Modern Supercompressor-style Watches

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abrod520

·Apr 16, 2021

So with this week's release of the Baltic Aquascaphe dual-crown getting lots of attention, I wondered how many other modern supercompressor-style watches there are out there. We all know and love the Longines Legend, and the new Jaeger-LeCoultre Polaris lineup is bringing a bit more heft to the SC world. But I'm wondering how many other smaller brands might be out there, especially if there are any more no-date variants out there!

The Baltic:

@JwRosenthal mentioned the Lip Nautic-Ski reedition, with 8 different variants:

I was also reminded of the Milus Archimedes reedition. Very interesting looking variants, could be tempting but it's a bunch more expensive at 1900 CHF, though it sports an ETA movement unlike the Miyotas of most of the others.

The Nodus Duality (not as faithful to the Supercompressor style, but retains the dual-crown functionality)

Any others out there that can be bought new?

 

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Redwes25

·Apr 16, 2021

Great topic, Loving the look of that Baltic and would definately be interested in seeing other options. Not sure I have seen any other those then what is mentioned in that Baltic release thread.

 

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abrod520

·Apr 16, 2021

I recently took in a Nodus Duality on trade, black with the 12hr bezel. It's a great-looking watch and nicely sized, but the crowns are terrible. Both are screw-down - yeah, even the bezel - and the action is so terribly unrefined and grunchy that it feels like you're stripping them anytime you use them. Really too bad, that.

I want to try one of those Milus as they look great in the renders, but I can't shake the suspicion that they don't look nearly as good in person.

 

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dougwhiz

·Apr 16, 2021

I've seen ads for the Christopher Ward version recently. Starts around $1100 USD.

 

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sonicosa

·Apr 16, 2021

Can’t go wrong with the Dan Henry 1970 for under $300.

https://danhenrywatches.com/collections/vintage-watches/products/1970-automatic-diver-watch

 

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abrod520

·Apr 16, 2021

dougwhiz

I've seen ads for the Christopher Ward version recently.

Oh good call, forgot about that one. Also no-date which is nice.

As for the Dan Henry, I bought one initially but really didn't like it. Very cheap for under $300, but feels every bit as cheap in all areas :/

I also forgot about the Lorier Hydra,

but wouldn't consider as those hands just gross me out. Unfortunately they use them on all their models, which otherwise would be fairly tempting.

There are also a couple of Seiko 5 Sports models with the main crown at 3.

Handsome watches, but a strange design decision considering most of the Seiko 5 models already have their crowns at 4 😕

 

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timoss

·Apr 16, 2021

Why not buy an original super compressor instead of a modern “knock off”?

 

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Larry S

·Apr 16, 2021·Color Commentator for the Hyperbole.

timoss

Why not buy an original super compressor instead of a modern “knock off”?

Because we want to actually wear them-in or near water.

 

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wagudc

·Apr 16, 2021

abrod520

There are also a couple of Seiko 5 Sports models with the main crown at 3.

Handsome watches, but a strange design decision considering most of the Seiko 5 models already have their crowns at 4 😕

I am with you. I never like the crown at 4, except when it is balanced by a second crown at 2. Why the 3-4 combo? Are they just trying to antagonize fans of symmetry?

 

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JwRosenthal

·Apr 16, 2021

Larry S

Because we want to actually wear them-in or near water.

Oh come now, we all know there is only one watch that is truly at home in the water...

And he bears the mark of the devil!

 

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fibonacci

·Apr 17, 2021

timoss

Why not buy an original super compressor instead of a modern “knock off”?

Larry S

Because we want to actually wear them-in or near water.

And maybe this:

"One thing about the vintage models to know is that case parts and crystals are nearly non-existent. The 2 o’clock crown that operates the inner bezel is attached to a little star gear that drives the bezel when turned. If this is broken, the star gear and stem are simply not available, so it’s best to avoid examples with a non-working bezel. The crystals are rare as hen’s teeth as well, especially the large sized ones. I know that there are some NOS crystals that have been found to fit the 36mm cases, but they usually do not have the correct construction to accommodate the inner bezel properly."

https://wornandwound.com/guide-super-compressors/

 

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timoss

·Apr 17, 2021

There are lots of waterproof modern watches—you don’t have to buy a knock off from the past to swim with your watch.

I admit I am being a bit provocative, but sometimes the endless retreads of heritage designs is a bummer.

 

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abrod520

·Apr 17, 2021

timoss

There are lots of waterproof modern watches—you don’t have to buy a knock off from the past to swim with your watch.

But some people... y'know.... like the supercompressor style? Also, take a look at some of the suggestions. Not all of them are full vintage reeditions. Some just have "vintage" (read: classic) touches in the designs but aren't knockoffs of any particular design.

timoss

Why not buy an original super compressor instead of a modern “knock off”?

And even a fully serviced vintage supercompressor won't fare well in water or even humid environments. The design was flawed - while it cleverly sealed up better the deeper you dove, it wasn't capable of proper water resistance in shallow water and so many leaked. That's why the design didn't last long.

 

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abrod520

·Apr 17, 2021

wagudc

I am with you. I never like the crown at 4, except when it is balanced by a second crown at 2. Why the 3-4 combo? Are they just trying to antagonize fans of symmetry?

I think Seiko is maybe trying to be different for difference's sake? It's a terribly ugly look IMO which is too bad, since some of their 5 models look like they could be a ton of fun for the <= $300 they cost.