In the mid-1960s, when recreational diving was expanding beyond military and professional circles, Arsa positioned itself as a manufacturer focused on reliability and mechanical integrity. Founded in 1898 in Grenchen as Auguste Reymond S.A., Arsa built a solid reputation for producing dependable in-house movements with a pragmatic, engineering-driven approach.
The Arsamatic Precision Sous Marine 50 m from 1965 embodies that philosophy. Its steel case is built using the renowned Super Compressor case construction developed by Ervin Piquerez S.A. (EPSA). This patented system is mechanically intelligent: increasing water pressure compresses the caseback gasket more tightly, improving sealing performance as depth increases. The dual crowns — one for time-setting, one for the internal rotating bezel — preserve water resistance while allowing functional control.
Rated to 50 meters, it was conceived as a true sport diver of its era, when such specifications were more than adequate for recreational underwater use. The period-correct Flixoflex elastic steel band reinforces the authentic 1960s tool-watch aesthetic.
Inside beats the automatic caliber 1701 — a robust, workhorse movement consistent with Arsa’s no-nonsense mechanical standards. Reliable, serviceable, and purpose-built.
This is not a decorative diver. It is a technically coherent instrument from a time when form strictly followed function.