Why This Watch Matters Recognize those sub-registers? This Lip was made by Breitling back in the 1960s and brings a whole lot of "exotic" spirit to your wrist. The Full Story Lip is a French watch brand that dates back to 1867 in Besançon, the cradle of French watchmaking at the time. Throughout its history, Lip cultivated a reputation of being unafraid to challenge the status quo, often with vibrant funky designs contrary to a more Swiss traditionalist mentality. Here's an un-watch-related but interesting nonetheless fact about Lip – in 1934 it was the first French company to introduce paid holidays. In the latter half of the 1960s and into the 1970s, Lip was frankly struggling as a business. In the face of the quartz crisis, Lip partnered with Breitling to distribute the Swiss brand's chronographs to their network of French retailers. Today, we can find examples of the ref. 765 AVI, Navitimer, Cosmonaute, and Superocean branded as both Breitling and Lip right on the dial as a result of this partnership. The lesser-known part of this duo's work is represented by the watch we have here today. Lip distributed Breitling made chronographs, most built on the Top Time platform, branded simply as Lip rather than dual-branded. In the spirit of the ébauche era of Swiss watchmaking where case, dial, and movement manufacturers led trends and supplied brands all over the country with parts, this Lip sports a dial with aspects found within a very famous Rolex Daytona. Of course, that would be the "Paul Newman" or "exotic" dial Daytonas. The Lip we have here today features an extremely similar design and layout as it was made by the same manufacturer, Singer. We paired this Lip by Breitling chrono with our Sedona Watch Strap In Sandstone to play off of that gorgeous blue dial. The Fine Print Maker: Breitling for LipModel: N/AReference: N/AYear: 1970sCase No: N/AMaterial: Chrome-plated stainless steelDimensions: 36mm diameter; 13mm thicknessCrystal: PlexiglassLume: NoneCaliber: Valjoux, manually-wound, caliber 7733Bracelet/Strap: The Sedona Watch Strap In YumaLug Width: 18mmBox/Papers: No What We Love And What You Should Know Things We Love: - Bright blue dial- "Paul Newman"-style dial details- Excellent overall condition Things To Know: - Light scratches and wear on case This Lip is in excellent, honest condition. The case is strong with scratches and light nicks. The facets on the lugs are clearly visible. The back of the lugs have some light scratches. The engravings are visible and crisp on the caseback. The caseback has some scratches throughout. There is a bit of wear on the case, notably between the pushers. The dial has a light patina overall. The dial has a few little spots of wear and slight scratches throughout. The sub-dials have some wear but remain vibrant. The hands have developed some patina. The dial is signed by Lip. The case and movement are unsigned which is correct for this watch. The watch was photographed on a 175mm/6.9inch wrist.
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