Iconic watch art prints. Made in Switzerland, lifetime guarantee

The must-have Macro Loupe for all watch lovers

One day, I will have it as a famous ad says! 
While browsing the aisles of the Besançon watch fair during the 24 Heures du Temps, I came across it, or rather, it got its hands on it ;-) For a few years, I had been looking for the strap for this model - in quartz version and white dial - and I hit the jackpot with this one... Self-winding caliber derived from the ETA 2824, tritium index that is starting to turn gold... all that with the original case and additional links... 

What more could you ask for? 

We can always quibble about the fact that 3 indexes (3, 4, 5) are broken and that the bezel is in its original condition... But that is exactly what I am looking for, a watch in its original condition - but not too much - and which has been eating away at my brain for years! The budget is certainly modest and Chrono24 presents them around €1,000. This is where, if you take the trouble, you can find cheaper and above all have a completely unexpected shopping experience... It's quite a story to buy a vintage watch.

What I like above all is its look, its line of purity, even simplicity, very 80s. The dial perfectly matches this clean aesthetic, almost brutal but whose curves make it feminine...

So, Porsche Design, it's not a Porsche, but is it a "real" watch? Let's look at the lineage of Porsche Design since its beginnings in the 70s, Porsche Design by Orfina, by IWC, by Eterna... so many monuments of the watchmaking industry at the service of a car manufacturer at the top of its art today but which was just as moribund as these Swiss brands at the same time!

The historical dimension undoubtedly weighs in my interest for this watch which combines interest in watches and cars... I could see myself driving a 928S MK1 with this Porsche Design... A waking dream for a completely different budget ;-)

Porsche Design by Eterna in the look of Porsche Front Engine

I bought this watch - reference 15300 - in 2016 to celebrate an important moment in my personal life. It was an eternity ago now as the watch market has evolved towards speculation. At that time the choice for this model was not so obvious given its high price (very relative compared to current prices) and the few watches manufactured.

Was it already a legendary model? I am not so sure. This watch symbolizes risk-taking in terms of design, whether it is watchmaking or not. It sparkles with a thousand facets and presents with its open case back a view of an Audemars Piguet manufacture movement reference 3120 with very neat finishes... in any case more neat than most - if not all - of the other watches in my collection.

Is this the most important watch in my collection? If we look at the range, we are clearly in the Haute Horlogerie segment... even though everyone can put what they want into it. From an emotional point of view, it is undoubtedly a very important watch but ultimately no more than the one I had when I was 30 or 40, for example. From a heritage point of view, it is by far the most important because it is valued at stratospheric prices. The moral is that it is a watch that I rarely wear and that spends most of its time in the safe, hidden from view. It is sad but it is only a matter of time before reason takes over so that I can enjoy it more often.

A symbolic model in many ways

This Glashütte Original holds a special place in my collection. It is the only model that holds its own against the Royal Oak in terms of caliber finish. The plate, bridges, and decorations of the oscillating weight are exceptional and probably superior - in my opinion - to that of the open case back of my Royal Oak 15300.

I bought it at auction without having tried it on at exceptional price conditions! I took care to have it serviced at the brand's boutique in Paris where my contacts had identified that it was going to be auctioned. A great start to my relationship with the brand that allowed me - a priori - to obtain a certificate of authenticity in good and due form.

Paradoxically, this is a watch that I rarely wear because it is a tad too big and does not sit well on my wrist! Am I deformed ;-) Surely not, but that's how it is... but as I don't sell watches, it has remained in my collection, to my great delight as an irrational enthusiast.

A caliber with exceptional finishes

It was with this TAG Heuer 6000 Series that I entered the wonderful world of mechanical watchmaking, on the occasion of my 30th birthday... It is one of the watches - if not the watch - the most important in my collection. In more than 20 years, I have loved it, adored it, hated it, abandoned it, to always find it again with immense happiness. Perfect size in 38mm, not ostentatious, no longer manufactured, symbol of an era when TAG Heuer had not yet been bought by LVMH. Even if I am not that much of a fan of new watches, TAG Heuer is one of the rare brands that I follow regularly on the occasion of the annual novelties. It is surely this one that gave me the taste for steel watches with very worked bracelets and different from the great classics of the market. Regarding its caliber, it is surely an ETA 2892 already very present at the time. Note that this version is COSC certified and interestingly, the same model exists without this certification!

