After spending a few years in my late teens discovering the world of watchmaking, this Omega was the family gift for my 20th birthday. At the time, I didn't realize it wasn't THE Speed Pro... simply because what fascinated me were automatic watches. Looking back, I don't regret this choice, which reminds me of how far I've come. This superb gift will forever remain in my collection as a testament to the family's care and as the foundation of a passion that has since grown.

The Boderry Titanium Sea Turtle is an extremely comfortable watch thanks to its rubber strap and very light weight. It's not too thick for a diver's watch that's water-resistant to 200m. Because of its comfort, it's one of my favorite watches. Plus, the dial is original and modern with hexagons. I can't find any fault with it, and I got a very good price: €114. It's hard to get better for this price! The NH35 movement is, as is often the case, more accurate than Seiko watches, for incomprehensible reasons! Between minus two seconds and plus five seconds depending on the position. A colleague of mine has a Seiko Alpinist with the 6R35, and it's a disaster: minus 40 seconds in one position and zero seconds in another. Here's an overview of the Boderry Titanium SEATURTLE BD-A07T-03 watch: Main Features: Case Material: Titanium. Titanium is a lightweight and durable material, making the watch comfortable to wear and durable. Movement: Automatic. This means the watch winds automatically with the movement of your wrist. Water Resistance: 10 ATM (100 meters). This makes the watch suitable for swimming and snorkeling. Crystal: Sapphire. Sapphire crystal is highly scratch-resistant. Design: The watch has a diver's design, with a unidirectional rotating bezel. Diameter: 40mm Thickness: 12.5mm Movement: SEIKO NH35 Bezel Material: Ceramic Highlights: Quality Materials: Titanium and sapphire crystal are high-end materials that guarantee the watch's durability. Reliable Movement: The SEIKO NH35 automatic movement is renowned for its reliability and precision. Water Resistance: The 20 ATM water resistance allows the watch to be worn in many aquatic situations. Design: Its diver's design is both sporty and elegant. Where to find additional information: For more detailed information, I recommend visiting the official Boderry website. There you will find photos, complete technical specifications, and possibly customer reviews. Here is a link to the manufacturer's website: boderry.com I hope this presentation was helpful.

Damn, another diver, and another SEIKO… To say that at first, I wasn’t a fan of divers… For my 4th SEIKO diver, I was (re)looking for a PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructor) version: ah, marketing… On the other hand, since I don’t like day-date complications or cyclops, it’s not easy to find one to my taste. So, when the new collection came out in the summer of 2023, with the SPB375J1 version without day-date or cyclops, I knew it was for me… In a sturdy 45 mm case, called Sumo, it doesn’t go unnoticed That’s really what I was looking for, a bodybuilder watch. If I had the means, I would have taken an OMEGA SEAMASTER ULTRA DEEP PLANET OCEAN waterproof to 6000 m, but at more than 14 k€, the SEIKO will do the trick! What makes all the charm of this SEIKO is still and always this dial, superb, which "simulates" the reflections of the surface of the water, and the gradient of blue, from the deep blue of the abyss to the sky blue of the surface lit by the sun ... My photos do not do justice, but it is to die for! For the mechanics, again this 6R35 which runs well, with good autonomy, but a precision that we would have liked better. The drift is of the order of 15 s delay per day, within the tolerances of the brand. There you have it, it is my WTF watch, the biggest, which does not go unnoticed!

I first saw this watch on the wrist of one of the members of the Émile Léon team, and I was immediately captivated. It was in its blue and steel metal configuration. Convinced that a similar configuration would soon be found on my wrist, here I am with a nylon strap, a matte black dial, and painted, rather than applied, indexes. And this look... more adventurous... suits it perfectly! I ignored the debates about the excessively high price at its release, the lack of refinement of the movement's integrated movement for this price point, and the variable finishes depending on the watch's components, to let myself be captivated by its sapphire bezel with lume-filled numerals, its date wheel, its perfect comfort thanks to the crown at 12 o'clock, and, to top it all off, the feeling of owning a small piece of French watchmaking innovation.

