How many years have I been eyeing this watch? At least fifteen… I first waited for the sapphire crystal (and anti-reflective), which I consider necessary for such an exhibition. Then, other hour charms came to enrich the collection more or less insidiously… And here is a rare price opportunity that reminds me of the famous one to my good memory… to see me give in… as weak as we sometimes are… 
What a magnificent case, so refined, like a smooth and almost natural pebble… A design conceived by Max Bill in 1961, almost mythical and certainly the most typical of the Bauhaus style, where minimalism becomes art. The perfect harmony between timelessness, simplicity and charm. 
The dial, initially white in appearance, actually reveals some subtle silver accents. Despite its delicate and ultra-dressy general look (5 atm all the same), it exudes a beautiful manufacturing quality, which (moderately) reassures about its durability and resistance. 
Nothing to say about its movement based on the 2824.2 (with incabloc shock protection and nivarox balance spring), well adjusted (and approved) over time. 
The dimensions checked are as follows: 38.1 in diameter, 39.8 from lug to lug, 10.0 in height with the famous domed glass, and 48 grams of weight on leather strap. 
I confirm the tests read and viewed here and there: the delivered strap is not up to expectations, but the 20mm lug spacing and the general neutrality of the whole make it easy to change the strap by varying the colors or even the materials. The crown suits it perfectly, even if its discretion makes it not very pleasant to use (however limited since it is automatic). 
If its public price may start to surprise (€1235 incl. tax), the real price paid (which I dare not admit) radically and favorably revises its q/p ratio (hence the note)!

the clean design

I had been hesitating for several months, probably even years. The ultra vintage look and the historical (mythical? ...!) character had seduced me. As well as the general compactness for a chronograph. Finally, a promotional opportunity convinced me (yes, it's almost petty!). 
OK, the leather strap is much too long (therefore quickly changed), the whole thing does not exude foolproof robustness, and the diameter sold at 38mm actually measures 37.5 in diameter (a 38.5 would have been perfect), but the synthesis of this Chinese watch is still surprising. I also measured a lug to lug of 47.2, a thickness of 13.3 and a weight of 61 grams with strap. 
It is a pleasure to wear it, and the movement visible on the glass case back is particularly pleasant to look at! I opted for the sapphire crystal version and swan neck regulator supposed to provide better precision, we will see in the long run. Skeptical before purchase on the movement, I must admit a surprisingly satisfactory adjustment and regularity (the personal threshold of tolerance being naturally lowered, the opposite of the level of indulgence!). 
In short and in fine, the watch figures worthily in my collection, and I intend to alternate fairly without sulking, as for the others!

SEAGULL 1963 Chronograph

And why not a white dial? Too bland? Too easy? Too classic? Maybe, but with the slightly enameled texture, the small seconds complication (finely sunburst), the vintage side in the numbers and the railroad, the thermally blued hands... Enough to be tempted! Especially for this almost century-old German brand! Its delicately fluted bezel and its typical plump aviator crown wonderfully complement the general style! 
Initially produced in 42mm, this more recent version offers dimensions that are in my opinion impeccable and measured here: diameter of 39mm, thickness of 10.1, length of 45.9, and weight of 65gr on leather strap. The 100m water resistance is reassuring. 
It is equipped with the elaborate Sellita SW261, visible via a screwed sapphire crystal case back. Hand-wound, the movement is very beautiful: bridge with Côtes de Genève, thermal blued screws, ratchet wheels with sun ray finish… 
Remotely ordered without prior testing, the strong seduction turned into a crush when opening the box. Its high quality of manufacture is obvious, its relative versatility makes it an everyday watch, to wear with happiness and pride. I did not imagine such an impression, which is more lasting.
Because “nothing (& nobody) is perfect”, I would point out a superb beige/taupe strap but without a quick release, and a dial lacking relief (no applique, and too light embossing of the numbers).
But in conclusion, a formidable and joyful synthesis, its rarity on our wrists adding to the pleasure!

What a beautiful all-rounder!

