The must-have Macro Loupe for all watch lovers

Iconic watch art prints. Made in Switzerland, lifetime guarantee

Raketa and Zim models with a chrome or gold-plated, fluted bezel are often referred to as Cheburashka (referring to the character's prominent round ears) or UFO (referring to the fluted flying saucers).

This particular model is equipped with a 2628N movement with a double day-date display. The fluting is, of course, characteristic of these models, here in the form of small lozenges that give a more luminous than radiant appearance, creating an impression of circular motion. The triangles are illuminated in one direction or another depending on the case's position relative to the light. Other features of this watch include the minute track and applied hour markers, large two-tone baton hands, and a bracelet that disappears into the lugless case. Ultimately, the bezel gives a strong presence to the 43mm diameter case. The case back is stainless steel with a six-pronged screw-down closure. The case is 12 mm thick. The lack of lugs and the diamond-patterned bezel make the watch sit on the wrist like a levitating UFO.

The song I would listen to with this watch wouldn't be related to the character from the stop-motion film Cheburashka, but rather to Karlson, the character played by Astrid Lindgren. A vintage advertisement featured the watch on the wrist of this egocentric, pedantic, and gluttonous hero, complete with a self-propelled device beloved by children. Karlson, who lives on the rooftop, is himself a drone in the Stockholm sky, a UFO that intrigues the locals. The song is a cover of "Yellow River" by Christie, with the lyrics changed to "Big Karlson" by the Soviet group Poyushchiye Gitary. It's also the theme song for Joe Dassin's "L'Amérique." In short, a song of dreams, waiting, returning, or departing, depending on the performer. But still a song of wild hope.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EOCIYm1KXjI

Adjectives: imposing, circular, flying, dreamlike, traveler

Takeoff for the dream

This watch is really fun; they say it's for children, although I'm not so sure, because you buy children watches that are much easier to read. Looking at it, you really have to search for the hands to tell the time; what you see is a rodent staring at you with a happy expression. A rabbit, perhaps, although the ears are more reminiscent of a field mouse or a beaver.

It's an evolution of the teddy bear watch from the Soviet era. The dial was then made of red plastic; today's silver metal suits it quite well. However, what isn't a very positive evolution is the dial itself. Giving the bear a rodent-like appearance certainly makes it a bit cuter, but you can no longer tell what animal it is. And above all, the thin silver hands, meant to match the hour markers and the bear design, make the time illegible. It just goes to show that new versions meant to bring progress are sometimes a real step backward. But the result is still fun.

The movement is a Miyota 2035 quartz. The case back is stainless steel.

The music to listen to with this watch would be the soundtrack from the famous comedy *The Prisoner of the Caucasus*, "A Little Song About Bears."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dExwT_pEr9w

L'Ours mutant

The case is small, designed for young wrists, and measures 33mm in diameter. The atmosphere this watch exudes is calming; finally, a children's watch that isn't red with overpowered superheroes!

It's the perfect excuse to go to bed and tell yourself that everything that's left to do can easily be done tomorrow. A quick glance at your wrist, and yes, it's bedtime, or yes, it's nap time. It's a very useful watch to wear when you're feeling tired and think there's still so much to do before bedtime, when in reality, everything can wait.

The movement is a Miyota 1656M quartz. The case back is stainless steel with a speckled pattern reminiscent of a ladybug, featuring a Luch signature in the center. The strap is 100% leather in two shades of blue: midnight and twilight.

The soundtrack that could accompany this watch would be "Goodnight Little Ones," but for those who have grown up since then, we'll listen to "Goodnight to Those Who Are Going to Bed" by Kino https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LRPmZ_ALkmY.5

Adjectives: Soothing, calm, nocturnal, cute, dreamy

Goodnight little ones (and grown-ups)

This reference 4401653 is a true classic from the late 1980s. It features a date display at 6 o'clock in a beautifully rounded 35mm diameter case, 10mm thick. The steel case back is simply snapped on. The movement is a 2614.N with 19 jewels.

