We make luxury accessible for all. We are proud to offer only the finest certified vintage and second-hand fashion accessories from the world's most exclusive fashion houses. All products meet our strict standard of excellence.
We are proud to offer only the finest certified vintage and second-hand fashion accessories from the world's most exclusive fashion houses. All products meet our strict standard of excellence | About us
Perfect for coastal getaways, desk-to-dinner plans and weekend exploring, this Longines Skin Diver in stainless steel with a black dial and mesh bracelet brings effortless, sporty elegance from sea-breeze lunches to evening cocktails.
Please note that the majority of our items are vintage and therefore have tales to tell unless stated otherwise. Therefore, please look at pictures, descriptions and measurements provided as they give you the best idea of the story this item has to tell.
* Please note that when you buy a vintage product, the dimensions may vary slightly from a new one depending on previous care and storage.
Q: What are the key specifications of this Longines Skin Diver? A: It has a 42 mm stainless steel case, black dial with luminous hands and markers, black unidirectional rotating bezel, sapphire crystal, screw‑down crown and 300 m water resistance. This example is on the stainless steel mesh bracelet and is sold as a full set with box and papers; see the product information for all inclusions.
Q: How does it wear on the wrist? A: The case is 42 mm with a lug‑to‑lug of about 52.5 mm and a thickness around 13.8 mm, so it has notable wrist presence for a diver. The current bracelet is sized to fit wrists up to approximately 18.5 cm as listed in the product information.
Q: Is it suitable for swimming and diving? A: Yes. With 300 metres of water resistance and a screw‑down crown, it is suitable for swimming, snorkelling and recreational scuba. Always ensure the crown is fully screwed in, avoid operating the crown underwater, and rinse with fresh water after saltwater use. Have the water‑resistance seals checked regularly.
Q: What movement does it use and what is the power reserve? A: It is powered by a Longines automatic calibre from the L888 family. Depending on the specific sub‑version, typical modern examples offer roughly 64–72 hours of power reserve. There is no date display on the Skin Diver dial.
Q: What is the bezel made of, and is it ceramic? A: The bezel is black PVD‑coated steel designed to evoke the look of vintage bakelite. It is not ceramic. As with any coated metal, it can show wear from hard knocks, so avoid sharp impacts.
Q: What is the lug width and can I change straps easily? A: The lug width is 22 mm, so strap options are plentiful. Longines offers compatible 22 mm rubber and leather straps for the Skin Diver, and most quality third‑party 22 mm straps will also fit. A watchmaker can assist with safe strap changes if needed.
Q: What crystal does it use and how legible is the lume? A: It uses a scratch‑resistant sapphire crystal with anti‑reflective treatment. The hands and hour markers feature Super‑LumiNova in an “old radium” tone for strong low‑light legibility with a vintage look.
Q: How often should I service it? A: Longines recommends a complete service roughly every 6 to 8 years at an authorised Longines service centre. For watches used in water, have the water‑resistance seals tested annually to maintain performance.
Q: What is included with this watch? A: This piece is offered as a full set with its original box and papers. Everything included is listed in the product information on this page. If a specific item is not listed there, it is not included.
Q: Can I wear it for saturation diving or with a wetsuit? A: It is ideal for everyday wear and recreational diving. It does not have a helium escape valve and is not intended for saturation diving. For regular wetsuit use, consider periodic seal checks and ensure the crown remains screwed in.
SHIPPING
All orders are insured and trackable. Once your shipment has been issued, a link to our Track & Trace service will be provided where you can track your shipment and check delivery status online.
A Retro Tale is registered for UK VAT. All prices on the website include shipping, customs, and VAT for deliveries to the UK.
These charges are typically collected by the shipping carrier at the time of delivery and are not included in the product price.
We offer secure shipping via DHL and UPS with the following delivery time:
Outside Europe: 3-6 business days.
RETURNS
A Retro Tale offers 14 days return policy upon receipt of your order.
In order to request a return, please email [email protected] with your order number and state ”return request” in your email. From there, our Customer Support will confirm that your return request has been approved and further instructions will be provided by email.
Please note that the return shipping fee is covered by the returnee and all return shippings to A Retro Tale must be traceable. Thus, please retain your receipt of shipping and tracking number until your return has been completed and you have received your refund.
AUTHENTICITY GUARANTEED
A Retro Tale specialises in vintage and pre-owned goods from the world's most loved fashion houses. We guarantee that all of our products are 100 percent authentic. Every item sold on our site undergoes a rigorous authentication process, in which our experts delve deep into the heritage of a brand via its craftsmanship techniques. This requires a rigorous and methodical process.
For us, authentication is about more than expertise; it offers a fascinating insight into the history of fashion and the craftsmanship involved in production.
Please allow up to 10 business days for your return to be completed from the return shipping date as shipping time might vary depending on shipping country and shipping provider.
/ Watches
/ Men's Watches
1 953 £
• Stainless steel case
• Black dial with luminous hands and hour markers
• Black unidirectional rotating bezel
• Stainless steel mesh bracelet
• Automatic movement
• Comes as a full set with original box and papers
