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The must-have Macro Loupe for all watch lovers

Produced in a limited edition of 200 pieces at the end of 2024 to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the French Army Light Aviation (ALAT), this watch filled a gap in my collection: owning a watch made of forged carbon.

Although affordable, it is brimming with appealing details: first and foremost, its beautifully designed, beveled, and marbled carbon case; its raised hour markers; its two-tone inner bezel; the embossed logo that only becomes visible under certain lighting; and its movement, which is a true GMT (local time is adjustable).



Finally, a military watch that has the attributes of one!

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 SYE [Start Your Engine] a &eacute;t&eacute; cr&eacute;&eacute;e en 2020 par Arnaud Pezeron &agrave; c&ocirc;t&eacute; de Paris en France. La marque inaugure le Sport Tailoring au poignet. Elle propose des montres sport-chic de caract&egrave;re, fiables, ludiques et abordables inspir&eacute;es de l'univers de la m&eacute;canique auto-moto. La gamme comprend deux mod&egrave;les distincts, la <a href="https://www.dialicious.com/sye/mot1on_automatic_24">SYE MOT1ON Automatic 24 </a>et la <a href="https://www.dialicious.com/sye/mot1on_chronograph">SYE MOT1ON Chronograph</a>.
Cette marque embarque une innovation sur le changement du bracelet disponible en acier ou en cuir. La montre n'offre aucun espace entre le bracelet et la boite d&ucirc; &agrave; l&rsquo;absence de cornes, ce qui am&eacute;liore son confort et sa portabilit&eacute;.
<h2 class="p1">Combien co&ucirc;te une montre&nbsp;SYE&nbsp;?</h2>
La gamme SYE comporte deux mod&egrave;les disponibles sur le site de la marque : La SYE MOT1ON Automatic 24 est propos&eacute;e &agrave; partir de 750&euro;. La SYE MOT1ON Chronograph est propos&eacute;e &agrave; partir de 599 &euro;.
SYE est ind&eacute;pendante et produit plusieurs centaines montres par an tous mod&egrave;les confondus. Pour choisir une SYE qui vous correspond le mieux, les avis clients Dialicious sont une pr&eacute;cieuse ressource pour &eacute;valuer chacun des diff&eacute;rents mod&egrave;les &agrave; travers l'exp&eacute;rience r&eacute;elle des clients.
Consultez le <a href="https://www.dialicious.com/top/les_meilleures_marques_de_montres_francaises">Classement des meilleures marques de montres fran&ccedil;aises</a> dont SYE fait partie.
(Mise &agrave; jour Novembre 2023)

The brand SYE [Start Your Engine] was created in 2020 by Arnaud Pezeron near Paris in France. The brand is introducing Sport Tailoring on the wrist. It offers sporty-chic watches with character, reliability, fun and affordability inspired by the world of car and motorcycle mechanics. The range includes two distinct models, the<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/sye/mot1on_automatic_24"> SYE MOT1ON Automatic 24</a> and the<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/sye/mot1on_chronograph"> SYE MOT1ON Chronograph</a>.
This brand has an innovation in changing the bracelet available in steel or leather. The watch offers no space between the bracelet and the case due to the absence of lugs, which improves its comfort and portability.
<h2 dir="ltr">How much does a SYE watch cost?</h2>
The SYE range includes two models available on the brand's website: The SYE MOT1ON Automatic 24 is offered from &euro; 750. The SYE MOT1ON Chronograph is offered from &euro; 599.
SYE is independent and produces several hundred watches per year, all models combined. To choose an SYE that best suits you, the Dialicious owners' reviews are a valuable resource for evaluating each of the different models through real customer experience.
Check out the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/top/the_best_french_watch_brands">Ranking of the best French watch brands</a>, including SYE.
(Updated November 2023)

Akrone C-03 Alat Owner Review : Readable, endearing and light

Finally, a military watch that has the attributes of one!

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