The must-have Macro Loupe for all watch lovers

I present to you my Swatch, which I received as a gift as a volunteer at the 2024 Olympic Games. I was a basketball volunteer in Lille, helping the athletes.
Before that, I didn't collect watches at all and only had an old Festina that I've had for over 20 years. Then I went to a Swatch store to buy a blue model, and that's when I discovered the MoonSwatch. That's really when I started collecting watches.

This model is quite exclusive: each volunteer has had one, so around 45,000 in total. You can sometimes find them on Vinted or Le Bon Coin, but this one is mine, full of memories of my 10 days of volunteering, seeing all the basketball players in the locker rooms at the Pierre-Mauroy stadium.

The watch is small, 33 mm, with no stop-seconds on the quartz. The strap is integrated; it's an almost disposable watch, and honestly, I've almost never worn it, except for the volunteer appreciation event at the town hall.

You may or may not like the design; personally, I'm not a fan, but I'll soon introduce you to the blue chronograph model, which I love.
It has an NFC chip for paying with Visa, but it only works with a few banks.

I keep this watch with all my bags and clothing, as a precious souvenir of this unique experience of volunteering at the Olympics.

A quick note: a model is for sale, with a different design than the volunteers', but at €90, I find it really too expensive for the quality.

The SWATCH watch for volunteers at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games

I got this watch from my grandfather, and I didn't know it.

A LIP from the 2000s-2010s, quartz with a reverso system that reveals a compass.

The original rubber strap is very comfortable to wear. The dial is small at 25mm, but on a 40mm case, it doesn't feel too small, and the watch has a certain bulky feel, which I really like.

The watch is water-resistant (there is a gasket), but I don't know to what extent. The indexes on the bezel are superb, and its look is striking.

I should add that we're talking about a watch between €50 and €100, but for me, it's filled with emotion and nostalgia and has an important place in my collection.

Its only flaw is the alignment of the second hand with the indexes (like almost all quartz watches).

My grandfather's lip

Sorry, I cheated, the Pindu brand isn't listed, but I admit this watch is worth a look. It's a chinoiserie, yes, a copy/inspiration from the famous Jacob & CO roulette wheel. Here we're talking about a watch that ranges between €230 and €280 on AliExpress.

The watch features an NH 35 caliber, which I love. It has two hands, hour/minute hands, and a functional roulette wheel around the dial. A launcher allows the roulette wheel to spin very quickly, and the ball starts spinning. A must-wear item at the casino.

The strap is surprisingly high-quality, made of faux crocodile leather, and the clasp is all in gold PVD, like the case.

Note that it's large, 46mm in diameter, 16mm thick, and has a 22mm lug width.

Jacob and Co roulette from Ali Express

Here's an OMNIS EON, which features the wandering hour complication. Like the ERA, I love this case shape, and I wanted a wandering hour. I love fun mechanisms on watches, as well as original complications.

I really like the entire disc mechanism as well as its jet turbine-shaped oscillating weight.

The lum is also great, but the minute markers (beginning/middle/end) are missing a fixed point, making it difficult to read the time in the dark.

Setting the time is a real pleasure every time.

On the downside, reading the time is difficult, not because of the wandering hour, but because the minute marker scale is imprecise, very imprecise.
The Omnis rubber strap (curved and without a quick release) is cheap. The Myota Series 8. I'm not a fan of this caliber, but it gets the job done.

I really like this watch; it's a real icebreaker, whether the person in front of me likes watches or not.

An accessible wandering hour

I saw this watch in a store when I wanted to buy the blue watch for the 2024 Olympics (I'll come back to this later).
I saw this watch and the wow effect!
I hesitated between the black and the brown one and I settled on this Saturn.

I didn't know much about the watch world until a year ago, and since then, I've been collecting!

I loved the shape and the strap. The subdial with the planet Saturn on the small seconds dial at 6 o'clock, I love it.

The only criticism is the plastic, it's cheap, and the crown... every time I have to handle it, I'm afraid of breaking it.

