60s Abercrombie & Fitch Shipmate

Reference: 

Serial: xxxxxx 

Year: 1960s

Case: Stainless steel, screwback case

Dial:  Original dial, applied steel dagger indexes

Dimensions: 35 mm excluding crown

Function: Automatic  

Strap: Leather strap

Accessories: No box or papers

This Abercrombie & Fitch "Shipmate" is a rare and interesting bird. Made at the time when A&F were serious outfitters of all weather and gear, rather than today (all the gear and no idea...) more a fashion interpretation of the brand. Dating to the early 60s it features a beautiful chiselled steel screwback case with 4 digit reference between the lugs, akin to Mido and also sharing other similar characteristics like the placement of "Made in Switzerland" and the dial style and even the font.

However, this is a true A&F triple signed (movment, caseback and dial) watch and much more interesting.

There are a few examples of the Shipmate around but not in this exemplary condition, and not this exact configuration measuring in a 35mm case with integrated crown.