LIP Watch - Grande Nautic Ski Fantôme

LIP, a French watchmaker since 1867, and the French Army Special Forces Command (COM FST) are honored to present the NAUTIC-FANTÔME special edition series. This exceptional timepiece was born out of a request from the COM FST: the specifications presented to the renowned watchmaker in Besançon called for a timepiece manufactured in France, designed to withstand the extremely demanding conditions of the various theaters of operations where this elite unit operates, and one that is extremely discreet when worn.

First released in 1967 to mark the centennial of the LIP brand, the avant-gardeNAUTIC-SKIwas the first French watch water-resistant to 200 meters, and its internal bezel remains unmatched to this day. The quintessential sports watch in the LIP lineup, the NAUTIC, in its large 41-mm size, possessed all the qualities required to meet the specifications set by the COM FST.

Features

Several modifications and innovations were made to the base model to enable the development of the NAUTIC-FANTOME.

The super-compressor-style case and the Milanese mesh bracelet, both made of 316L stainless steel, have been given a matte black finish to minimize any light reflections.

Both crowns were made larger than usual to make them easier to grip while wearing gloves.

For the dial, the watchmaker drew inspiration from the 1967 Nautic Automatique, with its painted numeric hour markers and distinctive “Flèches” minute hand. This marks the first time the Nautic has been produced in this large format, allowing the Besançon-based brand to combine a matte black, non-reflective dial with highly visible white Super-LumiNova hour markers and hands, ensuring perfect readability even at night.

Finally, the name “Fantôme” comes from the special ink used to print the COM FST crest. In fact, the crest appears or disappears depending on the angle at which the dial is tilted toward the light.

Produced in a limited run of 2,500 units—matching the total number of operators in the Land Special Forces—the Nautic-Fantôme will be delivered to Land Special Forces members before Christmas and then made available for sale to civilians starting in early 2022.

The Army Special Forces Command

The COM FST consists of a command echelon, a staff, the Army Special Forces Academy, a signals company, and three Special Forces regiments:

The 1st RPMa: Experts in special air-land warfare, the Special Action Squads (SAS) of the 1st RPMa operate and fight in complex, sensitive, and often highly contested environments. As the successors to the Free French SAS paratroopers of World War II, they have retained the historic beret adorned with the motto “Qui ose gagne,” a translation of the British SAS motto “Who Dares Wins.”

13th RDP: The 13th Parachute Dragoon Regiment is the strategic-level human intelligence regiment. A comprehensive and unique system for reconnaissance, multi-sensor fusion, and interagency coordination, it ensures the collection, processing, analysis, and dissemination of intelligence to the highest levels of government. Its reconnaissance teams (ER) conduct long-term intelligence gathering, either independently or as part of detachments, in the most hostile environments and deep within enemy lines.

4th RHFS: Unique within the Armed Forces in terms of its structure, missions, and employment framework, the 4th RHFS is a key player in the air mobility of special operations. It provides the helicopter-borne insertion/extraction, support, and intelligence capabilities essential to the most complex joint special operations.

CCT-FS: The Command and Communications Company is responsible for equipping command posts—the only facilities capable of ensuring, at the strategic or operational level, secure and comprehensive operational control in all environments, from the most permissive to the most hostile.

Technical Specifications

Case: 41 mm, Super-Compressor style

Stainless steel: 316L, matte black finish

Glass: Scratch-resistant sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating

Crown: Oversized screw-down

Water-resistant: Up to 20 bars

Movement: Automatic, 3-hand with date / 21,600 vibrations per hour / 38-hour power reserve / 21 jewels / Inner rotating bezel for measuring dive time, adjustable via the crown at the 2 o'clock position / Hour markers and hands with white Super LumiNova inserts on a matte black dial

Comes in a box on a matte black Milanese mesh strap with an additional Tropic-style diving strap.

Limited edition of 2,500: Total number of operators in the Army Special Forces.