THE watch that started my watch collection

As a fan of space and especially meteorites, I wanted a dial made of this material. I'm a knife fan and already own one of this material.

I opted for the Omnis for its price, under 500, even 450 with a 10% discount.

The dial is hypnotic for me. It's a real pleasure every day to check the time, see the dial, lower your wrist when you've forgotten to read the time, it's fantastic :)
The indexes are well placed and very beautiful in my opinion. AND the shape of the shiny stainless steel case, I love it.

That said, I have a few criticisms. The rubber strap is a bit curved, with no quick release... in truth, the quality of the strap is cheap and a pain to take off and put on. I've had the Luna since then, and the strap is already better quality.
The movement, for a meteorite watch, I would have preferred a Myota Series 9 rather than a Series 8.
The date window, AHHHH but why? I love dates, but here, it really spoils the dial, and what's more, cut raw and without a frame at the ghichet, ..., no really, it's ugly.
The oscillating weight is stained black, or with oil residue, a shame.
The packaging, OK, we're not buying a box, but I didn't like the box, a mini plastic tactical suitcase.
Take the Boderry, for example, plastic but shaped like a ship's container, it's cool.
The lume of the hands is different from that of the indexes, a detail but a shame.

Finally, for me, the BLACK POINT of this watch is that there is no certificate of origin of the meteorite... unforgivable for me. I got the information about the origin later on the phone, but it's really a shame. If we're going to make a meteorite, we need to know its origin.



A piece of space on the wrist

You'll find countless articles and videos about this Seagull 1963, a reissue of the first watch for the Chinese Army. A reissue of the first watch for the Chinese Air Force after World War II.

An automatic chronograph, hand-wound, column-wheel movement, originally derived from the VENUS Cal175. Add a 40mm diameter, sapphire crystal, and a bit of lum... Find me one in Europe for €113 (purchase price in 2024)? The answer is simple: it doesn't exist, and no European watch can come close.

I don't have enough experience with its maintenance; we'll see then.

Also note that the watch comes on a brown leather strap with quick release and a black and khaki green NATO strap, but I put it on a sage green rubber strap for summer, which I think suits it well.

The chronograph's mechanism, with the minute hand jumping from minute to minute, is brilliant, and I never tire of turning it over to see the caliber. It's INCREDIBLE.

At this price! UNBEATABLE

This is my second automatic watch purchased online. I didn't know much about it, but I knew Seiko by reputation. I wanted an automatic watch with a blue dial and a steel bracelet, and I came across this little Seiko, purchased for just under €120 (today, summer 2025, it's closer to €180/200).

The watch is small with a 37mm dial, but I find it fits even on my large wrist of almost 20cm. So, adjusting the bracelet was easy; no links had to be removed!

I find it really elegant, and the lume is perfect. I love the date and day, black writing from Monday to Friday, blue for Saturday, and red for Sunday. I love it. You can choose between English and Japanese. The finishing is really good (except for the bracelet, which looks a bit cheap).

The glass is fragile; I have a small scratch, even though I take care of it. The caliber itself... it drifts quite a bit, between 20 and 30 seconds per day. And there is no stop second on this 7S26 caliber. Furthermore, there is no manual winding, only automatic. It's one of my rare watches that I leave on the winder.

First Seiko

I bought this watch after a year of consideration. I passed by the Hic et Nunc boutique in Tarascon (13) in the summer of 2024 and spoke with the watchmaker, who is the only in-store Sturmanskie dealer in France.
This summer of 2025, I fell in love with this 42mm Gagarin.
I loved its cream-colored indexes and its background, which varied between black and charcoal gray (see Khaki). I love its Cyrillic inscriptions, and having lived in Russia, specifically in Kaluga, the story of Yuri Gagarin speaks to me deeply. I wanted to start my space watch collection with the first watch to leave Earth.

I'm very disappointed with the original strap. In terms of comfort and aesthetics, I'll change it for a black or brown patinated leather strap. I'll see.

