Friends,
Let’s continue this vintage summer menu!
You know the drill by now; let’s bring out the tray...
My guess is that this box does not belong to the watch, but the purple makes it a very pretty box.
So, let’s open and see what’s inside.
Yes, as stated in the title: GP 8867 W.
The Deep Diver ref. 8867 was produced in 1966/67. 400 watches were made in 1966 (8867 V) and 1000 in 1967(8867 W). Mine belongs to the 1967 batch.
According to the records from the Manufacture, the 8867 came with the calibre GP 32-19, 25 jewels and as you can see in this photo from the production card, the hands are shaped like on the ladies Deep Diver ref. 8953.
Here the 8953.
My 8867 W has other hands than on the production card. Replaced? Maybe not, have a look at this ad.
Same hands... Waterproof to 200 m.
The case has a perfect size for me; 39 mm in diameter. Actually, the case size is not the only thing that that I really love about this watch.
Look at the shape of the lugs, polished with brushed sides... Outer bezel...
Does this look familiar? To me, yes!
Two of my all-time favourite vintage divers happen to be very similar...
Can you name them?
As you can see the resemblance is there: black diver, outside bezel, 39 mm in diameter, 19 mm lugs.
The Deep Sea Alarm separates from the others by not having a rotating bezel, the second crown and the way the case back is crewed down.
A Seahorse, a Trident (you recognize it from today’s Sea Hawk) and a Frogman. Three symbols of the nautical theme which I have come to love!
All three has automatic movements, but function wise they are different. The Omega calibre 501, no date and the JLC calibre 815, bumper, no date, but has the additional alarm.
You may think that it’s not fair of me to compare this lesser known Deep Diver with two of the most famous diving watches from the 50’s? Well, since I have had the fortune to be able to compare the three I have to say that the 8867 hold its own!
Yes, it is an almost 10 years younger watch, which of course it benefits from in a technical perspective. More efficient automatic movement, better material in the bezel and crystal.
A true diver’s watch!
What can I say; the Deep Diver series has taken me by storm! Now I need to go deeper into this line…
Only problem is to find these fantastic watches.
The 8867 and the 9076 side by side.
And on the wrist, heaven…
I hope you have enjoyed this second part of the summer menu!
More to come…
Best
Blomman
This message has been edited by blomman on 2014-07-03 00:14:12