This is an "export" version, as the brand name and "Made in USSR" at 6 o'clock are in Latin script. The case is rounded, like a Tupolev aircraft window. The dial is as dark as a night in which the numerals appear like golden train cars between a railway track and a central white circle. Similarly, the gold alpha hands move along the track of this festive night. In my opinion, the two jarring notes, like the blinding beam of a party pooper's torch, are the white date display at 6 o'clock and the Raketa name in white Latin script. I understand that date backgrounds are difficult to adapt, but why put the brand name in white? Gold paint would have been much better, especially since the models for the domestic market used gold Cyrillic letters.

Overall, it's a beautiful little watch with character. Its soundtrack would be something unclassifiable, like the soundtrack to the film "The Party" by Henry Mancini (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2n2ZFKG9_U8&t=25s). A party where anything is possible and you don't really know what the rules are.

The party doesn't end

I'm not a feng shui practitioner, quite the opposite, but I'm fascinated by instruments that represent the world we live in. Especially the oldest ones. Like, for example, the Antikythera Mechanism, which is two thousand years old. With the Luo Pan (羅盤), we're looking at an even older instrument, as it's estimated to be around 4,000 years old.
The watch itself is very simple and successful in this respect. It has two wide, red hands, pierced to reveal the underlying Chinese characters. It's very legible, which is what matters most to me. The seconds hand is a central Yin-Yang disc, so it's both prominent and discreet. The movement is a TMI VH31 quartz with a smooth seconds hand, which means the Yin-Yang rotates without any jerking. The case back features this famous Yin-Yang disc in an octagonal shape (a protective shape symbolizing prosperity and eternity). The case is 12mm thick and 40mm in diameter. The crown is positioned at 12 o'clock to maintain the watch's harmony; since it's a quartz movement, this isn't really an issue. The matching black and red leather strap is very comfortable and features quick-release spring bars for easy strap changes or time adjustments. The perfect soundtrack, in my opinion, would be the soundscape of Jean-Michel Jarre's Oxygène, a journey through dimensions unknown to our world. Perhaps the third part in particular. The music was composed nearly fifty years ago but remains timeless. https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=C08OhE2e96s
Adjectives: Zen, lucky, cosmic, traditional, harmonious, magical

Positioning in space and time

This Poljot export "Volcan," with its bright blue dial that tinges with purple, dates from the 1970s and is particularly striking thanks to its polished, rounded case. The case measures 42mm in diameter and 10mm in thickness (the dial is 30mm and the crystal 34mm, including the two-millimeter polished flange on each side). Its seamless design evokes a volcano, hence the name. Similarly, its bright blue dial, two-faceted dauphine hands, and three-faceted hour markers all contribute to a bold and eye-catching look.

The movement is a robust and reliable 2609N with 17 jewels. The case back is screw-down. This watch reminds me of Blondie's world, a bit like in the Tissot ad (Tissot used "call me," I think), but let's go with "Heart of Glass" and its "nah nah nah nah... Yeah, riding high on love's true bluish light" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WGU_4-5RaxU
It's a watch of contrasts that can be both cold and passionate.



