Prim Sport 1. Generace (Ref. 68 150 1), also known as the 'Igen'
Dive / Skin Diver · Prim (Manufactured by Elton hodinářská in Nové Město nad Metují). The state-owned horological powerhouse of former Czechoslovakia.
Period: Vintage (1960s-1970s). It features a distinct 'Cushion'/'Barrel' aesthetic common in tool watches from the late 1960s.
Type
Dive / Skin Diver
Brand
Prim (Manufactured by Elton hodinářská in Nové Město nad Metují). The state-owned horological powerhouse of former Czechoslovakia.
Movement
Manual-wound, Prim Caliber 68 (specifically Cal. 68.3 or 68.4), 17 jewels, frequency of 18,000 bph, roughly 38-hour power reserve.
Dimensions
Case diameter: 38mm; Thickness: 12mm; Lug-to-lug: 45mm; Lug width: 19mm.
Description
The Prim Sport Igen is the most iconic sports watch of the Eastern Bloc. Designed for the Czechoslovak military and recreational divers, it offers a rugged, utilitarian charm characterized by its bold handset and high-contrast dial. Its barrel-shaped case and pop of red and orange on the dial make it a standout piece of socialist-era industrial design.
Key Features
The 'ČSSR' marking at 6 o'clock, the uniquely large 'paddle' minute hand, and the distinct red-square accents on the indices.
Dial Description
Matte black dial with 'PRIM SPORT' and '17 JEWELS' text. Features large rectangular luminescent indices with red square accents at the outer edge. Date window at 3 o'clock. Distinctive wide baton hands (often orange/red-orange for contrast) and a thin yellow/orange seconds hand.
Case Material
Chrome-plated brass (typical for Eastern Bloc production of this era) with a stainless steel caseback. High-polish finish on top surfaces.
Crystal Type
Acrylic (Plexiglass), high-domed profile. Visible surface scratches and minor hazing.
Bezel Details
Bidirectional friction-fit bezel. Black aluminum insert with a 60-minute countdown scale and a triangle at 12. Coin-edge grip texture.
Crown & Pushers
Unsigned, push-pull crown (non-screw down), relatively large for easy grip with gloves.
Bracelet or Strap
Aftermarket stainless steel 'President-style' or flat-link bracelet. This watch originally shipped on a black rubber 'tropic' or plastic strap.
Caseback Details
Solid stainless steel screw-down caseback with circular text including 'Waterproof' and 'Antimagnetic' in Czech or English, often featuring the Prim logo.
Movement Type
Manual-wound, Prim Caliber 68 (specifically Cal. 68.3 or 68.4), 17 jewels, frequency of 18,000 bph, roughly 38-hour power reserve.
Water Resistance
Originally 4 ATM (40 meters), though strictly considered non-water-resistant today due to age and materials.
Origin & Provenance
Czechoslovakia (ČSSR). The movement, case, and dial were produced entirely in-house behind the Iron Curtain.
Age Estimate
Circa 1970–1975 based on the dial layout and Caliber 68 movement.
Cultural Significance
It serves as a symbol of Czechoslovak technical self-sufficiency during the Cold War. It remains a cult favorite in Central and Eastern Europe, with modern Prim (Elton) still producing 'Igen' re-editions today.
Condition Notes
Good-Fair. Significant chrome wear/pitting on the lugs and case edges (showing the brass underneath). The dial lume has patinated to a green/grey, and the hands show some oxidation/paint loss. Crystal requires polishing.
Value Estimate
$300 - $600 USD. Prices are higher within the Czech/Slovak markets where demand for 'nostalgia' pieces is strong.
Care & Maintenance
Avoid all water contact as the gaskets and chrome plating are deteriorated. Service every 5-7 years. Be careful not to over-wind, as the click-spring on Cal. 68 can be fragile.
Similar Watches
Glashütte Spezimatic Type RP TS 200 (East German), Vostok Amphibia (USSR), and Squale 1521 (Western counterpart).
Interesting Facts
The Prim Sport was the official watch of the Czechoslovak army and was famously used during the 1970s by long-distance swimmer František Venclovský when he became the first Czech to swim the English Channel.