I also love the engraved case back and the screw attachment on the four corners at the lugs.



My first watch having been in space

A quartz watch. Three hands. Plastic.
A watch I'm never afraid to wear.
As a side note: When I bought a box to store my early collection, I bought this watch to reach the amount so I wouldn't have to pay shipping. Less than €20. And I think it's pretty.
Like an Opinel that costs €10. I'm not afraid of damaging it. Of wearing it. Of losing it. Of having it stolen.
It's light. I think it's pretty. And I really enjoy wearing it.

The strap is inexpensive and incredibly comfortable against the skin.

The Opinel of the watch.

I've been collecting watches for less than a year, and the PRX is my first Swiss-made mechanical watch (I also have a few quartz Swatches).
I literally fell in love with the PRX and wanted to wait a few weeks or months before buying it, then the Goldorak version arrived. Nostalgia, when you hold us!
I searched for nostalgic adjectives, and it wasn't there.

Beyond the Goldorak aspect, which I'm putting aside, I fell in love with the PRX because of its geometric barrel shape with the round bezel that seems to go through the barrel.

Furthermore, I really like the links on this bracelet.

Basically, a sporty chic watch (as they say :) ) with a steel bracelet and blue dial, which is exactly what I wanted.

Delighted with the reliability and precision of this Powermatic 80. Nothing to complain about.

The Goldorak elements are just perfect in my opinion, not too much, not too little. The packaging is magical too!!! The only downside, I find the luminol... really insufficient, both on the hands and indexes, but also on the Goldorak itself.
Last point, as much as I like the strap, I'm not a fan of this clasp. It's pretty in my opinion, but in terms of wearing comfort, it's not extraordinary.

Overall, I love this watch. I already liked the PRX, but with this touch of GOLDORAK nostalgia, I'm a fan.

