"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

The Maison Jaeger-LeCoultre has been synonymous with elegance, innovation and exceptional craftsmanship since its inception in 1833. Founded by Antoine LeCoultre, the brand has become a benchmark in the Swiss watch industry, combining traditional know-how and innovative techniques. The story of Jaeger-LeCoultre is marked by key moments, revolutionary inventions and a series of iconic models that have helped to forge its worldwide reputation.
<h2 dir="ltr">History of the Jaeger-LeCoultre brand</h2>
In the 1920s, Jaeger-LeCoultre introduced one of its most iconic creations: the legendary<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/jaeger-lecoultre/reverso"> Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverse</a>. This rectangular watch quickly became a symbol of sophistication and style. Its unique design allowed its case to be turned over to protect the dial from impacts when playing polo. The Reverso has become a timeless icon, appreciated for its Art Deco aesthetic and its exceptional mechanics.
Over the decades, Jaeger-LeCoultre has continued to innovate and push the boundaries of watchmaking. In the 1930s, the brand launched the Atmos, a mechanical clock powered by subtle variations in temperature and atmosphere. This revolutionary invention was praised for its precision and autonomy, becoming a symbol of Jaeger-LeCoultre's technical expertise.
In the 1950s and 1960s, Jaeger-LeCoultre introduced iconic models such as the<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/jaeger-lecoultre/geophysic"> Jaeger-LeCoultre Geophysic</a>, a watch designed to withstand the extreme conditions encountered during scientific expeditions. The Geophysic featured anti-magnetic protection and shock resistance, meeting the demands of scientists and explorers. This watch has become a symbol of reliability and robustness.
The brand also developed revolutionary watch movements, including the caliber 815 automatic movement, which was the thinnest movement in the world at the time of its launch in 1953. This movement paved the way for many other innovations in the field of mechanical watchmaking.
Jaeger-LeCoultre also presents the famous alarm watch<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/jaeger-lecoultre/memovox"> Jaeger-LeColutre Memovox</a>, a watch equipped with a mechanical alarm. This innovation has been praised for its convenient functionality and clear, loud ringtone. The Memovox has become a watchmaking classic, symbol of the marriage between technical ingenuity and refined aesthetics of Jaeger-LeCoultre.
Over the decades, Jaeger-LeCoultre has continued to develop new collections and collaborate with renowned artists and designers to create exceptional watches. The brand launched the Master Control collection in the 1990s, a line of elegant and classic watches, which embody the traditional watchmaking know-how of Jaeger-LeCoultre.
At the turn of the 21st century, Jaeger-LeCoultre continued to innovate with iconic models such as the Reverso Squadra watch, a sporty and contemporary version of the Reverso watch, which was well received by watch enthusiasts.
In the 2000s, Jaeger-LeCoultre also launched the Master Compressor collection, a range of watches designed for extreme environments and sporting activities. These watches come with advanced technical features such as water resistance, shock resistance and high readability.
The brand has also collaborated with renowned designers and celebrities to create special editions and fine jewelry watches. Jaeger-LeCoultre watches have been worn by iconic figures such as Catherine Deneuve and Diane Kruger, reinforcing the brand's reputation as the preferred choice for lovers of sophisticated timepieces. Beyond its iconic collections, Jaeger-LeCoultre is also recognized for its expertise in manufacturing complex movements. The brand is renowned for its complicated movements such as the tourbillon, chronograph, perpetual calendar and alarm clock. These movements are handcrafted and assembled with meticulous precision by skilled watchmakers.
Jaeger-LeCoultre continues to position itself as one of the most prestigious watch brands in the world, with a constant commitment to innovation, quality and design. Each Jaeger-LeCoultre watch is the result of exceptional know-how, attention to detail and a constant pursuit of watchmaking excellence.
<h2 dir="ltr">Jaeger-LeCoultre: The watchmaker of watchmakers</h2>
The story of Jaeger-LeCoultre is that of a renowned Swiss watch brand, recognized for its technical expertise, elegant design and legacy of innovation. The different models launched by the brand, such as the <a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/jaeger-lecoultre/reverso">Reverse</a>, the<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/jaeger-lecoultre/memovox"> Memovox</a>, the<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/jaeger-lecoultre/geophysic"> Geophysic</a> and the collections<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/jaeger-lecoultre/master_control"> Master Control</a> And<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/jaeger-lecoultre/master_compressor"> Master Compressor</a>, bear witness to its evolution over the decades and its commitment to watchmaking excellence. Jaeger-LeCoultre continues to occupy a central place in the world of luxury watchmaking, offering exceptional timepieces that combine tradition, innovation and style.
Jaeger-LeCoultre belongs to the Richemont group in the same way as other famous brands such as&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/iwc">IWC</a>,<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/vacheron_constantin"> Vacheron Constantin</a> or<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/a._lange_&amp;_sohne"> A. Lange &amp; S&ouml;hne</a>. Jaeger-LeCoultre is part of the<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/top/the_best_luxury_watch_brands"> Top Luxury watch brands</a>. To choose the Jaeger-LeCoultre model that best suits you, The Dialicious owners' reviews are a valuable resource for evaluating different models through real owner experience.&nbsp;
(Updated December 2023)
&nbsp;

