Excellent manufacturing for this very inspired 30 ATM diver, 316L steel case, ceramic bezel, sapphire crystal and Seiko movement. The Heimdallr brand (pronounced: aime da l'heure) is not in France but possible to have it on the internet. Very satisfied with this watch which often accompanies me in an aquatic environment.

Heimdallr 30 ATM 

Small model watch for ladies, it is my partner's watch with manual winding, very reliable with a good power reserve, she is very satisfied with it. What can I say about the brand and the model, legendary perhaps? Leather strap with 14 mm lug width, possibility of returning the watch like all Reversos

Reverso the queen of watches?

Omega caliber R11.5 for ladies in solid gold from 1943. Mechanical watch with manual winding. It is the secondary watch of my partner who is very satisfied with it (main watch Jeager Lecoultre Reverso). Bracelet with fixed lugs of 10 mm between lugs, old watchmaker stock. Pin buckle also signed Omega.

Omega caliber R11.5 for ladies

Gruen Genève 415rss movement with 17-jewel Breguet hairspring. 34 mm steel case, 17 mm bracelet lug width. The German Dietrich Grün founded the 'Colombus watch company' in the United States, then 'D.gruen & son', which became 'Gruen watch company'. The most sought-after models are Curvex, Super G, Océan chief, Techni-Quadron (sister of the Rolex Prince, same production line) and the Précision 510.

Gruen Geneva 415RSS

Vintage watch as atypical as this Lebem calendograph, 33 mm case and Lorsa 238c movement. Under second at 6:00, the hand with the crescent moon Indicates the date and the bezel Indicates the day. Mention on the bezel 'SGDG patent' which means 'patent without government guarantee'. Lebem watches were a subsidiary of the DIFOR group. I added a Fleurus bracelet on folding clasp. Watch to have in a collection.

Lebem calendographe 

I love this Girard perregaux caliber 20 Vintage, modified Peseux movement, 17 jewels, 34 mm case, 17 lug width. This watch is the epitome of class, a high quality manufacturer. I am very satisfied with this watch, low drift. I added a Hirsch brand bracelet length L as well as a butterfly folding clasp.

Girard-Perregaux caliber 20

Very satisfied with this vintage watch circa 1965. 34 mm monobloc case. Movement with 17 jewel incabloc and central seconds. 17 mm bracelet lug. Watch not to be confused with the 510 sub-second at 6:00 which is James Bond's first watch. A brand that is recommended in a collection.

Gruen 510RSS

What a pleasure to have a little piece of French heritage in your pocket. Watch of about 50 mm and reliable Breguet spiral movement with manual winding, what a joy to wait for its very present tick tock. This is the 'common type' model. Watches to have in a collection..........

French Heritage

Gruen Precision caliber 510, first edition between 1950/60. 34mm gold plated case and 17 jewels hand wound movement. The lug width for the bracelet is 17mm. A rather rare and legendary watch, the Gruen Precision 510 is well known for being the first James Bond watch on Sir Sean Connery's wrist in DR NO. My version of the 510 is without numbers with a brass dial. Very elegant watch to have in a collection.

My Gruen Precision 510 is... Bondesque

Elegance and simplicity for this Swiss watch. Robust with its steel case and sapphire crystal. Reliable Sellita movement with 38-hour power reserve, manual and automatic winding. To this I added an optional folding clasp from the same manufacturer. The Frédérique Constant brand is a brand that I recommend and which makes beautiful automatic watches.

Frederique Constant classic automatic

Bought new in 2001, very good quality of manufacture for this watch which looks a bit like a Tank. Its dial is a fantastic deep blue. Quartz movement. Sapphire crystal. it is the 1936 model. For the record Fred joailler Paris, more commonly called FRED is a brand of high jewelry and watches founded by Fred Samuel, former military Commander of the Legion of Honor and medalist of the War Cross 1939-1945. The group now belongs to LVMH.

It's simply my watch, Fred jeweler 1936

I am very happy with my Briston clubmaster diver automatic, 42 mm polished steel case and Seiko NH35 movement. Very thick 2.8 mm mineral glass, inner bezel and 20 ATM diver. 42 hour power reserve. For a very reasonable price between 500 and 600 €, very good quality watch. I am very satisfied with its look and reliability.

A very nice watch, young look and reliable movement

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)

Here is one of my vintage, a so-called jumbo Lip with a gold-plated case in the art deco style from the 50s I think with the famous R25, size 38 mm, good size for the time and small seconds, it has been restored, revised and re-plated by a watchmaker friend in Belgium, it is like new with its white dial which has suffered the traces of time with a lunar effect. A marvel and a piece of French watchmaking history on my wrist.

