Bitten by the fashion for integrated bracelets and by the vintage of the 70s, I started looking for a Tissot PR 516 (we know very well because of whom on this platform).
On the other hand, I was a little put off by the small announced diameter of 33mm of the watch.
During my research I turned to the GL ranges (grand Luxe) whose diameter is larger (36mm) and which offers indexes arranged on a levitating insert above the dial. This very original device gives depth to the dial.
And then I come across this PR 526 GL which is the iteration of the 516 from the end of the second half of the 70s from what I read here and there. Compared to its elder, the 526 benefits from a chamfer on the indexes which makes it a little more chic than sporty (subtle). There are also a few more finishing constraints on the dial. This is what attracted me to this model: the blue-green dial, the orange hand and the cosmetic condition of the watch in general. However, I have a small question mark for this dial whose logo is simply printed and not applied, as well as the absence of an insert around the date and day windows... I don't think it's a fake but perhaps a way to save money during the quartz crisis. I don't know. The three-link bracelet gives it a muscular look and brings a nice presence to the wrist.
As for the mechanism, nothing to complain about; Tissot caliber 2940 (Omega 1022 base) very well adjusted.
An original, affordable watch from a historic watch brand that has its place in the pantheon of chic sports watches alongside the giants that are the Royal Oak or the Nautilus.

She has everything a big girl needs

The Seiko 6139-6002 called "Pogue" takes its name from the astronaut William Pogue who took his personal watch on the Sky Lab 4 mission in 1973. It is the first automatic chronograph to have gone into space and the 6139 movement developed by Seiko is perhaps the first automatic chronograph to have been invented at the turn of the years 1969-1970 (There is an eternal debate on this point between Seiko, Zenith and Tag Heuer). Recognizable by its famous sunray honey-colored dial, the "Pogue" is in my opinion the most iconic of the 6139 range, all absolutely superb with their so 70's design. I love the case shape with its integrated crown, its pepsi bezel, the rotating insert and of course the dial which are all markers of an era. My Seiko dates from 1974, perfectly restored, it is my first beautiful vintage. With this watch I discovered a typical vintage thing, the sound of the metal bracelet which rings in a very specific way when you handle your watch. A watch that belongs as much to the history of watchmaking as to Pop Culture.

Seiko 6139-6002 "Pogue". Fashion effect and true icon?

It just happens to you. You want to see how it works and it's a disaster. Many amateur watchmakers remember opening their first watch and it often ends badly. This is the story of this Seiko whose case I decided one day to open and clean the dial. Result: I ruined the movement and wrecked the dial. I broke this watch that was perfectly functional. A little ashamed, I left it in a corner, swearing to myself that I would repair it one day. That was 5 years ago. And then I ended up restoring it quite recently. I reassembled the movement, replaced the defective parts, found a beautiful original dial. And here it is back, perhaps more beautiful than before! I love these Seikos from the 70s. A beautiful 37mm diameter with a thin bezel that offers a beautiful opening of the dial. I also appreciate the integrated crown which gives a pleasant roundness to the case. The silver tint of the sunray dial goes very well with the date disc. The case is also very thin despite an automatic movement.
I really like this little watch that I always wear with pleasure

Renaissance Vintage

The ultimate field watch, the Sinn 556 is a robust, precise and uncompromising tool watch. The sleek design of the 556A fully contributes to this impression of efficiency. In terms of specifications, we are on safe values, even proven: sapphire crystal, 200m water resistance with screwed and protected crown, anti-magnetism and above all unbeatable readability! The large Arabic numerals 3, 6, 9 and 12 in white on a matte black background and the white hands allow an almost instantaneous reading of the time. The date window is very discreet, almost invisible if we compare the size of the font to that of the hour numerals. The design of the hands is particularly successful, with their black bases they seem to float on the dial. I also appreciate its contained diameter of 38.5mm which gives it a certain discretion. In short, a versatile watch but whose charm strangely lies in its simplicity or even its rigor. A daily watch that is very likely to remain stuck to my wrist!

