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 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)
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I discovered this watch on a friend's wrist about twenty years ago. Since then, like many others, I have given in to the call of a big blockbuster before coming to my senses. If you still have a Rolex at 50, it's because you've wasted your life 😉. Comfortable and easy to wear every day, I never part with it. A little softness on the wrist feels good.

Ultimate elegance

The Jaeger Lecoultre Reverso was a watchmaking grail for me since my adolescence and I was lucky enough to satisfy this desire after many years of waiting. Its art deco features and rectangular case make it a unique and divisive watch. For my part, I fell for it at first sight and have not stopped admiring it in shop windows for years. Despite its undeniable elegance, it remains versatile: a black strap and you're off for a formal outfit, a change of strap and you're off for the weekend. Friends who love watches like new, obviously move on, the mirror polish of the case forgives nothing but will bear witness to the pleasure you have in wearing your watch. What I particularly like is its dial which seems so simple and yet: very discreet railroad track on the edges, brushed exterior of the dial, smooth railroad track of the small seconds center of the hour, minute and second hands guilloché. The whole thing is enhanced by the blued hands that will be seen mainly in bright light. Of course, it is a watch that I ultimately wear rarely, but the fact remains that every time I put it on my wrist I find the same pleasure.

Elegance and refinement on the wrist

Created in 1931, the Reverso was presented at the time as a sports watch that responded to the problem of robustness by offering a reversible case to protect the dial as desired. 
Nowadays, the Reverso belongs more to the category of dress watches, although by changing the strap (equipped with quick releases) it adapts to all outfits with disconcerting ease. 
The Art Deco style highlighted by the gadroons and the work done on the dial won me over: alternating vertically brushed surfaces and guilloché, flame-blued hands and small seconds at six o'clock. The most attentive will notice the railroad track which is here replaced by a fine guilloché going around the dial. One last detail that I love: the "1" which from afar seem to be only batons when they are not! 
The manual movement that equips this model is a real treat to wind and allows the watch to slip under all sleeves. One question remains: what should be written on the back of this icon?

Bill or face?

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)

Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Classic Owner Review : Classic, admirable and perfect

JLC Reverso classic: un must have!

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