Glass volcano

Founded in 2015 by three Breton friends, Erwan, Jean-Fran&ccedil;ois and J&eacute;r&eacute;my, in Akrone is an independent French watch brand based in Nantes (France). It quickly distinguished itself by offering high-quality automatic watches, combining careful design, durable materials and artisanal know-how, all at fair and accessible prices.
<h3 dir="ltr">Origins and Philosophy of the Brand</h3>
The Akrone adventure began unofficially in 2014, when the founders decided to launch into watchmaking with the ambition of shaking up traditional codes. After a successful crowdfunding campaign on Kickstarter in September 2015, the brand launches its first model, the K-01, thus becoming the first French watchmaking house to take this route. This initiative marked a turning point for Akrone and inspired other French entrepreneurs to follow the same path.
Akrone's philosophy is based on creating unique watches, combining exclusive design with the use of sustainable materials and proven technical precision. Located in the heart of Nantes, the brand favors local production, with assembly and quality control carried out in-house, thus guaranteeing the reliability and durability of each part.
<h3 dir="ltr">Commitment to Quality and Know-How</h3>
Akrone carefully selects the movements of its watches, collaborating with renowned manufacturers such as Sellita, Soprod and ETA in Switzerland, France &Eacute;bauches in France, as well as the Citizen and Seiko groups in Japan. This commitment to precise mechanisms ensures customers receive reliable, high-performance watches.
The materials used, such as titanium, 316L steel, ceramic and carbon, are chosen for their durability and aesthetics. Each model is designed with careful attention to detail, reflecting a harmonious balance between watchmaking tradition and contemporary innovation.
<h3 dir="ltr">Iconic Collections</h3>
Since its inception, Akrone has developed several notable collections:
Akrone C-02 : Designed for diving enthusiasts, this collection offers robust and waterproof watches, meeting the demanding standards of underwater environments.
Akrone C-03 : Inspired by aviation, the C-03 series presents watches with a refined design, reminiscent of aircraft on-board instruments, with features adapted to pilots and aeronautics enthusiasts.
Akrone C-04 : This collection embodies horological elegance, with exquisitely designed dress watches, ideal for formal occasions or sophisticated everyday wear.
In 2025, on the occasion of its 10th anniversary, Akrone plans to unveil new versions of its flagship collections, with new designs and technical improvements, demonstrating its constant commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction.
<h3 dir="ltr">Special Projects and Collaborations</h3>
Akrone has also made a name for itself by producing personalized watches for various French army units, such as the Marine Commandos, the GIGN, the Foreign Legion and the Army Light Aviation (ALAT). These collaborations demonstrate the confidence placed in the brand to provide timepieces adapted to the specific requirements of professionals operating in extreme conditions.
Furthermore, the brand was the official chronometer of the prestigious nautical race &ldquo;La Solitaire du Figaro&rdquo;, thus reinforcing its commitment to the world of sport and precision.
<h3 dir="ltr">Social and Associative Commitment</h3>
Aware of its social responsibility, Akrone actively supports army mutual aid associations, helping grieving families and war victims. To date, the brand has donated more than 50,000 &euro; to associations such as Entraide ALAT and Entraide Marine, illustrating its commitment to the military community and its values ​​of solidarity.
<h3 dir="ltr">Conclusion</h3>
In a decade, Akrone has established itself as a reference in independent French watchmaking, combining tradition, innovation and social commitment. Its approach centered on quality, design and proximity to its customers has allowed it to forge a strong and respected in the French watchmaking landscape. With ambitious plans for the future, the brand continues to celebrate French excellence, while remaining faithful to its founding values.
Check out the avis clients Dialicious to choose the Akrone watch that suits you.
Akrone is part of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/top/the_best_french_watch_brands">ranking of the most popular French watch brands</a>.
(Updated February 2025)

There is already a review of the C-03 ALAT on the site. But why not post a second one, this watch is worth it! This time in a titanium bracelet version without a bezel which looks just as good. Even with this metal bracelet it remains extremely light (95 g) suffice to say that with the fabric bracelet which also suits it very well it seems to float in the air. It is extremely readable and precise in all circumstances, so much so that a quick glance is enough to register the time in the brain. Some regret the Seiko movement, but for my part I am pleased with it because it does the job well, it is robust, really cheap and easily found, it makes the watch very accessible, and in the event of a problem you just have to change it. 
It is an impressive watch in its simplicity and its efficiency. I have no connection with the army, but I am happy to have contributed a little to the family mutual aid association with the purchase of this watch. Akrone launched a version with a date in 2023, but I prefer the three hands without a date. Dates are always a problem to solve, and in addition the months are never the same length, we wonder why there are not only 5 months in the year, there watches with dates would find all their interest. Of course, it is because of the moon. Because of this satellite which has a period of 29.5 days it is more practical to use 3-hand watches without a date.