Sinn 556A: the perfect field

The Meistersinger N01 is the brand's basic model with zero complications.
A single white hand to read the time on a black dial with white indexes drawn every 5 minutes. No date. Suffice to say that not much happens on the dial... And that's fine. It's a watch that gives the time roughly when you need it. No more.
However, the watch is very precise with its ETA 2804 hand-wound movement. Beautifully decorated, it is visible from an open back, essential to know if the watch is working in the absence of a market indicator on the dial side.
The case, with a polished bezel and brushed sides, is 38mm in diameter and is, for me, much more easily wearable than the brand's standard 43mm. Unfortunately, I believe that Meistersinger no longer produces the N01 in 38mm.
It is a watch that I hold very dear, which has accompanied me through important moments in my life, and which, through its unique nature of telling the time, reminds me of a very personal relationship with time.

Less is more

The trend is towards reissues among watchmakers. Zenith is no exception to the rule with the release of the Defy or Pilote models. However, vintage or period models offer the advantage of greater authenticity but also the vagaries of time. The brand having clearly positioned itself in the luxury sector since its takeover by LVMH, prices have soared. Oddly enough (and fortunately) Zenith vintages do not seem to be too affected by this trend. At a lower cost, you can still find real gems! I stumbled upon this Zenith Respirator X by chance. I immediately appreciated the shape of the tonneau case, the deep blue hue of the dial, the finesse of the double indexes which echo the finesse and design of the hands from which the tritium has disappeared. The steel bracelet, designed by NSA for the watch, equipped with a clip buckle bearing the brand name, gives a nice presence to the wrist. A nice little vintage

Zenith Respirator X

March 18, 1965. Alexei Leonov performs the first extra-vehicular spacewalk. On his wrist, a Strela chronograph, the watch issued to Soviet Air Force officers. Since this historic episode, the Russian chronograph has acquired a certain notoriety quickly eclipsed by the lunar success of Omega's Speedmaster. I discovered the Strela at the turn of the 2010s through the constant reissues of this watch. Equipped with the famous P3133 movement developed by Poljot, direct heir to the Venus 3017 that equipped Leonov's chrono, the watch retains an incomparable authenticity. There are many variations of the Strela, black dial, white dial, 38 to 42mm case, syringe or sword hands, Cyrillic or Western writing, you will definitely find THE Strela that suits you. I still think that you should prefer the P3133 movement or more recent Seagull economic package but less authentic. My Strela is a model that could be described as "heritage" close to the original model in 38mm format, magnificent white dial. Only big flaw, the imitation denim strap simply filthy. Watch that I love. A real journey through time

Strela Chronograph 38mm

Found at a flea market for €20, this little diver with a typically 70s design immediately caught my eye. It was in a bad way given its initial cosmetic condition: dirty, dull, scratched plexiglass. But something attracts me. I wind the crown. It turns (it is a manual winding). I turn the hands. The date display works and the hands are well aligned. A little cleaning should be enough. We will see the condition of the movement and the precision later.
Disassembly, cleaning. After many difficulties I open the case back: the movement is very clean. I work hard on the plexiglass with the Polywatch. I change the dirty rally bracelet for an old metal bracelet that I had in stock, and here is the little watch that comes back to life and will end up in my collection.
It is by wearing it that I discover it.
Despite its tried and tested design, which can be found on many divers from this era, I love the chromatic details of this watch: the copper insert of the rotating bezel, the green and red hues of the dial and indexes, red that can be found on the numbers of the date disc. All this was obviously well thought out by someone fifty years ago and remains very pleasant to look at today. For precision? Do we really have to be within 2 minutes when we wear this kind of watch (I don't).
Forgotten watch from a forgotten brand ... Not for everyone after all.

