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Relliac Automatic Vintage Dive Watch, ref. 48868, circa 1970s — view 1 of 6
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Wristwatches · Wristwatch

Relliac Automatic Vintage Dive Watch, ref. 48868, circa 1970s

DocumentedDocumented from a dealer's listing; attribution and date as stated by the dealer.
Maker / attribution
Unrecorded in source
Date
c. 1970s
Country of origin
Unrecorded in source
Object type
Wristwatch
Dimensions
Case 37 mm
Stock no.
vws4248
Credit line
Dealer listing, Vintage Watch Specialist (vws4248)
Catalogue title (original)
Relliac Automatic Vintage Dive Watch - Reference 48868 - c.1970s (English)

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Record summary

Catalogued by Vintage Watch Specialist (dealer), United Kingdom (stock number vws4248), this is a wristwatch, dated c. 1970s. The Atlas places it in the Quartz Revolution period (1969 – 1990) of its Wristwatches collection. Recorded dimensions: Case 37 mm. The record is illustrated with 6 photographs.

Assembled from the source record's structured fields. Dates and attributions are given as the source states them; where a field is missing the Atlas leaves it blank rather than estimating.

Catalogue description

Dealer description — Vintage Watch Specialist

What's on Offer This Relliac Automatic Diver is a striking example of 1970s Swiss sports watch design, combining bold aesthetics with dependable mechanical engineering. Housed in a substantial 37mm stainless steel case, the watch features a black dial with oversized luminous markers, a rotating diver-style bezel and a distinctive red date display that adds a welcome splash of colour. Powered by the highly regarded ETA 2472 automatic movement with 25 jewels, the watch delivers reliable performance and remains one of the most respected Swiss automatic calibres of its era. The movement is protected by a stainless steel case marked as waterproof, antimagnetic and shock-resistant, highlighting the practical tool-watch credentials that were so important during the period. The black dial remains highly legible thanks to its contrasting luminous hands and hour markers, while the large triangular markers at 12 and 6 o'clock reinforce the watch's diving-inspired character. Fitted to a modern black rubber strap, the watch has a purposeful sporting appearance that suits both casual and everyday wear. For collectors seeking an attractive vintage diver that stands apart from the more commonly encountered Swiss brands, this Relliac offers plenty of period charm, reliable mechanics and unmistakable 1970s styling. Overall, the watch is in very good vintage condition and presents well for its age. The stainless steel case retains strong lines with light signs of wear consistent with careful use over the decades. The black dial displays attractively with clear printing and well-preserved luminous markers, while the bezel remains sharp and visually appealing. The plexiglass crystal shows minor signs of age-related wear commensurate with a vintage watch. The ETA 2472 automatic movement is running well at the time of listing.

Historical context

Quartz Revolution (1969 – 1990)

Seiko's Astron begins mass quartz timekeeping; traditional industries contract sharply.

Quartz and digital watches transformed the market after 1969. Swiss employment collapsed, Japanese and Hong Kong production soared, and the Swatch (1983) helped the Swiss industry recover; mechanical watches survived as luxury goods.

Read the period in the timelineMore wristwatches from this periodEarlier: Modern Mechanical Horology

Atlas type guide

Dive and water-resistant watches

Keeping water and dust out of a wristwatch was a long-standing challenge. Rolex's screw-down Oyster case (1926) and Omega's Marine (1932) were landmarks; in the early 1950s Blancpain's Fifty Fathoms and Rolex's Submariner defined the professional dive watch with rotating bezels for timing dives, luminous dials and high water resistance. The ISO 6425 standard (1982) later codified what a 'diver's watch' must do.

Dive watches became icons of post-war design and exploration, and their evolution — helium escape valves, ceramic bezels, saturation-diving depth ratings — records the history of underwater work.

What to look for

  • Unidirectional or bidirectional rotating bezel with minute markings.
  • Screw-down crown and case back; depth rating printed on the dial.
  • Luminous hands and markers (radium before c. 1960, tritium c. 1960–1998, then Super-LumiNova).
  • Reference numbers on the case between the lugs or inside the back.

Dating clues

  • Screw-down Oyster cases: from 1926.
  • Professional dive watches: from 1953.
  • Tritium 'T' marks on dials: c. 1960–1998.

General guidance written by the Atlas editors about this kind of object. It is not a statement about this particular piece; for that, rely on the source record above and on physical examination.

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