The story begins a long time ago. My father received a classic Reverso from my mother for his 50th birthday (25 years ago). I think that my love for watches began at that moment. Although I now have a well-stocked collection, the Reverso has always remained present but distant, perhaps I was aware of the fact that I would rarely wear it. But after giving one to my wife for the birth of our daughter, I started to take an interest in the model again. But there are so many... The choice would certainly have been more difficult if I had not attended a masterclass on watchmaking at the famous Jaeger boutique on Place Vendôme in Paris during which I fell in love with this duoface model with moon phase. It was a few years ago now, but when I had the opportunity to get my hands on this model, I jumped at the chance. It is too recent for my opinion to be final, however I remain captivated by the level of details and finishes that undoubtedly make it a watch for "big boys" to "Frenchify" the Anglo-Saxon expression. Of course, the moon phase is not the most useful complication nor is it used the most, but what a pleasure for the eyes, especially when there are 2 in the same watch. A detail that has its importance: the different sets of bracelets provided with the watch. I think that is what I particularly like in current fashion trends: we allow ourselves to wear it whenever we want, when we want, even a Reverso so dressed with jeans and a t-shirt. This approach speaks to me a lot.

JLC reverso duoface tribute moon

Watchmaking is a very strange passion sometimes. We all know it, we think we are satisfied when we buy our first watch by saying to ourselves "that's it, I have the watch of my dreams, it will calm me down for a while". And then a few months later - or year(s) for the most patient - we say to ourselves "having a collection requires eclecticism, so why not this one?". And then we find ourselves buying a new watch as soon as the opportunity arises or finances allow it. For me Glashütte Original has always been synonymous with prestige. But, I think it took me a while to really get interested in their models due to the lack of an official store. Far from being a criticism, this allows watch lovers to have access to a fabulous brand that does not pay for pharaonic marketing campaigns. Swatch Group certainly, but with the DNA of a high-precision watchmaker and specifications worthy of a 100% independent store. The only problem is that the model I like the most is no longer in the catalog. So I turned to Chrono24 (for the first time) to find the model of my dreams: the Senator Hand Date with matte black dial. A little apprehension when buying, but once I received the watch, I must say that it is probably one of those that had the most effect on me. Refined, elegant, with a sporty chic side, for me it is a watch that can be worn in all contexts, an essential criterion. The little detail that made me fall in love? The subtlety of the reverse date sub-dial. My purchase was therefore above all influenced by the emotion that the design of the watch gave me, the DNA and authenticity of the brand, and the level of details for a price that defies all competition (even Grand Seiko...). Only one problem: the addiction to Glashütte Original begins, and it seems impossible to stop.

Let's take German lessons!

Not much to say really. This watch ticks all the boxes and it would certainly be the one I would keep if there was only one left. It can be worn in all contexts depending on its strap, which I particularly appreciate. Historic, comfortable, sporty but classic, in short: legendary. The chronograph that every collector must have. Nothing more to add dear aficionados!

Mandatory in a collection

Before acquiring my first Rolex, a 41mm rhodium DJ, I was mainly eyeing professional models. Unfortunately (or fortunately?), at that time (in 2019), it was unthinkable to find a new one without having a purchase history as long as your arm at your AD. Intent on buying a new model at all costs, I did not even consider the second-hand option. So it was after several years and a watchmaking journey that had evolved over time that I said to myself: why not? Let's specify that I had the opportunity to buy a 126610LN at my AD in Muscat. But after trying it on, there was no longer any doubt, I needed a thinner model, easier to wear and with an aluminum bezel. So I headed to my favorite second-hand store and found it within a minute. 2 days later I had it on my wrist, and have never regretted it since!

A must-have

I would say that my attraction to this watch begins above all with a particular interest in IWC. Their use of materials, their strategic reorientation by offering less classic colors for a classic but assertive look speak to me. Already owning a pilot chronograph that meets all expectations, I therefore kept a close eye on their collection. And thanks to a friendly relationship forged with my AD in Abu Dhabi, I naturally moved towards something classic and unique at the same time. A Mark XVIII with its DNA almost as old as the brand and a scratch-resistant titanium ceramic case adorned with a TOP GUN logo at 9 o'clock which gives it an unusual look convinced me to take the plunge. No regrets since, for me it has all the advantages of a sports watch, without the disadvantages of a brand with too many connotations. The fact that it had a limited production of 750 pieces per year, that it is a reference to a legendary film and that it will be discontinued in 2024 are only pluses. Maybe I will get some comments about his SW300, but quite honestly, why would I complain? It is flawless. 
All in all, a practical, different, comfortable and limited watch. A no brainer 🙂

Watchmaking, the field and cinema: a winning trio!