A simple happiness

The ideal holiday watch. For less than €200 we have here an automatic watch, waterproof to 200m with screw-down crown. It is a real adventurer with its indestructible Miyota series 8 movement which proves to be quite precise. I had been looking for a diver's watch for quite some time for my collection but I didn't want to break the bank either. I hesitated a lot with the Mako 3 from Orient with which this watch is often put in competition in this price range. The advantage of the Orient is its sapphire crystal while the Citizen has a simple mineral crystal. What made me prefer the Promaster to its competitor is its design which I find more original. I particularly like its slightly "roots" notched bezel and I really like the integration of the date and day windows with a black background on a black dial. A little coquettishness, the crown at eight o'clock gives a really unique look to this diver's watch. The luminova is generous on the indexes and hands and proves to be very effective. A small Tropic instead of the silicone strap and off we go on an adventure! I was lucky enough to find this Promaster reference NY0040-09EE for less than €160 which is just unbeatable in terms of quality/price ratio. 
Made in Japan as we like it!

Citizen Promaster, everywhere and anywhere

Classically designed, this three-hand watch with date is ideal for starting a collection. Mainly intended for the northern European market, the Certina brand, belonging to the Swatch Group, is more confidential in France than Hamilton or Tissot for watches in this category. I discovered the DS1 model (and the Certina brand) in I don't know which annual watch magazine from the 2010s and I was seduced by its design (at the time I only swore by black dial watches in a dress style... I have since broadened my spectrum). I chose it with a leather strap with a folding clasp. What I really like about this watch is the proportions of the case with a fairly thin bezel that gives a nice presence to the matte black dial. I also like the design of the dial without numbers, just with the raised indexes. The finishes are very correct, we are on classic Swiss Made: Sapphire glass, open back on the movement with a nice treatment of the oscillating weight in black PVD which recalls the color of the dial. In the end a very endearing little watch to use the words of Maxime who had presented it during a Dual Time on the channel.

A very good choice to start a collection

<p dir="ltr">Founded in <strong>1888</strong> in Grenchen, Switzerland, by Adolf and Alfred Kurth, <strong>Certina</strong> is a renowned Swiss watch brand, appreciated for its quality watches, precision and sporty style. Certina has quickly become a benchmark in the watch industry thanks to its commitment to quality and sustainability.</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">History of the Certina brand</h2>
<p dir="ltr">The history of Certina is closely linked to the evolution of Swiss watchmaking. At the time of its creation, the brand focused on the production of high-precision watch movements and components. However, it was in the 1930s that Certina began manufacturing its own complete watches.</p>
<p dir="ltr">During the first decades, Certina gradually strengthened its reputation as a manufacturer of reliable and precise watches. In 1959, the brand introduced <strong>the iconic "DS" (Double Security) collection</strong>. Certina's DS watches were renowned for their exceptional resistance to shock, pressure, water and temperature variations, thanks to technical innovations and advanced manufacturing techniques. This collection marked a turning point in the brand's history, and Certina's DS watches became synonymous with extreme robustness and reliability.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Over the years, Certina has maintained its commitment to performance and sustainability, while developing its distinctive sporty aesthetic. The brand has expanded its presence in the world of sport by <strong>becoming an official partner of various sporting events and federations</strong>, including the International Cycling Union (UCI) and the World Rally Championship. This association with prestigious sporting competitions has strengthened Certina's image as a brand of reliable and high-performance watches.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Certina has also pioneered the use of ball bearing rotor technology in the automatic movements of its watches. This innovation significantly improved the reliability and precision of Certina watches, strengthening their appeal among mechanical watch enthusiasts.</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">What are the main Certina models?</h2>
<h3 dir="ltr">Certina DS (Double Security)</h3>
<p dir="ltr">The DS collection is Certina's iconic range, famous for its extreme resistance. DS watches are designed to withstand the harshest conditions, whether diving, mountains or other extreme environments. DS watches are equipped with features such as scratch-resistant sapphire crystals, screw-down crowns and special gaskets, ensuring maximum protection.</p>
<h3 dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/certina/ds_action">Certina DS Action</a>&nbsp;</h3>
<p dir="ltr">The DS Action collection embodies the spirit of action and adventure. These watches are specially designed for lovers of water sports and outdoor activities. They offer water resistance up to 30 ATM meters, unidirectional rotating bezels for diving and great readability in all conditions.</p>
<h3 dir="ltr">Certina DS Podium</h3>
<p dir="ltr">The DS Podium collection combines sportiness and elegance. These watches feature sophisticated dials, stainless steel cases and high-quality leather straps. The DS Podium collection is appreciated for its refined style which can be worn both on a daily basis and on special occasions.</p>
<h3 dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/certina/ds_1">Certina DS-1</a>&nbsp;</h3>
<p dir="ltr">It is a classic and timeless model. This elegant watch features a minimalist dial, refined indexes and a leather or stainless steel bracelet. It is appreciated for its simplicity and sophistication, convincing lovers of classic watches.</p>
<h3 dir="ltr">Certina DS Rookie</h3>
<p dir="ltr">The DS Rookie collection is specially designed for young fans of sports watches. These colorful and vibrant watches feature durable rubber straps, luminous dials and rugged features. They are perfect for accompanying young adventurers in their daily activities.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Certina has also offered other collections and special editions over the years, all representing the brand's commitment to performance, sustainability and sporty design.</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">How much does a Certina watch cost?</h2>
<p dir="ltr">The prices of new Certina watches sold on the brand's website vary <strong>between $500 and $2,000 depending on the models and finishes</strong>. For example, count $980 for a<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/certina/ds-1"> Certina DS-1</a> and $1,100 for one<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/certina/ds_ph200m/review/6399e076f1f0f17908ed416c"> Certina DS PH200M</a>.</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">Certina: The choice of character and reliability&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</h2>
<p dir="ltr">Today, Certina continues to innovate in watchmaking technology and offers a wide range of high-quality watches. Whether you are an avid diver, an extreme sports enthusiast, or simply looking for a reliable and stylish watch, Certina offers a variety of choices to suit everyone's needs and preferences.</p>
<p dir="ltr">The Certina watches are trusted companions for adventurers and watch enthusiasts around the world. Their combination of performance, robustness and style makes them timepieces appreciated by watch enthusiasts. Discover the Certina collection and find the Certina that suits you using the <strong>Dialicious owners' reviews</strong>. Certina is part of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/top/the_best_swiss_watch_brands">Ranking of most popular swiss watch brands</a>.</p>
<p dir="ltr">(Updated April 2024)</p>

