Innovation. Ingenuity. Ambition
Innovation. Ingenuity. Ambition
It’s the late 1950s. As diving technology improves, scuba-divers are able to explore deeper.
But there’s a problem.
The further down divers go, the more the water pressure increases. Which means their watches – vital for ensuring safety underwater – develop malfunctions. And sometimes break entirely.
Step in case manufacturer Ervin Piquerez SA (EPSA). It invents a system – the ‘Super Compressor’ – that uses water pressure to press the caseback tighter against the O-ring gasket the further it descends. A new genre of diving watch is born.
Nearly 50 years after the last true super compressor appeared, the mechanism is back – in the shape of the C65 Super Compressor.
Reverse-engineered by our team in Switzerland, this is a fully functioning super compressor with the ’60s looks to match. And thanks to improvements in watch construction, it’s the first one with an ‘exhibition’ caseback, through which you can see the ultra-thin compression spring. At 300 microns thick, the spring, which enables the compressor to work, is just four times the width of a human hair. Look again, and you’ll also spot the ‘diving-bell’ mark, the logo Ervin Piquerez used to signify authenticity.
The screw-down crown (another modern improvement) at 4 o’clock controls the hands and date whilst the one at 2 o’clock rotates the internal countdown bezel. This crown isn’t screwed down as this would make its use difficult for divers, but we have ensured its water-tightness by using two internal gaskets as well as two external ones. It also carries the crosshatch markings synonymous with the original versions.
Wearing the watch meanwhile is a joy thanks to the new ‘cushioned’ light-catcher™ case, whose near-rectangular shape not only looks suitably retro, but is also unobtrusive – sliding easily under a shirt cuff or looking great with short sleeves.
Available in two colour options the dial contrasts against the indexes and ‘baton’ hands (coated in Super-LumiNova® Grade X1 GL C1), plus the rotating inner bezel. And with the Sellita SW200-1 automatic movement powering it, the watch is as accurate as it is stylish. In other words, ‘very’.
The product video was shot before we introduced the twin-flags logo
Sellita SW200-1 Automatic
Sellita SW200-1 Automatic
An update on the classic Sellita SW200, this Swiss-made self-winding movement is known for its accuracy and reliability.
The 26-jewel movement, a 4Hz frequency (equating to a smooth eight ticks per second) and a 38-hour power reserve. It also has an in-built anti-shock system to maintain accuracy when faced with any sudden jolts.
Compressed and ready
The ‘compression’ spring is key to the mechanics of the C65 Super Compressor and enables the case to become more watertight as you descend. It’s placed within the compression ring.
Inside story
The interior bezel – controlled by the cross-hatched crown at 2 o’clock – makes the watch sleeker than a regular dive timepiece. The result is what we call a ‘dress-dive’ watch.
Stamp of authority
On the see-through caseback you’ll find the ‘diving bell’ emblem – the logo of the original super compressor mechanism.
Glass act
The Ocean Blue dial is covered by a ‘glass box’ crystal (check the ‘bubble’ edge) that maximises the authentic 1960s feel.
Black pool illuminations
When light is low at depth, you need an exceptional lume, which is why the C65 Super Compressor’s indexes and hands are coated with Super-LumiNova® Grade X1 GL C1.
Slimmed-down style
The C65 Super Compressor has a cushioned-case version of Christopher Ward’s signature light-catcher™ case, helping it wear slimmer on the wrist.
’A labour of love‘
Read what watch journalist Ken Kessler says about the C65 Super Compressor and its oh-so-svelte case.
Director's cut
See the stunning TV advert for the C65 Super Compressor.
Disclaimer
The product video was shot before we introduced the twin-flags logo
