Typically the watch I had always heard about without ever considering it. Rather interested in divers and 3 hands, I had never been tempted by chronos. And then a meeting with an enthusiast and a visit to a watchmaker to try one did the rest. Some research on a 311, or a really vintage 145 before, but without finding anything exceptional in terms of condition. Finally, a video by Xavier on Dialicious to react to the launch of the new 310 co-axial made up my mind. Once on my wrist, the charm worked. Timeless and captivating vintage comfort and elegance. I like everything about this watch, the proportions are divine, the readability is maximum. This matte powder black dial which contrasts with these white indexes and hands, this Omega logo painted on this Hesalite version. The lyre horns, the “dot over ninety”, the step dial… Supreme and old-fashioned luxury, the manual winding… Conquered!

Moonwatch co-axial Hesalite

A watch that caught my eye in the early 2000s. This full titanium aquatimer 2000 is the descendant of the first super compressor aquatimer from the 1960s. The water resistance has since increased from 200m to 2000m, which is very reassuring when washing your hands... the 42mm case and 14mm thick remain very comfortable thanks to its superb integrated bracelet. I like its great readability and the contrast of the yellow on this matte black dial, magnified by a beautiful slightly domed sapphire crystal, without deformations. The balance is perfect in every way. A very special watch, retro futuristic, masculine but without being aggressive or superlative. An undeniably youngtimer. The lightness and softness of titanium in addition. Found with box and papers in mint condition. I'm a fan.

IWC Aquatimer IW353803

Discreet luxury. A distinctive and singular design like that of the Ellipse, launched in 1968 with the reference 3548. Designed according to the formula of the golden ratio, or divine proportion, a geometric concept found in nature or architecture. Symbol of beauty and harmony. The reference presented here is the 3738 called jumbo (35mm) introduced in 1977 in the Patek catalog. This is the first generation with automatic winding introducing the legendary caliber 240 with micro-rotor which allows the elliptical case to retain all its finesse. Tempted at first by the classic yellow gold model, the encounter with this extremely rare white gold Ellipse made me take the plunge. The white gold makes it more modern and more discreet. A marvel of elegance, sobriety and refinement. Special mention to its sunburst blue gold dial, Patek secret, which opens a door to the sky and also to the elliptical buckle of the bracelet. A watch with a unique shape. A jewel.

Divine Ellipse 

Another desire for a second time zone but which does not look like a GMT Master. I appreciate the hyper readability and warmth of this dial, with this very light and subtle patina of the ceramic indexes. The snowflake yellow GMT hand tipped the balance. Color is life! A watch with a very nice presence on the wrist even if it is a little plump, it must be admitted. 1mm or 2mm less thickness would have been welcome. But it's okay... The sunray brushed finish of the 24-hour bezel is remarkable. A diameter of 39mm, nicely chamfered horns, a nicely sized crown and a Manufacture MT5652 COSC caliber complete the whole thing. Another nice move from Tudor with a well-positioned price. Something you can't find in its big sister anymore.

Tudor Black Bay Pro

By chance, while passing through a boutique, charmed by the fitting of an Overseas Silver dial, I like sports watches. A telephone number left at random, it commits to nothing… and then a phone call seven months later! The 3-hand date matte black dial had arrived. Ouch. I cracked. My entry into the Holy Trinity. A legendary name, the oldest watch manufacturer in the world, a sublime movement, the hallmark of Geneva… totally unreasonable. No more rationality here. The Maltese cross is everywhere, in the design of the bezel and also the steel bracelet. A luxurious sports watch with enveloping comfort, which knows how to be forgotten, discreet and less ostentatious and identifiable than its famous sisters, unobtainable and almost inaccessible… magnificent with its rubber bracelet. The only regret is that there is no stop second. While the brand offers it on the classic Patrimony. Who knows…

Overseas steel 41mm

A desire for a very classic, fine watch, but with a slight sporty side. With Cartier's renewed vigor on the watch market in recent years, I took the plunge. Cocorico! Even if Swiss made. It goes with everything, under the most fitted shirts with its thickness of 8.8mm. Perfect for the office, but also with jeans and a t-shirt. The steel bracelet and the 100m water resistance for the sporty side and no hassle. And the possibility of changing to a leather strap for a more dressy side. Special mention for the quick fastening system and also the adjustment of the bracelet possible with a toothpick or a Bic pen cap! The medium format is ideal, neither too big nor too small. A nice presence on the wrist. I would have appreciated a date window instead of an index at 3 or 6 p.m. A detail that I appreciate, the blue of the hands that appears under certain lighting. For me an iconic watch, well made, timeless. A basic to have in every wardrobe. And then Cartier is still a beautiful story.