My first automatic Swiss watch

The Casio brand, founded in 1946 by Tadao Kashio in Tokyo, Japan, was a key player in the development and popularization of electronic watches. Although the company began producing calculators, it quickly identified the potential of electronic watches, launching its first model, the Casiotron, in 1974.
<h2 dir="ltr">History of the Casio brand</h2>
The Casiotron - relaunched in 2024 in an ultra-limited series, was revolutionary for its time, featuring an automatic calendar that recognized months at 31, 30 and 28 days. This was the beginning of Casio's long history of innovation in watches. One of Casio's most notable contributions to watchmaking is the series <a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/casio/g-shock">G-Shock</a>, launched in 1983. The G-Shock was designed to withstand shock and vibration, and it quickly became a benchmark for ruggedness and functionality.
Casio is one of the 3 flagship brands in the Japanese watch industry with<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/seiko"> Seiko</a> And<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/citizen"> Citizen</a>.
<h2 dir="ltr">What are Casio&rsquo;s iconic models?</h2>
Casio offers a wide range of watches, from rugged sports watches to stylish watches. Here are some of their most popular collections:
<h3 dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/casio/g-shock">Casio G-Shock</a></h3>
Launched in 1983 and celebrating its 50th anniversary, the Casio G-Shock is undoubtedly the brand's most emblematic model. Available in hundreds of versions from a few tens of euros to several thousand like the MRG range, the G-Shock is undoubtedly the watch that appeals to the greatest number of watch enthusiasts. And yes, we can almost say that all watch enthusiasts have a G-Shock in their collection! With an ultra-resistant case in resin, steel, titanium or other alloys, the G-Shock features a quartz movement, a mainly digital display, and complications such as chronograph, alarm, and perpetual calendar, the G-Shock is a watch designed for adventure and action accessible to all budgets!
<h3 dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/casio/edifice">Casio Edifice</a></h3>
This collection is geared towards style and functionality, with a stainless steel case, water resistance up to 10 ATM, steel bracelet, quartz movement, analog dial, and complications such as chronograph and date. Some models also include Bluetooth connectivity.
<h3 dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/casio/pro_trek">Casio Pro Trek</a></h3>
Perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, these watches offer a resin case, water resistance up to 100 meters, resin strap, quartz movement, digital dial, and complications such as compass, altimeter, barometer, and thermometer. The Pro Trek are true watches for adventurers looking for monitoring of their performance.
<h3 dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/casio/vintage">Casio Vintage</a></h3>
Inspired by retro designs, these watches feature a resin or steel case, water resistance up to 100 feet, a steel or resin bracelet, quartz movement, and a classic digital dial. They capture the essence of the 80s and 90s.
<h3 dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/casio/oceanus">Casio Oceanus</a></h3>
The Oceanus series represents the elite of Casio technology, offering a fusion of technology and elegance. The case is made of titanium, with water resistance up to 10 ATM, a titanium bracelet, a solar movement that uses Multi-Band 6 technology for automatic time synchronization, an analog dial with diamond indexes or in mother-of-pearl, and complications such as perpetual calendar, power reserve indicator, and world time display for certain models.
<h2 dir="ltr">Casio: The brand for all watch lovers</h2>
Casio has managed to combine innovation, style and accessibility. Whether you're an athlete, adventurer, fashion enthusiast, or simply looking for a reliable everyday watch, Casio has something to offer. The Casio website offers a wealth of information on their watches, and owners' reviews on Dialicious can guide you in your choice.
In summary, Casio is a brand that has brought true innovations to watchmaking, offering a range of watches that meet different needs and preferences. With its reputation for quality and durability, Casio continues to be a popular choice for those looking for a watch that is both functional and affordable.
Check out the <a href="https://preprod.dialicious.com/en/top/the_best_japanese_watch_brands">Ranking of the best japanese watch brands</a>, including Casio.
(Updated July 2023)
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I was looking for a reliable and precise watch for everyday life but also to go into the water without stressing. Not being 20 years old anymore, my priority is the reading quality. The watch is large, 44 mm, white hands on a black background, the contrast offers perfect reading. I like it first because for me it is above all a reliable tool. This Casio has a great reputation, its quartz movement is precise and robust, I don't worry about winding it, I'm not afraid that it will stop or go out of adjustment. I can go anywhere and do anything, I have confidence. I bought it with the steel bracelet so I can wear it in any circumstances, city or adventure. A few seconds in front of a light bulb and the lume will be readable in the dark after 6 hours of sleep, weak, but very readable. It is elegant and without frills, that's what I like. In short, a steel diver that goes to 200 meters, which is very beautiful and reliable and which also costs less than 100 euros, I am really impressed. I have a few watches and I particularly like this one. Thank you Casio.

Charming diver

What a surprise it was to discover this unpretentious little Casio, so far from the Grand Seiko finishes, but for less than €60 it holds its own against many more expensive models. 
The Quartz movement is precise, the fluted bezel is very effective and this blue dial is very beautiful, it is also sunrayed. 
It is a watch that goes everywhere that you can happily wear a few n daily without fear.

A nice surprise

The Casio Duro Marlin is a great watch that accompanies me every day in all my sporting activities thanks to its robustness and its 20 ATM water resistance (screw-down crown). Perfect for swimming or cycling. The Casio is robust with its generous 45 mm diameter but easily portable thanks to its rounded horns. The alignments are perfectly done and the quartz movement is very robust. This daily is not lacking in pep thanks to its pretty black sunray dial, its marlin design with a date window and a pretty red second hand. I can only recommend this Duro Marlin available at a price of 60 euros. It has an important place in my collection.

Casio MDV-106

(Casio W-753) I have been wearing this watch for about fifteen years. It is incredibly solid! It is a little dented and the plastic has yellowed but it still works perfectly despite everything it has been through! The main advantage of this watch is the tide gauge which is very useful when you live by the sea like me! It also has countless other functions (moon phases, compass, chrono, countdown, GMT, several alarms, etc.). Setting the tide gauge is quite tedious but you can easily find tutorials on the internet. A real Swiss army knife, uh... Japanese!

She does everything! except vacuuming....

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)

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