So it never stops... The more you have, the more you want! After finding a good excuse to acquire a new watch, I started to feel around me. As often, I did not have a precise idea in mind. A friend and great collector was parting with several models at the same time. So I decided to take a look at what he was offering. Even before seeing the watch in question, he was "convinced" that I would like this model, despite my mixed opinion on the Hublot brand. Like many others, it is true that I perceive this brand as "look at me", (too?) young, messy, and with models often too inspired by other brands. But, I let myself be tempted by putting it on my wrist, and I must say that the result was very convincing indeed. First of all, I must emphasize the quality of the integrated bracelet and its folding clasp. A big fan of this type of bracelet (and I didn't own one until now), I immediately liked the look. Then, the combination of the bronze dial and bezel, with the gold indexes and hands, really give a spectacular look on the wrist. The very thin titanium case and the integrated bracelet give this watch great comfort. It is probably the most pleasant watch to wear in my collection (after Rolex). Add to that, a limited edition of 100 pieces for the Sultanate of Oman (one more!) and a second khaki rubber strap, and the deal was in the bag! In short, this Hublot Classic Fusion Golden Jubilee perfectly fulfills its role: sporty, modern, light and pleasant to wear. It will probably not be one of the most worn in my collection, but I think I will always find the right opportunity to do so, with pleasure, and that is above all what I am looking for. So, in two words, mission accomplished!

Hublot Golden Jubilee Sultanate of Oman

For a while now, I had been thinking about the idea of a second-hand Tudor, and I didn't mind the prospect. But when I looked at the models offered by the brand, the 79220R seemed obvious to me. It is the quintessence of Tudor. With its avant-garde design, vintage logo and unique colors, this watch breathed new life into the brand that was then in decline. Equipped with the ETA 2824-2 movement, it was the only Black Bay to benefit from it, the manufacturer switching to "in-house" movements a few years later. This criterion particularly appealed to me. Not because I am a fervent fan of the 2824, although its performance speaks for itself, but because this watch marks the beginning of a new era in the watchmaking world. At a time when every manufacturer is loudly proclaiming its skills in developing movements entirely "in-house", the fact that Tudor (aka Rolex) has taken - or not - the "risk" (or rather the audacity?) of relaunching its production thanks to an ETA delights me to the highest degree. There is no doubt that this watch will soon be among the most sought-after in my collection.

Tudor's 79220 R: the beginning of a myth

First of all, Grand Seiko is the only brand in my collection that is not Swiss, is it the fault of the marketing of the big watchmaking houses? Probably. After some time of reflection on less "classic" brands and in search of something exceptional, my interest had initially turned to brands like Glashütte Original and Blancpain, without having a specific model in mind, although the idea of a green dial had remained in my head. So I decided to broaden my field of vision to Japan (probably helped by a famous episode of Duel Time!). A bit by chance, I came across this model, and there was no room for doubt! It was the right one! Refined, silent, subtle, with an unmatched level of interior and exterior finishes, this watch ticks all the boxes that interest me today in my watchmaking journey. Nothing is left to chance, without falling into the superfluous. This watch has all the characteristics of a dress watch, but offers such a range of colors that we are tempted to wear it in a more sporty version. There is no doubt, the emotion is there; having a Grand Seiko on the wrist is truly exceptional. One question remains: does the Grand Seiko brand suffer from the brand image associated with its sister brand? Or is it a deliberate and assumed choice of the Japanese brand which thus, targets above all the "connoisseurs"? In the end it does not matter, with its finishes close to fine watchmaking, Grand Seiko outperforms the brands that are placed in the same price range. We cannot therefore speak of competition...

Grand Seiko SBGJ G Shunbun: The most captivating of all!

