I was looking for a mechanical chronograph, and after some research and videos, I fell in love with the Seagull 1963. This iconic watch, powered by the ST19 movement inspired by the famous Swiss caliber Venus 175, offers exceptional value for money. The Seagull 1963 is a must-have model for enthusiasts and collectors, combining fascinating history, vintage design and mechanical engineering. In 1961, the Chinese government gave the Tianjin Watch Factory a prestigious mission: to design a chronograph to equip the Chinese air force, the PLA Air Force. After two years of development, in 1963, the legendary ST19 chronograph was born. This movement, based on the Venus 175 acquired by China after its production ceased in Switzerland, demonstrates a perfect fusion of Swiss watchmaking know-how and Chinese innovation. The Seagull 1963 seduces with its retro aesthetic: a refined dial, delicately colored hands and remarkable mechanical precision, thanks to its manual winding. More than a watch, it is a true piece of watchmaking history, a tribute to an era when watchmaking was at the crossroads between tradition and innovation.

My SEA-GULL 1963 mechanical chronograph watch

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

I was looking for a sports watch that embodies the world of automobiles, and I immediately fell in love with this Rallygraf in collaboration with Alpine. It ticked all the boxes: a French, elegant watch, and deeply rooted in the world of motorsports.
The YEMA Rallygraf Alpine Endurance Team - Méca-Quartz, sand dial is a true celebration of automotive passion and French excellence. Inspired by rallies, this special edition celebrates the partnership between YEMA and the iconic Alpine Endurance Team, a symbol of performance and innovation.
Its finely textured sand dial evokes extreme terrain and perfectly matches the blue accents and black subdials, a nod to Alpine's visual identity. On the mechanical side, it features a hybrid meca-quartz movement, combining modern precision with the tactile sensation and charm of a traditional chronograph.
With its 39 mm stainless steel case, both compact and ergonomic, and its tachymeter bezel ideal for measuring speeds, this watch combines aesthetics and functionality. The perforated leather strap, inspired by vintage, brings a retro touch while offering optimal comfort.

Ma Meca quartz sport auto design 

I was looking for a cheap tool watch, and I came across this CASIO by chance. I liked its little diver's watch side, especially since it had been seen on the wrist of Bill Gates. The CASIO MDV-106 MARLIN is a robust watch. Designed for those looking for a perfect blend of style and functionality. Inspired by the marine world, this diver's watch has a timeless design with its 44 mm stainless steel case, a clean dial and a marlin engraved on the caseback, symbolizing its nautical orientation. It offers water resistance up to 200 meters, ideal for water sports enthusiasts or occasional divers. Equipped with a quartz movement, a clear analog display and a unidirectional rotating bezel. Its comfortable resin strap is perfect for everyday use.

CASIO MDV-106 MARLIN

After searching for a long time for an affordable Diver's watch, I finally found the rare pearl without falling into the trap of copies or "homage" models. The SEIKO immediately seduced me with its unique design and its massive shape, perfect for my 23 cm wrist.
This model is equipped with the 4R35 automatic movement, known for its reliability and precision, which adds to my satisfaction. The finish of the bezel and the notched crown (I think that's the right term) is simply remarkable.
The angular case adds a distinctive character to the watch, giving it a robust and assertive look. In short, this watch suits me perfectly, combining aesthetics, functionality and impeccable manufacturing quality. A real success from SEIKO!

SEIKO Prospex Diver's 200m Samuraï  Save The Ocean

The Bulova Lunar Pilot is a historic watch, worn by astronaut David Scott during the Apollo 15 mission in 1971. After a problem with his Omega watch, Scott used a Bulova Chronograph, making it the only American watch to be used on the Moon. In 2015, the watch sold at auction for $1.625 million. In 2016, Bulova reissued this model as the Lunar Pilot, combining vintage design with modern technology, symbolizing space exploration and innovation.

Historical, precise and elegant chronograph

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!

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

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

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)

Lip Himalaya Owner Review : Comfortable, elegant and classic

My classic LIP Himalaya automatic day/date watch

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Lip Himalaya Owner Review : Comfortable, elegant and classic

My classic LIP Himalaya automatic day/date watch

Pros & Cons for this watch

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