For a few years now, my passion for watches has been growing. No more buying Festina, Lotus or Rodania ... to change it after 2 years max. For 2 years I have loved automatic watches even if I am not against quartz. I find it fascinating to measure something abstract by a concrete "tool" made by man. The complexity of a mechanical movement is really exciting.
My real first automatic watch is a Seiko SRPD that I find really well finished.
The watch is powered by the famous Powermatic 80 with as the name says 80 hours of power reserve, I can leave it on the dresser on Friday evening and pick it up again on Monday morning and it still works.
It is a watch that can be worn in all circumstances, with leather it is a dress Watch and just by changing the bracelet for a steel or rubber one it becomes a chic sport.


Certina ds-1 powermatique 80

<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>

Certina DS-1 Owner Review : Classic, endearing and dressy

A very good choice to start a collection

Where to buy your Certina?

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Other reviews published by Bobby6killer

Tissot
PR 526 GL

Seiko
Chronograph "Pogue"

Seiko

Sinn
556

Meistersinger
N°01

Zenith
Respirator X

Poljot

Type

Citizen
Promaster

Customize your Certina with our selection of accessories:

ABP Concept

Certina DS-1 Owner Review : Classic, endearing and dressy

A very good choice to start a collection

Where to buy your Certina?

YOU ARE :

Other reviews published by Bobby6killer

TissotPR 526 GL

SeikoChronograph "Pogue"

Seiko

Sinn556

MeistersingerN°01

ZenithRespirator X

Poljot

Type

CitizenPromaster

Customize your Certina with our selection of accessories:

ABP Concept

Tissot
PR 526 GL

Seiko
Chronograph "Pogue"

Sinn
556

Meistersinger
N°01

Zenith
Respirator X

Citizen
Promaster