The watch that started it all

I was lucky enough to be given this Zenith Elite HW for my 40th birthday… With Zenith, it’s a long story that began 10 years earlier when I was looking for a watch for my 30th birthday – ultimately the TAG Heuer Séries 6000 Chronometer which will surely be presented on this platform instead of a Zenith El Primero Rainbow –

I came across an ad for 800 euros for this ultra-classic Calatrava-type watch… I was hooked by the brand and then little by little by the model… We met up with the seller at the bottom of his office on the Avenue de la Grande Armée in Paris and we did a deal… I had just been bitten by vintage… But it was another passion that fell on me. And yes, my brother was going to give me a custom-made crocodile strap that would make me fall into leather goods!

Long story short, this Zenith has become over time my watch for major events. Ultra-flat and discreet, it’s a perfect combo for this kind of event… but I almost always wear it with its homemade red crocodile strap!

The beginning of another passion

What I like about Omega is diversity and the improbable! What is the connection between this Genève, a PLOPROF or a Seamaster Diver 300M? None! And yes, that's the beauty of Omegas from the 70s that go in all directions.

This watch is reference 198.0030 (198 meaning in particular that it is an electronic caliber in any case not mechanical). Omega has done everything in terms of movement and in this case it is the caliber 1310 working with a battery. The originality is the presence on the side of two small buttons allowing to advance the date or the day of the week and to move the minute hand. It is interesting to understand and use these buttons for the historical dimension but in terms of use it is quite fragile and not very practical!

Its look is great even if the case is a little damaged. I put a firecracker red strap on it to give it some pep and match the Omega logo presented in an original way at noon. The buckle is not original either but aftermarket probably made in Asia.

Morality, what is the point of having such a watch? I like Omega in its diversity and I am attached to understanding and identifying all the types of electronic calibers that accompanied the watch industry during its transition from exclusively mechanical movements to electronic precision. The 15 years from 1965 to 1980 were fantastic in creativity to try to resist the quartz ogre that will have swept almost everything away.

But let's not be mistaken, the watchmaking that we love today is also the fruit of the creative destruction of Quartz 👍

Another Omega Geneva, much more confidential

The French watch brand LIP is an emblematic figure of the watch industry, recognized for his innovation, his avant-garde design and his history rich in twists and turns. Founded in 1867 in Besan&ccedil;on, LIP has gone through periods of glory, economic challenges and social struggles, while leaving an indelible mark in the history of French watchmaking.
<h2 dir="ltr">The Beginnings: Foundation and Expansion (1867-1930)</h2>
The history of LIP begins in 1867 when Emmanuel Lipmann founded a small watchmaking workshop in Besan&ccedil;on, the French capital of watchmaking. Initially named "Comptoir Lipmann", the workshop specializes in the manufacture of high quality pocket watches. In 1893, the company became the "Soci&eacute;t&eacute; Anonyme d'Horlogerie Lipmann Fr&egrave;res" and adopted the brand LIP, acronym of the founder's initials.
At the beginning of the 20th century, LIP stood out for its technical and aesthetic innovations. In 1904, the brand introduced the "Lip" pocket chronometer, which met with notable success. LIP is quickly positioning itself as a major player in French watchmaking, combining precision and elegance in its creations.
<h2 dir="ltr">The Age of Innovation: The 1930s-1950s</h2>
Under the direction of Fred Lip, son of Ernest Lipmann, LIP enters a period of intense innovation. In 1933, the brand launched the model <a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/lip/t18">Lip T18</a>, a rectangular wristwatch equipped with a high-precision movement. This model became emblematic and was offered in 1948 to Winston Churchill in recognition of his role during the Second World War.
In the 1950s, LIP continued to innovate by introducing&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/lip/electronic">Lip Electronic</a> in 1952, the first French electronic watch. This model uses a quartz crystal to keep time, constituting a significant advancement in watchmaking technology. Lip offered at this time the first models&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/lip/himalaya">Lip Himalaya</a> which still remain in the catalog today.
<h2 dir="ltr">The 1960s: Expansion and Avant-Garde Design</h2>
The 1960s marked a period of expansion for LIP like the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/lip/nautic-ski">Lip Nautic-Ski</a> presented during the Grenoble Olympic Games in 1968. It was also the beginning of collaborations with renowned designers to create watches with innovative designs. In 1967, the brand called on Roger Tallon, famous industrial designer, to design the collection&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/lip/mach_2000">Lip Mach 2000</a>. These watches are distinguished by their futuristic aesthetic and their bold shapes, breaking with traditional watchmaking codes.
At the same time, LIP develops watches intended for specific uses, notably for pilots and divers, thus strengthening its reputation as a manufacturer of technical and reliable watches.
<h2 dir="ltr">The 1970s: Crisis and Social Struggles</h2>
Despite its successes, LIP faced financial difficulties at the end of the 1960s, exacerbated by international competition and changes in the watch market. In 1973, the company was placed in liquidation, triggering a series of strikes and factory occupations by workers. This social movement, known as "LIP Conflict", became emblematic of workers' struggles in France and attracted national media attention.
The employees, led by the trade unionist Charles Piaget, took control of production and continued to manufacture and sell watches under the slogan "It's possible: we make, we sell, we get paid!". This experiment in self-management aroused broad popular support and symbolized workers' resistance to factory closures.
<h2 dir="ltr">The 1980s-1990s: Relaunch Attempts and Changes in Ownership</h2>
After the liquidation of LIP in 1977, several attempts at revival were undertaken. In 1984, the brand was bought by the "Kipl&eacute;" company, but this initiative failed, leading to another liquidation in 1986. In 1990, the businessman Jean-Claude Sensemat acquired the brand and successfully relaunched production, relying on modern marketing methods and reissuing iconic models. Under his leadership, LIP experienced a renaissance and achieved significant sales.
<h2 dir="ltr">The 2000s: Renewal and Modernization</h2>
In 2002, Jean-Claude Sensemat signed a worldwide licensing contract with Jean-Luc Bernerd, who created the Manufacture G&eacute;n&eacute;rale Horlog&egrave;re in Lectoure, in the Gers region, to produce LIP watches. This collaboration makes it possible to modernize the collections while respecting the brand's heritage. LIP continues to offer reissues of historic models, while introducing new creations adapted to contemporary tastes.
<h2 dir="ltr">The 2010s: Back to Basics and Sustainable Development</h2>
In 2015, the brand was bought by the "Soci&eacute;t&eacute; des Montres Bisontines" (SMB), based in Ch&acirc;tillon-le-Duc, near Besan&ccedil;on, France. This return to geographical sources marks a new stage in the history of LIP, which strengthens its local roots and its commitment to sustainable development. Production is relocated to France, and the brand strives to promote French watchmaking know-how. LIP continues to offer its emblematic collections which have marked its history, seeking to meet the expectations of modern consumers.
Check out the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/top/the_best_french_watch_brands">Ranking of the most popular French watch brands</a>, including LIP.
(Updated November 2024)