Acquired at the end of 2019, it was first of all the sunray gray dial that particularly seduced me, an original color and a breathtaking rendering. The hyper robust and qualitative look and the 64 hours of power reserve add to the pleasure of wearing this diver. Some characteristics: L888 movement (ETA A31, frequency 25200), diameter of 41.2mm, lug-to-lug of 51.2mm, thickness of 12.1mm, weight of 186gr, ceramic bezel, AR sapphire crystal, water-resistant to 300m… The movement is up to the standard of the House, very well adjusted. This watch confirms the excellent quality/price ratio of the brand. Despite a rather high weight, it is not felt after a few minutes (the watch being well balanced with the bracelet). However, we can regret the large lug-to-lug, and the bracelet difficult to remove for possible change (+21 lug).

41 steel gray/ceramic

Another watch purchased in pre-sale without having tried it on… And yet another impression of pleasure greater than that experienced by looking at the tempting photos for hours before taking the plunge last July, phew! And I'm not afraid of getting tired of it (even if it's a little early to conclude). 
An undeniable aesthetic success! A big bravo to the designer for this watch that is so beautiful, original and bold. The intersection of the curves is subtle and magnificent, and what a hollowed-out profile highlighted by polymirror chamfers! What can we say about the sandwich dial with versatile reflections, and delicately curved edges… not to mention the Eiffel Tower-style hands! 
My fear about the rendering of the "opulent" bracelet has faded, it fits very well and does not visually weigh down the watch when worn. On the other hand, it probably contributes to making it heavier: 146g all the same despite several links removed. This is probably its major flaw, even if the weight is well distributed and it doesn't really bother you on a daily basis (the main thing!).
Not necessarily a fan of date complications, I nevertheless took this version to appreciate the lollipop seconds hand obscuring it one second every 60 (eclipse that we find on other models of the brand)! The elaborate SW200 movement is impeccably regulated. The general characteristics meet my specifications: diameter of 39, horn to horn of 44, thickness of 11.3, AR sapphire crystal (including back), 100m water resistance avoiding any problems of use... The powerful luminova renders superbly. Finally, I appreciate the increased resistance of the case and bracelet (shocks and scratches) via an additional coating for a hardness HV800.
All for a price of less than €1000 (all taxes included) for this Swiss made. What more could you ask for? Without a doubt a brand image to build, like all micro-brands whose courage and perseverance to launch into this competitive and passionate universe can be admired right away! Excellent trend for Direnzo who has continued his rise with merit and success since 2017, congratulazioni!

DRZ 02R AEROLITE

Another watch ordered remotely without having tried it, a new risk after operations that were ultimately positive and fruitful! May this one complete successfully! Received in June 2023, I faithfully find the pebble/jewel side that had seduced me in the photo. This young (2015) English brand deserves our attention. The salmon color turns slightly towards pink, without this disturbing either the homogeneity or the virility of the one who wears it (!). The dial is generally magnificent, with its subtle and applied indexes, and its small second pulled by the famous, precise and reliable manual SW216 movement developed. No bezel but a superb crown, smooth to wind. The 2 glasses are sapphire and the dial face is of course anti-reflective treated. As a weakness, let's note the poly-mirror steel present on the entire case, both magnificent on this shape but necessarily sensitive to scratches: a special treatment of the "scratch resistance coating" type would have been appreciated. Let's also point out the absence of luminescence and date complication, personally not a problem. Some verified figures: diameter 38.5mm, height 10.5mm, lug to lug 43.8mm, weight 72gr. Note an excellent quality leather strap, whose color perfectly matches the medium gray of the dial. All under the €1000 delivered mark. PS: limited production (and numbered) to 350 copies.