Santos medium automatic 

You should never say Fontaine je ne boirai pas de ton eau… I am not a speleologist but rather claustrophobic, rather 40mm than 42 at Rolex and yet… it made me fall in love with its bright white dial and its black-circled indexes, hyper contrasted and hyper readable. And this orange 24-hour hand, I love it, a nod to the 1655 Steve McQueen that he never wore. Freccione for the Italians. As eyesight declines with the forties, it arrives at just the right time. Launched in 2011 on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of the Explorer II, it is powered by the 3187 caliber. With its 31 jewels, its Parachrom hairspring and its Paraflex shock absorbers, it is a modern variation of the 3186 caliber, which was used in the GMT Master II models. A surprisingly fresh watch!

Rolex Explorer II Polar 216570

Looking for a sporty and waterproof watch for holidays and leisure, while remaining sober, I chose this Sinn EZM3, steel bracelet. EZM for Einzatz Zeitmesser, “mission counter”, a separate range from the watchmaker from Frankfurt am Main. 

I had it in mind for several months, having had in the past the Pilot version EZM3F (Flieger), with leather strap. The case design is the same, but I had grown tired of the dial which I found too minimalist. 

This EZM3 is an uncompromising diver, waterproof to 500m certified to European standards for diving equipment by the DNV company and to DIN standards for antimagnetism and pressure resistance. 
I like the microblasted treatment of the steel, the angular case and its contained dimensions with a diameter of 41mm and a thickness of only 12.3mm. A big plus considering the muscular specifications of the piece. It is very comfortable to wear. I love the military dial, its super readable and luminous baton indexes doubled by Arabic numeral sub-indexes. The red date is very discreet and knows how to be forgotten. 
The matte black dial and the double-sided anti-reflective sapphire crystal are remarkable. The 60-click bezel is impeccable in its design. Its slightly beveled shape gives a very unique look to this EZM3, in addition to the crown at 9 o'clock. A sober, professional watch, with an identity that is unlike any other. 
We are far from the brands or models that are a little too marketing for my taste. 
Not a first price certainly, but in terms of specifications and quality of execution it gives a lot. Not far from being the ideal tool watch in my opinion.

Sinn EZM3 - Professional Mission Counter

Instant love at first sight for the not so common California dial of this young and beautiful French brand, which is reminiscent of distant memories of Rolex Bubble Back… for the rest, muscular specs in a tasteful military case, with ideal and refined proportions. 37.7mm x 11.3mm. Far from the competition often cruder and less singular in terms of design in this price range. Swiss quality at the rendezvous with a special mention for the black enamel dial and the brushed grosgrain of the bezel. I changed the original bonclip bracelet for a pretty black pigskin bracelet which responds well to the depth of the dial, accentuated by the double domed sapphire crystal. The manual winding of the Soprod P24 movement adds an additional charm to the whole. A success.

Silk 4512 California

Looking for a serious diver at a reasonable price, I started to look at the Doxa site and the Sub 300 before coming across the Sub 200 range, the most affordable and the black model, Sharkhunter. 42 mm, not too thick, a compact case, extremely well executed. A deep black dial, hyper readable with its hands and stick indexes. A pretty domed sapphire green which gives it a very pleasant vintage look. Hard to find fault with this watch. Hyper comfortable thanks to its very short lugs and its remarkable rice grain bracelet. All powered by an indestructible and precise ETA 2824-2 movement. Too bad it only allows 19 mm bracelets, the pumps very close to the dial also only allow Doxa bracelets, or custom-made…

Doxa Sub 200 Sharkhunter 

My heart always beats faster when I see a Panerai. When I tried this Radiomir it went completely crazy. I was totally enchanted by the "patina steel" finish which gives an old silver look to the case. Super P5000 caliber with manual winding with 8 days of power reserve thanks to these 2 barrels: Otto giorni brevettato! It actually lasts almost 9 days. Patinated sandwich indexes on a mocha dial. 10 ATM. A double domed glass and blued hour minute second hands complete the set. A beauty in every way. A jewel.

Radiomir PAM00992 Eight Days Patented

The first Panerai worn on the wrist. Love at first sight for this Luminor concentrate with its 42mm diameter. A very good introduction to this brand that I only knew by name. I love its proportions and its beautiful balance. Its complete functions, 300m water resistance, discreet date window, pretty seconds counter at 9 o'clock. Stop seconds appreciable with this P900 movement. I particularly like the magnificent blue of the discreet inscriptions that are also found on the seconds hand. and also the numbers 15, 30, 45 on the markers of the diving bezel. A success on this cushion case.

