The must-have Macro Loupe for all watch lovers

Model that I knew when Zenith released the revival, I went in search of the original model. 
I who like divisive watches, with this Zenith we are served. 
A case with a lot of edge, rounding, polishing, brushing and a bezel described as a "bolt". 
A safe of time as Zenith said when it was released in 1968 to highlight its solidity and its water resistance. 
Mine is equipped with the 2552PC movement, the very first version of the defy, a real tractor that still runs perfectly today. 
I also like its prominent crown, the faceted indexes that reflect a lot of light and its bracelet that gives an impression of integration into the case. 
Negative points, there are always some: wear and tear of time requires, mine has been relumed and polished and the "ladder" bracelet or scales signed Gay Frères is not the original one. 



Zenith Defy: the safe of time

Nivada F77 Titanium Meteorite:
Vintage design and modern technology for a perfect alliance.
I tried to photograph this dial as best I could to be able to show as accurately as possible all the reflections it takes in the light; we look at it endlessly.
Grade 5 titanium brings lightness, comfort to wear but also, with its subtle gray tint, a beautiful aesthetic harmony with the dial.
It is also "warmer" than steel, difficult to explain for me, it is my first titanium watch.
The case is very well finished with an alternation of polished and brushed, special mention for the well-aligned screws.
I have a large wrist (19.5 cm before the red wine) and I find that this 37 mm sits rather well, according to my tastes of course.
Negative point, because you always need some to improve: there is a small space between the case and the beginning of the bracelet.
In conclusion, for me it is the best watch with an integrated bracelet in its price category, unique with this tapered/striated dial specific to the meteorite that I never tire of.

Titanium/meteorite alliance

Marathon supplies watches to various military corps and it is in this context that the Navigator was developed in collaboration with Kelly Air Force Base in 1986.
Mine is an allocation for the US NAVY of June 2004, "full set" as some like to say, with the date engraved on the case back.
It is a quartz watch with an asymmetrical composite case, matte finish, bidirectional bezel, fixed horn, 6 ATM.
All the charm comes, in my opinion, from the luminescent tritium gas tubes on the indexes and hands.
Negative point, it always needs some: I would have preferred a steel case and not plastic, uh composite.
In the end, a rather divisive watch for a tool that respects military specifications, at a very reasonable price.



Marathon Navigator Prize Pool

A watch that embodies both timeless elegance and practical functionality, sporting a vintage design inspired by iconic aviator watches of the past. 

The red/burgundy dial plays perfectly with the light, while the distinctively styled Arabic numerals and the railway are enhanced by cathedral hands and the "date pointer". 
Finally, a well-integrated date on a watch! 

The 40 mm case, the fluted bezel (repeated around the case back), the screwed "large crown" and a thickness of 12 mm with a domed glass make it a watch balanced between presence on the wrist and wearability. Here on a cork strap, I also wear it on its original leather, a "vintage" tropic or even a Milanese mesh that echoes its bezel. 

For me, it is the almost perfect daily watch.

Oris essential with timeless style

Where to start and how to be concise with this piece? Come on, I'll start.
First of all, I gave myself a few months before writing this review, because I was afraid of being in a "honeymoon" with this watch and not being objective enough. 4 months later I'm still in the clouds.

The proportions of the case (39 mm in diameter for 46.5 mm between lugs and 12.2 mm thick) are perfect, even for big wrists like me (19.5 cm) and the polished and brushed finishes, both circular or linear, especially on the lugs, are done with crazy accuracy.
The large screw-down crown and the wide double bezel (ceramic/steel insert) bring the little muscular side, which this diver needs.
And this crystalline blue, which gives its name to this watch, is magnificent. Sometimes gray, blue or green, it is resolutely modern and retro at the same time or "faded" or even "aged in the sun".
The Broad Arrow hands and the soft iron cage that makes this watch antimagnetic completely contribute to reinforcing the vintage side.
The midnight blue enamel dial is my only downside. Not that it is not beautiful, quite the contrary, it is bright and unique, but for me, it is simply not midnight blue. It is almost black and actually tends towards a deep midnight blue in the sun.
If you are specifically looking for a watch with a blue dial then this is not the one, I think it is important to say that.
I will finish by talking about the 20-16mm woven steel bracelet (it is not really a Milanese mesh for me) with "endlink" for which you have to "get the hang of it" but which is ultra-comfortable and allows a very fine adjustment that is so pleasant. The buckle, it matches the Serica logo (absent from the dial) and does it justice perfectly.

Oh, I almost forgot to say that the Soprod M100 movement is COSC certified and that the accuracy of the watch is rechecked by Serica once assembled. Mine has a drift of 1-2sec over 7 days.