Farer Durham (series cushion case)

An acquisition in mid-2022 following a great promotion, of a watch noticed some time ago already. Sometimes (often?!) the price is decisive and this was clearly the case here. No regrets once received, for a real skeleton watch with appreciable characteristics: SW200-1 (and its famous red rotor) with impeccable in-house adjustment, diameter of 40.4, lug-to-lug of 47, thickness of 11.9, weight of 66gr, sapphire crystal, 3atm… I admire it as soon as I wear it (over a week, alternating with the "few" others!). I can potentially fear getting tired of it as the look is so particular, but I remain enthusiastic for the moment, the vibration is very present! The general quality seems excellent, and the comfort of wearing is just as much (in particular by its dimensions and weight). The leather strap and its folding clasp are magnificent. I think Oris pays particular attention to the choice (quality) of its bracelets and it shows. As minor criticisms, I would point out the somewhat limited readability and the mineral glass on the back, not really annoying but for the principle on this type of watch.

Artelier Translucent Skeleton

A few months ago, I was hesitating between a red Aquis (41.5) and a blue tungsten Aquis (39.5). I finally opted for the red one (review on this site!) whose diameter and deep and original color were in line with my current aspirations. 
And now Venezianico, an Italian brand, has recently offered something new: a diver with a tungsten bezel and a blue dial, here pearly and beautiful. All in ideal dimensions: 39.1mm in diameter, 45.5mm from lug to lug, 10.5mm thick (only!) and 126gr in weight (on a steel bracelet adjusted to my 16.5 wrist) (all measured by me). 
Delighted to find the Miyota 9039 again (a movement that equips 5 other watches in my collection, with efficiency and regularity). The absence of a date suits me perfectly, especially considering the size and appearance of the dial, which we can thus fully enjoy.
I would like to highlight 3 strong points here. First of all, of course, the truly incredible dial, especially with a formidable anti-reflective sapphire crystal. We often want to dive into it! I would also mention the general dimensions (see above). And finally its relative versatility: at first glance sporty because it is a diver (unidirectional bezel, water-resistant to 200m, screw-down crown), the size (including thickness) and its dial allow it to be worn quite easily in more serious circumstances (except during the ambassador's evenings, of course!).
We could regret a general form of case that is conventional and usual, as well as a limited adjustment of the steel bracelet (no mini links (half link), nor micro adjustments since it is a butterfly folding clasp). But we quickly forget these two remarks when appreciating its overall characteristics and its unique and magical dial, associated with a very competitive price!

The sea nymph in 39!

Here is a 4th (and last… to date?!) Oris in my collection: the original and sculptural Aquis! 
What can I tell you about this watch, which is quite well-known and renowned? It was mainly the dark burgundy sunray dial and the yachtmaster-style raised bezel that made me fall in love. This is good because I always appreciate a touch of originality and differentiation whenever possible. It is true that before discovering it, I was far from imagining that I would one day wear a watch with a dial of this color! No regrets, the reflections are superb, from almost black to red depending on the light and the rays. 
I confirm that the diameter of 41.3 goes very well with small wrists (16.5cm for me), as the integrated bracelet falls very quickly from the case. Other dimensions measured: thickness of 12.9 and weight of 140gr. 
Some will regret the mineral glass on the case back, or the classic SW200 movement but still as well regulated by Oris => this is not my case, even if a few extra hours of power reserve would be welcome! A coquetry however, I would have appreciated a date disc color consistent with the dial (ald black), adding to the discretion and harmony; but we have seen more annoying!
We find with pleasure and reassurance the essential services for this type of diver: AR sapphire crystal, unidirectional bezel, screwed crown and case back... 
The recent price increases practiced by too many watchmaking houses require some time for research and negotiation, and this Oris is probably no exception.

Mouth Water Date Relief !

Acquired at the end of 2021, this watch is my first and only Mido to date, a brand of the Swatch group. ETA C07.621 movement, 40.4mm diameter, 47.5 lug-to-lug, 12.2mm thickness, 63gr weight, sapphire crystal, 5atm… => excellent specs for this dress watch at a reasonable price (less than €800). The blue and degraded sunray dial is beautiful, undoubtedly the most striking point of this watch. Also with the profile and the brushed steel lugs, contrasting superbly with the polished case. A particularly appreciated detail, the rounded shape of the crown. The movement adjustment is excellent and durable (80 hours of power reserve). However, I regret the 19mm lug spacing and the absence of anti-reflective coating on the main domed glass.

