Modern, Retro, Funky French Designer and Vintage Watches from LIP

Historique collection looks even further back into the rich history of LIP ...

Founded in 1867, LIP has a truly prestigious and fascinating history as France's no.1 watch maker.

Historique watches include the Napoleon wristwatch, a revised design of a pocket watch presented to Emperor Napoleon 1 in 1807 by Emanuel Lipman, predecessor to the LIP brand.

The Type 10, a faithful reproduction of a 1930's aeronautical chronograph, used for the first southern Atlantic aerial crossing by French aviation pioneer Jean Mermoz.

The Charles de Gaulle watch has a particularly significant place in French history, elaborated to mark the end of WW11 and subsequently given to Charles de Gaulle, Winston Churchill, Eisenhower and in 1994 to President Bill Clinton to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the D-Day landings.

LIP Historique collection is a powerful statement of style and quality from past eras, who's designs are still highly relevant and sort after today.

LIP takes us right back to the 70's to find inspiration for this collection, reviving fundamental values ...

that made it famous back then; authenticity, innovation and progress.

LIP adopt a fresh and avant garde approach to re-create this unique and highly desirable watch collection. Original works by French design legends, including Roger Tallon and Francois de Baschmakoff, have been revised and enhanced for today's discerning style aficionado.

Minutely detailed research and daring neo-retro design bring this collection to the pinnacle of contemporary design and style.

Roger Tallon was at the forefront of contemporary design in 1970's France and beyond ...

creating iconic designs such as the TGV (France's high speed train), helping to build the corporate identity of SNCF (the French national railway system), and designing the Paris RER Underground map, together with developing numerous industrial and consumer products.

In 1974 LIP decided to commemorate a unique period in time by developing a watch to reflect that moment in design history.

LIP chose a designer widely considered to be the best in his field, and who had never before designed a watch; a man with a new and innovative approach, Roger Tallon.

Roger Tallon applied his design and material knowledge and expertise to LIP, creating the Mach 2000 collection, which went on to become a distinctive design icon of 1970's France and French watch-making.