I have to end with the famous quality/price/emotion ratio because having all this for €1,490 is just crazy.
And if you've gotten this far (yes, I tried to be brief) then I ask you the question I ask myself all the time when I wear this watch:
This watch with its finishes, its technical specs and the emotion it conveys would be at what price if it were from another major SwissMade brand? Double? Triple?


Serica 5303-3 COSC: Already a cult?

"Sport-chic" watches with integrated bracelets are all the rage, and Yema released its first version in 2021: the Wristmaster Traveller.

At first glance, the codes are respected: a small octagonal case (39mm), a 3-hand dial with date, and an integrated bracelet, all in steel.

However, upon closer inspection of the watch, we notice all the details and singularities added by Yema. The first positive point that stands out is this bezel with its 6 "notches" glued to the dial, a rarely observed feature, as well as a beautiful vertical brushed effect.
A second positive point lies in the watch's careful finishes, with an alternation of brushed and polished. Above all, we can appreciate a beautiful "chamfer" on almost the entire watch, whether on the bezel, the upper and lower case, and which even extends onto the links of the bracelet. (I hope my photos will do it justice.) 
The dial, lacquered black, is decorated with Superman-style hands, as well as "old radium" indexes, bringing a touch of "vintage" that is also fashionable. 
Also noteworthy is a beautiful luminova, a black date background that is not lacquered but still black. On the other hand, I am not a big fan of the white seconds hand, a little too "simple". 

The watch is equipped with the YEMA2000 caliber (+/- 10 s/day and a power reserve of 42 hours). Everyone will have their own opinion on the "in-house" Yema calibers; personally, I like the idea of offering something other than Miyota or Sellita, and I have not encountered any problems with mine. 

In conclusion, I would say that it is a very good dailywatch that adapts to all situations. I always enjoy wearing it when I take it out of its box.

The sporty-chic watch with integrated bracelet by YEMA

My first automatic watch, which I can only recommend today. When diving into the world of mechanical watchmaking, we are often looking for a piece where we can "see the movement". Usually, we end up with "open heart" watches or "skeleton" models. I was particularly seduced by the "Hourglass" shaped opening which is very original.
Lip is also a historic French brand, famous for its iconic models such as the T18 Churchill, the Nautic Ski, the Himalaya, and many others. In my opinion, this further reinforces the idea of "introduction to watchmaking".

We therefore end up with a beautiful gray dial, openworked with an hourglass that reveals the movement and the inscriptions are at 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock. The silver indexes and numbers nicely echo the visible movement, as well as this polished and domed bezel which integrates perfectly with the also domed glass.

A small downside for me concerns the "luminescent" hour/minute hands, which do not seem to add much to this watch that does not have luminescent indexes. I would have preferred silver hands, like the second hand, which I find successful with its red tip. And why not a ridge to echo the indexes which, themselves, give relief to the dial. 
Relief? Perfect for a watch with the Himalaya logo. 

The steel case is rather successful and well crafted, with an open case back that is in line with the openwork dial. Special mention also for the horns, which are also well finished. 

The movement is a Miyota Series 8 (8N26) which does not shine with its finishes or precision, but which still allows you to discover the workings and functioning of a mechanical movement, while maintaining an accessible price at €430 today. 

In conclusion, I would say that it is a very good quality/price ratio considering the history of the watch/brand and its finishes. In my opinion, it remains a beautiful gateway into the world of mechanical watches.



LIP Himalaya Sablier, a gateway to watchmaking?

