Why This Watch Matters

This Cornavin is the type of watch you almost never see, but that you won’t ever forget. The decompression dial and central hour display are pretty unique to this diver, which looks like no other wristwatch.

The Full Story

At first glance, it might look like the hour hand is missing from the handset here. This Cornavin displays the hours in a different fashion, on a center disc that rotates instead of jumping. The focus was put on the seconds and minutes in order to properly time decompression stages, hence the unusual meters scale on the dial. The 42mm waterproof case completes the tool-ish look of this very purposeful diver. This watch is not only unique-looking, but also very rare; only a handful of Cornavin have ever resurfaced.

The Fine Print

Maker: Cornavin Geneve
Model: Diver
Reference: 118
Year: Early 1960s
Case No: NA
Material: Stainless steel
Dimensions: 42mm diameter; 13mm thickness
Sapphire Crystal: No
Lume: Radium
Caliber: Automatic Caliber Felsa 810
Bracelet/Strap: HODINKEE Canvas and Leather Strap 
Lug Width: 22mm
Box/Papers: No

What we Love and What You Should Know

The waterproof 42mm case is in honest condition, showing a couple of superficial scratches, especially on the lower right lug. Similarly, the caseback exhibits some scuffs, while the original engravings are still faintly legible. On the other hand, the decompression dial is stunning, without major imperfections. Note the patina on the minute hand, and the tip of the white second hand, which might indicate a later replacement part, at least in comparison to other examples found. Finally, there is a break to the inner ring, just below the 6 o’clock index. This is a rare and interesting watch you won't see often.