Despite its name, the famous LIP Nautic Ski is a diver. And not just any dive watch! Since its launch in 1967, it appeared to be the first French watch waterproof to 200 meters, was worn by Eric Tabarly and has been available in many models with different mechanisms and complications. More recently, LIP has marketed modern LIP Nautic watches, with more or less military inspiration and sometimes with Japanese movements. All of them have a history, a watchmaking specificity and a very particular look. So much so that the choices of straps for LIP Nautic are infinite or almost. We present our favorite options, from the deep-sea diver to the vintage model that doesn’t see the ocean so often anymore.
A short history of the LIP Nautic
LIP was founded by Emmanuel Lipmann in 1867 in Besançon. Reliable and quickly recognized for its creativity, the manufacture made its way to become, in the early 1950s, the first watch brand in France.
In 1967, to celebrate its 100th anniversary, LIP created the LIP Nautic Ski, which was only really released in 1968 for the Olympic Games in Grenoble. LIP was then the official timekeeper, alongside the Swiss company Omega. At the time, it was a technological masterpiece, as the LIP Nautic was the first French watch to be waterproof to 200 meters. This earned it the right to be worn by Eric Tabarly, who had at the time already won a number of races on Pen Duick III.
To achieve this level of water-resistance, the Lip-Nautic Electronic watches can rely on their Supercompressor case with two crowns developed by the EPSA manufacture. They are also characterized by their unique movement: the Electronic R184 Dato, a hybrid mechanism whose presence of a battery instead of the barrel spring avoids winding. It is in fact an evolution of the R148 caliber, patented by LIP and now equipped with a calendar system.
Many versions of LIP Nautic followed, for example with the Super Nautic Ski with the two crowns inserted in the case, rarer versions with automatic movement and much more recent versions since LIP relaunched the model a few years ago. So it is still possible to buy brand new LIP Nautic timekeepers (Nautic-Ski 38 mm, Grande Nautic-Ocean 41 mm, Nautic Fantôme BRI and Grande Nautic-Ski, including GMT, Fantôme and GIGN variations).
Depending on the model and its age, several choices of straps can be appropriate.
Which watch strap for a Lip Nautic?
LIP Nautic watches can afford any look, like here with the surprising but powerful combination with an orange Cordura strap.
Rubber strap: honoring the origins of LIP Nautic
Many LIP Nautic watches are mounted on a rubber or silicone strap, most of the time perforated. This look is therefore forever anchored in the history of these timepieces. When it’s time to change a tired strap, a Tropic Sport strap is often the obvious choice. It’s a bracelet that’s ideal for aquatic and underwater activities as some models are specially treated to resist salt and chlorine.
However, many other choices of bracelets exist, often more original and just as suitable for water activities.
Canvas strap on LIP Nautic: the obvious
Rubber has the advantage of being waterproof, a definite plus on a dive watch. A canvas strap also allows you to enjoy aquatic activities. In addition, it offers a less sporty and/or military look and more fantasy. The Avel and Men range of canvas watch straps illustrates this really well as it can count on its Seaqual and Cordura canvas for offering the best durability. It is available in many colors.
For an original and sporty chic style, the orange watch strap Avel and Men Tampa is a must. Its purchase is also a good deed since, for each bracelet sold, 10€ are donated to the National Sea Rescue Society (SNSM) of Porspoder, in Finistère. The Ouessant strap, made of sailcloth, offers similar qualities while evoking a little more the marine universe of Lip Nautic timekeepers.
This touch of fantasy sticks to the skin of the most recent models. Many vintage models remain just as interesting to wear. However, the waterproofing is often no longer effective and it is quite possible to equip them with a leather strap.
From left to right: LIP Nautic vintage automatic on a La Rochelle sailcloth strap, Grande Nautic Automatic on a Seaqual canvas jean strap, Lip Nautic calendar on a black Tampa strap.
The timeless elegance of leather
A leather strap on a timepiece is a timeless and particularly elegant association. We mentioned a while ago the sale of a Lip Genève chronograph on an Avel and Men leather strap. The association works just as well on a LIP Nautic. Depending on the model and your desires, we recommend the association with a Douarnenez strap (available in navy, cognac, burgundy and electric blue) or even a camel ostrich leather strap, always chic.
First two images: LIP Nautic Automatic Calendar on Douarnenez navy leather strap. Right: LIP Nautic on a Douarnenez Cognac leather strap.
What is the size of a LIP Nautic watch strap ?
Beware of websites that sell “LIP Nautic adapted bracelets”. There are many models and they are not all the same size! Many vintage models are 18mm (Nautic Ski in particular), recent LIP Nautic bracelets are 20mm and some special models, like the Nautic Ski Mk 2, are 22mm. So be sure to check the lugs width of your timepiece before ordering (or contact us)!
Avel and Men watch straps are available in most common sizes. To meet all your needs and allow you to use the buckle of your choice, on the wristwatch of your choice, all our canvas models are also available custom made. The next strap of your LIP Nautic will really suit you!