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Autavia Diver Super-Compressor Decomp

OK.. that was a little unfair, it's not a newly discovered Heuer. But, do you not think it has a certain Heuer-ness about it? Like a Viceroy on steroids?

There are many Swiss brands that made use of Piquerez's Super-Compressor case in the 60's/70's, and the more I think about it, the more I wonder why Heuer didn't use them, surely Piquerez would have contacted all it's customers offering the case. I guess that by the time Heuer decided to get into the divers watch market, the S-C case was old news, shame really.

It did get me wondering if a Monnin dial would fit in a Super-Compressor case!! (How cool would that be) ;0)

So, what is this.. well, it's a Fortis Marinemaster, with Decomp table and inner bezel. Fortis made this model in the 70's, and in 2002, to celebrate their 90th Birthday, Fortis raided their NOS parts vaults and built 90 of these from original 1970's NOS parts - quite an achievement really.

I love the details, which, in my mind are kinda Autavia-ish.. the big high dome crystal, the raised polished metal hour batons - lume filled. Date at 6, almost 'tachy-like' decomp inner bezel, the red/white/black dial.. it's all very cool to me. It features the mandatory divers helmet on the patented Piquerez Super-Compressor caseback, cross-hatched dual crowns, that lovely S-C Tonneau case with starburst finish.. I just love it!

As ever - More pics & info on Heuervile: http://heuerville.wordpress.com/2012/09/29/fortis-marinemaster-super-compressor-decomp/

Love to hear your thoughts, I know the dial isn't to everyone's taste, but I find it fascinating.

Cheers
Stewart

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