The world of vintage watches is a captivating blend of history, craftsmanship, and often, mystery. One such enigma is the Sicura Submarine, a dive watch frequently linked to the prestigious Breitling brand. This article delves into the fascinating history of the Sicura Submarine Super Waterproof, exploring its connection to Breitling, examining its typical features, and offering guidance on dating and understanding its movement. We'll also touch upon the broader market for these sought-after timepieces, addressing searches like "sicura diver watch for sale" and referencing relevant examples such as the "Sicura Submarine 400" and the "Just in: 1960s Sicura Submarine 400" headlines one might find online.
The SICURA and BREITLING Story: A Complex Relationship
The relationship between Sicura and Breitling is not a straightforward one of parent and subsidiary. Instead, it's a story of collaboration, shared manufacturing, and a complex web of intertwined histories. While Breitling didn't directly *own* Sicura, there was a significant degree of collaboration, particularly in the production of movements and potentially even case designs. Breitling, known for its high-quality chronographs and pilot's watches, utilized Sicura's expertise in producing robust and reliable automatic movements, especially for their more affordable lines.
This collaboration is crucial to understanding the Sicura Submarine. Many believe that Sicura used Breitling-sourced or Breitling-designed movements in their Submarine models. This doesn't necessarily mean they are identical to Breitling movements, but rather that they share a common lineage or were manufactured to similar specifications. This shared heritage explains why many collectors find the Sicura Submarine a desirable alternative to a vintage Breitling, offering a similar level of quality and ruggedness at a potentially more accessible price point. This explains the frequent queries and searches for "sicura diver watch for sale."
Review: Sicura Submarine 400 – A Case Study
The Sicura Submarine 400 serves as an excellent example of the type of watches we're discussing. Often featuring a substantial stainless steel case, typically around 40mm in diameter (hence the name), these watches possess a distinctly vintage aesthetic. The design is functional and purposeful, reflecting the demands of underwater use. Features commonly associated with the Sicura Submarine 400 include:
* Large, luminous hands and markers: Essential for underwater legibility, even in low-light conditions. These were often applied with radium or tritium, requiring careful handling due to potential radioactivity in older examples.
* Rotating bezel: A crucial tool for divers to track dive time. These bezels are usually unidirectional, preventing accidental adjustments that could lead to miscalculation of dive time.
* High water resistance: The "Super Waterproof" designation indicates a significant level of water resistance, although the exact depth rating can vary depending on the specific model and its condition. Verification of this rating on older watches requires careful inspection by a qualified watchmaker.
* Automatic movement: As previously mentioned, many Sicura Submarine 400 models utilize automatic movements, often with a high degree of robustness and reliability. Identifying the specific movement is key to accurate dating and assessing the watch's value.
A thorough examination of a specific Sicura Submarine 400 would include an assessment of its case condition, the functionality of the bezel and crown, and a detailed inspection of the movement. Authenticity is paramount, as the popularity of these watches has led to the emergence of counterfeit pieces.
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