Prim Sport II (Prim Sport 2) Ref. 68 300 1
Dive Watch / Sport Watch · Prim (Manufactured by Elton Hodinářská). Prim was the national watchmaker of Czechoslovakia.
Period: Vintage (1970s-1980s). It features the distinct 'cushion' or 'tonneau' case shape typical of 1970s sport watches and the utilitarian aesthetic of the Eastern Bloc.
Type
Dive Watch / Sport Watch
Brand
Prim (Manufactured by Elton Hodinářská). Prim was the national watchmaker of Czechoslovakia.
Movement
Manual-wind, In-house Caliber 68 (Prim 68.3), 17 jewels, frequency of 18,000 bph, power reserve of approximately 38 hours.
Dimensions
36mm diameter, 12mm thickness, 41mm lug-to-lug distance, 18mm lug width.
Description
The Prim Sport II is an iconic 'tool watch' from the Eastern Bloc. It replaced the more expensive Prim Sport I and became a ubiquitous timepiece for the Czechoslovak public. Its design is characterized by the durable cushion case and high-contrast orange hands which provide excellent legibility. While not a professional diver's watch by modern standards, it was the definitive sports watch for hikers, divers, and athletes in Central Europe during the Cold War.
Key Features
Cushion-shaped plated case, distinctive orange/yellow handset, 'ČSSR' country of origin marking, and the unique plastic friction bezel with scalloped grip.
Dial Description
Matte black dial with 'PRIM SPORT' and '17 JEWELS' text. Features large blocky white indices with red rectangular accents and luminescent material. Minute track with numerals at 5-minute intervals. Matching orange baton hands and a yellow/orange seconds hand. Date window at 3 o'clock.
Case Material
Chrome-plated brass with a polished finish. The under-metal is visible where the plating has worn away, particularly on the lug edges.
Crystal Type
Acrylic / Plexiglass (domed). Shows moderate surface scratches consistent with age.
Bezel Details
Bidirectional rotating friction bezel made of black plastic/resin with white scalloped edge and dive scale markings.
Crown & Pushers
Unsigned chrome-plated push-pull crown at 3 o'clock, recessed slightly into the case side.
Bracelet or Strap
Aftermarket stainless steel 'H-link' or oyster-style folding bracelet. Historically, these were often sold on rubber 'tropic' стиле straps or simple leather.
Caseback Details
Solid stainless steel screw-down caseback, typically featuring the manufacturer logo or a simple serial number.
Movement Type
Manual-wind, In-house Caliber 68 (Prim 68.3), 17 jewels, frequency of 18,000 bph, power reserve of approximately 38 hours.
Water Resistance
Originally rated for 40-50 meters, but currently should be considered 'not water resistant' due to age-related gasket degradation and the push-pull crown design.
Origin & Provenance
Czechoslovakia (CSSR). Verified by the 'ČSSR' marking at the bottom of the dial.
Age Estimate
Circa 1975–1985 production.
Cultural Significance
A symbol of socialist industrial design, this watch carries immense nostalgia for collectors from former Czechoslovakia. In the modern era, it has seen a resurgence in popularity due to its 'retro-cool' aesthetic and historic importance to Czech watchmaking.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good. Common chrome wear-through on the case edges; the dial shows aging on the lume plots and hands; the bezel is intact but shows wear; the bracelet is non-original.
Value Estimate
100 USD - 300 USD depending on the integrity of the chrome plating and movement condition. Pristine examples with original boxes can fetch higher prices on the Czech market (Aukro/Sbazar).
Care & Maintenance
Manual winding should be done daily at the same time. The chrome-plated case is susceptible to corrosion from sweat, so it should be wiped down after wear. Not recommended for water use without a professional pressure test and new gaskets.
Similar Watches
Prim Sport I (more valuable/narrower lugs), Vostok Amphibia (Soviet equivalent), Seiko 6105 (higher-tier Japanese equivalent).
Interesting Facts
The Prim Sport II was mass-produced in such numbers that it became known as the 'National Watch' of Czechoslovakia. It was also used by many members of the Czechoslovak national team during various sporting events in the '70s.