Morteau - History, Models and Owners' Reviews

Here is my MORTEAU Nautic Sport that I have had for 12 years. We all know the city of Morteau which, like Besançon, is an emblematic place of French watchmaking. But according to my research, MORTEAU is apparently not a watch brand. The dial makers of Morteau who made dials for small independent watchmakers just marked the name of the city (or didn't mark anything). This is probably why we sometimes also find "BESANCON watches". But this dial in particular, I have already seen it on watch brands, the most common of which seems to be AVYSTYLE. As for the designation "Nautic Sport", it certainly refers to the LIP Nautic Ski which was very fashionable at the same time. But from "Nautic" it only has the name, since it is not at all waterproof (30 meters at most). On the other hand, the dial has a "Sport" connotation with its indexes and the register printed at 9:00 in the shape of a checkered flag. Otherwise, the movement is a Lorsa P75 with manual winding, known for its simplicity and reliability (but I have also seen these watches equipped with Cattin C66). A "roulette" date at 3:00, an orange second hand, a faceted bezel, and a kitsch look are the very essence of this watch: a time machine, the nostalgia of the late 60s / early 70s that I love so much. What I particularly like is its perfect symmetry. The case is 42.5 x 42.5 cm, and the date is perfectly integrated. The size can be scary, but the watch is quite flat (manual winding) and there are no lugs. So, it fits many wrists. I put on a jubilee bracelet because it is obvious to me that it is the best bracelet that could suit it: the metal reinforces the "Sport" side, and the jubilee pattern takes up the same design as the checkered flag at 9:00. My watchmaker did a complete major overhaul of the movement and adjusted it perfectly. It keeps time very very well and is precise (these Lorsa calibers are really little gems). The winding of the crown is of a bluffing smoothness that many brands should take inspiration from... Etc, etc... I can't say enough good things about this watch, which is apparently basic. I really like it a lot and I wear it often, always out of nostalgia. A Marvel!!