1963 Waltham Blancpain Bathyscaphe Skin Diver
I picked up this 1963 Waltham Blancpain Bathyscaphe Skin Diver the other day, I've ALWAYS wanted one of these! In 1959 Blancpain called it the Bathyscaphe but when this model was private labeled for Waltham they named this iconic skin diver the "Diver Davey". Paul Newman wore this model in the 1966 film "Harper". It was said to be his personal wristwatch. This was the 3rd dive watch in the Blancpain - Waltham relationship, there were 4 watches total. 1963 saw a massive upgrade, the entire case was made of stainless steel. From 1959-1962 the cases were chrome plated base metal and in the coming years the cases would flake off badly. I've studied many waterproof watch cases over the years and I can say without hesitation that this one was made very well! No water intrusion, the AS 1686 movement is in cherry condition. These watches originally came with rubber Tropical straps, with curved ends. I've been able to obtain ORIGINAL print advertisements for 3 of the 4 dive watches in the Blancpain - Waltham relationship. The Waltham Blancpain Fifty Fathoms advert still has not been found. Working on an article with far greater information on the four watches in this series, including more information on the proper names Waltham gave these iconic dive watches.
Recipient of the 2023 NAWCC Roberts-Taylor Award for Excellence in the Field of Horological Research. Multiple Title Watch Book Author, Vintage American Military Watch Dealer, Watchmaker.
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Thank you for the history lesson, very interesting. Cool watch 😍👍👍🏻
Nice story and really nice watch!
Super cool...
Stunning watch. Very cool history as well. Thanks for sharing!
Love vintage and now you have me wanting one if those Blancpain colabs! Beautiful.
Very cool watch!
How much cheaper is it than a Blancpain? I like the looks of blancpain and other skindivers but damn is Blancpain expensive for such a boring looking watch!
This looks great, gl with finding more ads (I wish it was 18mm)
How much cheaper is it than a Blancpain? I like the looks of blancpain and other skindivers but damn is Blancpain expensive for such a boring looking watch!
This looks great, gl with finding more ads (I wish it was 18mm)
The Blancpain labeled versions cost 2x - 3x more.
They command crazy high prices.
The Blancpain labeled versions cost 2x - 3x more.
They command crazy high prices.
Oh dang! Glad u could get the same thing for cheaper!
What a stunning watch in great condition and some really useful info as well. I have one of the Squale AWCo Subino's made in 2020 from NOS MC4 cases and inserts from the late 50's. It has a lovely vintage vibe but can't compare to the beautiful dial and insert on that watch.
Thanks for sharing. Very neat history. Glad you were able to get one.
This was my first ever dive watch. I certified at 13 years old (I’m now 75). My parents bought me this exact watch for my birthday. I wore it through hundreds of dives and lost it in 1967. It was bulletproof but I never appreciated it as much as I should have. I replaced it with an Omega Seamaster 300 in 1967 and replaced that with a Tudor Sub in 1984. Thanks for bringing back the memories.
WOW, this is really cool. It is interesting when brands share watches and/or parts and do it with what to be in a manner that keeps quality. Have you published your article yet? I would be interested in reading it.
I had to do a double take, because I thought this was a Vostock at first.
#waltham