Right at the end of last year, the French watch brand, Le Forban Sécurité Mer was resurrected some 40 years since the release of its last diver’s model, and 5 decades since its birth in 1969.
Looking at the brand’s chronology, you couldn’t really say they were any sort of iconic diver’s brand as they only released 3 diver’s models over an 8yr period:
their debut model in 1969, a second in 1972 and their final diver’s model in 1978. However there were 20 models bearing the Le Forban Sécurité Mer name since 1969.
These were mainly sold in nautical equipment shops. One of those models, a diver was famous for being one of the rare watches to have equipped the French Navy (just like ZRC’ GF300) as well as the PATMAR (maritime patrols).
Le Forban Sécurité Mer has been thoroughly updated as a completely new version known as the Malouine which takes its name from the French coastal town of Saint-Malo.
The watch which is in 316L Stainless steel has a case diameter of 38.4mm or 39mm with the bezel, a lug to lug length of just 45mm and a thickness of 12.75mm.
Diver’s features include: a 120-click unidirectional bezel with aluminum inlay, a domed Sapphire crystal, a screw-down crown and case-back and 200m of water-resistance.
Power comes from the rather basic, non-hacking, Japanese made Miyota 8215 mechanical automatic movement.
The Le Forban Sécurité Mer Malouine comes on a 20mm, 100% Silicone Tropic –style strap priced 490euro.
Thoughts? This is a handsome looking retro diver with a cool back story. The design offers plenty of old school charm, case-back aside.
This is engraved with the ubiquitous diver’s helmet. We all love a deep sea diver’s helmet but perhaps I would have hoped for a wee bit more originality and imagination.
Still it’s not deal breaker by any means and the spec. is okay. Yes, the size is small but do I recognize that sub 40mm is on trend.
However even if you don’t mind your vintage-inspired, euro diver being Japanese powered, is an 8215 really good enough, today?
What’s wrong with a 9015 or NH35? And is 490euro a realistic price considering? What do you think? Slightly under spec’d and overpriced, no?
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