Introduction
The dive watch sector has been famously competitive for decades, all the way back to the 1950s when it was arguably conceived as we know it today, and so while the famous names from that time boast plenty of offerings that fetch tens of thousands of dollars, there still remains appealing finds that sneak under the radar for a fraction of the cost, all while providing collectors while, largely, the same experience, much like this Technos Sky-Diver ref. 1163. Boasting a black gilt dial with aged tritium lume, as denoted by its T<25MC designation along its dial periphery at 6 o’clock, this example is full of character and vintage charm. Powered by an automatic movement and measuring 37.5mm in diameter, this piece was large for its time, making it a wonderful size for today’s style and sizing standards. Full of history due to its association with the Chinese military’s watch development program in the mid-60s during the development of the Shanghai Diver watch in 1965-66, the Sky-Diver has an organic collector base of its very own.
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Grade
V 8.5
Status
Vetted & Approved
Included
Watch Only
Est. value range
$2,000 – $3,000
The Details
Brand
Technos
Dimensions
37.5mm x 13.5mm
Model
Sky Diver
Movement
Automatic ETA cal. 2472
Reference
1163
Bracelet
Stainless steel bracelet
Year
Circa late-1960s
Condition
Excellent
Material
Stainless steel
Included
Watch only
Dial Color
Black
THE DIAL
Boasting a black dial with beautiful gilt script and tritium lume (as denoted by its T<25 MC script at 6 o'clock along its periphery) that has aged to include a deep creamy yellow patina, this example's display is full of vintage character and charm.
THE CONSTRUCTION
Featuring a 37.5mm stainless steel case, this Sky Diver ref. 1163 is offered on a vintage TITUS-branded stainless steel beads-of-rice bracelet, giving the watch a utilitarian aesthetic on the wrist, in keeping with its bulky (for its time) construction.
TIMING MACHINE READOUT
This reading was taken (crown down) with a ONEOF Accuracy Boutique Edition timing machine at time of cataloging. It is provided as a courtesy only, and shall not be construed as a warranty or guarantee of any kind. Please refer to our terms and conditions of sale for more information.
Condition
Watch is in overall excellent condition. The steel case remains well defined, with surface scratches and marks consistent with age. The case back retains legible engravings and a well-defined embossed TECHNOS logo in the centre. The bezel shows gently worn edges, while the insert remains excellent with only a few light marks present. The original T-stamped winding crown remains present. The black dial shows some surface spotting, while the lume in the hands and hour markers has discoloured to varying degrees. It is fitted with a TITUS-signed beads-of-rice style bracelet showing surface marks and light play between the links. The bracelet is fitted with 20 links and fits approximately a 7¼” wrist.
Our Perspective
A unique vintage offering that retains a rich history and provides so much of the alluring appeal that collectors look for from other brands at a much higher mark-up, the Sky Diver is a mid-century dive watch that stands up to just about any dive watch of the time in terms of its utility or design credentials.
Justin Gruenberg
Co-founder