Elegant have a sublime dial

Acquired in July 2020, this watch is my 2nd compressor but my 1st Akrone, a dynamic French brand with an astonishing quality-price ratio. Miyota 9015 movement, 41.5mm diameter, 48mm horn-to-horn, 12.7mm thickness, AR sapphire crystal, beveled hands, bidirectional internal rotating bezel, screwed crowns and water-resistant to 300m => incredible specs for a price less than €600 at the time. The alternation of polished and matte is well placed, the dial with the raised seabed is original, as are the fluorescent green touches here and there, and the movement is impeccably adjusted. I regret a certain weight (170gr on steel bracelet) and a certain thickness, 2 points however inherent to this type of watch. A very nice purchase, this Compressor in Frégate color!

Robust! (Compressor model)

Acquired at the end of 2021, this watch is my 2nd Akrone, a dynamic French brand with an astonishing quality-price ratio. Miyota 9039 movement, 38.5mm diameter, 43.8 lug-to-lug, 11.4mm thickness, domed sapphire A crystal, 5atm… => impressive specs for a price less than €400 at the time. The amber-colored dial is truly superb (granulated + sunray). Combined with the general Bahaus-type format, here is an original and elegant dress watch. With a weight of only 60gr and an ideal format, it is particularly pleasant to wear. The movement adjustment is very good. Note, however, blue inscriptions and indexes (I would have preferred a more neutral color).

What a dial!

Acquired very recently, the format and the dial represent the 2 elements that first touched me (on photos, in pre-sale). Obviously, I ensure a few essentials before ordering remotely: reputation of the brand, but also characteristics estimated at the level; here: Swiss Ronda R-150 movement (including incabloc), diameter of 37, horn-to-horn of 48.3, thickness of 10.1mm, weight 110gr, sapphire crystal, 5atm… The adjustment is quite satisfactory and the wearer pleasant, rather light on the wrist, undoubtedly thanks to its integrated bracelet (22/16) but thin. Bracelet whose links are screwed. The reflections of its Côtes de Genève dial are astonishing and surprising (deliberately chosen in the date complication). Note a very good quality-price ratio after a few weeks of wearing (paid less than €550). Some weaknesses however, a weak luminescence, and an almost insipid back.

MANHATTAN 37

Acquired at the end of 2019 via Indigogo, the process of acquiring a Chinese watch online via crowdfunding is not trivial for me. The atypical look (transparency and shape, ok, RM style…), the titanium (grade 2) (weight only 66gr), the price (less than €250 delivered, including 3 quick release bracelets: leather, rubber and Milanese) were the deciding factor, with the risk-taking ultimately limited! And of course, the essential sapphire crystal (front) protecting a Seagull automatic movement that is surprisingly regular and rather well adjusted for the package. 3ATM and dimensions of 40.9mm x 47.6mm x 12.3mm. So a watch whose thickness is visually important, one of the regrets, with the frequency of the movement (21600) not beneficial to the power reserve (40h).

Z-Series Mechanical Titanium 

Acquired in mid-2021, I had been wanting to replace my Citizen Titanium Golf as a holiday watch for some time. Sometimes worn during these same periods by some owners of watches with a crown, I was not prepared to buy a tribute watch, and here is this German (and Swiss made) brand that caught my attention… Ideal characteristics to do everything without worry: sophisticated Sellita SW200-1 movement, diameter of 39.1mm, lug-to-lug of 47.1mm, thickness of 12.9mm, weight 107gr (on rubber), flat sapphire crystal with double anti-reflective coating and date magnifying glass, unidirectional rotating ceramic bezel, screwed crown and water-resistant to 300m. I particularly like its look and its contained dimensions. No real flaws, especially for less than €500, except for some an unspeakable yachtmasteresque inspiration!

