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The must-have Macro Loupe for all watch lovers

I didn't have a GMT watch in my collection, and I must admit I'd been thinking about it for a while. With a limited budget of between €3,000 and €3,500 maximum, my options were limited. I initially considered the 39mm Longines Spirit Zulu. However, I asked my authorized dealer to let me try on the HydroConquest GMT and a Seiko GMT. As a fan of dive watches, the HydroConquest GMT immediately appealed to me. First, its 41mm diameter sits well on my wrist, which is only 16.5cm, and its bracelet, with its tool-free fine adjustment, is incredibly easy to adjust, especially since it features half links, making it very simple to find the right fit for comfortable wear. Its sunburst olive dial catches the light beautifully, allowing for varying shades of light and dark. The gold hour markers complement the dial perfectly. Incidentally, I noticed that the date disc matches the dial color, and the date numerals match the hour markers—a very pleasing detail. Its ceramic bezel ensures scratch resistance. The case is entirely brushed, reinforcing the watch's tool-like appearance. The GMT function is indicated on a disc outside the dial, as the bezel is graduated for dive time counting. Speaking of which, its movement is a true GMT. This means that only the local time can be adjusted without affecting the minute hand. Water-resistant to 300 meters, with a GMT function and a mesmerizing dial that exudes elegance, this watch is capable of shining in the evening, at the beach, while traveling, and is even suitable for diving. This Longines is truly versatile...

Longines Hydroconquest GMT 

I'm driving my Formula Ford. I arrive at the entrance to the steep slope on the Spa circuit, a quick glance at my Oris ChronOris to know the time I have left before victory ✌️...

I raise my head... hard return to reality, I'm at the office and I still have 2 hours of work left. The only consolation is that my Oris chronOris is uncompromising on the time. Its sw200-1 caliber is no joke. To pass the time, I can always look at its orange second hand reminiscent of the needle of speedometers from the 70s/80s. Unless I linger on its black dial, smooth at its ends like the track, or with the central graining that evokes asphalt. The brushed case typical of the seventies, with its polished sides, serves as a rearview mirror, I can see who is coming behind me.... ola it's my boss... At work, but first, let's wash our hands. Damn, I drowned my Oris ChronOris under the tap, phew, luckily it is water-resistant to 100m. The golden hour and minute hand indicates to me on a well-graduated railway that it is almost time to leave. This ChronOris is definitely at home everywhere. On the track, at the office or on the weekend...

You will have understood, this watch inspires reverie and an era made of beautiful human conquests.... Small specificity, it is the Movember model, an association working in the field of men's health...

1970 Oris ChronOris 

The Tudor Ranger is a historic model. Inspired by the Tudor Oyster Prince that equipped the members of the British North Greenland Expedition that took place from 1952 to 1954. Tudor showed its know-how and robustness during this expedition. The Ranger is therefore the descendant of the one that was created in 1964, I think. The Ranger is simple, extremely readable, a single glance is enough to read the time. I like this tool watch side that inspires solidity. I also appreciate the cream-colored indexes that give it a very vintage look. This is what I like most about this dial. The hands are well proportioned with a hint of red at the end of the second hand. It adds a bit of color. The satin brushed finish of the case and bracelet is really very well executed. The fine adjustment of the bracelet is also a real plus and its clasp is well finished. The Ranger caliber offers 70 hours of power reserve. It is also a real plus even if for me it is not a subject. Conclusion, for those looking for a reliable, simple watch that exudes quality, the Ranger is made for them...

Field watch

First of all, a little feedback on the context of the purchase of this watch. It's 2020, the French are confined, so I spend time in front of my computer looking at watches. And the more you look, the more you want...

So, I set myself a budget of around €600 to €700 at the time. I also wanted a diver. My choice was oriented towards the Tissot seastar 1000. Tissot being a brand that has nothing more to prove in the world of watchmaking.

The first thing I saw was its sunray blue dial which catches the light incredibly. Then I appreciated its applied indexes which give it a qualitative side. Concerning the flange, it is made of plastic and that spoils a little the "beautiful watch" side. Concerning the case, it is 43mm and the polished horns make it a shiny watch, especially with its very visible dial and its ceramic bezel. It's also big! Especially since I don't have a big wrist. On the plus side, the case back is open and protected by a sapphire crystal. Surprising for a watch that is water-resistant to 300m. 