My first Rolex... It's hard to share an opinion that has evolved so much. Let's stick to the watch: reliability, robustness, can be worn in all contexts (which I love) and disconcertingly comfortable for so much steel. However, the scratches tend to frustrate me so much that I abandoned it in favor of other watches... If the brand didn't treat customers this way, maybe I would have gone back to have it polished, but no, I prefer to move on. The first and most certainly last Rolex in my collection. I like it, a lot, a lot even, but one will be enough for me. (Unless the crazy prices of the submariner 16610 become reasonable again, at which point maybe... But no, what am I talking about, let's see!)

Rolex datejust 41mm rhodium

Timeless, art deco, classic, trendy... All the adjectives could describe the Jaeger Lecoultre reverso. I rarely wear it but every time I put it on my wrist, the same effect occurs: I'm crazy about it. Initially a little reluctant because it's a "small" watch, but I think that this kind of model should continue to be worn in their original format. A watch that hasn't changed its design since 1931 and is still all the rage, what can we add? Nothing... We look at it and we appreciate it.

JLC Reverso classic: un must have!

The square Frederique Constant Heart Beat is a watch from another era, but one that I think will come back into fashion regularly. With its almost wavy rectangular shape and its crazy Roman numeral indexes, it represents the fusion of two eras: art deco and post-modernist. A large watch for men's wrists and very comfortable to wear.

Frederique Constant Heart Beat square

The Omega Seamaster Diver 300 has nothing to envy the Rolex Submariner in my opinion. Yes, I compare it because it suffers from this comparison. With its helium valve, its resistance to 300m and its magnificent wave dial, it is for me the reference in terms of diving in recent years. The sports watch goes everywhere.

Omega seamaster diver 300

As during my time in PMEA, it is difficult to summarize the emotion that this watch gives me when I wear it. To put it simply: it has become my favorite watch and the one that I wear the most since I acquired it (especially since I added a folding clasp and a rubber-lined strap). The sunray blue dial is incomparable and unrivaled, and seeing the patina evolve almost every day makes it special. An everyday watch, offering exceptional performance and reliability worthy of fine watchmaking. IWC all the way!

IWC IWC IWC!

The IWC brand was created in 1868 by the American Florentine Ariosto Jones in northeastern Switzerland. He founded a watch factory in Switzerland to supply the American market with quality movements and benefit from the know-how of the Swiss workforce. He settled in the town of Schaffhausen following his meeting with Johann Heinrich Moser, watchmaker and industrialist.
<h2 dir="ltr">History of the IWC brand</h2>
Known for its watches in areas such as scuba diving or combat with the<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/iwc/aquatimer"> IWC Aquatimer</a>, the house acquired its reputation with watches in the aeronautical sector from 1936. The brand is also recognized in the marine sector with the<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/iwc/portugieser"> IWC Portugieser</a> created in 1939 to meet the demand of two Portuguese importers of the brand, Rodrigues and Teixeira.
<h2 dir="ltr">How much does an IWC watch cost?</h2>
The prices of new IWC watches change every year, but most IWC models cost between CHF 8,000 and CHF 12,000. For example, a<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/iwc/ingenieur/review/65952649c78129179ad4037b"> IWC Ingenieur Automatic 40</a>, a reissue of the famous IWC Ingenieur SL designed by Gerald Genta, is sold for CHF 12,000, while an IWC Perpetual Calendar in Ceratanium costs CHF 53,000. IWC also offers models in precious materials and set with diamonds for a more feminine clientele.
<h2 dir="ltr">IWC: Much more than aviator watches</h2>
IWC is owned by the Richemont group as<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/panerai"> Panerai</a>,<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/vacheron_constantin"> Vacheron Constantin</a>,<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/cartier"> Cartier</a> and produces around 150,000 watches per year, all models combined. To choose an IWC that suits you best, Dialicious owners' reviews are a valuable resource for evaluating each of the different models through real customer experience.
(Updated January 2024)

