Lip Genève Valjoux 7730 Diving Chronograph

A watch need be nothing more than a simple delight to win my love. Sure technical sophistication and precious metals are great, but occasionally pure charm is more than enough. Once-large French watchmaker Lip are probably most famed for their very colorful chronographs, shouty divers, or double-signed Breitlings. The brand was intended to slot just below a period Rolex product: quality, but for the people. How French. However, there are one or two more austere offerings from their 70s catalogue that absolutely still have their charisma . . .with none of the showy flash you may know Lip for.

This diving chronograph features a very unique and lumed bezel reminiscent nothing else I’ve seen. Its dial is multi-scaled and multi-colored with two slightly undersized subs at 3 and 9. Its handset is equally unfamiliar, with huge plots of tanned lume and an enlarged (overly legible) hour hand, the mark of a usable diver. When I think Lip I think playful and fresh design. This diver proves their practical offerings lost none of the manufacture’s typical charm when restrained.

The condition of this example is just standout. I adore seeing relatively inexpensive pieces so well preserved. Whomever bought this new either never wore it or was a superbly careful wearer. Its case is very sharp, the tritium incredible together. The movement is uncorroded. It comes from a small reputable NYC retailer.

Find this Lip Diving Chronograph here from Collectors Corner NY for 2950 USD.