An icon in my collection that is added to my 2nd watch of form that is so close and so different at the same time: the Tank de Cartier.
I am totally under the charm of its guilloche dial and its sumptuous finishes.
From the dial to the buckle to the alligator leather strap…
Everything breathes great luxury on this watch!
And what a pleasure to rock this very fine case!
This Reverso is a must have and a great classic of watchmaking that I highly recommend to any enthusiast.


Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso 270.8.62

I have always been seduced by the Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso and yet it took me years to decide. I tried it dozens of times in different configurations, with or without a second hand, Reverso Night&Day, Reverso Tribute to Small Seconds... but each time I said to myself: "It's a beautiful watch but it doesn't suit me! »

And then I offered a large Cartier Tank to my wife... and I had the opportunity to wear her watch on a few occasions both to try it out and to question myself concretely about my ability to wear a rectangular timepiece.

Bingo! Something unlocked and I felt more confident about wearing a rectangular watch and I decided to take the plunge with this Reverso, in the simplest version. I could have gone for a more “fun” model like the green or red Reverso Tribute Small Seconds but my goal was to have this classic icon and in this sense the simplest model, with a silver dial, was the best solution for me.

Classy icon

I acquired this reverso (ref: 270.8.62) a few months ago, I had been dreaming of it for a long time, why? I like its sobriety, its timeless design which is different for me from the usual codes found in watchmaking. A real pleasure to wear, light, discreet and what class! In addition, these blue hands offer a very nice contrast with the white dial and therefore a beautiful readability. In short, I am won over and if there were to be only one left, maybe...

My reverso, absolute class!

