Kingsmark Skindiver Automatic Ref. 3704 (Vintage Diver)
Dive Watch / Skindiver · Kingsmark; an entry-to-mid tier Swiss-branded assembler active during the 1960s and 70s. Part of the plethora of smaller brands prior to the Quartz Crisis.
Period: Vintage (1960s-1970s) Tool Watch Era. Characterized by the 'Skindiver' case profile with slim lugs, an external rotating bezel, and a highly legible 'Explorer-style' dial common to French and Swiss divers of that period.
Type
Dive Watch / Skindiver
Brand
Kingsmark; an entry-to-mid tier Swiss-branded assembler active during the 1960s and 70s. Part of the plethora of smaller brands prior to the Quartz Crisis.
Movement
Manual-wind or Automatic (likely a Swiss EB or ETA ebauche caliber with approximately 17-21 jewels, a frequency of 18,000 or 21,600 bph, and a 40-hour power reserve).
Dimensions
Case diameter: 36-38mm, Thickness: 12mm, Lug-to-lug: 45-47mm, Lug width: 19mm or 20mm. It wears larger due to the slab-sided case and protruding bezel.
Description
This Kingsmark diver is a classic representation of the 'Skindiver' era—a period where diving watches became accessible tools for the public. It combines the utilitarian aesthetics of a tool watch with 'Explorer' style numerals and a sporty tachymetre scale, offering a rugged, adventurous look that remains highly popular among vintage collectors today.
Key Features
Oversized Arabic 6-9-12 numerals, 'Broad Arrow' hour hand, bi-directional count-up bezel, and the 'Waterproof Shockresistant' text on the lower dial.
Dial Description
Matte black dial with 'Explorer' layout (6-9-12 Arabic numerals). Features a date window at 3 o'clock, printed baton indices, and 'Broad Arrow' or 'Pencil' style luminous hands. Internal tachymetre scale printed in white on the periphery.
Case Material
Stainless steel case with a brushed and polished finish. Likely featuring a chrome-plated base metal mid-case (common for period Kingsmark models) or solid steel if high-end, with a steel friction-fit or screw-down bezel.
Crystal Type
High-domed acrylic/hesalite crystal. Shows minor surface scratches and serves to magnify the dial details under light.
Bezel Details
Bidirectional friction-fit bezel with a black aluminum insert. Features a 60-minute countdown scale and a prominent luminous triangle at the 60/0 position.
Crown & Pushers
Unsigned stainless steel push-pull or screw-down crown, oversized for ease of use under water, with small integrated crown guards on the case.
Bracelet or Strap
Three-link brushed stainless steel 'President' or 'Flat Link' style bracelet with hollow end-links and a generic folding clasp.
Caseback Details
Solid screw-down stainless steel caseback. Usually features engravings such as 'Stainless Steel Back', 'Waterproof', and 'Swiss Made' alongside a serial or reference number.
Movement Type
Manual-wind or Automatic (likely a Swiss EB or ETA ebauche caliber with approximately 17-21 jewels, a frequency of 18,000 or 21,600 bph, and a 40-hour power reserve).
Water Resistance
Originally rated for 50-100m (Skindiver depths), but currently should be considered non-water-resistant due to aging gaskets and potential case corrosion.
Origin & Provenance
Swiss Made. Likely assembled in the Swiss Jura region using outsourced movements (ebauches) and cases, common for private label brands of that era.
Age Estimate
Circa 1968-1975 based on the dial aesthetics (Tritium lume markers marked 'T Swiss T') and the skindiver case shape.
Cultural Significance
Represents the democratization of scuba diving in the post-WWII era; these watches were the 'everyman’s' alternative to the professional Grade Rolex Submariner or Blancpain Fifty Fathoms.
Condition Notes
Very Good vintage condition. The bezel shows light 'ghosting' or fading. The dial and hands show original tritium patina. The acrylic crystal has light surface swirling. The case remains sharp with visible original lines. Grade: Good/Very Good.
Value Estimate
$300 - $600 USD. Value is driven by the 'Skindiver' aesthetic and the condition of the dial and bezel rather than brand prestige.
Care & Maintenance
Not recommended for water exposure despite the 'Waterproof' text. Service every 5-7 years. Avoid magnetic fields and store in a dry, room-temperature environment.
Similar Watches
Wolbrook Douglas Skindiver, vintage Yema Superman, or the Seiko 62MAS. Key difference is the Kingsmark's specific brand history and dial configurations which are often unique to smaller Swiss assemblers.
Interesting Facts
Kingsmark was one of many brands that did not survive the Quartz Crisis of the late 1970s, making these watches relatively rare artifacts of a bygone era of Swiss mechanical mass-production.