The caliber delivers 80 hours of power reserve, and I find it precise, barely 2 seconds per day of drift. It's really good in its price range. 

Not much to say about the rubber strap I chose. It's comfortable, nothing more with a pin buckle. 

Conclusion, I bought this watch without having seen it and tried it. It has qualities, such as its water-resistance to 300m, its open case back, its magnificent dial, its resistant ceramic bezel and its reliable, precise, enduring caliber. But it also has flaws that I hadn't necessarily assessed when I bought it. Its large diameter that does not suit everyone as well as its polished horns and its ceramic bezel (we have the defect of its qualities) which make it shine and make it sensitive to scratches. In my humble opinion, try before buying...

The Big Blue

As a fan of diving watches, I wanted a watch brand recognized in the diving watch world. Especially since it was to mark my 50th birthday. Having equipped the French Navy, Tudor corresponded to my specifications. I opted for the BB58 because it was more versatile than the Pelagos. The Navy represents the Tudor spirit more than the Gilt with its "Tudor blue" color. In my opinion, it gives it more personality. The finish seems to me to be very well made with its polished chamfers which give it a classy side. As for the movement, the MT 5402 with its 70h RDM, perfectly meets my expectations, COSC, it is very precise. It is a watch that I trust. The only downside is that the bracelet would deserve a fine adjustment. This BB58 won me over...

If there was only one left...

Looking for a watch with a military past, I looked for a model with a heritage. Many brands met my criteria. Unfortunately, the historical models were out of my budget. That's when I discovered Auricoste and particularly the Spirotechnique. The military past of this brand spoke to me. The multiple partnerships with French and foreign military authorities seduced me. Not to mention the fabulous history of the Spirotechnique which worked to make diving accessible.

The Spirotechnique is a diving watch, waterproof to 300m. For me it represents a perfect tribute to the original that equipped the French Navy. Its 42 mm "aircraft carrier" shaped case with its fully brushed crown at 4 o'clock affirms a certain solidity. The matte black dial is really made to have the best readability and the white painted indexes make the task easier. Finally, the good-sized hands are perfectly adapted.

The only flaw I noticed was a bit of play in the rotating bezel, but nothing prohibitive. The detail I love is easy....The Spirotechnique logo on the dial.

The Heiress

<p dir="ltr">The <strong>Seiko </strong>brand, founded in <strong>1881</strong> by Kintaro Hattori in the Ginza district of Tokyo, has become one of the most influential and respected watch companies in the world. Since the opening of its first store, Seiko has continued a path of constant growth and innovation.</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">History of the Seiko brand</h2>
<p dir="ltr">The year 1924 marked the first watch produced under the Seiko brand. The company continued to develop new technologies, and in 1956 it released the first self-winding wristwatch made in Japan. The real game-changer came in 1969 with the introduction of the Seiko Astron, the world's first quartz watch. This innovation not only changed the direction of Seiko but also revolutionized the entire watch industry.</p>
<p dir="ltr">During the 1970s and 1980s, Seiko solidified its reputation as a technological leader with the development of solar-powered watches and the introduction of professional divers' watches. In 2005, Seiko presented the Spring Drive, a unique movement combining the strength of mechanical watchmaking and the precision of quartz.</p>
<p dir="ltr">In recent years, Seiko has continued to innovate by creating eco-friendly watches and supporting various environmental initiatives. The brand is known for its commitment to quality, precision and sophisticated design.</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">What are Seiko&rsquo;s iconic models?</h2>
<h3 dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/seiko/prospex">Seiko Prospex</a></h3>
<p dir="ltr">This collection is dedicated to those who seek adventure, whether underwater, on land or in the air. The Prospex offers solid cases, water resistance up to 200 meters, steel or silicone bracelets, and automatic or solar movement. These watches are often associated with professional divers and adventurers.</p>
<h3 dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/seiko/presage">Seiko Presage</a></h3>
<p dir="ltr">Bringing together the best of traditional Japanese watchmaking and modern design, the Presage offers stainless steel cases, leather straps, automatic movement, and exquisite dials. The collection is appreciated for its elegance and style.</p>
<h3 dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/seiko/astron">Seiko Astron</a></h3>
<p dir="ltr">This iconic collection represents Seiko innovation. With titanium or stainless steel cases, water resistance up to 100 meters, metal bracelets, solar quartz movement with GPS, the Astron continues to be at the cutting edge of technology.</p>
<h3 dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/seiko/5_sports">Seiko 5 Sports</a></h3>
<p dir="ltr">The Seiko 5 Sports collection is a symbol of youth and dynamism. With steel cases, water resistance up to 100 meters, steel or fabric straps, and automatic movement, it is designed for the active lifestyle.</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">How much does a Seiko watch cost?</h2>
<p dir="ltr">The prices of new Seiko watches change regularly and vary depending on the model. <strong>Most cost between &euro;500 and &euro;1,000 depending on the finishes</strong>. Price differences can be significant between the brand's different collections. For example, the price of a Seiko 5 fluctuates between &euro;200 and &euro;400 and the Seiko Prospex between &euro;300 and &euro;2,500. Prices also fluctuate depending on the distributor, and promotions sometimes allow you to benefit from a more competitive price. <strong>The second-hand market is also an opportunity</strong> to look at to buy a cheaper Seiko.</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">Seiko: An essential brand for starting out in watchmaking</h2>
<p dir="ltr">Seiko is a brand that has charted its path through over a century of innovation and excellence. Its main models reflect a diverse range that <strong>meets the needs of sportsmen, divers, luxury enthusiasts</strong> and fashionable young people. Seiko's positioning in the watch landscape is unique, offering high quality watches at different price points, and remaining at the forefront of technology and design.</p>
<p dir="ltr">To find out more about these models, the brand's website is a useful information resource. Furthermore, the <strong>Dialicious owners' reviews </strong>are essential to making the right choice from this historic brand. Choosing a Seiko watch is more than a purchase; it&rsquo;s an investment in a piece of Japanese watchmaking history that continues to shape the future. Some may prefer <a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/grand_seiko">Grand Seiko</a> but this is another journey...</p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Check out the <a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/top/the_best_japanese_watch_brands">Ranking of the best japanese watch brands</a>, including Seiko.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr">(Updated November 2023)</p>

