Mercedes Skin Diver Watch — Blue Bezel (1960s)
Only 1 available
Shipping from Europe — taxes and customs duties are the buyer's responsibility outside the EU
Lifetime authenticity guarantee
Movement guaranteed for 1 year
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Photo taken on a 17.5 cm wrist
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Atelier Note
A three-pointed star on a black dial that turns green depending on the light, encircled in blue — the sixties skin diver that brings a smile to motoring enthusiasts.
A Mercedes skin diver, with a shifting black-green dial
This watch is a Mercedes, produced in Switzerland in the 1960s — one of those Swiss signatures whose three-pointed star, identical to that of the automobile, unmistakably evokes Stuttgart. Several identical examples are known, suggesting a possibly promotional series rather than an isolated piece; no period document certifies this, and we present it for what it is: a Swiss skin diver period watch with irresistible charm.
The dial is its second trick: a deep black that shifts to dark green depending on the light — head-on it is black, in raking light an automotive lacquer green emerges. The solid luminous Arabic numerals, the railway minute track, the 15 JEWELS marking, and a graduated sub-seconds at six o’clock create an instrument-style dial of great legibility.
The blue bidirectional bezel, graduated for sixty minutes, encircles the whole in the colour of the sixties — blue against black-green, a pairing few period dive watches dared. The polished cushion case of 37.7mm, with broad flanks, is the quintessential full-sized skin diver format of the decade.
The 15-jewel hand-wound mechanical movement has been checked by our partner watchmakers and is guaranteed for one year. The watch is fitted with a later smooth black leather strap.
Three points to note
01
Shifting black-green dial — black head-on, lacquer green in raking light: two watches in one.
02
The three-pointed star — the deliberate automotive nod, on a possibly promotional period series.
03
Blue bidirectional bezel — the colour of the sixties, graduated for sixty minutes.
Why choose a vintage skin diver?
This vintage Swiss watch holds a precise place among vintage watches for men and women: its 37.7mm cushion case suits both, and the skin diver — the beach diver of the 1960s, slimmer and more wearable than true expedition watches — has become one of the most sought-after styles in sporty vintage. This one adds the star, the shifting color and the accessible budget: the ultimate conversation watch for a motoring enthusiast.
Like all our vintage mechanical watches, this one has been opened and inspected by our partner watchmakers: movement check, examination of the dial, hands and case. Every vintage watch we offer comes with an invoice Atelier Victor serving as a certificate, a one-year guarantee and guaranteed lifetime authenticity.
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Technical specifications
- Brand: Mercedes
- Model: Skin diver, bidirectional bezel
- Estimated year: 1960s
- Origin: Switzerland
- Gender: Men's and women's watch (Unisex)
- Movement: Hand-wound mechanical, 15 jewels
- Functions: Hours, minutes, sub-seconds
- Case: Polished steel, cushion shape, blue bidirectional bezel, steel caseback
- Diameter: 37.7mm (38.5mm with crown)
- Lug to lug: 42.5mm
- Lug width: 18mm
- Crown: Steel, fluted, original
- Dial: Black shifting to dark green depending on the light, luminescent numerals, sub-seconds, original
- Hands: Steel with luminescent channels, original
- Crystal: Acrylic (condition 7/10)
- Strap: Smooth black leather, not original
- Buckle: Pin buckle, not original
Condition and guarantee
- General condition: Good overall condition. The original dial is crisp, its numerals and sub-seconds clear, its black-green play of color intact — our photographs show it under several lighting conditions. The polished case and blue bezel show noticeable signs of wear and scratches in places, visible in our photographs. Crystal acrylic with marks, rated 7/10.
- Water resistance: Not guaranteed (vintage watch)
- Authenticity: Lifetime guarantee
- Mechanical: Inspected mechanical movement, guaranteed for 1 year
- Included: Invoice Atelier Victor
- Not included: Original box and papers
Frequently asked questions
Does this watch have a link to motoring?
Nothing certifies it, but a body of clues exists: several examples identical to this one are circulating on the market — same dial, same star, same case —, which points to serial production rather than an isolated fancy, and suggests a possible promotional order from the motor circuit, as the period produced in large numbers for dealerships and corporate gifts. No period document allows a definitive conclusion, and we prefer to tell you so: it remains a genuine Swiss watch from the 1960s, and a nod that enthusiasts of the star brand seek out precisely.
