When I heard about Cartier, I never paid attention to it. For me, it was a jeweler who was trying his hand at watchmaking, a big mistake on my part. Then I became a little more interested in the Tank, in the history of Cartier, I discovered the Santos-Dumont, the Ballon Bleu, the Must... What a slap in the face, Cartier is the first house to make me want to start a collection as the models are so sumptuous and different. My choice to start this collection was oriented towards the Tank, I am sure, it will be the Tank Must Grand model quartz (The classy, chic and discreet side disappears for me with a mechanical movement, I am obviously speaking according to my tastes and the size of my wrist...). A friend came to disrupt my plans by showing me a "Basculante". Under the spell, immediately, I want it! The rest of the story takes place on my wrist. A fine, elegant, chic, discreet watch. A rectangular case, blued sword hands, a recognizable railway, Roman numerals, the "secret" signature in the VII. Added to all this is a clever system that allows you to tilt, as its name suggests, the dial in order to protect it. A must-have in watchmaking in my opinion, and the beginning of a long love affair with Cartier. My Instagram for more photos: https://www.instagram.com/mrytchwatches/

The Cartier Tank... Stunning!

"If you have it restored, I'll give it to you, I won't wear it anymore..." That's what my father told me, and that's what I did. It's the first watch he bought in 1970, and I wear it with pride today. I wanted to keep the traces of its previous life and at the same time make sure that it could be used every day. Its movement is quite capricious and it sometimes stops or loses minutes when I'm not wearing it. Its case, called a "super-compressor", is quite small in diameter but is quite thick. An internal bezel is activated by the crown located at 2 o'clock, the one at 4 o'clock allows you to set the time. It is pleasant and easy to wear. When we talk about the Nautic Ski, we instantly think of Tabarly and Cousteau, a historic French watch. I wear it with pleasure, although not very often, preferring more recent and more robust models.

A Father-Son Story

Can we talk about love at first sight when talking about a watch? Love at first sight, for sure. Here is a watch that had all the attributes to not please me and yet, it is one of the pieces that I consider important in my collection. A contained diameter, 38mm, vintage colors, Roman numerals, Arabic numerals, a central disc that turns, a "secret" button that allows you to open the back, hour angles, an aviation story... A watch full of information, complex to use (if you want to use the calculation of hour angles, not to read the time...), the term complications will never have been so apt but very endearing at the same time. It is one of my watches that most often attracts attention when I wear it and that we don't have much opportunity to see. To summarize, a vintage watch, that we enjoy wearing, that attracts sympathy and that is more precise and reliable, or how to treat yourself with a watch that has a story for a relatively "soft" price.

A Transatlantic Story, the Longines Lindbergh

Well done Swatch, for better or for worse, this watch has made people talk! All controversy aside, this MoonSwatch is a very fun, colorful watch with reminders for all those who know a little about the Speedmaster and its many variations. It is a watch that I find very easy to wear, very light, obviously given the material in which it was created and with proportions identical to the Speed. I think that it is a watch not to be worn daily given its low water resistance and its fragile appearance. A Nato strap that is not particularly comfortable and which gives a "cheap" look to the watch. A small detail that you should not hesitate to change in my opinion to make the most of this Swatch. Its price of €260 makes it an accessible watch but at the same time slightly expensive in terms of quality/price ratio. A watch that must be taken for what it is, a fun and colorful watch, a nod to its big sister, the Omega Speedmaster Professional.

MoonSwatch, a fun watch, to be taken for what it is.

The Longines Conquest GMT is the first Swiss watch I bought. It was this one, along with the first watches of my adolescence (Seiko, Casio) that got me started in watchmaking. I was looking for a Swiss watch, with a recognized watchmaking history, automatic and with, if possible, a complication that was a bit nice and different from what we see, like dates or days. All that in a "content" budget, namely under the 1500€ mark. I found all that in this Longines. Its blue sunray dial is magnificent and the red hand of the second time zone contrasts with the dial and gives it a sporty side. You should know that this watch is quite thick and quite heavy to wear. Despite these two small flaws (as well as a slightly noisy oscillating weight but hey...), it remains quite pleasant to wear and remains a special piece in my eyes. It is water-resistant to 5 Bars, remains relatively precise over the hours and days, which makes it a perfect "daily". She is and will remain the one who made me put my finger in the Watchmaking gears.