It gives wings (and time too)

This watch is truly special. First, because the Akrone brand is endearing. Whether through its communication or thanks to the community that has been created around the brand, we feel like we belong to a small watchmaking family. Then, like many other models of the brand, this one was created in association with an entity of the French army, here the ALAT (Light Aviation of the Army). This makes sense to me because a member of my family is part of this Arme. We find the characteristic blue color of the ALAT on the bidirectional rotating bezel, which allows you to read the time on a second time zone, and then its golden logo at 6 o'clock. For me, the strong points of this watch are its lightness, due to the use of titanium, its magnificent black sunray dial, as well as the bevels that we find on the bezel and on the crown, and which add a little touch of originality. I am currently wearing it on a leather strap from WatchArch, but the original Akrone nylon and leather straps look just as good on it. Note that this is a model limited to 1954 copies, the year ALAT was created.

Akrone C-03 TOOLS

La marque&nbsp;Serica a &eacute;t&eacute; cr&eacute;&eacute;e en 2019 par J&eacute;r&ocirc;me Burget et 3 amis &agrave; Paris, en France. Le nom Serica vient d'une r&eacute;gion perdue au bout de l'Extr&ecirc;me-Orient que les Grecs et les Romains avaient baptis&eacute;e ainsi. Ce lieu fait &eacute;cho &agrave; la gen&egrave;se de la marque, qui vise &agrave; concevoir des montres m&eacute;caniques de qualit&eacute; au style n&eacute;or&eacute;tro, pr&ecirc;tes &agrave; vous suivre aux confins du monde.
La gamme comprend des montres telles que la <a title="Page Serica 4512" href="https://www.dialicious.com/serica/4512">Serica 4512</a>, la <a title="Page Serica 5303" href="https://www.dialicious.com/serica/5303">Serica 5303</a> et la <a title="Page Serica 8315 GMT Chronom&egrave;tre" href="https://www.dialicious.com/serica/8315">Serica 8315</a>. L'une des particularit&eacute;s de cette marque est que son nom n'appara&icirc;t nulle part sur le cadran, afin de pousser le passionn&eacute; &agrave; acheter un design, des finitions et des proportions, et pas seulement un nom. En juillet 2023, Serica a lanc&eacute; la Serica 5303 COSC une version chronom&egrave;tre certifi&eacute;e par le Contr&ocirc;le Officiel Suisse des Chronom&egrave;tres.
Leur avant-dernier mod&egrave;le est la <a href="https://www.dialicious.com/serica/6190">Serica 6190</a> surfant sur les bases de la 1&egrave;re r&eacute;f&eacute;rence de la marque, la Serica 4512. Cette 6190 &eacute;pouse les codes stylistiques de la marque, des anses lyres, un choix de cadrans diff&eacute;rents et la possibilit&eacute; de choisir la position de la couronne &agrave; 3 heures ou en mode "Destro" &agrave; 9 heures. Cette Serica 6190 est &eacute;quip&eacute; du calibre Soprod M100 certifi&eacute; COSC (Contr&ocirc;le Officiel Suisse des Chronom&egrave;tres) &agrave; l'intar des productions actuelles des autres mod&egrave;les 5303 et 8315.&nbsp;
Depuis le 21 novembre 2024, Serica propose une nouvelle collection tr&egrave;s audacieuse...&nbsp;Une montre habill&eacute;e sortant des sentiers battus nomm&eacute;e "Parade" sous la r&eacute;f&eacute;rence 1174. Ces 4 chiffres, comme toutes les autres r&eacute;f&eacute;rences Serica, propose une symbolique issue du nombre d'or ou divines proportions dont le ratio entre la longeur et la largeur sont de 1,174... Une nouveaut&eacute; propos&eacute;e en pr&eacute;-commande &agrave; 1,490 &euro; pour une livraison pr&eacute;vue en Mars 2025...
<h2>Quel est le prix d'une montre Serica ?</h2>
Les prix des montres Serica &eacute;voluent et diff&eacute;rent selon les mod&egrave;les. La plupart co&ucirc;tent entre 990 &euro; et 1,890 &euro; selon les mod&egrave;les et finitions. Le mod&egrave;le GMT de la marque, Serica 8315 GMT Chronom&egrave;tre co&ucirc;te 1,890 &euro; tandis que le dernier mod&egrave;le lanc&eacute; par Serica, la r&eacute;f&eacute;rence <a href="https://www.dialicious.com/serica/6190">6190</a> est propos&eacute;e &agrave; 990 &euro;.
Serica est ind&eacute;pendante et produit environ 5,000 montres par an, tous mod&egrave;les confondus. Serica fait partie du <a href="https://www.dialicious.com/top/les_meilleures_marques_de_montres_francaises">Top 10 des marques de montres fran&ccedil;aises les plus populaires</a>, ainsi que du <a href="https://www.dialicious.com/top/les_meilleures_micro_marques_de_montres">Classement des meilleures micro-marques de montres</a>. Pour choisir le mod&egrave;le Serica qui vous correspond le mieux,&nbsp;les avis clients Dialicious sont une ressource essentielle pour &eacute;valuer les diff&eacute;rents mod&egrave;les &agrave; travers l'exp&eacute;rience r&eacute;elle des clients
(Mise &agrave; jour Novembre 2024)

