I was looking for a mechanical chronograph, and after some research and videos, I fell in love with the Seagull 1963. This iconic watch, powered by the ST19 movement inspired by the famous Swiss caliber Venus 175, offers exceptional value for money. The Seagull 1963 is a must-have model for enthusiasts and collectors, combining fascinating history, vintage design and mechanical engineering. In 1961, the Chinese government gave the Tianjin Watch Factory a prestigious mission: to design a chronograph to equip the Chinese air force, the PLA Air Force. After two years of development, in 1963, the legendary ST19 chronograph was born. This movement, based on the Venus 175 acquired by China after its production ceased in Switzerland, demonstrates a perfect fusion of Swiss watchmaking know-how and Chinese innovation. The Seagull 1963 seduces with its retro aesthetic: a refined dial, delicately colored hands and remarkable mechanical precision, thanks to its manual winding. More than a watch, it is a true piece of watchmaking history, a tribute to an era when watchmaking was at the crossroads between tradition and innovation.

My SEA-GULL 1963 mechanical chronograph watch

The LIP Himalaya 40mm Automatic Day/Date is an elegant and timeless watch that embodies the renewal of LIP’s expertise. Inspired by the legendary history of Himalaya watches, renowned for their robustness and precision, this modernized version remains faithful to the spirit of adventure that made them famous. Featuring a 40mm polished and brushed 316L stainless steel case and sapphire crystal, this watch is distinguished by its clean dial, offering good readability. The day/date display adds a touch of practicality, ideal for everyday use. Powered by a Miyota 9132 automatic movement visible through a transparent caseback, it combines tradition and contemporary technology. With its classic design and premium leather strap, the LIP Himalaya 40mm Automatic Day/Date is the perfect choice for those looking for a distinguished and versatile watch, whether for the office or for a mountain getaway.

My classic LIP Himalaya automatic day/date watch

I was looking for a sports watch that embodies the world of automobiles, and I immediately fell in love with this Rallygraf in collaboration with Alpine. It ticked all the boxes: a French, elegant watch, and deeply rooted in the world of motorsports.
The YEMA Rallygraf Alpine Endurance Team - Méca-Quartz, sand dial is a true celebration of automotive passion and French excellence. Inspired by rallies, this special edition celebrates the partnership between YEMA and the iconic Alpine Endurance Team, a symbol of performance and innovation.
Its finely textured sand dial evokes extreme terrain and perfectly matches the blue accents and black subdials, a nod to Alpine's visual identity. On the mechanical side, it features a hybrid meca-quartz movement, combining modern precision with the tactile sensation and charm of a traditional chronograph.
With its 39 mm stainless steel case, both compact and ergonomic, and its tachymeter bezel ideal for measuring speeds, this watch combines aesthetics and functionality. The perforated leather strap, inspired by vintage, brings a retro touch while offering optimal comfort.

Ma Meca quartz sport auto design 

I was looking for a cheap tool watch, and I came across this CASIO by chance. I liked its little diver's watch side, especially since it had been seen on the wrist of Bill Gates. The CASIO MDV-106 MARLIN is a robust watch. Designed for those looking for a perfect blend of style and functionality. Inspired by the marine world, this diver's watch has a timeless design with its 44 mm stainless steel case, a clean dial and a marlin engraved on the caseback, symbolizing its nautical orientation. It offers water resistance up to 200 meters, ideal for water sports enthusiasts or occasional divers. Equipped with a quartz movement, a clear analog display and a unidirectional rotating bezel. Its comfortable resin strap is perfect for everyday use.

CASIO MDV-106 MARLIN

After searching for a long time for an affordable Diver's watch, I finally found the rare pearl without falling into the trap of copies or "homage" models. The SEIKO immediately seduced me with its unique design and its massive shape, perfect for my 23 cm wrist.
This model is equipped with the 4R35 automatic movement, known for its reliability and precision, which adds to my satisfaction. The finish of the bezel and the notched crown (I think that's the right term) is simply remarkable.
The angular case adds a distinctive character to the watch, giving it a robust and assertive look. In short, this watch suits me perfectly, combining aesthetics, functionality and impeccable manufacturing quality. A real success from SEIKO!

