This is the one that was my second automatic watch and that was given to me by a friend in 2014. This Vostock has everything to please me, the fact that it is a watch that goes everywhere and is unrecognizable but also its very sporty look. Basically it is mounted on a rubber strap but having broken the latter and not being able to find another one or even an adaptable one because of its unique lug width, I managed with the help of a seamstress to adapt a nato strap to it and I must say that it suits it wonderfully while I was afraid that it would not match. Anyway, here is a very simple watch with a light gray sunray dial with the most beautiful effect and that we do not see often, if ever.

the dial, the bracelet and finally this octagonal faceted hardlex glass, it is a little marvel of the 70s powered by a caliber rotating at 4hz, at the same time original, sporty, discreet (38mm) but above all elegant, this watch represents for me what Seiko did best during the quartz crisis

Tactical Frog seems to have emerged in the early 2020s somewhere in China as a sub-brand of Heimdallr. Their main signature: solid and functional watches, with a design often inspired (or even copied) from iconic models (in my case, the Tudor FXD), but at a much more accessible price than established brands. My opinion and those of the other reviews on this site concerning this model converge: it's a real "banger" for its price! Certainly, it has no legitimacy, but for those who cannot afford the original Tudor, it's a very accessible good deal (less than 200 euros, or even less). What strikes you right away is its lightness due to titanium. The movement is the Seiko NH35, a real tractor (drift of 4 seconds per day on my copy), whose real flaw is the incompatibility with a thin watch. Note the dial's darker blue than the bezel, which itself is bidirectional but with very weak clicks (often due to the titanium). The lume is very good, and of course, it's sapphire crystal. I enjoy wearing this watch, which easily blends in, with its inspired look and high-quality craftsmanship. I appreciate its 42 mm diameter, which I think is ideal for a diver. The chrono version might be worth a look.

A pre-owned Speedmaster acquired after a long search. For me, it represents the best of both worlds: a sapphire crystal dial revealing the bronze-toned caliber 863, and the warmth of hesalite for the classic upper dial. Dating from 1995, it is remarkably precise and boasts a natural patina that's pleasing to the eye. A tool watch, I wear it regularly without treating it like jewelry or a collector's item. Its 1479 bracelet is easily adjustable and remains comfortable even after several hours on the wrist. A model I enjoy wearing with a t-shirt, an Oxford shirt, or a black wool sweater. Lastly, its magnificent caliber 863 is a good introduction when I talk about my passion for watches. This transparency allows me to explain how a manual mechanism works. Eyes light up at the complexity of the workings, and questions are sure to arise. Perfect for satisfying curiosity and going beyond price or brand.

Hong Kong-based watch brand UNDONE was founded in 2014 by Michael Young. Despite its affordable price points, UNDONE uses high-quality materials like stainless steel and sapphire crystal, and many models draw inspiration from classic watch designs throughout history. Looking for a Type 20 chronograph for a few hundred euros (an Auricoste was therefore out of the question), I was torn between a lovely Baltany model equipped with a meca-quartz movement and a Landeron model equipped with a Seagull mechanical movement. In the end, I settled on the Urban Chronograph model, which made Undone so successful. The Classic version is the closest to the legendary Breguet Type XX military, and the 41.5 mm diameter is ideal for my large wrist. I was lucky enough to come across a model with a transparent case back (Undone allowing advanced customizations), which is very rare for a quartz watch. This Type XX therefore offers a hybrid quartz-mechanical Seiko VK64 movement, which gives it precision, reliability and the aesthetic pleasure of the chronograph seconds hand. I love the look. One could criticize it for the presence of a solely mineral glass and the lack of inscriptions on the bezel and the flyback inscription on the dial (available for customization) but I prefer this less busy side and this domed mineral glass giving a vintage look to my taste. In addition, I would have preferred a small seconds sub-dial rather than a 24-hour one. Frankly, for 300 euros, the pleasure this chronograph brings me is incredible. Yes, its look is borrowed, but it made me want to acquire a more legitimate Auricoste for example.

I present to you my Seiko SKX007 a watch that I acquired a long time ago, this watch was put on the market by the Japanese manufacturer Seiko in 1996 and they withdrew it from sale in 2019. It is a real diver that has proven itself because it is a real tool watch it has the automatic movement 7S26 a caliber renowned for its reliability and robustness it is one of the watches that has been the best-selling by the Tokyo brand, with a special strap to go on the diving suit branded Seiko and the crown is screwed, in the same segment the watch that rivals it is the Citizen NY0040 that I also own because I love divers and this Seiko SKX is legendary and I will never part with it, it has a typical wave bracelet stamped Seiko and which reproduces the bottom of the watch case its diameter is 42mm.

