1960s Austin Skin Diver 38mm Automatic AS 1700/01
Ref: N/A
Specification
Lugs : 20mm
Condition : Pre-Owned
Box & Papers : None
Case Material : Stainless Steel
Warranty : 12-Months NON-Waterproof Warranty
Points of Mention
This watch is sold as "Watch Only" meaning it comes with no original Austin box or original Austin paperwork. The watch comes paired with a 20mm leather strap. The watch is from Circa. 1960s and is in worn condition but is overall good for its age, as you can see from the photos. The watch comes with our 12-Months NON-Waterproof Warranty
The Watch
Here we have a 1960s Austin Skin Diver with a 38mm stainless steel case. A lug to lug length of 47mm and a case thickness of 12mm with a subtle curve towards the flat-ended lugs ensures a comfortable fit on your wrist. On the inside of the case back is stamped T.K.Co. Swiss made. Founded in 1954 - Theodore Kagen ran his business which manufactured, designed and imported watch cases from his New York premises until 1992 when the business closed. On the right side is a large crown. The friction fit bezel has a countdown dive insert that reports the dive time remaining. A domed acrylic crystal sits above a black dial. An outer minute track with Arabic numerals in triangles at 12, 6 and 9 and batons in between coated in luminance that has an even patina. At 3 o’clock a framed date window. An arrow and sword hand infilled with luminance complemented by a lollipop counterweight second hand. Text is applied at 12 o’clock and 6 o’clock respectively. On the reverse, a screw-down case back. Inside an automatic AS Cal. 1700/01, 17 jewels, 18,000 beats per hour. The watch comes fitted on a 20mm leather strap.
Personal Note
Everyone knows I love a Skin Diver, so when a nice one comes along I jump at the chance to stock it! These can often be the gateway into vintage for some people, this is mainly due to the sizes usually being a bit larger than traditional vintage watches, the design being a bit more familiar, and once on the wrist you realise the charm that comes along with vintage. So if you've been considering vintage, try a Skin Diver!
The Brand
Austin Watches S.A was a trade name for 'Astin', Bulova and Montpellier. They were sold by Gordan’s Jewellers in Texas who were later bought out by Zales Jewellers in the USA during the 1970s.