Why This Watch Matters This vintage Titus Calypsomatic dive watch has all sorts of old-school charm with its extra-large crown, red-and-blue date wheel, and lovely patina. The Full Story Titus isn't a brand we come across too often in the HODINKEE Shop, but when we found this late 1960s Titus Calypsomatic, we knew we had to share it with you. What makes this watch special is the combination of unique attributes that align it with some true classics of the vintage dive-watch genre – think larger crowns and lollipop-style hands – but mixes things up a bit with a 60-minute countdown bezel, straight lugs, and a red-and-blue date wheel. The Titus Calypsomatic was first introduced in the golden age of the vintage dive watch, in the early 1960s, with its production continuing until the early 1970s. As a brand, Titus' history stretches all the way back to 1900, but it's the company's mid-century tool watches, like the Calypsomatic, that are most collectible today. This example is a ref. 8031 from the late 1960s, and it's aged gracefully over the years with a creamy tone taking over the tritium lume on the handset and hour markers. At 37.5mm in diameter, this vintage diver will wear nicely on most wrists, and we've gone ahead and paired it with our Barrett Strap in Red. The bold red tone captures the original rakish charm of this classic diver, plus it matches the red text on the date wheel. The Fine Print Maker: Titus Model: Calypsomatic Reference: 8031 Year: Late 1960s Case No: 16027 inside Material: Stainless steel Dimensions: 37.5mm diameter; 12.5mm diameter Crystal: Plexiglass Lume: Yes, tritium Caliber: Automatic ETA 2472 Bracelet/Strap: HODINKEE Barett in Red Lug Width: 20mmBox/Papers: No What we Love and What You Should Know This Titus is in overall great condition. The case is strong with scratches and the caseback engravings are fully visible. The brushing is still visible on the top of the case. The lume on the dial and hands have all aged to the same color. The lume on the hands have developed some darker patina around the edges. The bezel is in good condition with signs of wear around the sides and edges. The bezel is tight and does not rotate. The crown (crown, tube, and stem) was recently replaced with a very similar one to the original, which is signed by Titus and will come with the watch. The dial, case, movement are all signed by the maker. The crystal has light scratches. This watch was photographed on a 175mm/6.9inch wrist.
