Dream of most watch lovers, I was lucky enough to be able to afford this new sub. True to my dreams, I take great pleasure in wearing it: aesthetic, versatile, sober, luxurious, symbolic, precise, robust… it slips easily on the wrist whatever the circumstances. This watch is undeniable :-)

As per the dream

A native of Besançon and an admirer of LIP, I already had a few models and noticed this one on other enthusiasts, finding it very pretty each time. An opportunity allowed me to acquire it and enjoy it in turn. I find it very distinguished and enjoy wearing it from time to time. However, it fades a little next to better-made watches.

Distinguished

My speed is my first "high-end" watch. Given to me 4 years ago, I dreamed of it as the ultimate model, the first one I would buy when I could, the only one I would have if I had to have only one. In line with my expectations, it never ceases to satisfy me, to call me when I wear another one. Be careful though: having it does not prevent you from wanting others ;-)

THE watch

The French watch brand LIP is an emblematic figure of the watch industry, recognized for his innovation, his avant-garde design and his history rich in twists and turns. Founded in 1867 in Besan&ccedil;on, LIP has gone through periods of glory, economic challenges and social struggles, while leaving an indelible mark in the history of French watchmaking.
<h2 dir="ltr">The Beginnings: Foundation and Expansion (1867-1930)</h2>
The history of LIP begins in 1867 when Emmanuel Lipmann founded a small watchmaking workshop in Besan&ccedil;on, the French capital of watchmaking. Initially named "Comptoir Lipmann", the workshop specializes in the manufacture of high quality pocket watches. In 1893, the company became the "Soci&eacute;t&eacute; Anonyme d'Horlogerie Lipmann Fr&egrave;res" and adopted the brand LIP, acronym of the founder's initials.
At the beginning of the 20th century, LIP stood out for its technical and aesthetic innovations. In 1904, the brand introduced the "Lip" pocket chronometer, which met with notable success. LIP is quickly positioning itself as a major player in French watchmaking, combining precision and elegance in its creations.
<h2 dir="ltr">The Age of Innovation: The 1930s-1950s</h2>
Under the direction of Fred Lip, son of Ernest Lipmann, LIP enters a period of intense innovation. In 1933, the brand launched the model <a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/lip/t18">Lip T18</a>, a rectangular wristwatch equipped with a high-precision movement. This model became emblematic and was offered in 1948 to Winston Churchill in recognition of his role during the Second World War.
In the 1950s, LIP continued to innovate by introducing<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/lip/electronic"> Lip Electronic</a> in 1952, the first French electronic watch. This model uses a quartz crystal to keep time, constituting a significant advancement in watchmaking technology. Lip offered at this time the first models<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/lip/himalaya"> Lip Himalaya</a> which still remain in the catalog today.
<h2 dir="ltr">The 1960s: Expansion and Avant-Garde Design</h2>
The 1960s marked a period of expansion for LIP like the<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/lip/nautic-ski"> Lip Nautic-Ski</a> presented during the Grenoble Olympic Games in 1968. It was also the beginning of collaborations with renowned designers to create watches with innovative designs. In 1967, the brand called on Roger Tallon, famous industrial designer, to design the collection<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/lip/mach_2000"> Lip Mach 2000</a>. These watches are distinguished by their futuristic aesthetic and their bold shapes, breaking with traditional watchmaking codes.
At the same time, LIP develops watches intended for specific uses, notably for pilots and divers, thus strengthening its reputation as a manufacturer of technical and reliable watches.
<h2 dir="ltr">The 1970s: Crisis and Social Struggles</h2>
Despite its successes, LIP faced financial difficulties at the end of the 1960s, exacerbated by international competition and changes in the watch market. In 1973, the company was placed in liquidation, triggering a series of strikes and factory occupations by workers. This social movement, known as "LIP Conflict", became emblematic of workers' struggles in France and attracted national media attention.
The employees, led by the trade unionist Charles Piaget, took control of production and continued to manufacture and sell watches under the slogan "It's possible: we make, we sell, we get paid!". This experiment in self-management aroused broad popular support and symbolized workers' resistance to factory closures.
<h2 dir="ltr">The 1980s-1990s: Relaunch Attempts and Changes in Ownership</h2>
After the liquidation of LIP in 1977, several attempts at revival were undertaken. In 1984, the brand was bought by the "Kipl&eacute;" company, but this initiative failed, leading to another liquidation in 1986. In 1990, the businessman Jean-Claude Sensemat acquired the brand and successfully relaunched production, relying on modern marketing methods and reissuing iconic models. Under his leadership, LIP experienced a renaissance and achieved significant sales.
<h2 dir="ltr">The 2000s: Renewal and Modernization</h2>
In 2002, Jean-Claude Sensemat signed a worldwide licensing contract with Jean-Luc Bernerd, who created the Manufacture G&eacute;n&eacute;rale Horlog&egrave;re in Lectoure, in the Gers region, to produce LIP watches. This collaboration makes it possible to modernize the collections while respecting the brand's heritage. LIP continues to offer reissues of historic models, while introducing new creations adapted to contemporary tastes.
<h2 dir="ltr">The 2010s: Back to Basics and Sustainable Development</h2>
In 2015, the brand was bought by the "Soci&eacute;t&eacute; des Montres Bisontines" (SMB), based in Ch&acirc;tillon-le-Duc, near Besan&ccedil;on, France. This return to geographical sources marks a new stage in the history of LIP, which strengthens its local roots and its commitment to sustainable development. Production is relocated to France, and the brand strives to promote French watchmaking know-how. LIP continues to offer its emblematic collections which have marked its history, seeking to meet the expectations of modern consumers.
Check out the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/top/the_best_french_watch_brands">Ranking of the most popular French watch brands</a>, including LIP.
(Updated November 2024)

