone Melchior Cousteau, The Silent World may never have spoken at all[2].
At Helianthus Watches, we believe that timepieces can carry stories—not just mark minutes. The La Bergère 43mm Diver Watch is our tribute to Simone: a rugged yet elegant instrument built for adventure, precision, and quiet leadership. With its deep ocean-blue dial, high-contrast lume, and unidirectional dive bezel, it’s inspired by both the technical world Simone helped shape and the poetic strength with which she moved through it.
When you wear La Bergère, you’re not just wearing a watch—you’re carrying forward the legacy of a woman who helped lead humankind into the sea.
Footnotes
[1] "Simone Cousteau: The Woman Behind the Legend." Oceanographic Magazine. https://oceanographicmagazine.com/features/simone-cousteau
[2] Mallory, Alex. Women in the Deep: The Forgotten Pioneers of Diving and Oceanography. Blue Current Press, 2015.
