Waltham Blancpain Bathyscaphe Type 1/A (No Red W) Bakelite Bezel, Serviced

Description

Waltham Blancpain Bathyscaphe Type 1/A (No Red W) Bakelite Bezel, Serviced. Up for sale is an incredibly rare, first-generation (Type 1/A)Waltham Bathyscaphe. Waltham Bathyscaphe Reference Summary & Provenance. It has NOT been pressure tested. Bathyscaphe Diver (Type 1/A). dial text and its historically significant wide-profile Bakelite bezel. Up for sale is an incredibly rare, first-generation (Type 1/A) Waltham Bathyscaphe from 1959 or 1960. Produced entirely in Switzerland by Blancpain and private-labeled for the U.S. market, this variant is highly sought after for its clean, monochromatic "No Red W" dial text and its historically significant wide-profile Bakelite bezel. This is the ultimate "Baby Blancpain" with immense historical provenance. This particular example is triple-signed (Dial, Caseback, and Movement) and has been fully vetted, freshly serviced, and fitted with premium upgrades for immediate wear. The Details Dial & Hands: Beautifully preserved, text-only Waltham 17 Jewels dial. The original luminous hour markers and handset feature a deep, creamy patina for just the right amount of vintage character. Case & Back: 34mm skin-diver case with sharp lines. Inner caseback is correctly stamped "Waltham Watch Co. Swiss". Movement: Manual-wind Waltham Watch Co. 17-Jewel Swiss mechanical movement (Base AS 1187/94). Features the sweeping, rounded train wheel bridge layout unique to the 1959–1960 launch run before the factory transitioned to the angular AS 1686 caliber in 1961. The movement is correctly stamped "Unadjusted" and "Swiss". Fully serviced, winding smoothly, and running accurately. Bezel: Original wide-profile black Bakelite rotating bezel matching the earliest civilian MC4 specs. Crown: Features a period-correct, unsigned ribbed dome crown that functions perfectly and matches historical specs - may be original, though can't be certain. Upgrades: Fitted with a brand new, highly clear replacement crystal and paired with a premium, historically accurate black Dan Henry tropical rubber strap . The original crystal is included and will be provided separately with the watch. Condition Disclosure This watch is in honest, vintage tool-watch condition and an original time capsule of the earliest "No Red W" production batches. The unique bakelite bezel has been carefully and gently restored to a deep glossy luster, demonstrating the highly desirable characteristics of this one-of-a-kind material. Please look closely at the macro photos. To remain fully transparent to serious collectors, please note the following details:There are two hairline cracks in the Bakelite bezel - one at the 12 o'clock triangle and one near 8 o'clock - and some deeper scratches. The hairline cracks are structurally stable and hardly visible on the wrist. There is minor brassing present on the metal edges of the bezel and on the back of the case, showing honest wear from decades of use. This is a true first-generation example featuring the historically correct, early 1959–1960 chrome-plated base metal case. The coin-edge detailing on the bezel remains very well-preserved with excellent grip. The price has been adjusted downward to fully reflect the honest cosmetic condition. Waltham Bathyscaphe Reference Summary & Provenance Manufacturer: Blancpain (Le Brassus, Switzerland) Retailer / Private Label: Waltham Watch Co. (U.S. Market) Reference Variant: Type 1/A "No Red W" (First-Generation Variant) Production Date: Circa 1959–1960 (Inaugural launch batch) Historical Significance: This reference marks the exact premiere year that Blancpain private-labeled their legendary 34mm civilian Bathyscaphe layout for the American market. It is highly coveted for its clean, text-only dial layout and features the wide-profile Bakelite bezel dimensions inherited directly from the ultra-rare civilian Blancpain MC4 pedigree. Specifications Brand: Waltham (Manufactured by Blancpain, Switzerland) Model: Bathyscaphe Diver (Type 1/A) Year: 1959-1960 Case Diameter: 34mm (excluding crown) Lug Width: 19mm Movement: Manual-wind AS 1187/94 base Strap: Dan Henry Tropical Rubber Shipping, Shipping Restrictions & Logistics eBay Authenticity Guarantee : Because this watch is listed over the platform's price threshold, it will automatically be routed directly to eBay’s independent watch authenticators first. They will inspect the watch, verify its authenticity against this description, and then safely forward it to you via expedited shipping. U.S. Only: Shipping is strictly limited to domestic United States addresses. No international delivery or forwarding services allowed. Orders utilizing international forwarding hubs will be canceled. Terms of Sale & Vintage Disclaimers Vintage Mechanical Condition : This watch is a 60+ year old mechanical tool watch. While it has been recently serviced and is currently running accurately, vintage mechanical watches do not keep time with the pinpoint precision of modern quartz watches. Timing accuracy may differ from that measured at time of service and transit shocks may necessitate minor timing adjustments at the buyer's expense. Water Resistance : Despite its historical identity as a dive watch ("Bathyscaphe"), this watch features an early chrome-plated base metal case and a vintage crystal/crown configuration. It has NOT been pressure tested. It is sold strictly as a dry-land vintage collector's piece; do not submerge it in water. Return Policy : Due to the rare, high-value nature of vintage horology, this item is sold AS-IS with no returns accepted unless the item is materially different from the description and macro photos provided. Please review all photos of the dial and hands condition, bezel hairline cracks, brassing, and case wear carefully prior to bidding or making an offer.