My wife's watch... A LIP Himalaya skeleton... with a touch of customization (the µ on the front, our children's first names on the oscillating weight) due to the fact that it is a partnership between LIP and the ENSMM (Ecole Nationale Supérieure de Micro Mécanique de Besançon where one of our children is a student) (a school which has many partnerships with other watchmakers and many of whose former students now work in the field of watchmaking, particularly in Switzerland.

Feminine and dressed with a unique touch

Magnificent version of LIP Himalaya, with its UFO case and its very refined dial. The sunray is strongly accentuated here, with shades ranging from steel gray to anthracite gray which gives a splendid depth effect; and often a "smoked dial" effect. All the rest of the watch is gold plated, and the whole thing catches the light well without being bling-bling. Very pure design therefore, without frills, but with a small bright orange second hand which gives a little boost to the whole, without distorting the original spirit of the watch. Very successful.
Only small downside: a crown a little small and too integrated, therefore difficult to wind (manual winding).

A very pure design

This watch is made of a brushed steel case, on its large central part, and mirror polished at the bottom and top. The choice is relatively limited in terms of new skeletonized models at affordable prices and quality. What I particularly like about this timepiece is that although it is skeletonized, it is made up of a dial mixing numbers and indexes. This dial allows reading the time as easy as on a more classic watch, which is rarely the case with this type of model. The blued hands bring an additional touch of elegance. I would have appreciated a more refined Swiss movement, but for the price range it would have been difficult.

Skeletonized version

(LIP Himalaya blue hourglass; Ref: 67575). This is a gift from my wife for our wedding anniversary. This watch is very elegant and catches the eye thanks to its mirror-polished case and its beautifully skeletonized blue dial. Its domed sapphire crystal, applied indexes and very particular skeletonization give it a lot of elegance. The open back shows us the Myota 8N24 caliber (a bit of a shame..) but which works perfectly and whose rotor is a real spinning top... The brown leather strap is of good quality and very comfortable. This is one of the many modern variations of Maurice Herzog's Himalaya and it is always very rewarding to wear a watch with such historical heritage. A beautiful dress watch for less than €400!

A Himalayan LIP that reaches the heights of elegance!

The LIP Himalaya 40mm Automatic Day/Date is an elegant and timeless watch that embodies the renewal of LIP’s expertise. Inspired by the legendary history of Himalaya watches, renowned for their robustness and precision, this modernized version remains faithful to the spirit of adventure that made them famous. Featuring a 40mm polished and brushed 316L stainless steel case and sapphire crystal, this watch is distinguished by its clean dial, offering good readability. The day/date display adds a touch of practicality, ideal for everyday use. Powered by a Miyota 9132 automatic movement visible through a transparent caseback, it combines tradition and contemporary technology. With its classic design and premium leather strap, the LIP Himalaya 40mm Automatic Day/Date is the perfect choice for those looking for a distinguished and versatile watch, whether for the office or for a mountain getaway.

My classic LIP Himalaya automatic day/date watch

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.



LIP Himalaya Sablier, a gateway to watchmaking?

A superb watch for less than €400. The sunburst dial is sumptuous, the details and finishes are really up to par. The history of the model is a significant asset. Certainly one of my best investments for my beginnings in watchmaking. The icing on the cake is that it has really earned me many compliments.

A little piece of sunshine

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<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/ollech_&amp;_wajs/p-104"> Ollech &amp; Wajs P-104</a>, the<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<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<a href="https://preprod.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)

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