Ma Lip vintage jumbo 

Interesting watch with its pulsation and breathing functions which are simple to use and efficient in data. Quartz movement, sapphire crystal waterproof 100M for a reasonable price. Very readable dial with its Nato or tropical strap pleasant to wear. My first purchase at Lip and it is a success for me. In short, I recommend.

Lip Courage a doctor on the wrist ;)

This Lip Genève panda 🐼 inverted watch is exceptional and now historic from the 1960s, it is the little sister of the Breitling co-pilot, powered by a Venus 178 movement. There must have been between 100 and 300 models only. To find out more, go to YouTube on the dialicious channel: Lip Genève watch 😉

Lip Geneva panda watch 🐼 reversed

Here is a very beautiful LIP, quite rare, with a rather improbable look. It seems to me to date from the beginning of the 80s, probably at the time of one of the umpteenth attempts to relaunch the brand after the slump of the strikes on the Lip sites in Besançon. I really like this style of 70s watch with a sort of integrated case. Paradoxically, it has a screw-down crown and a unidirectional bezel that gives it the characteristics of a diving watch without really being one! even if it proudly announces on the back that it is water-resistant to 100 meters! Two things are noteworthy: it must have spent a long time in a drawer because you can see the traces left by the hands on the inside of the glass... and the still active tritium treatment is nice... For those who like the 70s look, this vintage watch is simple, fun while generating curiosity 😎


LIP forever even in quartz version

A watch that is simply incredible, a pure reflection of the 70s when the nuclear power plant revolution was an innovation, but a worrying innovation. And so in the middle of the Lip crisis, in 1975 this watch came out. For France, nuclear power? No thanks! And for Germany: Atomkraft? Neine Danke! Just great, especially since I had been looking for it for 3 years. I bought it from a great seller simply named Montre Vintage.com

Lip nuclear power

As a LIP fan, I am always careful not to miss an original model - at least for me! This is done with this simple and elegant mechanical watch like Lip made dozens of in the 50s/60s. Found in an auction lot for a few dozen euros with other Lips ;-)

A favorite purchase for its very original handles

I found this little LIP TV at a flea market. The watch looked bland but I saw straight away that it was running. Bought at the time for barely more than a pack of cigarettes, I cleaned the watch which actually had a nice gold plating that was not very worn. The mechanics were also relatively clean with a Durowe caliber. I don't wear it often but with a nice lizard strap it has a good vintage style. A good dress watch.

A well-hidden LIP

Here is a Courant type LIP that dates from the early 1910s. A classic at the time, with its almost square case (31.5 x 32mm) and its welded lugs. These watches were decorated with a canvas strap or a set leather, but I preferred to put a 22 mm NATO on it to make a slightly offbeat style. On the wrist, the LIP is a little small (the standards of the time), but with the NATO, it fits (but it still looks more like a bracelet than a watch).
It is in very good original condition, because unlike the majority of Courant types of the time, this one is not in nickel chrome, but its case is in solid silver (hallmarked), therefore free of corrosion.
It needs a revision of its movement because it does not want to start again (it had been 10 years since I had taken it out either). It is almost never used and the oils must have solidified.
I bought it mainly for its look, its condition, and its age. And then it's a LIP.....and I like old LIPs in general!

A very pretty ancestor

After spending a few years of research, I finally found my Lip Geneva chronograph. It was the ideal chronograph for me, size and shape of the case, gray dial. The chronograph is equipped with a Valjoux 7730 movement, a reference at the time. Classy and sporty, it goes through all eras. With this Geneva marking, LIP rises qualitatively to be close to its Swiss counterparts, the case has a particularity: it is a monobloc case.

Lip chrono Geneva

A very small and delicate watch. EVERYTHING is in the raised and faceted glass that recalls cut stones and gives the impression of a magnifying glass. The golden case and the smoked glass are obviously very 70''. On the other hand, the shiny brown crocodile-style strap is quite ugly and really cheap. The very small attachment is not very handy. I will try to find a way to change this strap.

Ma Mini Lip Gold Diamant

This Lip is very endearing with its temperature probe right in the middle, a nice option for its time (late 60s). The color effects also make the charm of the watch. The visibility of the hands is very limited, it takes practice to read the time. I like the shine of the bezel, it is close to the ceramic effect. An important point: the watch is very fragile, especially the glass.

Lip thermometer

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 Owner Review : Beautiful, symbolic and reliable

French Heritage

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Lip Owner Review : Beautiful, symbolic and reliable

French Heritage

Other reviews published by Christophe

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Jaeger-LeCoultreReverso Lady

Omega

Gruen

Lebem

Girard-Perregaux

GruenPrecision

GruenPrecision

Frederique ConstantClassics

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