My First Swiss Watch, the Longines Conquest GMT.

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)

Bought (after seeing it on different Vlogs and Publications), via the Official Store. Love at first sight, in Image(s), and it was still nothing, compared to the Reception!!!… The Blue Dial, is just Magnificent, with these Color Variations (especially in Summer, when the Sun shines). 38mm case. It has its Thickness, but that does not bother the Wrist at all. Tested in Swimming Pool, and Diving… It Still Runs, Like a Clock… 😉

A Nice Little Diver…

My Nautic-Ski dates from 1970, the year I was born. I love its aesthetics, its patina. When I look at it, I see Pompidou with a cigarette in his mouth, Claude his wife in a suit, the France we love, which innovates in technical fields, art... This watch is a piece of French history.

Lip Nautic Ski

I bought this watch while waiting to have my grandfather's 1967 Lip Nautic-ski restored. This reissue is a great success for me. Equipped with a Myota movement, it will be very easy to have it serviced or repaired in the event of a problem (the precision leaves something to be desired but is nevertheless quite correct, especially given the price of €499). With its 38mm diameter, I think it respects the spirit of the original watch and is suitable for a large number of wrists. It is the least expensive watch in my collection and yet it is the one I wear the most. It is very fun to change the strap depending on your outfit because with its black color it goes everywhere.

A successful reissue!

A watch that I love, that I chose and that was given to me for my 30th birthday by my parents. Its gray dial is the most beautiful in my eyes, enhanced by a very domed sapphire. I regret the total absence of lume, disappointing for a diver. However, on the wrist - and during the day - this defect is quickly forgotten.

Beautiful reissue.

My Lip Nautic Ski 7th continent has a magnificent dial color... a blue... you'd think you were there. 41 mm, in polished steel (too much?), it has a recycled plastic strap that is not very comfortable. In addition, its oscillating weight is quite noisy and the screwed crown catches a little. I can't wait to give it a little bath!

A happy diver!

I have a soft spot for GMTs and this Nautic is a very nice example. I particularly like this red hand that contrasts with the pretty blue dial, then the combination of blue, white and red colors works very well. The inner 24-hour bezel also contributes to the very open aspect of the dial, all reinforced by a domed sapphire crystal. Mounted on a tropical bracelet that fits perfectly with the whole, this watch has a lot of personality and contrasts with more classic divers. Since my purchase on order (Limited Series) I wear it very often.

A diver like no other

The Nautic Ski, one of the many icons of the Lip house from the great era, updated. Here is the Grande Nautic Ski. Vintage indexes and hands, titanium-colored dial, 41*15 case with an internal bezel. With its domed sapphire that plays very well with the viewing angles. Inside, the tireless Miyota 8215 set at +10s/day, visible from the anecdotal but appreciable transparent back. Weak points: the poor quality lume, the noisy oscillating weight. From my point of view as a young generation who did not know the golden age of Lip, the update is successful for this "French" diver, the finishes are good and the watch is robust

New from old

A watch that I have been looking at for a long time in vintage but whose original diameter is a little small for me... So by chance during a walk I came across this limited series 7th continent with a beautiful sunburst turquoise blue dial. I love its vintage side with a contemporary diameter of 41 mm. I change the bracelets according to the mood and it will be fluorescent orange this summer.

A historical diver in a limited series

Acquired in December 2021, my Nautic-ski Fantôme, which is supposed to be the watch of the French special forces, broke just a few months after wearing it.
I had it on my wrist quite regularly, not daily either, and I didn't mistreat it, but the movement broke, I don't know exactly how.

Big disappointment

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 Nautic-Ski Owner Review : Endearing, pleasant and friendly

A Father-Son Story

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Lip Nautic-Ski Owner Review : Endearing, pleasant and friendly

A Father-Son Story

Other reviews published by Monsieur Ytch

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LonginesLindbergh Hour Angle

SwatchMoonswatchMission to Jupiter

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