LIP Nautic Super Compressor, late 1960s

Dealer description — Analog/Shift

Never heard of a “Super Compressor” before? Check it out — this is dive watch history, right here: The Super Compressor name refers to an innovative case design that utilizes a "compressor" system to increase watertightness the deeper a watch was submerged. As the atmospheric pressure increased, the case back compressed, pushing on the gaskets and creating a tighter seal. Despite the logic of the design, the compressor case wasn’t any better at preventing water intrusion than the garden-variety screw-down crown — in fact, it was less effective in many models — but due to their good looks, compressor cases proved to be wildly popular during the 1960s. Eager to get into the burgeoning dive watch market, many of the best Swiss brands turned to EPSA (Ervin Piquerez, S.A.), the leading manufacturer of compressor cases at the time, for cases upon which to house their divers. This particular Super Compressor is from French company LIP, whose colorful, avant garde chronographs are so beloved by collectors today. Dating to the late 1960s or early 1970s, it features a 36mm stainless steel Super Compressor case, an acrylic crystal, EPSA hatched crowns, a polished bezel, and a textured black tritium dial with matching broad arrow and obelisk handset and Arabic indices. In good condition and powered by an automatic movement with calendar function, it comes paired to a brown suede strap with a stainless steel pin buckle. While we’ve seen our fair share of Super Compressors, this one features some of the best patina and good looks of the entire bunch. Try it on for size!