Key Features
Original 1968 vintage wristwatch with the rare and famous Super-Compressor water protection system, Patent (Brevet) 313813 for the protected caseback and winding crown. The watch features a very distinctive large winding crown with a cross hatch pattern, and a lovely mercury grey dial with silver hands and indices.
These compressors make excellent dress watches as they are slightly larger than their similar-period dress watches, and also because they are very well built with EPSA solid steel cases. However, the EPSA cases are not just for show. Developed and then patented in 1956 by watch case manufacturer Ervin Piquerez S.A. ( hence the name: EPSA), the “Super-Compressor” design takes advantage of the water pressure the case is exposed to at depth to press the case back against the o-ring seal. More depth equals more water pressure equals greater seal, and dual crown Super-Compressor watches typically have a depth rating of 600 ft. This same concept was employed by Omega in the Naiad crowns used on Seamaster 300 watches in the 60’s. Well regarded as being very high quality and watertight, EPSA manufactured the S-C cases in a variety of styles from the late 50’s until bankruptcy closed the business in the mid 1970’s. The fact that so many survive today is a testament to their quality.
This timepiece is in great original condition: near-perfect case, near-perfect dial, near-perfect unusual movement, this is a truly collectible and fully wearable vintage ‘skin diver’ watch – chock full of collectible features. The case and crown are both stainless steel, with a snap-in sprung caseback, acrylic crystal, and steel crown with cross-hatched lines all create a classy yet rugged aesthetic. Then, when combined with the captivating mercury-style dial with mirror polished indexes and ‘Dauphine’ hands, the whole ensemble makes this watch the perfect vintage catch full of desirable features.
About Delvina
Very little information about Delvina is readily available, other than scant details scattered across the internet. Delvina was registered in 1969 to Solvil et Titus SA, founded in 1892 by Paul Ditisheim, who was the son of Maurice Ditisheim, founder of luxury watchmaker Vulcain. Through a convoluted series of hand-offs and acquisitions, a descendent of the Solvil et Titus family trademarked Delvina and produced a series of watches for the brand.
Servicing and Guarantee
This timepiece has been serviced with full disassembly. Make sure to follow the usage and care guidelines.
Overview
Case and Strap
- Original, circular super-compressor case
- Acrylic crystal
- Stainless steel snap-in sprung caseback.
- Stainless steel winding crown with cross-hatched lines.
- Alligator skin style dark leather strap
Dimensions:
- Width w/o crown 34mm
- Width w/ crown 37mm
- Full height 38mm
- Strap 18mm
Dial and Hands
- Original, mercurial lustre dial
- Silver-tone mirror polished indices.
- Signed ‘Delvina Geneve’ below numeral 12
- Silver-tone mirror polished ‘Dauphine’ style hands
Movement
- Swiss-made movement
- FHF 96 calibre
Testing results:
- Testing duration: 2 week cyclic test
- Average timekeeping range: 15-30 sec/day
Servicing and Guarantee
- Fully serviced.
- Mechanics in full working order.
- Original connected stainless steel strap.
- Care and usage guidelines.
Links and Resources:
