I had the opportunity to acquire this MB Héritage Chronométrie Dual Time, during a private sale.
It ticked a lot of boxes on what I was looking for at the time: a GMT complication in a dress watch which was a change from the sporty GMT. Not being a very big traveler, this watch has a particularity: the 2 hour hands are the same except for the blue color of the second time zone.
Thus superimposed, it is invisible and it passes for a "small hand".
Beautiful finish of the indexes and the dial, 24h indicator. The bracelet is of good quality made in Italy. Only problem: 2 after-sales service shipments in 6 months under warranty. Since then, no problem, it is very precise. It is a very beautiful watch to wear on many occasions where it produces its little effect. The date being complicated to set, I advise having a winder. It is also a bit big for my 17.5cm (41mm) wrist. In 39 it would be perfect.

MB Héritage Chronométrie Dual Time: a mysterious GMT

TAG Heuer, a brand that has been associated with motor racing for several decades. I found this beautiful professional full set a few weeks ago. Capricious to get it going again, the quartz movement finally started up again after a session with the demagnetizer. Cosmetically very beautiful for a watch that is over 25 years old, its size of 37mm is ideal for my 17.5 wrist. Its light gray dial makes it very versatile. Its Mercedes hand gives it a little Explorer 2 look. The strap is well made but the buckle is a little hard to open. Remember that it is a diver with the extension for the suit. It is a pre-"Aquatimer" in a way. It is really a beautiful little watch, quite cheap for a Tag. Enough to think you are a grand prix driver.

Start your engines!

March LA B, a fairly confidential watch brand at the time I bought this watch directly on rue Charlot, their first boutique. At the time, it was not primarily attractive for its design and the very 70s universe (retro objects, body-built Mustang Shelby, sofas that Henri Verneuil's films would not disown). In short, a whole shopping experience, as they say in good maketeux. After this moment with Mr Marhic himself, what's left? A few negative points of reliability quickly resolved, but above all a beautiful emotion when I put it on my wrist. Attention to detail: the shape of the case, the green date in "march" on a black disc (discreet), screw-down crown (not on the new AM2s) well worked. Clearly, we pay for the visual rendering. Ronda quartz caliber. At least I had Swiss before its time. Of course, "made in France" on a two-tone black dial. A brand that I have been following for almost 10 years. Certainly a bit expensive in recent years compared to the calibers on board but with the G100 we are entering a new era. If you are looking for a strong and distinctive design, these watches are made for you.

The March of Time

Bulova, a brand known mainly for its tuning fork acutron models (the brand's acronym) and the Lunar Pilote, the other moon watch. I bought this great Seville at auction during the covid. The watch was really in excellent cosmetic condition and delivered in its green case very close to the rolex. For me it is a tribute before its time. It dates from 1979 and its 36mm are perfect for my wrist. Originality, the days are in Italian. The caliber is an ETA 2834-2, the same as that mounted in the Tudor Prince of the time. The bracelet is of the jubilee type, with no adjustment other than removing links. Not very practical but quite aesthetic. On the $ side we are at less than €500 including fees, which is very correct for a beautiful vintage day & date.

Day & Date American Sauce

I found this little LIP TV at a flea market. The watch looked bland but I saw straight away that it was running. Bought at the time for barely more than a pack of cigarettes, I cleaned the watch which actually had a nice gold plating that was not very worn. The mechanics were also relatively clean with a Durowe caliber. I don't wear it often but with a nice lizard strap it has a good vintage style. A good dress watch.

A well-hidden LIP

This Sinn U1 is the first "value" watch that I bought about ten years ago. I already had a chic sports watch but I wanted something more radical. I was seduced by the specs: 1000m waterproof (lol especially in the pool!), U-boat steel, original syringe hands. Its only enemy: the coating of modern offices which will easily scratch your beautiful micro-beaded bracelet. Prefer the tegiment. It has become my No. 1 watch for the beach. It is also the largest I own (44mm, at the time the U50 did not exist). It is an ETA model and not Sellita like today. It is not very well known but I have the impression that among collectors it has a good love rating. Quite comfortable, it nevertheless weighs its weight if you leave it with its all-steel bracelet.

My holiday watch

Having already bought the Prx 40 quartz, I gave the 35 mm model to my wife before the summer holidays. I love its design. It is a bit too small for me, mine in 40 mm being a little bit big. I am being picky but in 38 mm it would be perfect. Otherwise the same qualities and defects as the 40 mm. Well finished, beautiful bracelet not easy to adjust because there is no fine adjustment of the butterfly buckle. My wife loves its sky blue dial. The new automatic tapestry version is also very beautiful. It is quite versatile and can be used for swimming (10 atm), but for her it is a fairly urban watch in its style.

Little sister

Super versatile summer watch. Very neo vintage design, quite similar to a Tudor black bay 36mm. A dial with a super bright luminova in the dark. Ideal size for me (38mm), screwed crown and back (30ATM). The super surprise for people who don't like the movement of quartz hands is the Seiko VH31 sweep second movement which gives the illusion of an old mechanical watch. Well finished case, serious bracelet even if not super original (oyster type). The little Antarctic engraving on the back of the case, very nice. All that for €330. With a beautiful perlon or leather depending on the mood, the watch really works well in many circumstances

The Concordia, a watch that gives a lot for its price

I let myself be tempted by this diver bought on a well-known Chinese site. We are clearly in a "manly" style with this screwed case protection which protects the bezel. The beautiful blue dial which changes depending on the brightness is very successful. On the motorization side we find a classic NH35 automatic which makes coffee. The steel bracelet is quite qualitative except for the pressed metal buckle but at the price sold of the watch you should not be too fussy, especially since the finishes are rather good. The watch is delivered in a small black plastic box simple but solid. The tool to adjust the bracelet is delivered with it. It is a good watch for water sports (30atm) without taking the head.

Under the influence of its blue dial

I bought this beautiful Glashütte Spezimatic cal 75 on the internet a few years ago. Good surprise, the watch worked very well and the cosmetic condition of it was really very good considering its age (+40 years). I didn't think that the productions of the GDR could be of this quality. It is a watch with a rather atypical design that I wear from time to time. It reminds me of my childhood, from the time when we saw the East and the West clash in spy films. After all these years it still works just as well and apart from having oiled the winder I haven't done anything to it. If you find a "bison" model in good condition, jump at the chance because you don't see many of them.

Glashütte: an automatic behind the Iron Curtain.

Having already bought a small Zenith for my wife (see my review on Dialicious) I told myself that I had to continue on the principle of "Duet Watches" as with our respective PRX. I came across the Bay on this small Defy in 34mm (in reality it is larger) at a very reasonable price. Unfortunately it did not work very well. After a quick visit to a passionate watchmaker who will recognize himself, the beauty has regained its luster and precision. Its bracelet reminds me of the Santos and is now living happily with its alter ego. These watches from the 70s definitely have a crazy charm with their integrated bracelet. Only regret: it is an ETA 2872 movement and not an in-house Zenith. However, the ticking at 4hz reminds us that we are already on a fast caliber. Note that the same model existed in quartz movement.

The Other Ego

Small chronograph bought on the net a few years ago, I was seduced by its vintage dial and its original telemetric scale compared to all the tachymetric scales found on most chronographs. Rose gold Arabic numerals, a signed buckle strap and a vintage typography. From a distance, the illusion works. You can easily change the strap on a standard 20mm. A good little watch not too wide (40mm) even if 38 would suit it better for the classic side. All that for a good hundred euros on sale. Enough to treat yourself without breaking the bank.

New vintage chronograph

This Yéma is limited to 3333 copies and was designed in collaboration with Kavinsky, known for its taste for the 80s. The watch itself is pretty cool with its rather marked design and its very techno 70's red LED display. It's a nice collector's item bought at a reasonable price (around €200) and which is comfortable to wear. I regret that the display only lasts a few seconds when you press the button, annoying especially if you want to see the seconds go by. Not practical for driving either. In terms of precision, there is something to complain about, mine must advance by around 20/30s per day. A shame for quartz technology!! As I am used to mechanical watches, it doesn't bother me too much but I have to readjust it if I take it after 3 weeks. Otherwise, no problem with the finish, the case is really nice with the alternation of polished and brushed. Enough to think you're Kavinsky (minus the Testarossa!)

Yema Kavinsky

Tissot Seastar1971 Cal manual 781-1. One of my first watches; bought on the bay a few years ago, it was a nice surprise for me. The watch was cosmetically very clean, the dial not pitted. Seastar obliges, screwed back and pierced horns like in the good old days, very practical for changing the straps. The watch works very well and the silver sunray dial, very classic, goes well in all circumstances. Of course I forget swimming! A good little classic that echoes my PRX: watches that give a lot without breaking the bank.

A classic seastar at a low price

Bulova,
A brand first known for its Tuning Fork watches has unfortunately not continued in this direction. A few years ago the brand released models equipped with an ultra-fast quartz movement with a frequency of 262khz including the famous Astronaut. Result: a second hand that slides on the dial like on a GS springdrive. The comparison stops there! The rest is relatively average in terms of finish but at a fairly low period price (- 150€ on VP) we still have a screw-down caseback and crown. In terms of reliability, the date no longer works but the rest works. High frequency requires it to be quite battery-hungry. The watch remains interesting, particularly for its ultra-smooth movement.

