LIP Watch - The Origins of the Nautic Ski
Infused with a retro vibe, nostalgic sentiment, and advanced engineering, the legendary NAUTIC-SKI watch established itself as the first French watch water-resistant to 200 meters. It was unveiled in the spring of 1967 to mark LIP’s centennial, but it wasn’t until the 1968 Grenoble Olympic Games that it was truly launched in France. Featuring water resistance to 200 meters and an internal rotating bezel positioned beneath the crystal to prevent any movement that might cause an accident underwater, the Nautic-Ski stood out as a pioneer of its time.
Through this creation, Fred LIP has fused two fundamental aspects of his life: his passion for watchmaking and his love for his daughter. As a devoted watchmaking enthusiast, Fred LIP is constantly driven by the desire to stay ahead of his time. As early as 1957, he began preparing for the production of water-resistant watches called Nautic, thus foreshadowing the 1967 Nautic-Ski, whose absolute water resistance to 200 meters was revolutionary.
The name "Nautic-Ski" also comes from Muriel, Fred LIP's daughter. As a tribute to his daughter’s passion—she was a member of the French women’s alpine skiing team from 1950 to 1956—Fred LIP added the word “ski.” This reference gives the name Nautic-Ski its full meaning, positioning the watch in both the underwater world and the alpine realm.
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Reissue of this iconic model
The 2014 reissue of the Nautic-Ski faithfully preserves the authenticity and vintage lines of the original model. All the essential design elements of the original Nautic-Ski have been carefully preserved, including its pivoting inner bezel and two crowns. This timeless and legendary timepiece is powered by an automatic movement known for its exceptional reliability and precision.
The revival of LIP Nautic’s iconic models has been marked by a series of captivating reissues, each embodying the brand’s unique heritage with a contemporary twist.
Among these reinterpretations, the Fantôme model stands out for its timeless elegance and style. Produced in a limited edition of 999 pieces for civilian use, it features the famous panther head with the Fantôme logo.
The piece was also delivered to BRI members with a special design: the animal has regained its red eye, which appears on the badges of the various BRI units in Paris and throughout the region.
In line with its reissues, the 7th Continent Ocean model stands as a modern expression of LIP’s commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility. The French brand—favored by great explorers such as Maurice HERZOG and Eric TABARLY—has partnered with Patrick DEIXONNE and Expédition 7e Continent to raise awareness about the urgent need to address plastic waste in the oceans. To support the 7e Continent association, the French watch brand is introducing the all-new NAUTIC-OCEAN, featuring a Seaqual strap made from recycled plastic fiber sourced from plastic recovered from the Mediterranean Sea.