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***********FOR PARTS/REPAIR - Although the movement runs strong and keeps accurate time over an approximate 38 hour power reserve period the crown/stem pull out. It can be pushed back in and wound without issue but the date and time cannot be set. Given this issue and considering the movement's unknown service history a complete overhaul is required.***********

This seldom seen vintage 1970's Bessa French diver has a glossy black dial that is in lovely but not perfect condition as it shows age-related wear and subtle hand drag that can only be seen from certain angles. The original lume, which emits a quick-burst glow after being exposed to bright light, has aged gracefully to a perfectly matching orange hue. The black bezel, which shows wear and rotates with an appropriate amount of tension, presents nicely. The all stainless steel case shows honest wear with no visble signs of oxidation. The outer edge of the case back is stamped "20 ATMOSPHERES 100% ETANCHE A." The crystal shows scratching.

While I normally show pictures of the movements of watches that I put up for sale I am unable to remove the case back on this one. The automatic movement runs strong, keeps accurate time and the roulette date wheel (red odd, black even) rolls over at approximately 12 am. However, as clearly seen in picture 11 the crown/stem pulls out. While it can be pushed back in and wound without issue the date and time cannot be set. After recently winding the sharply threaded, non-screwdown crown 39 full revolutions the movement had a solid power reserve of approximately 38 hours. The crown winds smoothly. Given the crown/stem issue and considering the movement's unknown service history a complete overhaul is required.

This watch measures approximately 36 mm excluding the crown, approximately 39.5 mm including the crown and approximately 20 mm between the lugs. Case thickness, measured from the bottom of the case back to the top of the bezel is approximately 8 mm. Including the crystal case thickness measures approximately 9.5 mm.

Given that the crown/stem pulls out and considering the movement's unknown service history a complete overhaul is required. 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 going forward are your responsibility.

Please thoroughly read this entire listing and kindly ask any and all questions you may have prior to buying as this sale is final and no refunds of any kind will be given. And please study the 12 high magnification pictures carefully as they are part of the description and serve as an accurate representation of the condition of this watch.

Expedited and insured shipping along with signature confirmation will be provided. Thanks for looking!