AQUADIVE Model 77 NOS

By TLex It's only been a year since the rebirth of Aquadive, but in that short time they have reestablished themeselves as one of the greats of the dive watch industry and have reignited a love affair with collectors that has been burning for more than 4 decades. Today they are set to release another of their vintage diving beauties!

The Aquadive NOS (new old stock) Model 77 is based on the iconic Aquadive 'Maritime', which was first developed in the early 70s. It was originally designed with a thick caseback to accommodate an automatic mechanical movement, but as the demand for mechanical watches diminished it was later adapted for a Quartz LED, which it housed up until the early 80s.



Only a limited number of the Model 77 with automatic movements were ever produced. There are few used examples still in existence (in either form). Something that has made them highly coveted by dive watch collectors. The watches (as they still are today) were entirely constructed and manufactured in Switzerland. When it was first manufactured, the case had a depth rating of 20ATM. Today it has 10 times the water-resistance thanks to a new 5mm thick Sapphire crystal and modern gaskets.



The NOS Model 77 is available in two movement versions: one with a modern ETA 2836 Elabore, and one with NOS self-winding 21 jewels Anton Schild movement, which has been disassembled, oiled, cleaned and lovingly serviced by a master watchmaker. They are the same calibers that were originally used, and as such have vintage date wheels in white with red digits, a common feature in the 70s and one that Aquadive have retained in keeping with its vintage heritage.



The Model 77 uses a genuine NOS vintage Stainless steel watch case with a beautiful sunburst brushed effect and an extremely durable black PVD coating on its lower portion that has been pre-applied with a layer of copper alloy, which increases durability of the PVD coating.

It has been fitted with an original uni-directional rotational divers bezel with a black aluminum insert and a precise, solid 60-click mechanism. It measures 41mm wide (exc. crown) x 48mm long with 22mm lugs. It features a Swiss made modern two piece black galvanized dial as well as 100% reproduction hands that were used by the original automatics.



The NOS Model 77 is supplied on a specially designed NATO or rubber divers strap. It is scheduled for release in mid December 2012. Aquadive have manufactured 150 pieces with the modern ETA 2836 Elabore movement, and just 50 pieces with the vintage NOS Anton Schild automatic movements.

Follow the links for further details on pricing and ordering info. Model 77 ETA 2836, Model 77 ANTON SCHILD . . .