1967-68 Roamer Stingray S

Calibre:
MST 471
Family:
Stringray
Model:
471-9120 .602
Case #:
302 471
Size:
37.2mm x 43.3mm
Case Back:
Patent Press fit waterproof case, with additional sealing ring.
Water Resistance:
200m/660ft
Strap:
These watches were fitted with the 18mm 7 row NSA bracelets with a signed clasp from 1968-1969, also available on a Tropic band at a lower price. In 1970-71 a brick pattern bracelet was fitted, with Roamer signed middle links, one on each side 3 links down from the watch. From 1972 the 20mm rockshell bracelet was fitted with the corresponding increase in lug width.
Roamer, Stingray S, Roto44date. This was the first Diver from Roamer, rated to 200 meters or 660 feet using a special version of their patented case (crystal is about 3 times thicker than normal). They also used an additional o-ring between crystal and inner case and used a high quality stainless steel impervious to salt water damage.
 
The Stingray S models were made from around 1967 to around 1973. The watch shown here is the first model from 1967-68. It features the 44 jewel version of the MST471 automatic movement, with wide pointed silvered hands, a second hand with a round lume dot and a triangular lume marker on the internal rotating dial. Unfortunately the dial is very fragile on these early models and few are in good condition as they are degraded by the tritium lume.
 
All three versions of the Stingray S are shown in the last photo. The later versions of this watch used the 28 jewel version of the movement, matt dials and different hands. Other changes included the internal bezel marker changed from a triangle to a dot, and the inner bezel at some point changed from white to orange, although a few later watches seem to have white bezels, and a few earlier watches orange - so it is not entirely clear if they were an option or replacements. However, the inner bezel and crosshair colours should normally match - white and white, or orange and orange.
 
The final evolution of the S model was introduced in 1970 and significantly changed the case design to include an asymmetric integral crown guards.
 
The large crown at 3 rotates the outer dial, the crown at 4 sets the time.
All watches in my collection with calibre MST471:

All text and images are either © Kris Bubendorfer 2011-23 or © Roamer Watch Company.