Here we have an unusual 1960s Accurist Marin Graf black dial divers watch. It has the 33.75mm case which is formed of two pieces, and made of stainless steel, with the patented waterproof compressor case, marked ‘brevet 238872’. It is unusual due to the case shaping and lack of a rotating bezel, which differentiates it from any other Marin Graf we have seen. It has the gloss black dial which features the original luminous to the hour markers and surrounding the date window. It is signed with the Accurist name and the ‘Marin Graf’ model. It is also signed with its various features ‘600 feet, 25 jewels, incabloc, automatic’. It has the luminous index style hour and minute hands, with the lollipop second hand with luminous lollipop near the tip. The rear of the case is marked with the features and the reference ‘155’. The movement is the ETA 2452 which is automatic, with the date function and shock protection. It has been recently serviced and is keeping accurate time.

It is a watch that is very similar in approach to the Cyma ‘Divingstar’ from the late 1950s. As mentioned, it is unusual due to the case shaping and lack of a rotating bezel, which differentiates it from any other Marin Graf we have seen.

The patent ‘238872’ relates to the compressor style case, behind the case back is a small metal ring that works like an elastic suspension between the movement and the case. This holds the movement in place, even under increasing pressure. The Swiss patent was filed in January 1944 by John Simon. He was an inventor based in Tramelan, who registered numerous patents, all related to waterproofing. These included systems for watertight crown, movement fitting within cases and waterproof chronograph pushers.

We love the gloss black dial on this piece. It has the deep black tone which catches the light with the gloss finishing. It has the contrasting white signing with the dash minute/second markers and thicker hour markers, with the elongated dashes to 6, 9 and 12. The original luminous sits on the hour markers and has aged to a lovely light orange tone. The date window is also surrounded with the luminous boarder which balances with the larger quarter markers. The date wheel itself has the bright white base with the black numerals. Below 12 is the Accurist signing with the ‘Marin Graf’ model name. Above 6 o’clock is the ‘600 feet’ depth rating with the ’25 jewels, Incabloc, automatic’ text. To the base, either side of 6 it has the ‘Swiss Made’ text. The hands are the silver tone and are of Index style, with the luminous in-fill set within them. The central second hand has the lollipop counterbalance and luminous lollipop near the tip which aids legibility.

The case measures just under 34mm wide with the width with crown of 35.7mm. It has the total lug-to-lug length of 40.5mm which increases the presence on the wrist. It has the 18mm lug width which allows a well sized strap pairing.

It is a two-piece case design which is formed of stainless steel, with the polished finish. It has the dished bezel which falls away from the dial, to meet the sides of the case. The lugs are neat, straight design which tapers down towards the wrist. The edge of the bezel is surrounded by a slight step in the case with the notch, which intercepts the bottom of the lugs. The central section has the polished finishing with the underside angling in to meet the case back. The case back screws into place and has the polished exterior, with the brushed finish to the face. It is also marked with the various features of the watch, as well as having the reference ‘155’. Inside it is signed with the Brevet no ‘238872’ with the ‘Mod Depose’ text and ‘Swiss’.

Inside is the ETA 2452 movement, which is a good quality automatic movement. It has a jewel count of 25 and has the semi-quickset date function. It also benefits from shock proofing. It has been recently serviced and is keeping accurate time to within 20-30 seconds variation per day.

The watch is presented on a period ‘Tropic’ style strap from the era, which complements it perfectly.

The watch is modelled on a 7” wrist circumference.
Please see the images as these compliment and aid the description provided below.
A further condition report is below.

Dial:
The dial is original and is in very good condition with no obvious signs of ageing. The black tone is good and even with no wear to the white text. The original luminous has darkened with age.

Hands:
The hands are original and are in good condition with the bright silver tone, with no noticeable corrosion. The luminous has been restored in the past, being lighter than the dial luminous.

Glass:
The acrylic crystal is original and is in good condition with only light marking.

Crown:
The appears original and is of the domed style. It functions well and is in good condition.

Case:
The case is formed of Stainless Steel and is in good, unpolished condition, with only light scratching associated with age.

Caseback:
The case back is Stainless Steel and is in good original condition, with the original brushed finish and clear engraving. It has no scratches from poor opening and only light marking associated with age.

Strap:
It is a period ‘Tropic’ rubber strap which is in good vintage condition.

Movement:
Inside is the ETA 2452 movement, which is a good quality automatic movement. It has a jewel count of 25 and has the semi-quickset date function. It also benefits from shock proofing.

It has been recently serviced and is keeping accurate time to within 20-30 seconds variation per day, with a strong amplitude of 310 degrees.

Case dimensions
Case width: 33.75mm
Case width with crown: 35.7mm
Case length: 33.7mm
Case length lug to lug: 40.5mm
Case depth: 11mm
Lug width: 18mm