La marque Ollech &amp; Wajs a &eacute;t&eacute; cr&eacute;&eacute;e en 1956 par Joseph Ollech et Albert Wajs &agrave; Zurich en Suisse. Albert &eacute;tait charg&eacute; de la conception, de l&rsquo;ing&eacute;nierie et de la fabrication des montres, tandis que Joseph s&rsquo;occupait du marketing et de la vente au d&eacute;tail. Avant de cr&eacute;er leur propre montres sous la marque Ollech &amp; Wajs, ils ont commenc&eacute; leur activit&eacute; en 1954 en fabriquant des bracelets en acier pour d&rsquo;autres marques.
La marque est connue pour avoir distribu&eacute; des montres &agrave; des unit&eacute;s de l&rsquo;arm&eacute;e am&eacute;ricaine pendant la guerre du Vietnam et pour avoir gagn&eacute; sa renomm&eacute;e aupr&egrave;s des plongeurs et pilotes du monde entier.
Apr&egrave;s 12 ans de n&eacute;gociation et apr&egrave;s avoir &eacute;t&eacute; son distributeur pour le march&eacute; fran&ccedil;ais, en 2017, Charles Le Menestrel, un passionn&eacute; d&rsquo;horlogerie, rach&egrave;te la marque. La gamme actuelle comprend des mod&egrave;les comme la Ollech &amp; Wajs P-101 et la <a title="Page Ollech &amp; Wajs P-104" href="https://www.dialicious.com/ollech_&amp;_wajs/p-104">Ollech &amp; Wajs P-104</a>, la <a title="Page Ollech &amp; Wajs C-1000" href="https://www.dialicious.com/ollech_&amp;_wajs/c-1000">Ollech &amp; Wajs C-1000</a>, la <a title="Page Ollech &amp; Wajs Ocean Graph" href="https://www.dialicious.com/ollech_&amp;_wajs/ocean_graph">Ollech &amp; Wajs Ocean Graph</a> et la Ollech &amp; Wajs Navichron.
<h2>Combien co&ucirc;te une montre Ollech &amp; Wajs ?</h2>
Les prix des montres Ollech &amp; Wajs &eacute;voluent et diff&egrave;rent selon les mod&egrave;les. La plupart co&ucirc;tent entre CHF 1,500 et CHF 2,000 selon les mod&egrave;les et les finitions. Comptez CHF 1,456 pour une Ollech &amp; Wajs 350CI et pr&egrave;s de CHF 2,300 pour une Ollech &amp; Wajs Navichron Chronographe. Le march&eacute; de l'occasion est &eacute;galement une opportunit&eacute; &agrave; regarder pour acheter une Ollech &amp; Wajs moins ch&egrave;re. Les mod&egrave;les Vintage notamment les Ollech &amp; Wajs Navichron et&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/ollech_&amp;_wajs/astrochron">Ollech &amp; Wajs Astrochron</a>, sont tr&egrave;s pris&eacute;es des collectionneurs et ils convient de bien se renseigner sur le vendeur avant de franchir le pas de l'acquisition d'une vintage.
Ollech &amp; Wajs est une marque de montres ind&eacute;pendante et produit plusieurs centaines de montres par an, tous mod&egrave;les confondus. Pour choisir une Ollech &amp; Wajs qui vous correspond le mieux,&nbsp;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_suisses">Classement des meilleures marques de montres suisses</a> dont Ollech &amp; Wajs fait partie.
(Mise &agrave; jour Octobre 2024)

The brand Ollech &amp; Wajs was created in 1956 by Joseph Ollech and Albert Wajs in Zurich, Switzerland. Albert was responsible for the design, engineering and manufacturing of the watches, while Joseph handled marketing and retail sales. Before creating their own watches under the brand Ollech &amp; Wajs, they started their business in 1954 making steel bracelets for other brands.
The brand is known for distributing watches to units of the American army during the Vietnam War and for having earned its reputation among divers and pilots around the world.
After 12 years of negotiations and after having been its distributor for the French market, in 2017, Charles Le Menestrel, a watchmaking enthusiast, bought the brand. The current range includes models like the Ollech &amp; Wajs P-101 and the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/ollech_&amp;_wajs/p-104">Ollech &amp; Wajs P-104</a>, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/ollech_&amp;_wajs/c-1000">Ollech &amp; Wajs C-1000</a>, the<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/ollech_&amp;_wajs/ocean_graph"> Ollech &amp; Wajs Ocean Graph</a> and the Ollech &amp; Wajs Navichron.
<h2 dir="ltr">How much does an Ollech &amp; Wajs watch cost?</h2>
The prices of Ollech &amp; Wajs watches change and differ depending on the model. Most cost between CHF 1,500 and CHF 2,000 depending on the models and finishes. Expect to pay CHF 1,456 for an Ollech &amp; Wajs 350CI and close to CHF 2,300 for an Ollech &amp; Wajs Navichron Chronograph. The second-hand market is also an opportunity to look at to buy a cheaper Ollech &amp; Wajs. Vintage models including the Ollech &amp; Wajs Navichron and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/ollech_&amp;_wajs/astrochron">Ollech &amp; Wajs Astrochron</a>, are very popular with collectors and they should find out about the seller before taking the step of purchasing a vintage one.
Ollech &amp; Wajs is an independent watch brand and produces several hundred watches per year, all models combined. To choose an Ollech &amp; Wajs that best suits you, Dialicious owners' reviews are a valuable resource for evaluating each of the different models through real owner experience.
Consult the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/top/the_best_swiss_watch_brands">Ranking of the best Swiss watch brands</a> of which Ollech &amp; Wajs is part.
(Updated October 2024)

Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Owner Review : Classic, beautiful and dressy

Reverso, a timeless classic

Where to buy your Jaeger-LeCoultre?

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