A modern reinterpretation of Seiko's first diving watch, the SPB 147J1 must take up the challenge of being worthy of its ancestor.
I am not disappointed by its qualities. Its case with its polished chamfers, its lug tops and its brushed sides allow you to play with the light. In addition, it has an anti-scratch treatment which allows it to adapt to many situations.
Its sunray dial, sometimes chocolate, sometimes black depending on the exposure, is a success in my opinion. In addition, the gold hands give it a very classy look.
The silicone strap quickly gets dusty but it is very comfortable. It can be changed easily because the case has pierced lugs.
The 6R35 caliber offers 70 hours of power reserve, and its precision remains acceptable. I noticed a loss of 5 seconds per day. It really doesn't bother me. It's part of the pleasure of setting it back to the right time once a week and even then...

In conclusion, I find that it's a versatile watch that can accompany my cocktail evenings or my sports outings at sea or on land. It has become essential for me.

SPB147J1

The iconic Captain Willard! I love the story of this watch, seen in the film Apocalypse Now on the wrist of Captain WILLARD but especially also worn by the Japanese explorer Ueshimura! Its textured and sunburst gray dial is superb, I also really like the color of the indexes and its magnificent hands. And the shape of the case is unique and recognizable at first glance... The Nato Straps provided are exceptional with their Seichu braiding. In a word, a watch made for adventure and so endearing!

An adventurer!!!

My Seiko Prospex
Mini-Turtle SRPC39K1 42mm...I really like this Seiko mini turtle with a smaller diameter than the turtle from the same manufacturer, my model is no longer made but it is still possible to find a new green or black model on online sites in Japan. The watch has a sapphire crystal.

Ma Seiko Mini Turtle

The SEIKO Prospex special (but not limited) Save the Ocean edition blew me away when they were released in June 2022. The 3 models, respectively tributes to the SEIKO divers from 1965 (the famous 62MAS), 1968 (the first SEIKO operating at 5 Hz and water-resistant to 300 m) and 1970 (the famous turtle) feature sumptuous textured dials, each evoking a different shade of the ice of our poles, from deep blue to white, including sky blue. After trying them on, the hardest part for me was choosing. But as the saying goes that when you love, you don't count, I finally find myself owning all three... ;-) The choice was too difficult and they all had to be on my wrist. On this model (SPB299J1), it is still the 6R35 movement, which has a good autonomy of 70 hours, and good precision. As easy to wear as its little sister (SPB297J1), it nevertheless stands out with its sky blue textured dial of the most beautiful effect, its "pie server" second hand and its crown at 4 o'clock. I like almost everything on this watch, I really don't have much to reproach it for. Some will say or think that for the price of the three, I could have had a TUDOR. I tell myself that for the price of a TUDOR, I had three watches that I love... 😂