SEIKO Prospex Diver's 200m Samuraï  Save The Ocean

The Bulova Lunar Pilot is a historic watch, worn by astronaut David Scott during the Apollo 15 mission in 1971. After a problem with his Omega watch, Scott used a Bulova Chronograph, making it the only American watch to be used on the Moon. In 2015, the watch sold at auction for $1.625 million. In 2016, Bulova reissued this model as the Lunar Pilot, combining vintage design with modern technology, symbolizing space exploration and innovation.

Historical, precise and elegant chronograph

"But yes, I tell you, I know what I'm talking about, go ask him, it's a MoonSwatch, 1000%, you can trust me, have you seen what I have here?"

This happy owner of Daniel Wellington is convinced that I'm wearing a Speedmaster in BioCeramic, it's June April 2022 and the MoonSwatch Hype has never been so high.
However, I am wearing a watch whose brand is unknown to this expert, Bulova.

Two years after the first man on the moon, two new astronauts will return there, during the decisive Apollo 15 mission, on August 2, 1971. This is the first mission carried out with the lunar rover, which allowed the crew to travel nearly 30 km during 3 spacewalks. The Bulova chronograph was then a backup watch, in case there was a problem with the Speedmaster.
And it was David Scott, after realizing that the glass of his Omega had disappeared, who would wear it. The Bulova Moon Watch was then used as a real time control instrument, avoiding any lack of oxygen, water and battery. It also helped preserve the onboard timers during entry into the Earth's atmosphere: a real space chronograph!

This Lunar Pilot has a quartz movement developed by Bulova, the caliber 8136. As you might expect, the chronograph used in 1971 was mechanical - and let's not lie to ourselves, it would be really nice to have such a piece with an automatic movement. However, it is a high-performance quartz displaying a running frequency of 262 kHz, also mentioned in the counter at 6 o'clock.

Thanks to this high frequency, the fluidity of the seconds will hypnotize you. It also provides an incredible tolerance of about 10 seconds... per year!

So I see you coming. If the new pieces released in 2023 in 43mm are too big, what are we going to do with a 45mm? I think I've reached the maximum size my wrist can wear there, but its presence is incredible.
Perfectly readable, it's always a pleasure to wear a watch that has also been to the Moon, for less than $400.
So yes, it is in the shadow of the Speed, considered an alternative......... to the MoonSwatch.
So, don't hesitate, come, join the dark side of the Force.

In the shadow of the Speedmaster

The watch that also went to the moon 😉 the last watch I bought and honestly zero regrets !!! I was afraid because of its size of 45mm, I who am used to wearing much more contained watches, but its fairly small horns make it sit perfectly on my wrist, its high-performance Quartz caliber of + or - 10 seconds per year is absolutely incredible as is the history of this watch with its lunar anecdote 😉 a big resemblance to the Omega moon watch but which keeps its own identity with its very original pushers and its sapphire crystal which protrudes from the box. If you want a moonwatch with a very cool and accessible story, don't hesitate, it's the perfect watch 👍

Bulova lunar pilot

Hello,
it took me a while to decide to take the plunge...telling myself that it was better to wait for a speed to acquire a moonwatch....What a mistake ;) this watch is great to wear even in 45mm! what I prefer is its super readable dial and with an incredible level of finish for its price. I have quite a few watches and much more expensive ones and I love this watch which gives me a lot of pleasure and that's what counts...I even hesitate to take the gold version


Super acquisition

Omega's legendary moonwatch is not the only one to have gone to the moon. It will undoubtedly remain the first but as few know, another watch has also been on the moon.

Indeed it was on August 2, 1971, Commander David Scott was the 7th man to walk on the moon during the Apollo 15 mission. On his wrist, unlike all the other astronauts who took on this role, he wore a Bulova Moon Pilot Chronograph.

The one in my possession is obviously a modern reproduction, which can be easily found at a very affordable price unlike its big sister at Omega.

It is rather large, we are more on a 43/44 I would say. It is equipped with a nylon strap which I find does not necessarily highlight it and which makes it a little chip. Otherwise the watch itself is of very good quality.

It is part of my collection dedicated to space history and watchmaking.

The 2nd on the Moon

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)

Bulova Lunar Pilot Owner Review : Reliable, historical and pleasant

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Bulova Lunar Pilot Owner Review : Reliable, historical and pleasant

Historical, precise and elegant chronograph

Pros & Cons for this watch

Other reviews published by CT7

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YemaRallygraf Alpine Endurance Team

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