I once owned a Seamaster Bond—it dates back to 2005, bought at the Gold Star for those who knew it—a blue bezel with a black background and fine waves, equipped at the time with a good old, indestructible and cheap-to-service ETA 2824 "from the family," barely revised and corrected by Omega. Then, the rotating collections: a desire to refocus, to make changes, to stand out (literally and figuratively!). I don't remember the reasons, mostly bad ones, that made me get rid of it for a ridiculously low price when you look at the market (as crazy as it is today). I wanted to come back to it recently, and it's often the opportunity that makes me... Yet I didn't want "waves" on the dial, and not "those waves." I wanted a Peter Blake, then it passed me by, wanting a lacquered black background without a magnificent wave! And I was indecisive without finding the right opportunity at the right time. The opportunity arose when I wanted to resell a 45mm Panerai Radiomir... which I hardly wore anymore, and for me, a watch in the safe or in the dorm, frankly... anyway, I resold my Radiomir as part of a deal that was more profitable for me. In the meantime, I had been to Omega for a courtesy visit (always be courteous, you never know :-D)... and I spent 45 minutes trying on various things and enjoying the petits fours too... And then this version of the Seamaster arrived. A diver's watch with a pearly white background and a luminous case that seduced me for its originality. I was a bit hesitant about the 42mm diameter, but its thickness is controlled, and after all, my Speedmaster also has this diameter... Incomparable, of course, but there you go. I began to appreciate the waves on a white background, tone on tone: invisible depending on the angle, reflective depending on the lighting, they deserve a black and white photo!

As far back as I can remember, I have always had a weakness for classy watches, with a "diver" style and although I myself am a diver in my spare time, far from me the idea that it replaces a good dive computer but the submariner or derivatives are must-haves from the brand with the crown IMHO. After that I am not a fan of the bubble with the date and for all that I animate the date on a watch. Then my criteria: a taste for old but although a 5513 or a 1680 attract me, the budget of the versions and years that interest me distances me from it and then I had this opportunity not so long ago... a full set SD 16600 from 2004 as we like to specify, with the chance to have a new and perfectly original insert (Olivine could not have said it better 😅) and on the watch another insert also original but having lived and with a patina worthy of a vintage from the 70s-80s!. This one leaves my "wish list" and enters my collection which to the great displeasure of those around me is expanding in a continuous flow!

I had already had a certain hype for the By Stef "1" then I had missed it with other projects and especially another Grand Fond in my collection. (A Spirit whose review I have already posted on Dialicious). I must admit for the anecdote that it was the second ZRC and always a more demanding expectation on a dial that I considered too wise. When the By Stef 2 project started I again came close to correction with another compulsive purchase 😊… and finally… Knowing Stéphane Clouzeau for a few years, I contacted him recently just after the opening night and I benefited from a cancellation. 24h delivery (Pithiviers is not very far from Paris where I live) From there, ZRC, for me - diver (or ex future diver) is also a story of passions, stories, strict specifications: passing through prestigious ambassadors: the Jacques Cousteau, divers / mine clearers of the Mediterranean ... A story that started 120 years ago and then a more hollow period like many brands and the resurrection. Of the 2000s which is not ephemeral seen from the window and this thanks to a committed CEO whose name is linked to the brand. I invite you if it is not already done to watch the Podcast of Georges Brunet (CEO of ZRC): For those who have not already listened to it and who would be interested in a Podcast that I found captivating on ZRC. https://smartlink.ausha.co/des-montres-et-vous/83-georges-brunet-ceo-de-zrc-raconte-en-exclu-le-retour-de-la-grands-fonds The characteristics of the beauty after these lucubrations: - the latest Sellita SW300 developed quite precise -5/+5 and 56h of autonomy, it's correct - a minimum now! - a magnificent blue dial with the look of Deepsea and underlined and raised indexes - no complications (between us I find that quite superfluous for a diver) - classic ceramic bezel - patents that are the pride of the brand like the "rinsing" and evacuation system of salt crystals: ECS… etc. - an improvement IMHO of the fluidity of the movement / winding thanks to this new movement surely… A generous package for this By Stef! Soft and comfortable FKM bracelet, a numbered bronze plate (?), tools for changing the bracelet, the “special force” box 😅