Cr&eacute;&eacute;e en 2017 par le designer Nicolas Ducoudert, Beaubleu apporte une dimension nouvelle &agrave; l&rsquo;horlogerie en cr&eacute;ant des montres &agrave; la fois esth&eacute;tiques, &eacute;tonnantes et profond&eacute;ment symboliques. Les aiguilles rondes, signature de la Maison, sont le reflet d&rsquo;une singularit&eacute; et d&rsquo;une simplicit&eacute; sophistiqu&eacute;e. Chaque mod&egrave;le arbore un design d&eacute;licieusement contemporain, o&ugrave; chaque d&eacute;tail, chaque surface, interagissent avec la lumi&egrave;re.
Cassant les codes de l'horlogerie traditionnelle en apportant une vision nouvelle du temps, les montres Beaubleu sortent des sentiers battus en arborant des aiguilles rondes et &eacute;vid&eacute;es, inspir&eacute;es des travaux de Galil&eacute;e dans sa compr&eacute;hension du syst&egrave;me solaire. Ces aiguilles affichent de mani&egrave;re po&eacute;tique les heures, qui ne pointent pas un index ni une graduation, mais qui indiquent une position, un instant depuis le centre du cadran.
<h2>Quels sont les principaux mod&egrave;les de la marque Beaubleu ?</h2>
Beaubleu vient d&rsquo;annoncer le 5 juin 2024, le lancement d&rsquo;une nouvelle collection en s&eacute;rie limit&eacute;e nomm&eacute;e <a href="https://www.dialicious.com/beaubleu/seconde_francaise">Beaubleu Seconde Fran&ccedil;aise</a>. Une belle innovation esth&eacute;tique et po&eacute;tique comme en a le secret la marque., avec une aiguille volante des secondes et un calibre fran&ccedil;ais de France &Eacute;bauches. La Beaubleu Seconde Fran&ccedil;aise fait partie des nomin&eacute;s au Grand Prix d''Horlogerie de Gen&egrave;ve 2024.&nbsp;
La collection <a href="https://www.dialicious.com/beaubleu/ecce">Beaubleu Ecce</a> reste la collection permanente de la marque lanc&eacute;e en octobre 2023. Malgr&eacute; sa jeune histoire, Beaubleu a d&eacute;j&agrave; commercialis&eacute; 3 collections en s&eacute;ries limit&eacute;es :
<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/beaubleu/b01">Beaubleu B01</a> <a href="https://www.dialicious.com/beaubleu/union">Beaubleu Union</a> <a href="https://www.dialicious.com/beaubleu/vitruve_date">Beaubleu Vitruve Date</a> et <a href="https://www.dialicious.com/beaubleu/vitruve_gmt">Beaubleu Vitruve GMT</a>
<h2>Quel est le prix d'une montre Beaubleu ?</h2>
Le prix des montres Beaubleu &eacute;voluent et diff&egrave;rent selon les mod&egrave;les. La plupart co&ucirc;tent entre 800 &euro; et 1,600 &euro; selon les r&eacute;f&eacute;rences. A titre d'exemple, une <a href="https://www.dialicious.com/beaubleu/ecce/vesperal">Beaubleu Ecce Vesperal</a> est propos&eacute;e &agrave; 890 &euro; sur le bracelet cuir et la nouvelle collection <a href="https://www.dialicious.com/beaubleu/seconde_francaise">Beaubleu Seconde Fran&ccedil;aise</a> est vendue &agrave; partir de 1,490 &euro; sur bracelet cuir &eacute;galement. <a href="bit.ly/4abJPrn" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Tous les prix Beaubleu sur le site de la marque</a>.
La marque Beaubleu est ind&eacute;pendante et vend plusieurs milliers de montres par an, tous mod&egrave;les confondus. Pour choisir le mod&egrave;le Beaubleu qui vous correspond le mieux, les <a href="https://www.dialicious.com/beaubleu/seconde_francaise/20.24_gris_perle/review/66607be37f15bc103d620fe3">avis clients Dialicious sur Beaubleu</a> sont une pr&eacute;cieuse ressource pour &eacute;valuer les diff&eacute;rents mod&egrave;les &agrave; travers l'exp&eacute;rience r&eacute;elle des clients de la marque.
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 Beaubleu fait partie.
(Mise &agrave; jour Novembre 2024)
&nbsp;