The brand Serica was created in 2019 by J&eacute;r&ocirc;me Burget and 3 friends in Paris, France. The name Serica comes from a lost region at the end of the Far East that the Greeks and Romans named it like this. This place echoes the genesis of the brand, which aims to design quality mechanical watches in a neo-retro style, ready to follow you to the ends of the world.
The range includes watches such as the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/serica/4512">Serica 4512</a>, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/serica/5303">Serica 5303</a> and the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/serica/8315">Serica 8315</a>. One of the particularities of this brand is that its name does not appear anywhere on the dial, in order to encourage the enthusiast to buy a design, finishes and proportions, and not just a name. In July 2023, Serica launched the Serica 5303 COSC, a chronometer version certified by the Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute.
The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/serica/6190">Serica 6190</a> surfing on the bases of the brand's first reference, the Serica 4512. This 6190 follows the stylistic codes of the brand, lyre lugs, a choice of different dials and the possibility of choosing the position of the crown at 3 o'clock or at &ldquo;Destro&rdquo; mode at 9 o&rsquo;clock. This Serica 6190 is powered with the Soprod M100 caliber COSC (Official Swiss Chronometer Certification) certified, like the current productions of the other 5303 and 8315 models.&nbsp;
Since November 21, 2024, Serica has been offering a very daring new collection... A dress watch off the beaten track called &ldquo;Parade&rdquo; under the reference 1174. These 4 figures, like all other Serica references, offer a symbolism derived from the golden number or divine proportions whose ratio between length and width is 1.174... A novelty offered for pre-order at &euro; 1,490 for one delivery planned for March 2025...
<h2 dir="ltr">How much does a Serica watch cost?</h2>
The prices of Serica watches change and differ depending on the model. Most cost between &euro; 990 and &euro; 1,890 depending on the models and finishes. The brand's GMT model, Serica 8315 GMT Chronometer costs &euro; 1,890 while the latest model launched by Serica, the reference&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/serica/6190">6190</a> is offered to &euro; 990.
Serica is independent and produces around 5,000 watches per year, all models combined. Serica is part of the&nbsp;<a href="https://preprod.dialicious.com/en/top/the_best_french_watch_brands">Top 10 most popular French watch brands</a>, as well as&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/top/the_best_micro_watch_brands">ranking the best micro watch brands</a>. To choose the Serica model that best suits you, <a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/serica/5303">Serica 5303 reviews</a>, <a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/serica/4512">Serica 4512 reviews</a>, <a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/serica/6190">Serica 6190 reviews</a> or <a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/serica/8315">Serica 8315 reviews</a> are an #1 resource for evaluating different models through real customer experience.
(Updated December 2025)

Akrone C-03 Alat Owner Review : Light, readable and efficient

It gives wings (and time too)

Where to buy your Akrone?

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Akrone C-03 Alat Owner Review : Light, readable and efficient

It gives wings (and time too)

Where to buy your Akrone?

YOU ARE :

Other reviews published by Wind of change

Raketa

Luch

Luch

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UndoneZen Cartograph

Customize your Akrone with our selection of accessories:

Eagle Eye Watches

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Undone
Zen Cartograph