Why does the dial change color?
Because of its varnish: deep black head-on, it reveals a dark green in raking light — a lacquer effect that our photographs show from several angles. It is a characteristic of certain 1960s dials, appreciated today precisely because it offers two watches in one: understated at the office, green in the sun.
What is a skin diver?
The recreational dive watch of the 1960s: born with the democratization of the mask and fins, it adopted the codes of professional diving watches — rotating bezel, legible dial, luminous material — in a slimmer format, suitable for everyday wear. The style has become one of the most sought-after in sporty vintage, and this one ticks every box.
How do you wind a hand-wound watch?
Gently turn the crown clockwise, about twenty turns, until you feel resistance. Never force it beyond that. Daily winding, at the same time each day, is enough to keep the watch running. As the original water resistance can no longer be guaranteed, this period sports watch should no longer go swimming.
Is this piece suitable for a slim or larger wrist?
With a 37.7mm diameter and 42.5mm Lug-to-lug, it suits wrists of approximately 15.5 to 19.5cm — a guideline, never a rule: everyone wears what they like. Its full cushion shape gives it the sporty presence of the sixties. The Lug width measures 18mm, which makes it easy to change the strap — a Tropic would suit it just as well as leather.
Mechanical warranty — 1 year
Each watch is inspected by our watchmakers before shipping. In case of a mechanism malfunction during the first year, we cover the repair.
Authenticity warranty — lifetime
If a watch turns out to be non-authentic, we will take it back and refund you in full. Without time limit.
What is not covered
- Exposure to water or humidity
- Shocks, impacts, or vibrations
- Consumable parts (strap, Crystal, crown, pushers)
- Battery replacement (quartz movements)
- Opening or disassembly of the watch by a third party
- Improper use
The accuracy of vintage watches varies according to the model, movement, and year of production. A request for accuracy improvement deemed within acceptable tolerances cannot be covered by the warranty.
Shipping fees
After-sales service is free. Shipping fees outside the United Arab Emirates remain the responsibility of the customer.
Authentication Process
Each watch is examined by our partner watchmakers before being offered for sale: verification of authenticity, checking the conformity of the components, identification of any modification or replacement of original parts.
If any element has been replaced during the life of the watch (dial, hands, crown, Crystal, strap), we systematically indicate it in the product sheet. You buy knowing the exact history of your piece.
Certificate of Authenticity
Your Atelier Victor invoice serves as a certificate of authenticity: it attests to the origin and conformity of the piece, and is covered by our lifetime authenticity guarantee — if a piece sold by Atelier Victor were found to be non-authentic, it would be fully refunded, with no time limit.
Free delivery
Delivery is free on all our pieces internationally. Dispatch within 48 to 72 business hours by DHL Express, Emirates Post, EMS or an equivalent carrier depending on the destination, delivery within 2 to 14 business days. Each shipment is insured and delivered against signature.
- Tracking number sent as soon as the shipment is dispatched
- For certain destinations, delivery may be made to a secure collection point in order to guarantee the integrity of the shipment
Collection in Dubai
In-person handover by appointment in Downtown Dubai. Make an appointment.
Taxes and customs
The shipping origin is indicated on each product page. If the delivery country differs from the shipping country, customs duties and taxes may apply upon receipt and are payable by the buyer. Customs inspections may in rare cases extend the delivery time.
For full details, please consult our shipping policy.
FINAL SALES
All sales are final: no return, exchange, or cancellation is accepted after order confirmation. Each piece is authenticated, inspected, and described in detail before being offered for sale.
BEFORE PURCHASE
Our advisors remain at your disposal for any questions and can send you additional photographs or videos upon simple request, by email or on WhatsApp.
NON-CONFORMING ITEM
In the exceptional case of an item that does not match its listing, please notify us within 72 hours: it will be eligible for a refund or an exchange. If the parcel shows damage upon delivery, it should be refused or its opening filmed continuously.
For full details, please consult our return policy.
A piece selected by Atelier Victor
Authenticated, checked, and photographed by us. As all sales are final, our team remains available 7 days a week on WhatsApp to answer your questions, share additional photos or a video of the piece in hand — so that your choice can be made with complete peace of mind.
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