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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Decompression dive watch

Cornavin Decompression Dial Dive Watch

Partially verified

This Cornavin dive watch is designed with an integrated analog decompression scale, allowing a diver to calculate decompression stop requirements underwater. Housed in a 42mm stainless steel case, the timepiece features a matte black dial with quadrant radium lume markers, a white decompression table, and an outer minute track. The dial arrangement includes a rotating hour disc aperture, as the watch lacks a traditional hour hand, paired with a radium-treated minute hand. The watch operates on the Felso Calibre 810, an automatic movement, and is enclosed by a screw-down caseback. The case is constructed with a stepped bezel profile and lugs drilled for spring bars, commonly described as 'holey' lugs. This specific example is presented on a leather HODINKEE strap. The dial includes markings in meters to assist with determining the required length of 'deco' stops based on depth and bottom time.

Front view of the Cornavin decompression dial watch, showing the internal decompression table and rotating hour aperture.
Front view of the Cornavin decompression dial watch, showing the internal decompression table and rotating hour aperture. — Analog:Shift. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
shop.analogshift.com
Category
Wristwatch · Decompression dive watch
Maker / attribution
Cornavin
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
Not established
Source-reported place
Switzerland

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Case and Dial Design

The watch is housed in a 42mm stainless steel case featuring a stepped design. The lug construction includes holes through the sides of the lugs to facilitate spring bar changes. The watch uses an acrylic crystal and an unsigned crown.

The matte black dial is configured for diver decompression calculations, calibrated in meters. It features quadrant radium lume, an outer minute track, and a white decompression scale. Notably, the watch lacks a traditional hour hand, instead utilizing a rotating hour disc aperture to indicate time. A radium-treated minute hand provides visual contrast against the dark background.

Evidence for this section
  • “Housed in a 42mm stainless steel ‘stepped’ case with ‘holey’ lugs, an acrylic crystal, and an unsigned crown”
  • “features a matte black dial with quadrant radium lume, a white decompression scale, an outer minute track, a rotating hour disc aperture — there’s no traditional hour hand — and a matching radium minute hand”

Movement and Functionality

The timepiece is powered by the Felso Calibre 810. This is an automatic movement, secured within the case by a screw-down caseback. The movement drives the central minute hand and the internal rotating hour disc aperture.

The watch functions as an analog computer for SCUBA diving. By utilizing the decompression table printed on the dial, a user selects their depth in meters. By following the corresponding track around the dial in relation to their bottom time, a diver can determine the required duration for decompression stops to help prevent decompression sickness.

Evidence for this section
  • “the watch is powered by the Felso Calibre 810, an automatic movement securely hidden behind a screw-down caseback”
  • “By selecting one’s depth in meters and following the respective “track” around the dial, one can compute the required “deco” stop length given one’s bottom time.”

Condition and Presentation

The provided imagery shows the watch fitted with a brown leather strap from HODINKEE. The case shows the drilled lug holes and the polished finish of the stepped bezel. The radium indices and hands exhibit signs of patination consistent with age.

The listing describes the watch as being in excellent condition, noting the presence of even patination across the lume and the physical state of the case lugs.

Evidence for this section
  • “this particular example is in beautiful shape, with even patination and thick and even lugs”
  • “another from Swiss brand Cornavin is equally fascinating”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific production date range for the Cornavin decompression model?
  • Does the Felso 810 movement utilize a specific module for the jumping hour disc complication?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Cornavin Decompression Dial Dive Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerCornavin“another from Swiss brand Cornavin is equally fascinating”
MovementFelso Calibre 810“powered by the Felso Calibre 810, an automatic movement”
Case size42mm“Housed in a 42mm stainless steel ‘stepped’ case”
LugsHoley lugs“‘holey’ lugs”
DialMatte black with decompression scale“features a matte black dial with quadrant radium lume, a white decompression scale”
CrystalAcrylic“an acrylic crystal”
CrownUnsigned“an unsigned crown”
StrapLeather strap“Paired to an excellent leather strap from HODINKEE”

Visible details

  • Rotating hour disc aperture at the center
  • 'Holey' lugs for spring bar access
  • Stepped stainless steel case design
  • Matte black dial with radium lume markers

Research qualifications

  • Exact date of production not specified
  • Specific depth rating remains unconfirmed

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

ساعت غواصی Cornavin با صفحه جدول رفع فشار (Decompression Dial)

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record ecd42edbf2

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.