Other

1970s Aquadive Automatic Day-Date Diver (Ref. 10839) Black Dial

$ 1,150

In the 1960s and '70s, the SCUBA diving boom led to a dramatic increase in the production of dive watches, including Aquadive.

Aquadive was a serious maker that created wristwatches within this "golden era" of dive watches, with a functionality-first mentality. The brand helped shape the era through its design language, which was devoted strictly to subaquatic wristwatches. This made for some funky and clever designs that had a scuba divers' best interests in mind – specifically, extreme water resistance and high visibility. 

This ref. 10839 model from the '70s features the requisite dive watch aesthetic – a stainless steel case with black rotating bezel and a highly legible dial. But it does so in a relatively diminutive size for a dive watch – 38mm. That makes it highly wearable for pretty much any wrist size and a super classic vibe that looks great with anything. 

SPECS

Stock #
ADD10839
Brand Aquadive
Style Dive Watch
Model 10839
Serial 18X
Size Men's
Material Stainless Steel
Dial Black
Millimeters 38
Strap 2pc Rubber Tropic Strap

 

CASE & BRACELET

The stainless steel Monnin-style case appears to have been minimally polished in the past and retains super crisp case finishing and geometry throughout with minimal signs of previous use present. The original black rotating bezel is still a rich black and is in overall excellent condition with almost no signs of use present. The inlaid pearl at 12 o'clock is still present and has aged to a light cream color. The case retains its original unsigned crown. The case back retains its factory markings though they've faded significantly from wear and previous polishing. The watch will come supplied on a 2pc rubber tropic strap.

DIAL & HANDS

The matte black dial is in incredible, virtually perfect condition, showing no signs of age or damage. The sectioned white outer minute track complements the large lumed hour markers to make the dial incredibly legible. The hour markers have aged to a yellow patina There's a day-date window at 3 o'clock, which is in excellent condition with stark, clear letters and numerals. The original white hour hands are in exceptional condition along with the orange lollipop seconds hand that adds a final pop of color. The tritium lume in the hands has aged a shade lighter than the dial.

ACCESSORIES 

None. The watch is keeping time, but the service history is unknown. A movement service can be provided upon request.