A concentrate of Panerai PAM00973

My grandfather's legacy. The only thing I have left of him, along with memories. A watch that sat in a drawer for 10 years after his death in 2011, and which I really thought would never restart. The fault was the battery of those damned quartz movements that had leaked... a magician watchmaker sorted it out for me for free, otherwise it would have been back to Omega or more precisely in the drawer... a watch in his image, fine and elegant. He was not materialistic or a watch lover. I remember when I saw him arrive with it on his wrist, in the mid-1990s, he must have been almost 70 years old. A little late pleasure for someone who had known deprivation during the war. I like the finesse and refined sobriety of this Constellation, the great comfort offered by its integrated bracelet and its thickness of 6mm. The full Day Date dials stand out nicely and proportionately against the white enamel dial. This is not exactly my style of watch, as I like rather sporty and automatic watches. It will remain a watch for one man, the one whose images I see again when I look at it or wear it.

Omega Constellation Manhattan Day Date quartz

I had been eyeing for a while a reissue of a German pilot's watch, qualitative but accessible while being legitimate. Historically five companies supplied the Wehrmacht during the 2nd world conflict: IWC, Lange & Sohne, Stowa, Laco and Wempe. I looked for a long time at Stowa which offered a nice model very well made before coming across this rather premium model at Laco, offering the possibility of personalizing it as desired, in addition to a water resistance of 200m, which we don't care about I agree for a Flieger but which I like for questions of comfort. I like on this Laco type A the fact of having been able to choose a dial without brand or logo, but with a discreet date, a matte gray sandblasted finish which gives it an undeniable vintage look. The flame-blued and unpainted hands are superb. The Sellita movement is top-notch. I also particularly like the non-politically correct marking FL23883 (inventory number in the German army: 23 = navigation instrument, 883 = number given by the air technical authority for this instrument) engraved on the edge of the case, the only mark to keep it today. The 40mm diameter is not the historical 55mm, but since I sold my biplane this no longer poses a problem for me. In the end, a niche watch, very typical, with a neat finish.

A historic Flieger

Looking for a used Longines Legend Diver I came across this Alpina Seastrong diver heritage, new used for half the price. Charmed by this balanced Super Compressor model with impeccable finishes. I really like the elegant contrast between this pretty off-white dial and the black sub-dial, with perfect indexing. A beautiful 42mm case, nicely polished and with finely chamfered horns, a contained thickness of 12mm. Beautiful well-proportioned hands that contribute to excellent readability. A beautiful slightly domed sapphire crystal, a water resistance of 300m and screw-down crowns. Trapezoidal date window between 3 and 4 p.m. well integrated. All powered by a well-regulated AL-525 movement on a Sellita 200 base. Faultless.

The other Legend Diver

The one that started it all. My first watch, the one I bought myself at 33 and wore for 10 years without stopping, in all circumstances, without any desire to replace it. The one that would remain if I had to keep only one. The aviator, the Pan Am legend since 1954. The most precise of all. And those blue and red bezel colors that change over the years and that I will never tire of. I have always preferred Pepsi to Coke!

Rolex GMT MASTER II ref 16710 - 

The most legendary diving watch of all terrestrial production. For me, efficiency without superfluity, non-ostentatious luxury, extreme specifications in a contained case, 40mm and 14.5mm thick. No cyclops, a sober date window and a flawless 120-click bezel. The quintessence of the professional sports watch at Rolex. Here a 16600, 3rd generation, full horns, equipped with the star 3135 movement giving it formidable precision. Taking the best from the 1665 from 1971 and the 16660, it blows a little breeze from the Compagnie Maritime d’Expertise!

Legendary diver

The Omega of my youth, the one that was one of the watches that made me fantasize and that I couldn't afford at the time. But that I never forgot. The Planet Ocean reference 2209.50.00, launched in 2005 in its orange livery, 42mm. Orange, this color that marked me and that I love on divers. Generous dimensions but nevertheless contained in this Seamaster Planet Ocean that I prefer to the classic Seamaster model, with a more dated design I find. Lyre faceted horns, a fabulous dial, readable, sporty and elegant at the same time. I particularly like this matte black dial, the applied Omega logo, the super luminova trapezoidal indexes and the orange 12/6/9 numerals. Not to mention the hands and a second hand with exceptional execution and design. A model of balance, impeccable finishes. Nothing is too much on this resolutely professional diver. And this satin steel bracelet that I was going to forget, a remarkable robustness and comfort, very nicely designed. A flawless design with a softer design than the current models, more aggressive and angular.

Planet Ocean Orange 2209.50.00

Appearing in 1975 after the Royal Oak (1972) and before the Nautilus (1976), it owes its profile to the architect Adolfo Natalini. And we must admit a nice stroke of the pencil! This current version in 42mm is in every way a success, at prices that do not exceed understanding... and well representing the state of the art of the time. Magnificent integrated bracelet, thickness of 10.68mm that goes under all shirts, it is the embodiment of sporty elegance. With this little extra for me that is the water resistance to 100 meters with screwed crown that allows a few strokes in the pool. The finishes are remarkable, the silky brushes that alternate with magnificent polishes... The slightly domed sapphire crystal, the Clou de Paris dial, and this harmonious octagonal bezel... without forgetting the remarkable visible GP01800 manufacture movement, magnificently crafted. A detail that I like, the light reflected by the hands, even in the dark. An unequalled polish. A flawless and a singular style.. I like it so much that I also took it in blue!