THE RETURN OF HIGH FREQUENCY

The Tsuyosa, a watch already spotted when it came out but it was the ice blue version that made up my mind. Ordered from an AD (Parrenin Joaillier) in St Germain. The beauty arrived at the end of July, just in time to go on holiday with it. It is a very pleasant watch to wear and to look at thanks to its superb sunburst dial. Compared to my Tissot PRX it seems subjectively smaller to me because of its more rounded shape. The only real flaw concerns the water resistance limited to 5 ATM. So you have to have another watch for swimming.

Citizen T

Bought at auction, I didn't know its whole story but I liked its dial and I found the original micro rotor. I then discovered that I had one of the first models of the cal 215. Then Genta had designed it. A bit of legend at a low price for the time. I wear it regularly and its particular little noise reminds me that I don't have a watch like the others. Attention to bracelet enthusiasts, it is not the standard size (19mm)

A watch full of surprises

Vintage Oris bought on the bay, a few years ago, it is a rather elegant watch with its cream dial and gold indexes. Waterproof, screwed back, pierced horns, antimagnetic, we are in the watch that wants to be versatile for the time. Powered by a caliber 461 kif Oris the watch has period performances but the essential is elsewhere. Very light to wear and of contained size (34mm), it is suitable for both Monsieur and Madame. A beautiful find from the 50s that I wear from time to time.

Oris vintage 50'

A watch that is a bit small to be called a diver (10atm), but which has a nice little effect with its "admiralcup" style pennants. Delivered with a steel and rubber bracelet, I bought it a few years ago on the Bay for a hundred euros. At this price, you still have a very sturdy Miyota 8215 visible through the transparent back (it has been getting a bit ahead recently but nothing serious). Particularity of the movement: a blow to the watch and it stops and starts again a few seconds later, without flinching. I often wear it in the summer to walk along the beach. It is a watch without a story with an original dial and a lolipop hand without luminova so really not a diver, according to Fank sans C! The only negative point, the glass is not great in terms of anti-reflective, but at this price on a new one in stock...

Pen Duick Nautic Flag Automatic

I bought this speedmaster triple date a bit by chance during a sale at the municipal credit. A hesitation in the room and hop the beauty is mine. A bit capricious all the same, I had to have it serviced a year after the purchase. Very comfortable to wear, I like its dial with these 2 windows and its pointer date. A rather chic speedmaster but with questionable readability (with a black dial it's better I think). It's better to have a winder if you don't want to spend your time adjusting it. In the end it's a change from a speed pro and it remains quite original.

A speedmaster on a misunderstanding

As soon as I saw them in photos I knew I was going to fall for them. During a weekend in Amiens I tried the 2 models: quartz and powermatic 80. The sunray blue dial excited me more than that of the automatic and although I prefer mechanical watches I found it more in keeping with the spirit of the 80s Seastar to take it in an electric version. No regrets, this watch has become one of the ones I wear the most. Sporty chic, waterproof to 10 atm, comfortable; the dial is really superb and playing with the light is a real pleasure. Very good value for money (at the time €350). I love it so much that I bought its 35 mm twin for my wife...but that's another story

The watch of summer 2021!

I bought this speed at auction during covid. So I hadn't seen the watch (which is quite rare) but the expert I contacted gave me a good description. The caliber 1040 works very well and although described as pro, it is automatic unlike the moonwatch. Cosmetically it is in its own juice with a well-scratched mineral glass but a very beautiful dial with eggshell indexes. It is a rather virile watch that has a particularity, that of being modular: the bracelet + caseband on one side and the case block - back - glass which fits into it. Be careful with the gasket which wears out! Apart from that, the real pleasure of the Chrono is the minute hand (reminiscent of an F104 Starfighter) placed with the second hand (unlike in a 7750 where it is in a sub-dial). There is also a 24h day/night indicator. I do not regret at all this purchase of a legendary watch still affordable compared to the original. For how long?

A very 70's speedmaster

Marchlab customer for a few years, I wanted to offer one to my wife for the holidays. I came across this pretty Sixty pink dial. The finish is always very neat despite a production that does not bear the "made in France" price tag. The perlon bracelet is very qualitative, soft with a beautiful signed buckle. Screwed back, waterproof 10 ATM, enough to swim without a second thought. Small downside on reliability: the Miyota movement was changed under warranty 6 months after purchase. A youth defect ... My wife loves its pink dial and its comfort reinforced by its crown at 4 o'clock. The watch is versatile thanks to the interchangeable bracelet.