Ocean One 39 Black Ceramic

Acquired at the very beginning of 2020, it was the sleek and stylish profile that caught my attention. A rare inventiveness for a truly original and successful result. The main case is as if inserted into the enveloping horns. The sandwich dial and the fine and delicate hands are also attractive, as are the orange touches here and there (seconds in particular). A beautiful work of alternation between brushed steel and shiny steel. A British automobile designer is at the helm of this watchmaking house, an enthusiast who remains rigorous in the production of his watches, rigor noted in the quality of manufacture and the adjustment of this AGT (here, limited series of 100 pieces). Let's appreciate its general characteristics: Miyota 9015 movement, 42.1mm diameter, 50.1mm lug-to-lug, 12.9mm thickness, 82gr weight, sapphire crystals (front AR / back), 5atm... All for a competitive price. I would still criticize the large lug-to-lug, which combined with a very flat case back, make the watch imposing on the wrist, as well as the low luminescence.

Black Edition

Acquired at the beginning of 2021, a real love at first sight for the profile, very design and of a rare elegance; the case seems worn or even suspended! The brushed steel dial is also magnificent and atypical (including luminescent zones). The horns, hands and integration of the date are successful. In short, the general style represents a masterstroke in the field! And fortunately, the general characteristics honor my specifications (sine qua non conditions!): Sellita SW215 movement (manual winding), diameter of 40.9mm, lug-to-lug of 46.2mm, thickness of 11.2mm, weight of 65gr, sapphire crystals (front AR / back) slightly domed, 5atm… All for a launch price at the time less than 800€ more than reasonable considering the services and the manufacturing quality confirmed here. And each color of this model is published in 99 copies. The bracelets offered are excellent (flexibility, elegance and robustness), and the taupe color (rare) suits it perfectly. I would have rather aimed for a diameter of 39mm, but that is the only downside I would point out.

The Sept Mai – Founders Edition

Acquired in early 2014, the general style (in particular the fluted bezel and the magnificent crown) of this vintage aviator model (limited series) made me switch. The brushed steel of the case is most beautiful. Among its characteristics, we note the famous ETA 2824-2 movement, a case resistant to magnetic fields, a diameter of 42mm for a lug to lug of 51.2, a thickness of 12mm and a weight of 95gr, an AR sapphire crystal and a water resistance of 10 ATM (without screwed crown). The “double layer” leather strap is prominent but supple and pleasant to wear. The white background of the date complication clashes a little but is forgotten. The lug to lug is still large for small wrists.

Khaki Team Earth Harrison Ford

Acquired about fifteen years ago, 2 striking points had attracted me at first glance: the integration of the rubber strap (of very high quality, the same and nickel to this day) and the skeleton side. Its diameter is 40.2mm for a weight of 105gr. A sapphire crystal AR, but mineral on face B (!). A downside on the water resistance of only 50m. The Sellita SW200 movement (Oris 733, red rotor) is excellently well adjusted, without even a single revision to this day. The apparent date complication is also part of it. A favorite watch that I never tire of!

ORIS Williams F1 Team Skeleton

Here is my latest acquisition, ordered in June 2022, and received… last May! But the crowdfunding system has its good points: in addition to the win/win financing, it allows you to learn patience, to control your stamping (yes, the word exists!) and to experience the big day with tension and then delight! Here of course, it is the all-raw steel dial that irresistibly attracts the eye, with its originality and its countless and powerful reflections. The delicately polished chamfer is a detail that I particularly like. Its dimensions are… perfect (for my wrist at least!): 39mm in diameter, 47mm from lug to lug, 11.8mm thick, weight of 90gr (on leather strap); and then superluminova (old radium color) on sandwich-style sub-dial, date and GMT complications, AR sapphire crystal, 20atm, very well-regulated Swiss Soprod C125 movement, Swiss made, all in a limited edition. A big thank you to its very talented designer and creator!

