Though perhaps more known for their precise chronographs, Longines, like many brands of the era, also dabbled in diver’s wristwatches in the late 1950s and early 1960s. They first introduced a SuperCompressor reference, with a case made by Ervin Piquerez SA (EPSA) with the 7042-1 – an invention first introduced in 1956 to improve water resistance and increasing dive times. SuperCompressor cases are distinguished by their double, cross-hatched crown and internal, unidirectional bezel.

Longines replaced the 7042-1 with the 7150-1 in the early 1960s, identical in case construction and dial layout, but fitted with the more reliable caliber 290 rather than the 19AS. Both references retain the same attractive glossy, gilt dial with luminous material applied to the hour markers and handset, and the spade-like hour handset. They are sleek and elegant, less rugged than some other divers, with a scuba diver with a spear gun engraved on the caseback. The “automatic” script at 6 o’clock is written in a somewhat incongruous, delicate script, reminiscent of the “amagnetic” on Patek’s reference 3417. Offered in crisp condition with a beautifully preserved dial, the present reference 7150-1 is a gem for those with a keen eye for vintage treasures.