March L.AB Sixty

I bought this little Zenith online on a misunderstanding. Sold new from stock, it was, Zenith label on the bracelet, and protection still in place on the bottom of the case. Only problem I had not realized that I had bought a "women's" size watch (my fault!) When I realized my mistake I told myself that it was not lost to everyone. My wife enjoyed it until a necessary revision (the first of her life probably). After 40 years this is understandable. It has now left with its beautiful ETA Hi beat caliber (4hz is not bad!) A beautiful little original watch worn quite rarely by my wife but which is worth the detour. I found it a small period case as a complement and I fitted a blue UG bracelet in place of the original black Zenith.

On a misunderstanding!

This IWC R1210 is the first watch I bought for myself at auction. It is the dresswatch par excellence: thin, 33mm even if it seems larger, beautifully made alligator strap (I haven't changed it because it is so beautiful). Yellow gold case, an immaculate dial (I even wonder if it hasn't been redone because it is so clean). The caliber is a mechanical 401 that works very well. For the moment I haven't needed to service it. I wear it very little because it is still a fairly old watch and not suitable for everyday life. The model also exists in steel if some people don't like yellow gold. At the time I found it for over €1000 at the hammer, but I don't really know its value.

IWC R1210, but Calatrava to me!

A small Seiko found on the Bay for €50, a beautiful burgundy lizard strap "made in the market next door" and a "Tank" style folding clasp, it doesn't take much to think you're Rudoph Valentino. A watch by a Nabob from the Belle Époque. In terms of aesthetics, the case is really "slim" and the plating is beautifully made. You don't feel it, it's so light. The quartz does its job and for those who don't like the movement of the quartz second hand, no problem: there isn't one. You shouldn't deprive yourself of this kind of watch!

Seiko Slim Quartz, a Tank at a low price!

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)

Portofino, a chic destination on the Italian Riviera. It breathes the Dolce Vita all that!!!
This watch has a special place in my collection.
First, because it's an IWC.
And then above all, because it's my engagement watch :-)
And this manufacturer deserves praise in many ways. It knew how to reinvent itself after the crisis of the 70s linked to the arrival of Quartz.
And for that, it bet on its classics and its timeless pieces. In short, the Portofino and the Portuguese.
Sober design, ultra classic some would say, contained diameter of 36 mm on this example ref 3513 (Today exists in 40mm) which allows it to be worn by both Monsieur and Madame.
It is elegance incarnate.
I love to wear it with a beautiful three-piece suit and a shirt with musketeer cuffs.
Round watch with straight horns, simple dials with classic indexes and hands, it's the assurance of not making a mistake.
For me, a superb alternative to the Piaget Altiplano in the "Dress watch" category.

IWC Portofino 3513

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)

IWC Portofino Owner Review : Endearing, elegant and luminous

IWC R1210, but Calatrava to me!

Other reviews published by Crocket92

Montblanc
Heritage Chronométrie Dual Time

TAG Heuer
2000 Series

March LA.B
AM2

Bulova
Super Séville

Lip

Sinn
U1

Tissot
PRX

Charlie Paris
Concordia

Addiesdive

Glashütte Original
Spezimatic

Zenith
Defy

William L. 1985
Vintage Style Chronograph

Yema
LED

Tissot
Seastar

Bulova
Military

Citizen
Tsuyosa

Universal Genève
Polerouter

Oris

Pen Duick

Omega
Speedmaster Automatic

Tissot
PRX

Omega
Speedmaster Mark IV

March LA.B
Sixty

Zenith
Surf

Seiko
SQ100

IWC Portofino Owner Review : Endearing, elegant and luminous

IWC R1210, but Calatrava to me!

Other reviews published by Crocket92

MontblancHeritage Chronométrie Dual Time

TAG Heuer2000 Series

March LA.BAM2

BulovaSuper Séville

Lip

SinnU1

TissotPRX

Charlie ParisConcordia

Addiesdive

Glashütte OriginalSpezimatic

ZenithDefy

William L. 1985Vintage Style Chronograph

YemaLED

TissotSeastar

BulovaMilitary

CitizenTsuyosa

Universal GenèvePolerouter

Oris

Pen Duick

OmegaSpeedmaster Automatic

TissotPRX

OmegaSpeedmaster Mark IV

March LA.BSixty

ZenithSurf

SeikoSQ100

Montblanc
Heritage Chronométrie Dual Time

TAG Heuer
2000 Series

March LA.B
AM2

Bulova
Super Séville

Sinn
U1

Tissot
PRX

Charlie Paris
Concordia

Glashütte Original
Spezimatic

Zenith
Defy

William L. 1985
Vintage Style Chronograph

Yema
LED

Tissot
Seastar

Bulova
Military

Citizen
Tsuyosa

Universal Genève
Polerouter

Omega
Speedmaster Automatic

Tissot
PRX

Omega
Speedmaster Mark IV

March LA.B
Sixty

Zenith
Surf

Seiko
SQ100