CB01 GMT NK60

It was about time! I've been eyeing the big crown pointer date for years... and I'm finally falling for this particular series with the ideal diameter gradient dials this Christmas 2023. After hesitating with the blue South Sea, the gray seems more consensual and less subject to weariness over the years. So good to wear a watch from the legendary category! 
Obviously the pointer date function brings a precious and appreciated originality. Just like its fluted bezel that I consider essential here! And obviously again (must have), the glass is sapphire, domed on both sides, anti-reflective treated on the inner side. It is equipped with a widely tested movement (SW200 base) and so well adjusted, allowing an almost reasonable sale price (despite recent and substantial price increases). Perfect dimensions for this iconic aviator watch with a vintage look (diameter 38, lug to lug 45.7, thickness 12.5, weight 62gr). 
We can certainly be skeptical about the 19 lug width and even more so about the unnecessarily screwed crown, two weaknesses that are quickly forgotten in the face of its unique charm. 
It offers a deer leather strap that is both supple and thick, the strength and durability of which I will gladly test in the coming months.

Mythical Big Crown pointer date!

Acquired at the beginning of 2018, this watch marks a turning point for me: the interest in watches has thus transformed into a passion thanks to the latter. In addition to the high customization possible, it signaled the astonishing inventiveness of a little-known French brand, and thus the potential that micro-brands can represent. An ideal diameter of 39.2mm, a thickness of 13.1mm quite digestible given the various curves, a lug-to-lug of 45.7mm and a weight of only 80gr. A sapphire crystal with AR of course. If the Miyota 8215 movement is well adjusted, it remains present/noisy. But the magnificent curves (including subtly domed glass) and its multiple customization possibilities (several bezels and bracelets offered, including a few examples here in the photo) immediately seduced me, for an attractive price and less than €750 at the time.

Sartory Billard SB02

Acquired at the end of 2013, this was my first watch with a double crown, a particular attraction that I was specifically looking for at the time. After some hesitation with its cousin Diver, the price, the double GMT function and the worked profile of the Hamilton led me to decide... ETA 2893-2 movement, diameter of 42.8, lug-to-lug of 50.7, thickness of 11.6mm, weight 107gr, sapphire crystal front (mineral back), 20atm with screw-down crowns... more than honorable characteristics. This watch is overall more elegant than sporty "despite" its water resistance. The strap supplied (leather covered in black fabric) unfortunately did not last very long (and not in water because I have never dived). The lug-to-lug exceeding 50 remains significant. Note a double GMT: by adjusting the ad hoc hand, and/or by adjusting the inner bezel.

GMT2 (double !)

Acquired at the beginning of 2015, I was looking for a Bahaus type watch and had left Junghans aside for two reasons: price and non-sapphire crystal (at the time). With this Junkers 6060-5, I skipped the sapphire but got a price lower than €400 which seemed satisfactory to me. Interesting overall characteristics: Miyota 9132 movement, 40mm diameter, 43.4 lug-to-lug, 12.2mm thickness, 62gr weight, hesalite crystal, 3atm… A 24-hour complication at 6 o'clock, not really useful but which gives a certain cachet. I also really appreciate the power reserve, relatively discreet and useful. The dial is not quite white, ultimately quite vintage, but plain, without any particular charm. Its general dimensions, including weight, make it a very pleasant watch to wear. Too bad for the glass, and for its image as a poor man's Junghans, a weakness to which I attach no importance!

Junkers 6060-5

The brand in Akrone was created in 2015 in a Kickstarter campaign by Jean-Fran&ccedil;ois Kerboul and Erwan Kerneur in Nantes, France. Akrone comes from "Achrone" which means outside of time, timeless. As the name of the two founders begins with a K, they replaced the CH with the K. This brand aims to collaborate with its customers to create French, high-end, technical and aesthetic watches.
The range includes models like the<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/akrone/c-02"> Akrone C-02</a>, the<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/akrone/c-03_alat"> Akrone C-03 Alat</a>, the<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/akrone/k-05"> Akrone K-05</a>, the <a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/akrone/k-gmt">Akron K-GMT</a> and the<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/akrone/c-04"> Akrone C-04</a>. The watches are assembled in France with French movements including the new collection<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/akrone/c-02_heritage"> Akrone C-02 H&eacute;ritage</a>, Swiss, Japanese or French more recently.
<h2 dir="ltr">How much does an Akrone watch cost?</h2>
The prices of Akrone watches change and differ depending on the model. Most cost between &euro; 600 and &euro; 1,190 depending on the models and finishes. An Akrone C03 MD costs 499 &euro;, then the top of the brand is represented by the C-02 H&eacute;ritage collection offered at &euro; 1,190 with in particular the<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/akrone/c-02_heritage/mareographe"> Akrone C-02 Mar&eacute;ographe</a>.
<h2 dir="ltr">Akrone: The watchmaker from Nantes in France</h2>
Akrone is an independent brand and produces several thousand watches per year, all models combined. Akrone is part of <a href="https://preprod.dialicious.com/en/top/the_best_french_watch_brands">Top 10 most popular French watch brands</a>. To choose the Akrone model that best suits you, the Dialicious owners' reviews are a valuable and authentic resource for evaluating different models through real customer experience.
(Updated November 2023)