When you love LIP and especially its innovations in the field of electronic watches, you can only be charmed by this one. The dial is simply fantastic. Blue sparkling with a thousand shades and especially indexes with a very 70s typography while taking from the so-called "Breguet" indexes popularized by the famous manufacturer. Very often at that time, the indexes were prominent, with a very characteristic depth. We will also note the deterioration of the small tritium studs which are starting to damage the dial. I am not a big fan of the case with its very small lugs, even if they are original. It is not impossible that the case is not the original one while being from Lip. This is typically a purely emotional collector's watch that I wear little or not at all, but which brings me a lot...

Applied 70s "à la Breguet" indexes

For people of my generation Lip was the equivalent of Omega, Tissot, Breitling etc. This Lip Electronic represents an innovation and the pronounced taste of this brand to be precursors in the field of watchmaking. My model has a rather rare dial because the 4 indexes are represented by a lightning bolt. The quality of Lip proves that after more than 60 years this watch still works very well.

A great story…at a low price

A gift from my darling. I find it so chic with the minute lines as long as the rays of the sun. “Seventies chic” look: TV screen surrounded by black, brushed steel background on dial and flat bracelet in brushed steel as well: I like that it is more masculine than feminine. I have never seen it on anyone else, I obviously like to think that it is rare... And so many compliments on this watch! I have only worn it for a while now... I don't know what could dislodge it!?

A STYLISH AND UNIQUE DIAL TV WATCH

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)

Lip Electronic Owner Review : Innovative, interesting and endearing

Applied 70s "à la Breguet" indexes

Where to buy your Lip?

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Lip Electronic Owner Review : Innovative, interesting and endearing

Applied 70s "à la Breguet" indexes

Where to buy your Lip?

YOU ARE :

Other reviews published by Marius06

Porsche Design

Audemars PiguetRoyal Oak

Glashütte OriginalSenator Sixties Square Chronograph

TAG Heuer6000 Series

ZenithElite HW

Customize your Lip with our selection of accessories:

Iconic Switzerland

Eagle Eye Watches

Audemars Piguet
Royal Oak

Glashütte Original
Senator Sixties Square Chronograph

TAG Heuer
6000 Series

Zenith
Elite HW