Vintage 1970's Bessa Sous Marine 30 ATM Day-Date Diver w/HEV Crown,All SS Case

Description: ***********Although the crown winds smoothly it will not screw down. Given this and considering the movement's unknown service history a complete overhaul is likely long overdue and recommended.***********This seldom seen vintage 1970's Bessa Sous Marine (translates to "undersea" or "submarine") has oodles of character that in my humble opinion looks markedly better in person. The "EBAUCHE SUISSE" signed dial, which appears to have originally been blue or gray, has aged naturally and uniquely to a creamy pale gray color. The lume on the dial and hands, which emits a quick burst glow on only the hands after being exposed to bright, has aged gracefully. The gray and silver bezel, which shows considerable wear and rotates smoothly bidirectionally, presents nicely. The massive all stainless steel case, which appears to have retained its original finish, shows minor wear with no visible signs of oxidation. The outer edge of the case back is stamped "STAINLESS STEEL INCABLOC AUTOMATIC SWISS CASE" with "SOUS MARINE" followed by "300 METRES,""NO.+ 4.952/65" and "7528" stamped in the center. The inside of the case back is stamped "SWISS CASE." The crystal is heavily scratched. The AS 1866 automatic movement with quickset date function is clean, keeps accurate time and both the Spanish day and date wheels roll over at approximately 12 am. The quickset date function works flawlessly by manually rolling over a new date and then moving the hour hand repeatedly between the 20.5 and 24 hour marks until the desired date has been reached. After recently winding the HEV crown 39 full revolutions the movement had an impressive power reserve of approximately 42 hours. The crown, which winds smoothly, should screw down but does not. Given that this watch is more than 45 years old, that the crown does not screw down and considering its unknown service history (there is one undecipherable watchmaker service marking on the inside of the case back) a complete overhaul is likely long overdue and recommended. This watch measures approximately 41 mm excluding the crown, approximately 44 mm including the crown and approximately 20 mm between the lugs. Case thickness, measured from the bottom of the case back to the top of the bezel, is approximately 9.5 mm. Including the crystal case thickness measures approximately 12 mm. Given the vintage nature of this watch, that the crown does not screw down and considering the movement's unknown service history a complete overhaul is recommended. As such there are no warranties, express or implied, attached with the sale of this watch. Vintage means old and while my personal belief is that old-school means better quality and workmanship, things can and do go wrong from time to time. Any servicing costs going forward are your responsibility. Please thoroughly read this entire listing and kindly ask any and all questions you may have prior to buying as this sale is final and no refunds of any kind will be given. And please study the 12 high magnification pictures carefully, which were taken in natural light and from various angles, as they are part of the description and serve as an accurate representation of the condition of this watch.Expedited and insured shipping along with signature confirmation will be provided. Thanks for looking!***********Although the crown winds smoothly it will not screw down. Given this and considering the movement's unknown service history a complete overhaul is likely long overdue and recommended.***********

Price: 595 USD

Location: Brea, California

End Time: 2024-10-02T23:26:46.000Z

Shipping Cost: 0 USD