"A perfectly useless afternoon" is a creation by Kristof Devos. It is much more than just a watch: it is an invitation to daydream. The dial, in a soothing pool blue, features a swimmer on his yellow buoy that turns gently over the hours. The patterns reminiscent of the ripples of water add to the serene atmosphere of the whole.

The steel case, with its clean lines, is enhanced by a bright blue fabric strap with red stitching that adds a touch of character. The inscription on the back of the case "A perfectly useless afternoon" perfectly sums up the spirit of this watch: a celebration of moments of pause, an ode to the art of doing nothing.

What is particularly appealing about this piece is its refreshing approach to displaying time. No numbers or traditional hands, but a swimmer strolling through his aquatic world, reminding us that it is sometimes good to let time pass without counting it.

A watch that will not fail to attract attention and spark conversations, perfect for lovers of creative watchmaking who are looking for a piece that goes off the beaten track. The swimmer represents the hours and the floating duck the minutes.

Highlights:
- Original and poetic design
- Excellent readability despite the unconventional display
- Neat finishes
- Subtle philosophical message

A piece that proves that watchmaking can be both playful and meaningful.

NB: there is the phrase "designed in Belgium and made in London" on the back of the watch, plausibly a nod to the "designed in California, made in China" of APPLE products? Let me know what you think.


"A perfectly useless afternoon", a watch poetry

Don’t get me wrong: I am neither an obsessive collector nor even a traditional watch enthusiast. My relationship with watches is different, more personal, almost instinctive. It reflects my taste for change and my natural curiosity for new experiences.

In my daily life, the watch occupies a unique place. It is my only variable accessory, my touch of fantasy in a rather sober style. Like some people change their shoes or clothes according to their mood, I like to vary my watches. They have become a natural extension of my personality, a means of expression in a world where my other jewels remain immutable - my engagement ring and this second wedding ring, symbolizing a renewal of our vows, have never left my ring finger.

What I particularly like about this evolving panoply is its social dimension. Each watch becomes an excuse to meet new people, discover new places, share stories. It is a passport to exciting conversations and improbable encounters.

My latest acquisition perfectly illustrates this quest for the special. This story begins in Zurich, on an extraordinary street where more than twenty watch boutiques rub shoulders. Imagine: every major house is represented there, creating a veritable temple of watchmaking where the choice becomes almost dizzying.

I had a specific idea in mind: a dial of a very particular green. Not just any green, but a deep and dense shade, reminiscent of Veronese's paintings or the mysterious patina of ancient Greek and Roman bronzes. This quest made me walk up and down the street, entering more than ten different boutiques. An entire morning exploring, comparing, hesitating, in this watchmaking paradise where the prices, even if they remain Swiss, can satisfy almost all budgets.

When I crossed the threshold of the IWC boutique in the heart of Zurich, I did not yet know that I was going to fall under the spell of this Portofino Chronograph. What first attracted me was the perfect balance of its design: a deep green dial that subtly changes color depending on the light, reminiscent of the calm waters of the Mediterranean at dusk.

What particularly fascinates me about this watch is the purity of its lines. The baton indexes and hands, in their apparent simplicity, reveal a goldsmith's work. I particularly appreciate the symmetrical arrangement of the two chronograph counters which, far from overloading the dial, give it an almost musical harmony.

The polished steel case seems perfectly sized to me. It has that subtle presence that characterizes elegant watches - present enough to be noticed, but never ostentatious. The case captivates me every time I look at the time.

I have a weakness for the deep green bracelet and the folding clasp, with its impeccable finish, reflects IWC's characteristic attention to detail.

What makes this Portofino truly special to me is its versatility. It accompanies my suits during professional meetings as well as my more casual outfits on the weekend. 

This watch represents much more to me than just a timepiece. It is a testament to timeless elegance, a celebration of watchmaking expertise, and above all, a daily reminder that true beauty lies in the carefully thought-out and executed details. 

Every morning, when I put it on my wrist, I rediscover those details that made me fall in love: the play of light on the dial, the fluidity of the hands, the perfection of the finishes. It is this daily experience that confirms that my crush on the Zurich boutique was fully justified. 



My passion for the IWC Portofino Chronograph: a favorite

I have owned this HERMÈS quartz watch for over 20 years. The original grey ostrich strap is in perfect condition. Because I don't wear this elegant object very often. 
If anyone knows the name of the model, I would love to hear from them. 
On the back of the watch, under the HERMÈS logo, it says "194208". Is this the serial number of the watch? Is this a reference to the model? It also says that the watch is "water resistant". Perhaps this reassures us that it is solid. Obviously, there's no way you can put this piece of art in water. The strap would be ruined!
I like to wear this watch when I'm in a suit, which doesn't happen very often any more. With it, the world belongs to me! I wore it this evening for an incredible ceremony. Having not put in a new battery for years, it marks five minutes to twelve all the time.


HERMÈS quartz watch

I absolutely love this watch!
Of all my watches (I'm lucky enough to have several) this is the one I wear almost every day. 
It has a beautiful shiny brown back. The case is complemented by a leather strap in a similar shade (I need to replace this strap, which is damaged, as I've been wearing it for over 25 years).
I love the rounded shape of the top of the rectangle. Both masculine and very aesthetic. 
My wife gifted it to me at the start of our wedding.
I never wear it at night. 
Most of the time I don't wear it on time. And I set the date even less. Because I don't set it every morning. 
My pleasure is just to look at it (for its beauty, not to read the time or date) :-)
Next step: find a new bracelet that looks like the original one.


A gift of my love

I have been wearing this watch for over 20 years. Not every day. It is always a great pleasure to find it again. Sometimes I wear it with the plate visible. I love the idea of having to manipulate this object to access the time reading. No second hand, just 2 hands. Sleek and elegant model.

Reverso, a timeless classic

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)

Hermès Sellier Owner Review : Bestial, glamorous and amazing

HERMÈS quartz watch

Pros & Cons for this watch

Where to buy your Hermès?

YOU ARE :

Other reviews published by MarcoVaud

Mr Jones Watches
A perfectly useless afternoon

IWC
Portofino Chronograph

Baume & Mercier
Hampton

Jaeger-LeCoultre
Reverso

Customize your Hermès with our selection of accessories:

ABP Concept

Hermès Sellier Owner Review : Bestial, glamorous and amazing

HERMÈS quartz watch

Pros & Cons for this watch

Where to buy your Hermès?

YOU ARE :

Other reviews published by MarcoVaud

Mr Jones WatchesA perfectly useless afternoon

IWCPortofino Chronograph

Baume & MercierHampton

Jaeger-LeCoultreReverso

Customize your Hermès with our selection of accessories:

ABP Concept

Mr Jones Watches
A perfectly useless afternoon

IWC
Portofino Chronograph

Baume & Mercier
Hampton

Jaeger-LeCoultre
Reverso