Vintage 1965 Ascot Super-Compressor Diver withOrange Patina, Runs FOR PARTS/REPAIR
FOR PARTS/REPAIR - The ETA 2452 automatic movement runs about 3 minutes fast by the end of its approximate 43 hour power reserve period. Additionally the internal bezel does not rotate, likely suggesting that the bearings are stripped. And when attempting to do so the stem on the crown at 2 o'clock feels like it wants to break. It's possible that the internal bezel will need to be replaced. At a minimum a complete overhaul is required. This seldom seen vintage 1965 Ascot De Luxe Super-Compressor has an aged black "SWISS" only signed dial that is in lovely but not perfect condition as it shows wear. The lume, which no longer glows after being exposed to bright light, has aged to a vibrant orange hue. In my humble opinion it is truly special and looks markedly better in person.
If you feel that it couldn't have aged naturally to this color then it's clearly not for you. The heavy duty all stainless steel case shows honest wear with minor signs of oxidation. The outer edge of the case back is stamped "SUPER COMPRESSOR - WATERPROOF 20 ATM - STAINLESS STEEL" with "PATENT + 317537" followed by "PATENT + 337462, ""SWISS MADE, ""AUTOMATIC" and 40012. " The inside of the case back is stamped "SWISS MADE" followed by "SUPER-COMPRESSOR, BREVET + 317537, BREVET + 337462" and "11-65. The crystal shows scratching and dust/debris on its underbelly.
The semi- quickset date function works flawlessly by manually rolling over a new date and then moving the hour hand repeatedly between the 20.5 and 24 hour marks until the desired date has been reached. After recently winding the original, non-screwdown bottom cross-hatched crown 39 full revolutions the movement gained about 3 minutes by the end of its approximate 43 hour power reserve period. The top cross-hatched crown however does not want to turn and feels as though the stem will break if forced to do so. As such the internal bezel does not rotate likely because the bearings are stripped and or there's an issue with the stem.
This watch measures approximately 36 mm excluding the dual crowns, approximately 39.5 mm including the crowns and approximately 18 mm between the lugs. Case thickness, measured from the bottom of the case back to the top of the mid-case, is approximately 8.5 mm. Including the crystal thickness measures approximately 10 mm. As such there are no warranties, express or implied, attached with the sale of this watch.
Vintage means old and while my personal belief is that old-school means better quality and workmanship, things can and do go wrong from time to time. For this watch that time is now.
Any servicing costs are your responsibility. And please study the 24 high magnification pictures carefully as they are part of the description and serve as an accurate representation of the condition of this watch.