Why This Watch Matters This late 60s Delvina Super Compressor packs a punch in a 36mm case with its rotating inner bezel and two sturdy cross-hatched crowns. The Full Story Not much about Delvina has been documented, however its origin goes back to an interesting period of Swiss watchmaking history. According to the United States Patent and Trademark Office, the company name “Delvina” was officially granted registration in the U.S. in 1971 as a watchmaking company with its headquarters based at 20 Rue de Lausanne in Geneva, Switzerland and last known owner as Solvil Et Titus S.A. in Bienne, Switzerland. At the time, Solvil Et Titus was led by Peter Vogel, an affluent Swiss businessman with close family ties to the Swiss watch industry through his marriage. Recognizing the consumer shift towards economical timepieces, he spearheaded an ambitious project by creating an international conglomerate of low cost watch manufacturers, which also involved acquiring Waltham Watch Company in1968 and a licensing agreement with Elgin Watch in 1973. While the parent company Solvil Et Titus still exists today, based on examples of Delvina timepieces that are seen today, it appears that the brand ceased its operation possibly some time in the 1970s. Looking further into the design, based on the Brevet Patent Numbers (317537 & 337462) engraved on the caseback, we can tell that this example belongs to the family of Super Compressor Cases by Ervin Piquerez S.A. (ESPA), which has also been used by several notable brands such as Jaeger-LeCoultre, Longines, and Zenith. The Fine Print Maker: DelvinaModel: Super CompressorReference: N/AYear: 1969Case No: 1097-3797Material: Stainless steelDimensions: 36mm diameter; 14mm thicknessCrystal: PlexiglassLume: TritiumCaliber: ETA 2772Bracelet/Strap: HODINKEE Aged Grey Leather StrapLug Width: 19mmBox/Papers: No What we Love and What You Should Know The watch is in very good vintage condition. There are light surfaces scratches overall with a slightly more concentrated circle of scratches on the front of the lugs and on the side at the nine o’clock position. The dial has a beautiful rich black semi-glossy finish without any blemishes or damages. The caseback engraving with model information and Brevet numbers have faded over time. The luminous material on the dial shows a light patina. The date function is advancing correctly, and the movement is in running condition.
