INCIPIO is a Japanese brand that pioneered neo-vintage watches in the 1990s, faithfully reproducing iconic timepieces from the past, such as Rolex, Tudor, and Patek Philippe. Vintage watches, often too rare for everyday use, are recreated with a modern touch.
Not just mere reproductions, these watches boast Swiss-made ETA movements to ensure high performance and ease of maintenance, aligning them with watches priced over $1000, like Omega, Frank Muller, and Breitling.
The value of the movements used, coupled with the fact that the manufacturers no longer produce them, contributes to the enduring appreciation of these timepieces.
In 1999, Incipio 10 was produced by WATCH BEGIN, a Japanese watch magazine.
The Incipio 10 is the diver’s model.
It features a domed crystal. This distinctive dome crystal design was commonly used on vintage watches up through the 1980s and is especially appealing to watch enthusiasts.
The crown is an oversized type, frequently seen on classic vintage dive watches.
The Arabic numeral hour markers are based on the design used on early Submariner models.
The bezel is a bi-directional rotating bezel, created to faithfully reproduce the feel of vintage models.
It offers water resistance up to 100 meters, suitable for the diver’s watch.
The hour and minute hands are uniquely shaped for high legibility, a design also used on vintage watches such as early Seamaster models.
Super-LumiNova is used for the luminous material, providing excellent visibility in low-light conditions.
The movement is the Swiss-made ETA 2824-2, offering both high performance and ease of maintenance.
The case and bracelet are made of stainless steel, ensuring durability and functionality.
In short, the Incipio 10 is the neo-vintage diver’s watch that revives the spirit of classic vintage models while representing a culmination of diver’s watch design.
Only about 400 pieces were produced. Its value has increased in recent years and is expected to continue to appreciate.