Graduated 42

Nothing led me to look at a French brand like Yema, which I knew little about and for which I had a negative a priori in terms of positioning and quality. And then by chance during a watchmaking stroll, in search of a little pleasure that was not too expensive, I came across this model. Seduced by this matte blue dial (I don't like sunray dials), its unique U-shaped indexes, its pretty domed sapphire crystal and its contained dimensions, 39mm, 13mm thick. All very nicely and perfectly executed. It has everything in addition to the date. Under the spell of this elegant and deliciously retro watch, which does not fall into the Rolex look alike.

Superman AAE Search and Rescue 300m

Total love at first sight when I stumbled upon it by chance, intrigued by its small format and this dial with indexes never seen elsewhere. Reissue of the first model waterproof to 1000m (100ATM) from 1965, also called Pacman or baby Panerai, because of its cushion shape and small dimensions. Everything is remarkably done, domed sapphire crystal, matte black dial, orange seconds hands, helium valve, 120-click dial without defects. Proof that you can have muscular specifications in a contained case. The precision of the SW 200 movement, well adjusted, is remarkable with +1/2sec per day. A little bomb!

Nivada Pac-Man: Small but mighty!

Seduced by the originality of the classic Grands Fonds 300, I waited for the launch of the GF 38 in 39mm format to take the plunge. I chose the model with baton indexes and roulette date (even numbers in red). A unique watch with its crown at 6 o'clock, fine when worn. The only downside is the precision: +10/11 seconds per day for an elaborate Sellita SW200, but within the standards for the brand I contacted and which offered me an adjustment for €160... for a watch worth just over 3K, a fine workshop adjustment would have been welcome.

ZRC Grands Fonds 38 - GF38263

New arrival in my Panerai collection this Luminor Marina PAM564 Bettarini case of 44mm. Very pleasant and soft to wear, thanks to the titanium, and especially to a very contained thickness 13 mm. Magnificent, sausage dial, dark chocolate. Sapphire case back which leaves the P5000 movement partially visible. Water resistance 300m. I like the brushed titanium finishes which give it an elegant and sober look while emphasizing the tool watch aspect.

Luminor Marina 8 Days Titane

The Patek Philippe brand was created in 1839 by Antoine Norbert de Patek and Fran&ccedil;ois Czapek in Geneva, Switzerland. Historic brand of Haute Horlogerie, Patek Philippe is part of the very closed circle of the oldest manufacturers still in operation. It is notably at the origin of the caliber 89, the first pocket caliber with 33 complications. Since its creation, it has had real know-how in artisanal know-how and a strong capacity to innovate. In fact, since 1845, it has been the source of more than 70 patents.
The Patek Philippe range offers sporty-chic watches such as the<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/patek_philippe/nautilus_5711"> Patek Nautilus 5711</a> or the<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/patek_philippe/aquanaut"> Patek Philippe Aquanaut</a>, as well as classic watches like the<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/patek_philippe/calatrava"> Patek Philippe Calatrava</a>, the<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/patek_philippe/complications"> Patek Philippe Complications</a> or the Patek Philippe Gondolo. These refined pieces have made Patek Philippe a brand prized by collectors.
The brand created a surprise in October 2024 with the announcement of a new collection: the<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/patek_philippe/cubitus"> Patek Philippe Cubitus</a>.
<h2 dir="ltr">How much does a Patek Philippe cost?</h2>
Prices for Patek Philippe watches change every year, but most Patek Philippe models cost between $30,000 and $60,000. A steel Patek Philippe Aquanaut costs around $24,100, while a Patek Philippe Perpetual Calendar Chronograph in yellow gold costs more than $200,000. Patek also offers models made from precious materials and set with diamonds at higher prices.
The second-hand market is also an opportunity to look at to obtain a Patek Philippe, the price of which will most certainly be higher than new given the shortage of watches available from the brand's rare authorized resellers.
<h2 dir="ltr">Patek Philippe: The historic reference in Haute Horlogerie</h2>
The brand Patek Philippe has been owned by the Stern family since 1932 and produces approximately 68,000 watches per year, all models combined. To choose a Patek Philippe that suits you best, Dialicious owners' reviews are a valuable resource for evaluating each of the different models through real owner experience.
Check out the <a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/top/the_best_luxury_watch_brands">Ranking of the best Luxury watch brands</a>, including Patek Philippe.
(Updated October 2024)

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)

Patek Philippe Ellipse Owner Review : Dazzling, discreet and divine

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