My first automatic watch. I was originally on the Tissot/Seiko/Lip trio, but nothing really tempted me. I have a preference for dress watches, quite thin because I have a 16 wrist, and I found Akrone by chance. I was happy because consuming French is important to me, especially without an intermediary, so it was all good! So of course, I prefer to try things before buying, and even more so watches. But the technical sheet got the better of me, and the customer reviews were excellent. The 38mm was a good compromise for my thin wrist. I was initially a little skeptical about the Milanese strap, and I had bought a leather strap to replace it, but in the end it was the Milanese that suited it best, and I always wear it with it. The watch is very light (67g), very thin, fits easily under a shirt or sweater sleeve, you forget you're wearing it. Honestly, this watch gave me a passion for mechanical watches, I bought 2 others since then and I thought they would have overshadowed it, but I still wear it as often (I think it's the one I wear the most). It appears simple at first glance but is full of sublime little details: the vinyl-style bi-texture dial (as its name suggests), the hands inspired by post-war pens, the "beehive" oscillating weight, the domed sapphire crystal... and at this price, it's hard to find better. I am totally satisfied with it and wouldn't part with it for anything in the world.

Unbeatable value for money

Being more used to wearing sports watches, I opted for this C04 in order to include a dresswatch in my collection. The good reputation of the brand, the quality of their watches and their simple and effective communication convinced me. The watch is simple, but well finished, with interesting details such as the texture of the dial or the feather hands. Its only flaw in my opinion: a crown that is not easy to handle.