This Sinn U1 is the first "value" watch that I bought about ten years ago. I already had a chic sports watch but I wanted something more radical. I was seduced by the specs: 1000m waterproof (lol especially in the pool!), U-boat steel, original syringe hands. Its only enemy: the coating of modern offices which will easily scratch your beautiful micro-beaded bracelet. Prefer the tegiment. It has become my No. 1 watch for the beach. It is also the largest I own (44mm, at the time the U50 did not exist). It is an ETA model and not Sellita like today. It is not very well known but I have the impression that among collectors it has a good love rating. Quite comfortable, it nevertheless weighs its weight if you leave it with its all-steel bracelet.

How can I tell you about my new acquisition without telling you about the story that goes with it. Bought 2 and a half years after my Tudor (review also available), I had in mind to buy a new watch for my 22nd birthday, the cycle of renewal never really ending. After much research, I finally had in mind to take an oyster perpetual 36mm black dial. Having put myself on a wish list in a Parisian boutique, I was called 1 month later. I bought it and, after wearing it for a month, I realized that the size did not suit me. Too small, less homogeneous case, finally I had to change for a larger model. It was by remembering my first contact with the brand with the crown that I thought of the Air King. First Rolex I saw on my friend's wrist in high school (he will recognize himself), which I found too thick at the time but whose dial enchanted me, with its pretty green seconds hand. What a stroke of luck that this model with an atypical dial is being reworked in 2022. Thinner case (exit the Milgauss case), more incisive horns, new 3230 movement and its 70 hours of power reserve, appearance of the crown protector as well as the Oysterlock clasp and the Easylink extension, essential in summer as well as the Chromalight applique on the numbers 3/6/9 for better visibility. The choice was therefore made, and it was on this Air-King 126900 that he had fallen. So I registered on the list in March, and was called in August to come and collect it. I found it really fast, me who expected a minimum delay of one year as announced. Since that day I am very happy with it, it is robust, reliable (hardly drifts) and the completely brushed oyster bracelet looks so good in the sun. A Rolex like no other that will always find its place on any occasion.

As a watch enthusiast, the TAG Heuer x Hodinkee Carrera Chronograph Seafarer immediately appealed to me. Here are my impressions: What I like: The revisited heritage. This watch is a magnificent tribute to the iconic 1968 Heuer Seafarer. I love how TAG Heuer has modernized this vintage design while retaining its original spirit. The opaline black dial with its blue counters is simply superb. It evokes the marine world and the spirit of adventure. Useful complications: The tide gauge complication combined with the chronometer is a real asset. As a surfer, I know this function will be very useful for anticipating the tides. The moon phase adds a touch of poetry to the watch. The usefulness of complications doesn't stop at surfing; I plan to use it on my fishing trips, or even for mushroom picking. Technicality: The TH20-13 movement with its 80-hour power reserve is impressive. It's very practical to be able to leave the watch aside for a weekend without worrying about winding it. The bidirectional oscillating weight is very efficient and allows for optimal winding. The glassbox crystal is a detail I really appreciate; it gives the watch depth and a vintage look. The strap: The braided rubber strap is both comfortable and durable, perfect for water sports. The folding clasp with the "Easylink" is great to use over a wetsuit or when you've had too much at Grandma's. Exclusivity: The fact that this is a limited edition (968 pieces) in homage to the Heuer 2446C makes this watch even more special to me. What I don't like: The 42mm case size, which might not fit all wrists. I would have preferred to see it on a 39mm case (I have a 15.5mm wrist). The weight and 14mm thickness may bother some people looking for a thinner, lighter watch. What I would have liked: An additional black NATO strap with a blue stripe in the middle for winter use, and/or a leather strap like the original from 1968. Why I bought it: As a collector, I'm always on the lookout for unique pieces steeped in history. The TAG Heuer x Hodinkee Seafarer perfectly meets these criteria. It's a watch that's elegant, sporty, and technical, with true maritime DNA. In short, this watch is a favorite. It perfectly combines aesthetics, technical prowess, and history, and I can't wait to wear it on my next adventures.