Lip Nautic 3 Scaphandrier automatic black dial orange "tropic" rubber strap 39 mm

The story

The Lip Nautic is a fascinating watch that sets it apart as a horological icon. Made in France in the 1960s and 1970s, this diving watch was designed to withstand the rigors of the deep sea, with water resistance to 200 meters. Its unique design, characterized by a sturdy steel case, a dial with tritium markers and distinctive hands, has captivated watch enthusiasts the world over. It became a reliable companion for divers, but its appeal was not limited to the sea. The Lip Nautic 3 also won over vintage watch enthusiasts for its retro aesthetic and French heritage. Today, it remains a sought-after piece in the world of watch collecting, recalling the excellence of French watchmaking and its role in the history of scuba diving.

Official watchmaker of the FNSPF!

When the LIP watchmaking house became Official Watchmaker of the Fédération Nationale des Sapeurs-Pompiers de France (FNSPF), the brand presented on this occasion, two new divers based on its new Nautic 3. These watches, water-resistant to 200 meters and featuring Lajoux-Perret automatic caliber, are designed for Sapeurs-Pompiers nageurs-sauveurs and scuba divers.

Becoming a rescue diver is one of the specialties among firefighters that requires technical, physical and theoretical tests. Successful completion of these tests is a prerequisite for becoming a Lightweight Autonomous Diver. With this in mind, LIP has designed this robust "Scaphandrier" diving model, offering enhanced legibility thanks to a high-powered Luminova covering the indexes and hands.

A Skin Diver design

Today, LIP reissues its mythical Nautic 3 while modernizing it! This watch features a 39 mm "skin diver"-type case in brushed steel, polished on the chamfers. An interesting choice for a toolwatch, the 39 mm diameter is perfect for most wrists. The watch is 13.2 mm thick, which is quite thin among modern divers. This thickness is also due to its 3 mm domed double-domed sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating. This gives it a vintage look that's much appreciated! This case has been tested to ensure water resistance to 200 meters, as on the original model.

On this model, we find a unidirectional bezel with a clean, precise click and a black aluminum insert. A good point for LIP as it helps give it that retro style.

This reference 670098 features a matte black dial logotyped "Scaphandrier" with a very seventies look! We note the presence of large orange-tinted hour markers bringing a touch of color to the white surround. The 6-9-12 hour markers have an old-fashioned typeface, and there's a date window at three o'clock. Finally, legibility is excellent thanks to the application of Super Luminova to the indexes, baton hands and lollipop second hand. Finally, this watch comes with an orange rubber strap designed by the French company Rochet. It is inspired by the "tropic" bracelets worn by divers of the time.

A Franco-Swiss caliber

LIP has chosen to power this Nautic 3 with a Franco-Swiss caliber! This automatic movement, reference G100, is manufactured by the Swiss Manufacture La Joux-Perret and assembled in the bisontine workshops of Humbert-Droz. This three-hand caliber is a modern movement offering 68 hours of power reserve while maintaining a frequency of 28,800 vibrations, much higher than the other movements in this range.

Visible through the transparent caseback, LIP has chosen the highest level of finishing offered by Manufacture La Joux-Perret! Indeed, this is a "neat" version with blued screws, "Côte de Genève" finish and a diamond bevel. What's more, the daily drift tolerance is +/- 7 seconds. This adjustment is provided by Humbert Droz. A real tour de force on LIP's part!

In brief:

• A Franco-Swiss G100 caliber with 68 hours of power reserve
• A timeless "skindiver" design with a superb 39 mm diameter
• A domed anti-reflective double-dome sapphire crystal and aluminum bezel
• Unbelievable value for money