donciccio
Is a Permanent Fixture
Posts: 6,160
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Post by donciccio on Dec 14, 2018 15:04:44 GMT -8
I've steadily become a big fan of these under appreciated divers. Here is my Caravelle Seahunter / Devil Diver Collection.
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pip
WS Benefactor
Berkshire, UK
Posts: 6,174
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Post by pip on Dec 14, 2018 15:21:09 GMT -8
That is a fantastic selection, there are some real beauties in there. What age range are they? And how long did it take you to gather them together?
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donciccio
Is a Permanent Fixture
Posts: 6,160
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Post by donciccio on Dec 14, 2018 15:41:03 GMT -8
That is a fantastic selection, there are some real beauties in there. What age range are they? And how long did it take you to gather them together? Thanks PIP. These range in age from 1967 being the earliest to 1979. I've had a couple in my collection for several years, but the majority of these have been collected over the past 3-4 years.
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tritto
WS Benefactor
Posts: 5,869
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Post by tritto on Dec 14, 2018 19:07:50 GMT -8
That's quite the collection. I have just the one, but it's a nice little hand winding skin diver.
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donciccio
Is a Permanent Fixture
Posts: 6,160
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Post by donciccio on Dec 14, 2018 20:44:03 GMT -8
That's quite the collection. I have just the one, but it's a nice little hand winding skin diver. Yours catches my eye whenever you post it. You have the more rare Seahunter variant with the "Waterproof" text. It's in beautiful condition.
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tritto
WS Benefactor
Posts: 5,869
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Post by tritto on Dec 14, 2018 21:08:13 GMT -8
Thank you. Yes, I think it may be from the first year of production. It is in great condition, but if you look closely there is some scratching to the dial at around 3 o'clock. I had no idea what it was when I saw it in this photo, but figured it was worth a punt.
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Post by finpaakari on Jan 2, 2019 11:37:54 GMT -8
Impressing collection Conracts!
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donciccio
Is a Permanent Fixture
Posts: 6,160
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Post by donciccio on Jan 2, 2019 11:46:01 GMT -8
Impressing collection Conracts! Many thanks.
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small
WS Benefactor
Posts: 2,454
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Post by small on Jan 2, 2019 14:38:51 GMT -8
I thought I was hording with two...and some spare bits...Awesome collection!
Scrolling back through I don't see one of those monster "Roen Compressors" good for 25 ATM? (Caravelle movements) I always thought the straps on those were pretty neat; kind of remind me of a fly swatter.
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rossr
WS Benefactor
Posts: 1,838
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Post by rossr on Jan 3, 2019 6:08:35 GMT -8
Very impressive collection. Thanks for posting.
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Post by edkimchee on Jul 16, 2019 10:02:37 GMT -8
I’ve been trying to date my Caravelle but am coming across conflicting information. The only physical clues on the watch is the ETA 2472 movement which is stamped M9 (which might indicate it dates from 1969) and the dial says “water resistant” without the “666ft” which I hear indicates 1979. Any thoughts?
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donciccio
Is a Permanent Fixture
Posts: 6,160
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Post by donciccio on Jul 20, 2019 8:24:39 GMT -8
I’ve been trying to date my Caravelle but am coming across conflicting information. The only physical clues on the watch is the ETA 2472 movement which is stamped M9 (which might indicate it dates from 1969) and the dial says “water resistant” without the “666ft” which I hear indicates 1979. Any thoughts? Beautiful Watch! Is there a stamp on the case back itself? As far as I know this particular model is from the 60's so I'd lean more towards the 1969 age, but the dial appears to be newer.
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Post by edkimchee on Jul 20, 2019 8:32:14 GMT -8
I’ve been trying to date my Caravelle but am coming across conflicting information. The only physical clues on the watch is the ETA 2472 movement which is stamped M9 (which might indicate it dates from 1969) and the dial says “water resistant” without the “666ft” which I hear indicates 1979. Any thoughts? Beautiful Watch! Is there a stamp on the case back itself? As far as I know this particular model is from the 60's so I'd lean more towards the 1969 age, but the dial appears to be newer. Thanks. Here is the caseback.
