Lip Himalaya Owner Review : Efficient, different and elegant

My first automatic watch, which I can only recommend today. When diving into the world of mechanical watchmaking, we are often looking for a piece where we can "see the movement". Usually, we end up with "open heart" watches or "skeleton" models. I was particularly seduced by the "Hourglass" shaped opening which is very original. Lip is also a historic French brand, famous for its iconic models such as the T18 Churchill, the Nautic Ski, the Himalaya, and many others. In my opinion, this further reinforces the idea of "introduction to watchmaking". We therefore end up with a beautiful gray dial, openworked with an hourglass that reveals the movement and the inscriptions are at 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock. The silver indexes and numbers nicely echo the visible movement, as well as this polished and domed bezel which integrates perfectly with the also domed glass. A small downside for me concerns the "luminescent" hour/minute hands, which do not seem to add much to this watch that does not have luminescent indexes. I would have preferred silver hands, like the second hand, which I find successful with its red tip. And why not a ridge to echo the indexes which, themselves, give relief to the dial. Relief? Perfect for a watch with the Himalaya logo. The steel case is rather successful and well crafted, with an open case back that is in line with the openwork dial. Special mention also for the horns, which are also well finished. The movement is a Miyota Series 8 (8N26) which does not shine with its finishes or precision, but which still allows you to discover the workings and functioning of a mechanical movement, while maintaining an accessible price at €430 today. In conclusion, I would say that it is a very good quality/price ratio considering the history of the watch/brand and its finishes. In my opinion, it remains a beautiful gateway into the world of mechanical watches.