We have here a fantastic Marc Nicolet dive watch from the 1960s with a stunning original dial! The gloss, black dial has a mixture of lumed baton markers and Arabic numerals, as well as lumed, Alpha hour and minute hands and an arrow pointer central seconds hand. The colour of the lume has aged nicely and gives no doubt to its originality. The dial is signed 'Marc Nicolet, Skin Diver' at 12 o'clock and '17 Jewels, Incabloc, Automatic' at 6 o'clock. The date window sits at 3 o'clock with distinctive red print.
The 37mm, brushed stainless steel case has thick, tapered lugs with a lug-to-lug length of 46mm. On the right-hand side is a large crown. The friction-fit, stainless steel, dive bezel has deep engravings with 15-minute Arabic numeral intervals. The 0 marker is set off from the rest with a red triangle marker. Inside the case is the automatic Bidynator 961-17 movement with 17 jewels, fully serviced by us and running strongly. The movement was made by Felsa and was the first of its kind to incorporate a bidirectional rotor. We've paired the watch on a vintage, New Old Stock, stainless steel, razor wire bracelet, but the options are endless - check out the last picture in the gallery to see how easily this watch can wear anything!
Extra Points
Marc Nicolet is a relation of the famous Nicolet family of watchmakers who started their business in Tramelan, Switzerland in 1875. The family were famous for producing grand complication pocket watches. After Armand Nicolet's death in 1939 his son, Willy, ran the business establishing it as one of the largest watchmakers in Switzerland. During the 1970s and 80s quartz crisis, their reputation and contacts meant they survived whilst many other companies folded. In 1987 Willy met Rolando Braga an Italian watch enthusiast who has helped to drive the company forward, today the company runs under the brand name Armand Nicolet.
What we think
Reminiscent of a Rolex Explorer and Submariner, with notes from vintage Omega Speedmaster, Railmaster and Ranchero models, this watch is a fraction of the price! The design of the Skin Diver has been adopted by many brands, including Wittnauer and Elgin. We love the look and feel of this Skin Diver and it is a very comfortable wear for both him and her. A fantastic watch that would be right at home in any collection.
Spec Stuff
Reference : Skin Diver Movement : Automatic Bidynator 961-17 Age : 1961/1970 Specific Age : Circa 1960s Case Size : 37mm Case Thickness : 12mm Lug to Lug : 46mm Lugs : 19mm Condition : Pre-Owned Box & Papers : None Case Material : Stainless Steel
Service History : 12-Months NON-Waterproof Warranty
1960s Marc Nicolet Skin Diver Automatic Date Submariner-Style Wristwatch on NOS Razorwire Bracelet