Created in 2017 by designer Nicolas Ducoudert, Beaubleu brings a new dimension to watchmaking by creating watches that are aesthetic, astonishing and deeply symbolic. The round hands, signature of the House, reflect singularity and sophisticated simplicity. Each model features a deliciously contemporary design, where every detail, every surface, interacts with light.
Breaking the codes of traditional watchmaking by providing a new vision of time, Beaubleu watches go off the beaten track by featuring round, hollowed-out hands, inspired by the work of Galileo in his understanding of the solar system. These hands poetically display the hours, which do not point to an index or a graduation, but which indicate a position, an instant from the center of the dial.
<h2 dir="ltr">What are the main models of the Beaubleu brand?</h2>
Beaubleu has just announced on June 5, 2024, the launch of a new limited series collection called<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/beaubleu/seconde_francaise"> Beaubleu Seconde Francaise</a>. A beautiful aesthetic and poetic innovation as the brand has the secret, with a flying seconds hand and a French caliber from France &Eacute;bauches. The Beaubleu Seconde Fran&ccedil;aise is one of the nominees for the 2024 GPHG (Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Gen&egrave;ve).&nbsp;
The collection<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/beaubleu/ecce"> Beaubleu Ecce</a> remains the permanent collection of the brand launched in October 2023. Despite its young history, Beaubleu has already marketed 3 collections in limited series:
<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/beaubleu/b01">Beaubleu B01 </a><a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/beaubleu/union">Beaubleu Union </a><a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/beaubleu/vitruve_date">Beaubleu Vitruvius Date</a> And<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/beaubleu/vitruve_gmt"> Beaubleu Vitruve GMT</a>
<h2 dir="ltr">How much does a Beaubleu watch cost?</h2>
The prices of Beaubleu watches change and differ depending on the model. Most cost between &euro; 800 and &euro; 1,600 according to the references. As an example, a<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/beaubleu/ecce/vesperal"> Beaubleu Ecce Vesperal</a> is offered at &euro; 890 on the leather strap and the new collection<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/beaubleu/seconde_francaise"> Beaubleu Seconde Francaise</a> is sold from &euro; 1,490 on a leather strap as well. All Beaubleu prices on the brand's website.
The Beaubleu brand is independent and sells several thousand watches per year, all models combined. To choose the Beaubleu model that best suits you, <a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/beaubleu/seconde_francaise/20.24_gris_perle/review/66607be37f15bc103d620fe3">Dialicious owners' reviews on Beaubleu</a> are a valuable resource for evaluating the different models through the real experience of the brand's customers.
Check out the<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/top/the_best_french_watch_brands"> Ranking of the best French watch brands</a>, including Beaubleu.
(Updated November 2024)

IWC Pilot’s Watch Mark XVIII Top Gun Owner Review : Sporty, different and classic

Watchmaking, the field and cinema: a winning trio!

Other reviews published by Maxime

Jaeger-LeCoultre
Reverso Tribute Duoface

Glashütte Original
Senator Hand Date

Omega
Speedmaster Moonwatch

Rolex
Submariner Date
116610LN

Hublot
Classic Fusion

Tudor
Black Bay

Grand Seiko
SBGJ

Rolex
Datejust II

Jaeger-LeCoultre
Reverso Classic

Frederique Constant
Heart Beat Automatic

Omega
Seamaster Diver 300M Co-Axial Master Chronometer

IWC
Pilot’s Watch Chronograph Bronze

IWC Pilot’s Watch Mark XVIII Top Gun Owner Review : Sporty, different and classic

Watchmaking, the field and cinema: a winning trio!

Other reviews published by Maxime

Jaeger-LeCoultreReverso Tribute Duoface

Glashütte OriginalSenator Hand Date

OmegaSpeedmaster Moonwatch

RolexSubmariner Date116610LN

HublotClassic Fusion

TudorBlack Bay

Grand SeikoSBGJ

RolexDatejust II

Jaeger-LeCoultreReverso Classic

Frederique ConstantHeart Beat Automatic

OmegaSeamaster Diver 300M Co-Axial Master Chronometer

IWCPilot’s Watch Chronograph Bronze

Jaeger-LeCoultre
Reverso Tribute Duoface

Glashütte Original
Senator Hand Date

Omega
Speedmaster Moonwatch

Rolex
Submariner Date
116610LN

Hublot
Classic Fusion

Tudor
Black Bay

Grand Seiko
SBGJ

Rolex
Datejust II

Jaeger-LeCoultre
Reverso Classic

Frederique Constant
Heart Beat Automatic

Omega
Seamaster Diver 300M Co-Axial Master Chronometer

IWC
Pilot’s Watch Chronograph Bronze