***********FOR PARTS/REPAIR - Although the movement runs strong it loses about a few minutes by the end of its approximate 41 hour power reserve period and both the day and date wheels are temperamental. When using the quickset day function the day will not align in the window but by pulling the crown out to the final position and then manually moving the hands clockwise it will align without issue and it will perfectly align when automatically rolling over on its own. And while the quickset date function works flawlessly the date wheel does not want to roll over automatically on its own. Lastly, although the crown winds with an appropriate amount of tension when setting the time the hands move very stiffly and sounds like crunching lettuce. Given the issues mentioned and considering the movement's unknown service history a complete overhaul is required.***********
This seldom seen vintage 1973 Caravelle Day-Date Devil diver, which came from the estate of its original owner, has a pristine "T SWISS T" signed dial and the original lume, which remains fully intact and no longer glows after being exposed to bright light, has aged gracefully to a perfectly uniform orange hue. Any imperfections seen are on the crystal, not the dial. The bezel, which shows wear and rotates bidirectionally with an appropriate amount of tension, presents nicely with the butterscotch inverted triangle lume complementing the dial and patina beautifully. The all stainless steel case shows honest wear with insignificant signs of oxidation. The outer edge of the case back is stamped "CARAVELLE SHOCK RESISTANT STAINLESS STEEL AUTOMATIC ANTI MAGNETIC WATER RESISTANT" with "N3" stamped along the inner edge. The crystal needs be replaced.
Although I normally show pictures of the movements of watches I put up for sale the case back on this one is torqued too tight for me to remove. The automatic movement with temperamental quickset day and date functions runs strong albeit a bit slow. The quickset day function works by pulling the crown out to the first position and then turning it counterclockwise. When setting the day in this manner it does not want to align properly in the window. To counter this the crown has to be pulled out to the final position with the hands then manually moved clockwise until the day aligns itself in the window. Alternatively, the day wheel can also be advanced by manually moving the hands around in 720 degree increments until the desired day has been reached. When advanced in this way the day wheel rolls over perfectly as it should with it properly aligning in the window. Finally, the day window automatically rolls over on its own without issue. The quickset date function works in precisely the same fashion as the quickset day function with the exception of turning the crown clockwise. Although the date wheel will roll over when using the quickset date function it does not want to roll over automatically on its own. After recently winding the original "C" stamped non-screwdown crown 39 full revolutions the movement lost about a few minutes by the end of its approximate 41 hour power reserve period. And despite the crown winding with an appropriate amount of tension it turns very stiffly when setting the time and sounds like crunching lettuce. Given the issues mentioned and considering the movement's unknown service history a complete overhaul is required.
This watch measures approximately 37 mm excluding the crown, approximately 40.5 mm including the crown and approximately 18 mm between the lugs. Case thickness, measured from the bottom of the case back to the top of the bezel is approximately 10.5 mm. Including the crystal case thickness measures approximately 13 mm. This watch comes on its original Caravelle "KEISLER STELUX" and "STAINLESS STEEL MADE IN HONG KONG" stamped bracelet which shows moderate stretch. I'd guestimate that it will comfortably accommodate up to an approximate 6.75 inch wrist.
Given that the movement runs a bit slow, that the hands turn very stiffly when setting the time and considering the temperamental day and date wheels a complete overhaul is required. As such there are no warranties, express or implied, attached with the sale of this watch. Vintage means old and while my personal belief is that old-school means better quality and workmanship, things can and do go wrong from time to time. For this watch that time is now. Any servicing costs going forward are your responsibility.
Please thoroughly read this entire listing and kindly ask any and all questions you may have prior to buying as this sale is final and no refunds of any kind will be given. And please study the 12 high magnification pictures carefully as they are part of the description and serve as an accurate representation of the condition of this watch.
Expedited and insured shipping along with signature confirmation will be provided. Thanks for looking!
***********FOR PARTS/REPAIR - Although the movement runs strong it loses about a few minutes by the end of its approximate 41 hour power reserve period and both the day and date wheels are temperamental. When using the quickset day function the day will not align in the window but by pulling the crown out to the final position and then manually moving the hands clockwise it will align without issue and it will perfectly align when automatically rolling over on its own. And while the quickset date function works flawlessly the date wheel does not want to roll over automatically on its own. Lastly, although the crown winds with an appropriate amount of tension when setting the time the hands move very stiffly and sounds like crunching lettuce. Given the issues mentioned and considering the movement's unknown service history a complete overhaul is required.***********