LIP Nautic Super Compressor

Never heard of a “Super Compressor” before? Check it out — this is dive watch history, right here:

The Super Compressor name refers to an innovative case design that utilizes a "compressor" system to increase watertightness the deeper a watch was submerged. As the atmospheric pressure increased, the case back compressed, pushing on the gaskets and creating a tighter seal.

Despite the logic of the design, the compressor case wasn’t any better at preventing water intrusion than the garden-variety screw-down crown — in fact, it was less effective in many models — but due to their good looks, compressor cases proved to be wildly popular during the 1960s. Eager to get into the burgeoning dive watch market, many of the best Swiss brands turned to EPSA (Ervin Piquerez, S.A.), the leading manufacturer of compressor cases at the time, for cases upon which to house their divers.

This particular Super Compressor is from French company LIP, whose colorful, avant garde chronographs are so beloved by collectors today. Dating to the late 1960s or early 1970s, it features a 36mm stainless steel Super Compressor case, an acrylic crystal, EPSA hatched crowns, a polished bezel, and a textured black tritium dial with matching broad arrow and obelisk handset and Arabic indices. In good condition and powered by an automatic movement with calendar function, it comes paired to a brown suede strap with a stainless steel pin buckle. 

While we’ve seen our fair share of Super Compressors, this one features some of the best patina and good looks of the entire bunch.

Try it on for size!

Lip’s story began in 1867, when Emmanuel Lipmann founded a clock workshop in Besançon, France. By the 20th century the company had become known as ‘Lip’ and was producing 2,500 pieces a year. From super compressor-cased divers to Fifty Fathoms models and more, Lip’s wares truly ran the gamut, and included some of the best designs of the 1960s and 1970s.
Despite these early successes, Lip began to experience financial troubles, and was embroiled in the civil unrest that swept through the country in 1968. Disputes between the workers and management would continue until 1973, when the workers took over the factory with the slogan, ‘We make them, we sell them, we pay ourselves!’ Several liquidations and reorganizations followed, yet through all this turmoil, the company continued to produce watches.
Although somewhat off the beaten path today, Lip’s vintage pieces still resonate with collectors thanks to their bright colors and avant-garde designs, while modern reissues of classics such as the Mach 2000 are attracting a new audience. The brand’s ‘Paul Newman’ exotic-dial chronographs are particularly sought after, containing as they do dials from Singer, which made the ‘exotic’ Daytona dials for Rolex.

Our Pledge

Analog:Shift stands behind the authenticity of our products in perpetuity.

Condition

Since our pieces are vintage or pre-owned, please expect wear & patina from usage and age. Please read each item description and examine all product images.

Warranty

We back each Analog:Shift vintage timepiece with a one-year mechanical warranty from the date of purchase.

International Buyers

Please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.

All of our watches include complementary insured shipping within the 50 states.

Most of our products are on hand and will ship directly from our headquarters in New York City. In some cases, watches will be shipped directly from one of our authorized partners.

We generally ship our products via FedEx, fully insured, within 5 business days of purchase. An adult signature is required for receipt of all packages for insurance purposes. Expedited shipping is available at an additional cost. We are also happy to hand deliver your purchase in Manhattan or you may pick it up at our showroom.

Returns must be sent overnight or by priority international delivery, fully insured and paid for by the customer. A restocking fee may apply. Watches must be returned in the same condition as initially shipped.

We welcome international buyers, please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.