The Zenith brand was created in 1865 by Georges Favre-Jacot in Le Locle, Switzerland. A pioneer in Swiss watchmaking in the creation of a true vertically integrated manufacture, Zenith aimed to create the most precise watch of its time at the best price. Over the years, it has established itself as a benchmark for precision and expertise in many fields.
In 1899, the marque Zenith presents its first pocket chronograph and wins various prizes, including first prize at the Paris Motor Show. In 1911 Georges Favre-Jacot handed over management of the factory to his descendants, who named it Zenith, the name of the highest point in the trajectory of a star in the sky.
In 1920, Zenith launched its first wristwatches and continued its development until, in 1960, it purchased the Martel Watch Co. Nine years later, the brand gave birth to the El Primero movement, the first chronograph equipped with a rotor winding mechanism. central. This world first makes El Primero today the most precise mass-produced movement in the world, thanks to its balance wheel and its cadence of ten vibrations per second. Over the years, Zenith will sign numerous innovations. The company owns three of the largest movements: the El Primero integrated automatic chronograph, the 22-line manual 5011K and the ultra-thin mechanical Elite, all available with several complications, moon phase, dual time, fly-back.
After numerous buyouts, the company that owns the Zenith factory decides to stop the production of mechanical watches in favor of quartz. In order to save these calibers from destruction, Charles Vermot hid cams, cutting tools, presses and machines, while recording the production process in a small notebook, secretly hoping for the return of mechanical movements. It was only nine years later that Zenith returned to the hands of Swiss investors who revived the brand's mechanical movements such as the El Primero.
The range now includes models like the<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/zenith/defy_skyline"> Zenith Defy Skyline</a>, the<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/zenith/chronomaster_original"> Zenith Chronomaster Original</a>, the<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/zenith/defy_extreme"> Zenith Defy Extreme</a>, the<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/zenith/chronomaster_el_primero_open"> Zenith Chronomaster El Primero Open</a> and the<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/zenith/captain_chronograph"> Zenith Captain Chronograph</a>.
<h2 dir="ltr">How much does a Zenith watch cost?</h2>
The prices of Zenith watches sold on the brand's website vary between $6,400 and $194,900 depending on the models and finishes. As an example, count $11,300 for a Zenith Chronomaster Sport and $85,600 for a Zenith Defy Extreme Double Tourbillon.
<h2 dir="ltr">Zenith: A fantastic story that goes beyond the El Primero movement&nbsp;</h2>
Zenith is a brand owned since 2000 by the LVMH group, in the same way as the brands <a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/tag_heuer">Tag Heuer</a>,<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/hublot"> Hublot</a> or<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/bulgari"> Bulgari</a>, and produces around 11,000 watches per year, all models combined. The reputation of the Zenith brand is illustrated by its presence in the ranking of<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/top/the_best_luxury_watch_brands"> Most popular luxury watch brands</a>. To choose a Zenith that best suits you, the Dialicious owners' reviews are a valuable resource for evaluating each of the different models through real owner experience.
(Updated January 2024)

I presented this watch on a street watch of the youtube channel Dialicious so for all the technical information I refer you to the video that you will easily find with the keywords tv-dial and zenith. During the presentation it was mounted on a poorly made Milanese mesh bracelet and I already mentioned my quest for the original gay-freres bracelet. It took me a year to find it, all things come to those who wait. A great meeting with the watch enthusiast who sold it to me, he had gotten his hands on a magnificent batch of GF "NOS" bracelets, including the famous so-called "ladder" bracelets that went on other defy ranges from the 70s. Mine is from 72. A pure sport chic look and undeniable originality. A retro-futuristic look that doesn't please everyone but personally I love it! I find it has a Gerald Gentesque side! On that note, I've already been told that it was copied from the design of the Nauticalius, to which I replied that it came out 4 years before this blockbuster... and there you go!

Zenith defy TV dial: the quest!

More and more interested in vintage and "original" cases, I really appreciated the reissue of this Zenith Defy, so I looked for the original, much more accessible and all the more charming with its patina. Totally won over upon receipt, I am delighted with the pleasure it brings me. Hyper recognizable by connoisseurs, it remains totally unknown to the general public. In this sense, it remains easy to wear on a daily basis. Delighted to wear this little jewel full of history.

The little vintage bolt “the safe of precision”

Here is a real Zenith Defy bolt from 1968. It was called "the safe" for its screwing system of the back.
the model of diving watch par excellence.
In this model, we find an original movement the 2552PC.
A real pleasure on the wrist with its angles,
its pretty reflections and its off-white dial..
An icon!!

Zenith DEFY called "safe"

What an amazing, simple but honest 70s style watch using a 5hz caliber! This reference 01-0160-346 is in mint condition. Caliber Zenith 34.6, day-date, genuine Zenith strap and buckle. It just ticks like as fast a Zenith El Primero. This vintage style Zenith is just outstanding… 300 bucks for such a piece, can you believe it? When you love those TV dials stuff, you can’t pass your way. 5 stars vintage!

Zenith+70s equals Zenith Defy TV Dial

Should I thank Xavier who convinced me of the benefits of vintage through videos?
The future will tell. But here it is more about the past since this sub sea from the 70s, nicknamed a safe at the time, has kept beautiful burgundy colors (sorry I do not spit on Margaux but I prefer Burgundy in general).
There you go, my first Zenith is here and I did not need to drill a safe to get it... I think I will give it a little polishing and I hesitate to find its original lobster bracelet because I think the leather suits it well.

Hang in there Marty, we're going back to 70

Having already bought a small Zenith for my wife (see my review on Dialicious) I told myself that I had to continue on the principle of "Duet Watches" as with our respective PRX. I came across the Bay on this small Defy in 34mm (in reality it is larger) at a very reasonable price. Unfortunately it did not work very well. After a quick visit to a passionate watchmaker who will recognize himself, the beauty has regained its luster and precision. Its bracelet reminds me of the Santos and is now living happily with its alter ego. These watches from the 70s definitely have a crazy charm with their integrated bracelet. Only regret: it is an ETA 2872 movement and not an in-house Zenith. However, the ticking at 4hz reminds us that we are already on a fast caliber. Note that the same model existed in quartz movement.

The Other Ego

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)

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