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ConElPueblo
·Dear all.
As I am currently selling a Helvetia dive watch with a built-in depth gauge, I have been approached by a member questioning the authenticity of it. Apparently, all Helvetia divers had a different case construction than mine and that the case construction belongs to a different watch, a Nivada. This is from looking at the "brevet" number on the case back and the theory is further strengthened by the fact that a section of the case back has been drilled out. See photo underneath.
The member, who has had a number of vintage divers with depth gauge through his hands, has never seen one like mine. On Nivadas, the drilled-out section had the Nivada name.
My own explanation would be that the patent number (brevet) belongs to Nivada, thereby explaining the mix-up. Also, I have tried to do just a little research online and found at least one other marque using the same set-up as my Helvetia, namely a "Heiermann" sold on WUS some 7 years ago (!): http://forums.watchuseek.com/f29/fs-vintage-heiermann-diver-deepswim-depth-gauge-472928.html
That one, however, hasn't got any internal markings. It would, however, mean that the case has been used by other marques.
@redpcar has a Nivada with the same case, most likely the "original" as the patent is Nivadas:
I have a hard time accepting that mine should be a franken, as it doesn't really make any sense. The other Helvetia depth gauge watches I've seen have all been later, more funky 70's designs with date windows, making a transplant unlikely. Here's one:
( http://www.vintagewatchclassics.com/product/vintage-helvetia-depth-diver-auto-steel-a-mazing )
Dugena and others make a similar watch to the one above.
My own:
Any comments? Knowledge? Rumours? 😀
As I am currently selling a Helvetia dive watch with a built-in depth gauge, I have been approached by a member questioning the authenticity of it. Apparently, all Helvetia divers had a different case construction than mine and that the case construction belongs to a different watch, a Nivada. This is from looking at the "brevet" number on the case back and the theory is further strengthened by the fact that a section of the case back has been drilled out. See photo underneath.
The member, who has had a number of vintage divers with depth gauge through his hands, has never seen one like mine. On Nivadas, the drilled-out section had the Nivada name.
My own explanation would be that the patent number (brevet) belongs to Nivada, thereby explaining the mix-up. Also, I have tried to do just a little research online and found at least one other marque using the same set-up as my Helvetia, namely a "Heiermann" sold on WUS some 7 years ago (!): http://forums.watchuseek.com/f29/fs-vintage-heiermann-diver-deepswim-depth-gauge-472928.html
That one, however, hasn't got any internal markings. It would, however, mean that the case has been used by other marques.
@redpcar has a Nivada with the same case, most likely the "original" as the patent is Nivadas:
I have a hard time accepting that mine should be a franken, as it doesn't really make any sense. The other Helvetia depth gauge watches I've seen have all been later, more funky 70's designs with date windows, making a transplant unlikely. Here's one:
( http://www.vintagewatchclassics.com/product/vintage-helvetia-depth-diver-auto-steel-a-mazing )
Dugena and others make a similar watch to the one above.
My own:
Any comments? Knowledge? Rumours? 😀
