Lip - Calatrava - No reserve price - 875828 - Men - 1950-1959

LIP Vintage Calatrava Style – Gold-Plated Case – Champagne Dial – Incabloc – French Watchmaking Heritage – 1950s

An elegant vintage LIP men's wristwatch from the 1950s, featuring a refined gold-plated case, a classic champagne dial and a timeless minimalist design inspired by the Calatrava aesthetic. This beautiful timepiece reflects the understated elegance of mid-century French watchmaking, when simplicity, balanced proportions and refined details defined the most sophisticated wristwatch designs. The watch features a clean champagne-coloured dial with applied gold-tone baton hour markers, slender gold-tone hands and a discreet LIP signature positioned beneath 12 o'clock.

The inscription "Incabloc" at 6 o'clock highlights the shock-protection system associated with its mechanical construction. Its elegant 33 mm round case, complemented by long, sharply defined lugs and a polished gold-plated finish, gives the watch a refined and timeless appearance.
A charming vintage timepiece for collectors of LIP, classic French watches and elegant mid-century mechanical wristwatches.

Technical Details
Brand: LIP
Model: Vintage Calatrava Style
Gender: Men's
Case material: Gold plated
Case diameter: 33 mm (excluding crown)
Case back: Metal, silver-tone finish, with engraved decorative emblem and markings
Glass: Acrylic crystal
Dial: Champagne dial with applied gold-tone baton hour markers
Movement: Mechanical, manual winding
Functions: Hours, minutes
Special features: Incabloc shock protection, minimalist two-hand dial, elongated lugs
Strap: Black genuine leather strap, approximately 22 cm
Water resistance: Not tested for water resistance
Box: Generic box included
Condition: Grade B

Condition Report
This vintage LIP wristwatch is presented in Grade B condition, showing signs of age and use consistent with its vintage character. The gold-plated case displays scratches, small surface marks and natural wear. The gold-tone finish retains an attractive overall appearance.

The champagne dial is well preserved for its age, showing light patina, small spots and subtle surface discolouration. The applied gold-tone hour markers remain clearly visible, while the slender hands show minor signs of ageing. The acrylic crystal presents light surface scratches and signs of normal use. The case back shows visible scratches and handling marks, together with an engraved decorative emblem and identification markings.

The black leather strap presents light signs of use and complements the elegant appearance of the watch.
The watch has not been tested for water resistance, therefore water resistance is not guaranteed. Please study all photographs carefully, as they form an integral part of the description and accurately represent the condition of the watch.

Story & Heritage
LIP is one of the most celebrated names in French watchmaking, with a history dating back to 1867, when Emmanuel Lipmann established a watchmaking workshop in Besançon, France. Over the following decades, LIP became a symbol of French horological innovation, combining technical development with distinctive design and accessible elegance. The brand gained international recognition for its mechanical and electronic watchmaking achievements, as well as for its association with important historical figures and influential personalities.

During the 1950s, LIP produced elegant mechanical wristwatches that reflected the refined aesthetic preferences of post-war Europe. Clean dials, slim hands, carefully proportioned cases and subtle decorative details became defining characteristics of the era. This vintage LIP beautifully captures that philosophy.

Its minimalist champagne dial, applied gold-tone indexes and elegant elongated lugs evoke the timeless Calatrava-inspired design language, characterised by simplicity, symmetry and refined proportions.
The Incabloc inscription recalls the increasing importance of shock-resistant mechanical movements during the mid-20th century, when watch manufacturers sought to improve the reliability of everyday wristwatches. The gold-plated case adds a touch of classic luxury, while the understated dial ensures an elegant and versatile appearance.

Today, vintage LIP watches are appreciated by collectors for their French heritage, distinctive designs and important place in European watchmaking history.
With its refined proportions, minimalist dial and authentic vintage character, this LIP represents an attractive example of classic mid-century horology.
A timeless vintage collectible for enthusiasts of LIP, French mechanical watches and elegant traditional wristwatch design.
Internal Reference Number - ITM 1020