LIP Nautic-Ski
LIP Nautic-Ski
Launched in 1967, the Nautic-Ski was a carefully planned release for Lip's 100th anniversary. It was technically advanced, as it relied on the electronic caliber R184. In addition, its Super Compressor case offered an inner rotating bezel to securely time any dive. The "Ski" part of its name reflected the popularity of this sport, just one year before the Winter Olympic Games at Grenoble (and the famous ski ads made by the French designer Roger Excoffon). Initially sold for 375 Francs at its launch, the Nautic-Ski quickly became a best-seller.
The R184 Electro-mechanical movement combines an electronic energy pendulum and a traditional mechanical caliber. Visually the second hand has the fluidity of a mechanical or automatical movement but powered by a battery. No quartz jump or F300 hummer style sweep.
The Nautic-Ski was seen in the Jacques Cousteau TV series in the 1970s
Features
- The watch uses a electronic caliber R184 movement
- Rotating inner bezel
- second hand with bolt styling
- Tritium lumed dial and hands
- Case: 35m to crown
- Lug width: 18mm at lugs
- All Stainless Steel SuperCompressor construction
Super Nautic-Ski
A larger version, extremely rare, appeared a few years after the 1967 launch. It used the same R184 movement.
The dedicated large case came from the Piquerez (a manufacture famous for its waterproof cases). See EPSA Super-Compressor for more information. The 42mm Super Compressor case remained unique to Lip, with the characteristic cross-hatched crown. The dial came in a number of vibrant colours, as suggested by the fashion designer Pierre Cardin.
Nautic-Ski 1970s version
The final iteration of the R184 model saw it in a very 1970s style cushion case and colourful dial combination inherited from the SuperNautic version. It was a dramatic departure from the classic 1960s original version.
All Nautic-Ski models were normally issued with tropic rubber straps.
