Lip - Senza prezzo di riserva - 277173 - Uomo - 1960-1969

Vintage LIP Calendrier Dress Watch – Ref. 277173 – Circa 1960s

Lot Specifications

• Brand: LIP
• Model: Calendrier Classic Dress Watch
• Case Serial / Reference Number: 277173
• Gender: Men's / Unisex
• Period: Circa 1960s
• Movement: High-grade French manual-winding / mechanical movement (typically LIP in-house caliber like Cal. R136 or similar period-accurate manual caliber, featuring a date function).
• Case Material: Gold-plated bezel and lugs
• Case Back: Screw-down Solid Stainless Steel (Features the iconic engraved coat of arms of the city of Besançon, where LIP was founded, along with "STAINLESS STEEL BACK", "WATERPROOF", and "ANTIMAGNETIC").
• Case Diameter: Approx. 34-35 mm (excluding crown) – a perfect, elegant mid-century dress profile.
• Dial: Beautiful brushed silver/champagne sunburst original dial with applied gold-tone hour indices and Arabic numerals at 3, 9, and 12 o'clock. Matching gold-tone dauphine/alpha hands. Signed with the modern block "lip" logo at 12 o'clock and "CALENDRIER" above the 6 o'clock position.
• Date Window: Positioned at 6 o'clock, featuring a distinctive red numerals display (a highly collectible "roulette" style accent typical for this era).
• Glass: Domed Acrylic / Plexiglas
• Strap/Bracelet: Fitted with a high-quality aftermarket genuine brown alligator leather strap (stamped "Genuine Alligator", 18-10 mm width) with a matching gold-tone polished buckle.
• Accessories: Watch only (No original box or papers included).
• Condition: In beautiful, honest vintage condition. Fully operational.

Description & Technical Details

Up for auction is a remarkable piece of French horological history: a vintage LIP Calendrier dress watch from the 1960s. Founded in 1867 by Emmanuel Lipmann in Besançon, LIP is the most iconic French watch manufacturer, historically known for supplying watches to aviation pioneers, statesmen (including Charles de Gaulle and Winston Churchill), and creating avant-garde designs that shaped mid-century style.
This specific watch belongs to the celebrated "Calendrier" series. In the 1960s, placing the calendar window symmetrically at the 6 o'clock position—rather than the traditional 3 o'clock—was a bold design choice that achieved perfect visual balance on the wrist.
• The Dial: The silver/champagne sunburst dial features clean applied indices combined with stylized mid-century modern Arabic numerals. The date disc uses a bold red font, adding a striking flash of character to an otherwise minimalist and sophisticated aesthetic.
• The Caseback: The stainless steel back is a true collector's highlight. It features a crisp engraving of the Besançon Coat of Arms, commemorating the historic capital of French watchmaking where this timepiece was carefully assembled.

Condition Report & Servicing Status

• Mechanical State: Fully operational. The manual winding mechanism is smooth, and the watch sets correctly. The date clicks over as it should. The timepiece keeps reliable vintage time.
• Cosmetics: In very good vintage condition. The gold-plated case shows minimal signs of wear, maintaining a strong, even layer of gold with sharp edges on the lugs and only minor surface micro-scratches consistent with its age. The stainless steel caseback is excellently preserved with deeply struck factory engravings. The original dial is exceptionally clean, showing light, honest aging that enhances its vintage charm without heavy spotting or patina. The domed Plexiglas crystal is clear and offers a beautiful vintage distortion at sharp angles.
• Note: As with all vintage timepieces, water resistance is not tested or guaranteed. Please keep this historic watch away from direct moisture or water contact.

Important Notes for Bidders

Please take a close look at the detailed photo gallery, as the high-resolution images are an essential part of this description. All photos display the actual timepiece available for bidding. Color tones may vary slightly depending on the angle of light reflection.
A fantastic opportunity to own a rare, classically balanced LIP Calendrier that showcases the very best of mid-century French watchmaking elegance!
• Shipping method: Packaged with professional care, registered, and shipped worldwide via express couriers (UPS, DPD, DHL, or equivalent) with full tracking and insurance. Any customs fees, duties, or import taxes are the sole responsibility of the buyer.