LIP Nautic 3 Quartz

LIP Nautic 3 – Quartz

The Nautic 3 first appeared in the LIP catalogue in the 1970s as a direct response to the boom in sports and diving watches of the time. Today’s version faithfully adopts the style of the original: the models retain the iconic Nautic 3 dial with its characteristic “piano key” indexes and the historic lightning bolt located under the LIP logo and on the counterweight of the seconds hand. Everything is set in an elegant 316L steel case combining a polished and satin-finished finish.

The dark blue dial is complemented by a blue aluminum bezel. The hands with orange tips and indexes treated with Super-LumiNova ensure legibility even in poor lighting or underwater. The orange accent is a deliberate reference to the aesthetics of diving watches of the 1970s – a functional contrast that works as convincingly on the wrist today as it did then.

The watch is powered by the VH31 movement, offering precision, reliability and a smooth second hand. The smooth second hand – unlike the standard quartz ticking – adds a mechanical character to the model and feels more natural on the wrist.

The 39 mm diameter brushed 316L steel case protects an anti-reflective sapphire crystal. Water resistance reaches 200 meters. The orange Tropic strap is fitted with a chrome buckle with the LIP logo.

Technical details:

Case: 39 mm stainless steel, screw-down crown
Dial: dark blue, "piano key" indexes
Crystal: sapphire with anti-reflective coating
Water resistance: 200 m 
Movement: Japanese quartz movement VH31, smooth seconds hand
Strap: orange Tropic

LIP legend from France

LIP is a well-known French brand that has been producing quality watches for over 150 years. The company was founded in 1867 by Emmanuel Lipmann in Besançon, France. Initially, the brand focused on the production of pocket watches, but with the development of technology, it also began to produce wristwatches. Over the years, Lip has designed and manufactured approximately 40 different movements for pocket and wristwatches.

LIP watches are known for their elegant and timeless design, combining traditional craftsmanship with modern technology. The brand has collaborated with renowned designers and artists such as André Donat (designer of the T18 model) and Roger Tallon (designer of the Mach 2000 model).

One of the most iconic LIP watches is the "Baignoire" model, designed in 1925 by the company's founder. This watch has a rectangular case and a unique crown at 12 o'clock. Famous personalities such as Pablo Picasso and Marilyn Monroe have worn it.

An indelible mark on the watch world

Among watch collectors, the watches released in the 1950s and late 1960s are probably the most sought-after. At that time, LIP helped the then virtually unknown Blancpain brand with the marketing and sale of its waterproof watches. Models from this period have not the Blancpain logo on the dial, but the LIP logo. Moreover, initially the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms series was actually powered by the Lip R23 movement.

LIP watches also made history by being the first brand to introduce an electric watch in 1952. The watch worn in space by Russian cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin in 1961 was powered by a licensed LIP movement.

Today, LIP continues to innovate and produce quality watches that combine elegant design. Their watches are sold in over 70 countries worldwide and are highly sought after by watch enthusiasts and collectors.