This watch simply wasn't on my agenda. As an Apple Watch wearer, having abandoned mechanical watches for several years due to repeated issues with unfortunate breakages, this watch caught my eye while visiting a friend's shop, and I had no choice but to take it home! It was a new starting point for a passion that had never really left me... Excellent value for money when it first came out, and the deep blue of the dial delighted me for a while. Today, I no longer wear it because I've discovered models with superior finishes. In any case, I have no regrets; this watch allowed me to restart on a budget with a model that's versatile enough to withstand my daily wear. Some people won't like its unidirectional self-winding Miyota caliber which lets the oscillating weight spin in the air like a top, for me it's the opposite, it's the only thing I miss with my higher quality watches today, I've always liked to feel the mechanical life on my wrist (I started with a Valjoux 7750 as a teenager...)

Hanhart Aquasphere FreeFall Blue (ref: 772.270-6428): This is the first diver's watch to be presented by the German brand since its creation in 1882 at the end of 2024. It measures 42mm with a 49mm lug width and a thickness of 12.95mm. It is water-resistant to 300m and equipped with a helium escape valve. It is powered by a Sellita SW200-1 automatic movement. As a diver's enthusiast, I wanted to add a model from a German brand to my collection. During my research, this model immediately appealed to me thanks to its matte blue dial and sharp typography (reminiscent of the Ball Engineers). The hands are well differentiated and long, making it easy to read the time. The 60-click ceramic bezel is very smooth and pleasant to use. Additionally, the red line on the bezel chamfer at 12 o'clock refers to the history of the colored pushers on Hanhart aviators' chronographs during World War II. The satin-finished case is also well-crafted, with the distinctive hollowed-out sides and drooping lugs, providing excellent wearer comfort (inspired by the Primus model). On the other hand, the screw-down caseback leaves me a little more perplexed... While I find the engraving depicting a seabed with coral and small fish very well done, it doesn't match the sleek and aggressive character of this diver's watch (a bit like an old pirate with flamingo tattoos...). I would have preferred a more aggressive engraving, like a submarine, a torpedo, or a battleship, to remain in keeping with Hanhart's military DNA... The steel bracelet is equipped with flash springs and a diving extension with a very high-quality folding clasp. Finally, the clasp proudly displays a "HANHART" engraving. Regarding the precision of this Sellita SW200-1, I tested it in 6 positions with an excellent average of +3 seconds/day. Hanhart is a manufacturer over a century old with a rich historical reputation, but thanks to this entry into the world of diving watches, it hopes to write a new chapter in its watchmaking adventure and look to the future. For now, I am very satisfied with my Aquasphere, which is overall very successful because it retains all the hallmarks of a classic diver's watch while incorporating its own identity (hollowed sides, red line, "Deutsche Qualität"). It seems to have been a success, as this first edition is now sold out. I think Hanhart will continue to surprise us by hopefully introducing new dial colors and, of course, a chronograph version... To be continued!

In my quest for the ultimate watch, one that would tick all my boxes, I set out to buy this beautiful GS. I'd never spent such a fortune on a watch before. I was speechless at the exquisite workmanship, whether on the case, the indexes, the hands, or the caseback... A year later, I still take it off my wrist to play with the light. Its dial changes from deep black to a slightly sunburst blue; it's almost frustrating that it isn't a little more so. Insanely legible day and night, with very powerful and high-quality Lum on the hands (including the GMT) and the cardinal points. When worn, it remains present, which is what I like. With its 20 ATM resistance, the minimum for me, its thickness remains reasonable, and the feel on the wrist is, as always, well-designed with GS. What was supposed to become my everyday watch has finally taken the place of the watch I wear when I'm not working. Indeed, my job as a sound technician requires me to handle a lot of equipment, and... at the first knock on the bezel, I rethought my decision, telling myself that it wasn't ultimately reasonable to unnecessarily expose this beautiful watch with such fine finishes to handling that might shock or scratch it a little too often for my liking... I also remain impressed by this in-house caliber (9S66), which is incredibly precise. I'm on average within +1 second/day regardless of the outside temperature, my activity, whether I'm wearing it or not...

You leave home and realize that none of your watches are wound and they're not on time. You're in a hurry. This Casio is ideal because as long as it has a battery, it will keep time. Plus, I find it very elegant for a digital watch. It will go with any of your outfits, whether you're dressed more formally or sportier, it will look great. A very low price for a versatile watch.