After the Big TV Titanium, LIP continues to delve into its catalog in search of nuggets to rediscover. And this time, their choice fell on a diver straight out of the 60s and 70s: the Nautic 3. A faithful but modern reissue which is not lacking in charm.
A prestigious ancestry from the 60s and 70s
LIP is no novice when it comes to diving watches. As early as 1967the Bisontine company released the Nautic-Ski a diver’s watch with EPSA’s Super-Compressor case, powered by a revolutionary electronic movement for its time. It has become a brand icon by far. But the success of the Nautic-Ski should not overshadow another diver in the catalog, released in the early 70s: the Nautic 3 known under reference 42752. This one takes up a more traditional layout, with an external bezel, but also inaugurates a more modern design, with a lot of “modernity”. more typical of the 70shalfway between skin-divers designed for recreational diving and genuine tool-watches used by professional divers.
A faithful reissue of the Nautic 3
The new Nautic 3 reproduces the design of the original version line for line. On the dial side, it’s even a copy-paste. And who could complain? More than half a century after its release, the charm is still therewith its thick minute track and oversized hour-markers containing the numerals 6, 9 and 12. The date window retains its trapezoidal shape at 3 o’clock, while the hands still have their colored tips. Only the most observant will notice that the second hand is now a lolipop. As for the rest, LIP has made a few minor changes to bring it into line with today’s standards. The case diameter has been reduced from 37.5mm to 39mmand the Plexiglas glass gives way to a sapphire glass anti-reflective coating. The unidirectional bezel, meanwhile, continues to be fitted with a aluminum insertfully graduated. Finally, the screw-down crown ensures watertightness of 200m.
Modern mechanics from La Joux-Perret
While the aesthetics of the original model have been scrupulously preserved, the same cannot be said for the mechanical part. This is arguably the biggest change, and far from insignificant for LIP. Indeed, the Nautic 3 was originally equipped with the R184 calibre, an electro-mechanical movement, while the 2023 version is powered by the Calibre G100. This is a french-swiss automatic movementwhose components are manufactured in Switzerland by La Joux-PerretThe watch is manufactured in La Joux-Perret, a factory with an excellent reputation for high-end calibers, before being assembled and adjusted in Besançon, France, by Humbert-Droz. It oscillates at 28,800 vibrations per hour (4Hz), is fitted with 24 jewels, and offers a comfortable 68-hour power reserve.
70s charm and modern finish
The LIP Nautic 3 39mm is a watch at a crossroads. It offers the 70’s charmwhile guaranteeing peace of mind and the performance of modern watches. All this, with a true legitimacyinherited from her grandmother. Available in blue dial or blackon stainless steel or rubber bracelet tropicThe LIP Nautic 3 is currently on pre-order for delivery in October. The price is 1099€ for models with rubber strap, and 1199€ for models on steel bracelet.
FEATURES – LIP NAUTIC 3
Case : stainless steel – brushed finish with satin-finish chamfers – 39mm wide x 13.2mm – anti-reflective double-dome sapphire crystal – transparent back – screw-down crown – 20 ATM (200 meters) water resistance
Dial : black or blue background – matte finish – printed indexes – white minute scale – indexes and hands with Super-LumiNova – date window on white background at 3 o’clock
Movement mechanical self-winding – La Joux Perret HD G100 calibre – Frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour (4Hz) – Hours, minutes, seconds and date functions – 68-hour power reserve
Straps : brushed stainless steel with 3 links or tropic-style rubber – 20mm wide at the lugs – pin buckle on rubber and butterfly folding clasp on stainless steel
Informations : in permanent collection – available on the official website and from authorized dealers from October 2023 – 2-year warranty – €1,099 to €1,199 incl. VAT
