Jacques-Girard Airvac 400 Super Compressor Diver
Dive Watch / Compressor Dive Watch with Internal Rotating Bezel · Jacques-Girard (Swiss brand operating during the mid-20th century vintage era, mid-range tier)
Period: Vintage (Late 1960s - 1970s)
Type
Dive Watch / Compressor Dive Watch with Internal Rotating Bezel
Brand
Jacques-Girard (Swiss brand operating during the mid-20th century vintage era, mid-range tier)
Movement
Swiss automatic movement, likely an ETA or A. Schild (AS) caliber, operating at 21,600 vph with approximately 38 to 42 hours of power reserve
Dimensions
Case diameter: 36-38 mm, Case thickness: 12 mm, Lug-to-lug distance: 44-46 mm, Lug width: 18 mm
Description
The Jacques-Girard Airvac 400 is a classic example of a vintage 1970s dual-crown super compressor style dive watch. Featuring a distinct gradient brown fumé dial, dual crowns for operating the internal rotating bezel, and a robust stainless steel case paired with a beads-of-rice bracelet, this timepiece captures the adventurous spirit of mid-century tool watch design. Its compact proportions make it exceptionally comfortable on the wrist while offering a striking visual presence through its warm earth-toned dial and utilitarian layout.
Key Features
Dual-crown compressor-style layout, internal rotating countdown/minute bezel, striking gradient sunburst brown dial, 'Airvac 400' dial designation, and tritium lume.
Dial Description
Sunburst brown gradient (fumé) dial with applied geometric baton indices featuring tritium lume plots, baton hands with luminous inserts, internal rotating minute track, date window at 3 o'clock, signed with the JG Jacques-Girard logo and 'Airvac 400' text
Case Material
Stainless steel with a combination of brushed top surfaces and polished chamfers
Crystal Type
Domed acrylic (plexiglass) crystal with vintage distortion characteristic of the era
Bezel Details
Internal rotating bezel operated via the upper crown, featuring white minute markings and a triangle marker at 12 o'clock
Crown & Pushers
Dual cross-hatched or signed crowns at 2 o'clock (for internal bezel) and 4 o'clock (for time setting and winding)
Bracelet or Strap
Stainless steel beads-of-rice style bracelet with folding clasp
Caseback Details
Solid stainless steel screw-down caseback, typically featuring vintage diver engravings or compressor case markings
Movement Type
Swiss automatic movement, likely an ETA or A. Schild (AS) caliber, operating at 21,600 vph with approximately 38 to 42 hours of power reserve
Water Resistance
Originally rated for deep diving (historically up to 200-400 meters implied by the Airvac name), but due to age, gaskets have degraded and the watch should be considered non-water-resistant unless fully restored and pressure tested
Origin & Provenance
Swiss Made, featuring a Swiss-produced mechanical movement typical of traditional watchmaking hubs like La Chaux-de-Fonds
Age Estimate
Circa late 1960s to 1970s
Cultural Significance
Represents the popularization of scuba diving in the 1960s and 1970s, where unique technical innovations like internal bezels and dual crowns defined professional tool watch aesthetics.
Condition Notes
Very good vintage condition. The stainless steel case shows minor surface wear consistent with age, the acrylic crystal is clear with light hairline marks, the dial exhibits uniform aging with intact tritium markers, and the bracelet is secure with light stretch.
Value Estimate
Estimated between $400 and $900 USD depending on exact condition, service history, and originality
Care & Maintenance
Requires gentle handling due to vintage age; avoid exposing to moisture or water unless pressure tested by a professional watchmaker. Service the mechanical movement every 5 to 7 years to ensure longevity.
Similar Watches
Enicar Sherpa Graph/Dive, Longines Legend Diver, Hamilton Super Compressor, and Bulova Oceanographer
Interesting Facts
Dual-crown watches from this era often utilized compressor or compressor-type cases patented by Ervin Piquerez S.A. (EPSA), designed to become more water-resistant the greater the external water pressure.