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donciccio
Is a Permanent Fixture
Posts: 6,160
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Post by donciccio on Jul 20, 2019 11:43:15 GMT -8
Beautiful Watch! Is there a stamp on the case back itself? As far as I know this particular model is from the 60's so I'd lean more towards the 1969 age, but the dial appears to be newer. Thanks. Here is the caseback. Giggidy! Did I mention how much I love this model?
Anyhoo...I'd put money on it being from 69'. The dial is probably an early production from when the industry was switching from the "waterproof" designation.
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Post by russtmurray on Jul 22, 2019 8:43:19 GMT -8
What a fantastic collection. My earliest recollection of the Caravelle line were they were a reasonably priced option for dive watches but at the time, they were too slim for my tastes. As a result I focused on the more chunky styles and in particular the Seiko 6309's. Fast forward to present day and I find myself really admiring these Caravelles and others from that era. Maybe it's an age thing but I like the fact these vintage pieces and recreations of same don't dominate the wrist. The fact that companies like Oris and various micro-brands are rolling out similar styles suggests you're on to a good thing. Good stuff.
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donciccio
Is a Permanent Fixture
Posts: 6,160
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Post by donciccio on Jul 22, 2019 11:17:53 GMT -8
What a fantastic collection. My earliest recollection of the Caravelle line were they were a reasonably priced option for dive watches but at the time, they were too slim for my tastes. As a result I focused on the more chunky styles and in particular the Seiko 6309's. Fast forward to present day and I find myself really admiring these Caravelles and others from that era. Maybe it's an age thing but I like the fact these vintage pieces and recreations of same don't dominate the wrist. The fact that companies like Oris and various micro-brands are rolling out similar styles suggests you're on to a good thing. Good stuff. Thank you sir. They really are fantastic watches. With the exception of the base metal case models they are all really well made. I used to be able to say they were unknown and hidden gems, but the prices have been soaring as of late.
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Post by russtmurray on Jul 23, 2019 7:58:57 GMT -8
What a fantastic collection. My earliest recollection of the Caravelle line were they were a reasonably priced option for dive watches but at the time, they were too slim for my tastes. As a result I focused on the more chunky styles and in particular the Seiko 6309's. Fast forward to present day and I find myself really admiring these Caravelles and others from that era. Maybe it's an age thing but I like the fact these vintage pieces and recreations of same don't dominate the wrist. The fact that companies like Oris and various micro-brands are rolling out similar styles suggests you're on to a good thing. Good stuff. Thank you sir. They really are fantastic watches. With the exception of the base metal case models they are all really well made. I used to be able to say they were unknown and hidden gems, but the prices have been soaring as of late. Interesting about the base metals used on the cases. I suppose that's why Bulova was able to keep them affordable when they first came out. Would imagine it might make it all the more difficult to find these vintage pieces in fair to good condition. Whatever the case (pun intended) you've done very well and if any when the time comes, the market would be "receptive" !
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donciccio
Is a Permanent Fixture
Posts: 6,160
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Post by donciccio on Jul 23, 2019 8:10:10 GMT -8
Thank you sir. They really are fantastic watches. With the exception of the base metal case models they are all really well made. I used to be able to say they were unknown and hidden gems, but the prices have been soaring as of late. Interesting about the base metals used on the cases. I suppose that's why Bulova was able to keep them affordable when they first came out. Would imagine it might make it all the more difficult to find these vintage pieces in fair to good condition. Whatever the case (pun intended) you've done very well and if any when the time comes, the market would be "receptive" ! Not all were base metal cases. Only a handful. I don't own any of those. I'm not a snob when it comes to watches, but base metal is something I can't do. All of the models above are stainless steel with 17 jewels or more.
The majority of the base metal models had 7 jewel movements and yes, they didn't hold up well over time.
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boboso
Can't Tell Time
Posts: 1
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Post by boboso on Sept 6, 2019 6:13:38 GMT -8
Incredible collection! Not certain if everyone recognizes the Freddie Fender pic. Baldemar Huerta would be proud.
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Post by russtmurray on Sept 7, 2019 6:33:43 GMT -8
Incredible collection! Not certain if everyone recognizes the Freddie Fender pic. Baldemar Huerta would be proud. Well, if he brings you happiness.....
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