Akrone C04 Phantom

La marque Ollech &amp; Wajs a &eacute;t&eacute; cr&eacute;&eacute;e en 1956 par Joseph Ollech et Albert Wajs &agrave; Zurich en Suisse. Albert &eacute;tait charg&eacute; de la conception, de l&rsquo;ing&eacute;nierie et de la fabrication des montres, tandis que Joseph s&rsquo;occupait du marketing et de la vente au d&eacute;tail. Avant de cr&eacute;er leur propre montres sous la marque Ollech &amp; Wajs, ils ont commenc&eacute; leur activit&eacute; en 1954 en fabriquant des bracelets en acier pour d&rsquo;autres marques.
La marque est connue pour avoir distribu&eacute; des montres &agrave; des unit&eacute;s de l&rsquo;arm&eacute;e am&eacute;ricaine pendant la guerre du Vietnam et pour avoir gagn&eacute; sa renomm&eacute;e aupr&egrave;s des plongeurs et pilotes du monde entier.
Apr&egrave;s 12 ans de n&eacute;gociation et apr&egrave;s avoir &eacute;t&eacute; son distributeur pour le march&eacute; fran&ccedil;ais, en 2017, Charles Le Menestrel, un passionn&eacute; d&rsquo;horlogerie, rach&egrave;te la marque. La gamme actuelle comprend des mod&egrave;les comme la Ollech &amp; Wajs P-101 et la <a title="Page Ollech &amp; Wajs P-104" href="https://www.dialicious.com/ollech_&amp;_wajs/p-104">Ollech &amp; Wajs P-104</a>, la <a title="Page Ollech &amp; Wajs C-1000" href="https://www.dialicious.com/ollech_&amp;_wajs/c-1000">Ollech &amp; Wajs C-1000</a>, la <a title="Page Ollech &amp; Wajs Ocean Graph" href="https://www.dialicious.com/ollech_&amp;_wajs/ocean_graph">Ollech &amp; Wajs Ocean Graph</a> et la Ollech &amp; Wajs Navichron.
<h2>Combien co&ucirc;te une montre Ollech &amp; Wajs ?</h2>
Les prix des montres Ollech &amp; Wajs &eacute;voluent et diff&egrave;rent selon les mod&egrave;les. La plupart co&ucirc;tent entre CHF 1,500 et CHF 2,000 selon les mod&egrave;les et les finitions. Comptez CHF 1,456 pour une Ollech &amp; Wajs 350CI et pr&egrave;s de CHF 2,300 pour une Ollech &amp; Wajs Navichron Chronographe. Le march&eacute; de l'occasion est &eacute;galement une opportunit&eacute; &agrave; regarder pour acheter une Ollech &amp; Wajs moins ch&egrave;re. Les mod&egrave;les Vintage notamment les Ollech &amp; Wajs Navichron et&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/ollech_&amp;_wajs/astrochron">Ollech &amp; Wajs Astrochron</a>, sont tr&egrave;s pris&eacute;es des collectionneurs et ils convient de bien se renseigner sur le vendeur avant de franchir le pas de l'acquisition d'une vintage.
Ollech &amp; Wajs est une marque de montres ind&eacute;pendante et produit plusieurs centaines de montres par an, tous mod&egrave;les confondus. Pour choisir une Ollech &amp; Wajs qui vous correspond le mieux,&nbsp;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_suisses">Classement des meilleures marques de montres suisses</a> dont Ollech &amp; Wajs fait partie.
(Mise &agrave; jour Octobre 2024)

The brand Ollech &amp; Wajs was created in 1956 by Joseph Ollech and Albert Wajs in Zurich, Switzerland. Albert was responsible for the design, engineering and manufacturing of the watches, while Joseph handled marketing and retail sales. Before creating their own watches under the brand Ollech &amp; Wajs, they started their business in 1954 making steel bracelets for other brands.
The brand is known for distributing watches to units of the American army during the Vietnam War and for having earned its reputation among divers and pilots around the world.
After 12 years of negotiations and after having been its distributor for the French market, in 2017, Charles Le Menestrel, a watchmaking enthusiast, bought the brand. The current range includes models like the Ollech &amp; Wajs P-101 and the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/ollech_&amp;_wajs/p-104">Ollech &amp; Wajs P-104</a>, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/ollech_&amp;_wajs/c-1000">Ollech &amp; Wajs C-1000</a>, the<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/ollech_&amp;_wajs/ocean_graph"> Ollech &amp; Wajs Ocean Graph</a> and the Ollech &amp; Wajs Navichron.
<h2 dir="ltr">How much does an Ollech &amp; Wajs watch cost?</h2>
The prices of Ollech &amp; Wajs watches change and differ depending on the model. Most cost between CHF 1,500 and CHF 2,000 depending on the models and finishes. Expect to pay CHF 1,456 for an Ollech &amp; Wajs 350CI and close to CHF 2,300 for an Ollech &amp; Wajs Navichron Chronograph. The second-hand market is also an opportunity to look at to buy a cheaper Ollech &amp; Wajs. Vintage models including the Ollech &amp; Wajs Navichron and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/ollech_&amp;_wajs/astrochron">Ollech &amp; Wajs Astrochron</a>, are very popular with collectors and they should find out about the seller before taking the step of purchasing a vintage one.
Ollech &amp; Wajs is an independent watch brand and produces several hundred watches per year, all models combined. To choose an Ollech &amp; Wajs that best suits you, Dialicious owners' reviews are a valuable resource for evaluating each of the different models through real owner experience.
Consult the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/top/the_best_swiss_watch_brands">Ranking of the best Swiss watch brands</a> of which Ollech &amp; Wajs is part.
(Updated October 2024)

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