Save the glaciers

Seiko has managed to tick most of the boxes with this GMT: beautiful proportions with case work that highlights the watch, impeccable finishes (with anti-scratch treatment of the steel), perfect wearing comfort and a real upgrade of the bracelet (consistent with the positioning).

I had spotted this watch when it came out, which had caught my eye: for once a diver that mixes classic codes while keeping a spirit of elegance and, while remaining in Seiko codes, a form of modernity compared to the essentials of the brand.

This watch contains many small details that for me avoid falling into the pitfall of market references: without comparing it with the Submariner (factor 5 on the price), I always found the latter too bland (black, black and black ...), the same for the Pelagos, too clinical. Here the GMT hand brings a well-integrated complication, the red dot on the "shovel" second hand animates the dial, the reflections of the ceramic bezel remain sparing, the alternations of polishes and brushes of the cases are well-dosed. Even the crown at 4 o'clock brings a little originality without being ostentatious. In a way, Seiko "corrects" the small imperfections (for me in any case) of historic blockbusters of the sector...

In essence, a watch that can be kept without problem every day, or alternated thanks to its comfortable power reserve (72 hours), and which can, like again a Sub or a Speed, be worn on any occasion, elegant enough for a suit but sporty enough for vacations. A summary of sport-chic a little Bondian in its spirit, and a real success of Seiko!

A real success

Not my first Seiko, but my first diver's watch from the brand.

This is an edition I wasn't familiar with, different from the PADI models currently offered on the SEIKO website. As a reminder, PADI is the Professional Association of Diving Instructors. Don't ask me more, I'm a novice in this field.

I found this watch by chance at a trade show that had nothing to do with watches, and I fell for this MASSIVE model: a 50 mm case. It's fine on my 20 cm wrist, but I have to admit that it doesn't go unnoticed.
Its deep blue, the bezel with the first 15 minutes in red and the rest in white, as well as the red minute and second hands, make it a striking watch full of character.

The rubber strap, however, isn't the most comfortable in hot weather: it doesn't breathe.

I think the bezel is ceramic. Actually, it doesn't matter: I love the way it reflects in the sun.

Note: I already have a small scratch on the glass. I'll see during the service whether I'll have it replaced... or not.

The watch is also heavy, but at least I can feel it on my wrist.

Finally, I really like this lugless design, which is a change from my usual watches.

A 50mm plunger

<p>La marque <strong>SYE</strong> [Start Your Engine] a &eacute;t&eacute; cr&eacute;&eacute;e en <strong>2020</strong> 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>.</p>
<p>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;.</p>
<h2 class="p1">Combien co&ucirc;te une montre&nbsp;SYE&nbsp;?</h2>
<p class="p1">La gamme SYE comporte deux mod&egrave;les disponibles sur le site de la marque : La <strong>SYE MOT1ON Automatic 24</strong> est propos&eacute;e &agrave; partir de <strong>750&euro;</strong>. La <strong>SYE MOT1ON Chronograph</strong> est propos&eacute;e &agrave; partir de <strong>599 &euro;</strong>.</p>
<p><strong>SYE</strong> 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 <strong>avis clients Dialicious</strong> 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.</p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Consultez le <a href="https://www.dialicious.com/top/les_meilleures_marques_de_montres_francaises"><span class="s2">Classement des meilleures marques de montres fran&ccedil;aises</span></a> dont SYE fait partie.</span></p>
<p>(Mise &agrave; jour Novembre 2023)</p>

<p dir="ltr">The brand <strong>SYE</strong> [Start Your Engine] was created in <strong>2020</strong> 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>.</p>
<p dir="ltr">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.</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">How much does a SYE watch cost?</h2>
<p dir="ltr">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.</p>
<p dir="ltr">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.</p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Check out the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/top/the_best_french_watch_brands"><span class="s2">Ranking of the best French watch brands</span></a>, including SYE.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr">(Updated November 2023)</p>

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