Lip Watches: 6 reasons why they are THE most underrated brand

Today we embark on a captivating journey through the world of French watchmaking to uncover a hidden gem that has long been overlooked. Prepare to be enlightened as we shine a spotlight on the most underrated watch brand of all time: Lip!
I present six reasons why Lip is truly magnifique and deserves far more esteem than it currently receives. So much more than just a brand with a logo resembling Hewlett Packard's, Lip holds a rich history waiting to be discovered.
Let's kick off this exploration by delving into Lip's inspiring early history, which traces its roots back to the picturesque town of Besançon, nestled near the Swiss border. This region was a thriving hub of watchmaking, making it the perfect birthplace for Lip. From its humble beginnings in 1867 as Le Comptoir d'Horlogerie LIPMANN, the brand flourished and eventually became Société Anonyme d'Horlogerie Lipmann Frères. Besançon's reputation as a center of precision watchmaking was further strengthened by milestones like the 1883 observatory and the astronomical clock. Lip introduced caliber 20.3, a movement that obtained the coveted chronometer certification in 1899, solidifying its place in the prestigious tradition of watchmaking.
Lip's resilience in times of war is reason number two to appreciate this brand. Even during World War II, Lip didn't falter. Its subsidiary, Saprolip, produced vital military equipment, despite Besançon being occupied by German forces. Lip continued to craft watches as part of Free France, with their iconic Type I watch being crafted in Issoudun and later in Valence. Once Besançon was liberated in 1944, Fred Lip, the man synonymous with the brand, returned to lead it to new heights.
Reason three shines a light on Lip's unsung contributions to modern movement technology. Before the likes of Hamilton Ventura, Lip and Elgin jointly announced the development of an electric watch, the R27 caliber, in 1952. Lip also ventured into electronic watches, introducing transistor control with the Lip R50. Their involvement in early quartz research through CETETHOR led to the development of the R032 and R033 quartz movements in the early '70s. Lip pushed the boundaries of innovation in the electronic era of watchmaking, deserving greater recognition.
Lip's exceptional marketing prowess takes center stage as reason number four. Captivating campaigns were a hallmark of the brand, rivalling even Rolex and Timex. Their association with mountain explorers through the Himalaya watch, sponsorship of the Grenoble Winter Olympic Games in 1968, and collaborations with renowned brands like Blancpain, Breitling, and Universal Geneve showcased Lip's marketing genius. Fred Lip's strategic moves solidified the brand's position in the industry.
Reason five highlights Lip's trailblazing collaborations with designers, infusing artistic vision into their timepieces. Under the leadership of Claude Neuschwender, collaborations with Rudi Meyer, Isabelle Hebey, Marc Held, and Michael Kinn resulted in vibrant and eye-catching watches. The iconic Mach 2000, designed by Roger Tallon, became a symbol of Lip's dedication to innovative design collaborations. Lip set the stage for future collaborations between watch brands and renowned designers.
Lastly, reason six explores Lip's foray into the digital watch game. Collaborating with Roger Tallon, Lip introduced LED technology in their watches, including the Zulu Quartz Ana-digi. These timepieces showcased Lip's commitment to embracing new technologies.
Despite their remarkable achievements, Lip remains vastly underappreciated. I invite you to join the conversation and share your thoughts on this extraordinary brand in the comments section below. It's time
Reason 1: 0:19
Reason 2: 1:56
Reason 3: 2:49
Reason 4: 3:48
Reason 5: 5:06
Reason 6: 6:33

[@johnmoorefilm]

Most people just pay lip-service to this remarkable brand…😅

[@IlluminatingWatches]

Ha ha yes - had a couple of lip puns in the comments. I (f)lipping love it.

[@MyRetroWatches]

Love LIP. I have a jump hour which is iconic in design. My wife gave it me on my 50th last year. Both my wife and the Watch are keepers! 😊

[@IlluminatingWatches]

Of course you do! They have some great jump hours

[@AnyoxB.D.]

This channel is a hidden gem that has longed been overlooked

[@johanvandersandt8904]

Never heard of them before but seems like we owe them alot!

[@syndicatedsatellite7288]

One always learns something when viewing your channel...

[@carlospagi]

Excellent! I unboxed my newly acquired Mach 2000 reissue today (3 hander), it's just wonderful! Thanks for another fantastic video.

[@BobLoblongEsq]

Absolutely wonderful, as usual Thank you for another great video

[@IlluminatingWatches]

Very kind Thankyou!

[@mitchmitchell9588]

Your first video, along with the Hodinkee article about the Singer exotic dial chrono, made me a LIP collector. I have several vintage LIP, including the no nukes watch. The history of this brand is much more compelling than any of the Swiss brands. They are the horological equivalent of Citroen. What an incredible legacy of great design and cutting edge tech. Thank you for another great video. Keep going!

[@IlluminatingWatches]

That’s so awesome! Not many people watch that video - but the research for that is what got me hooked

[@mitchmitchell9588]

@@IlluminatingWatches it reflected a lot of hard work on your part. I’m a nerd so I really enjoyed it. This video is much more KZbin user-friendly, which is good! The substance is the same, the presentation is different. Fred Lip would approve.

[@IlluminatingWatches]

@@mitchmitchell9588 ha ha spot on. This one was intended to be a bit more digestible as an intro to the brand.

[@mitchmitchell9588]

@@IlluminatingWatches not just digestible, tasty! Keep going! We appreciate your efforts.

[@elgatto3133]

LIP also has an interesting history of collaboration with the Soviet Union. One of the USSR's most prolific watch movement, the Pobeda 2608 was based on the LIP R-26 caliber and this was something the soviets purchased.

[@IlluminatingWatches]

Yes indeed! They were a significant part of the birth of the soviet watch industry

[@TheGrenadier97]

Fantastic video. Truly a brand that saw all ages of watchmaking and did well in every one of them.

[@IlluminatingWatches]

Very kind Thankyou. I just love their history!

[@choond]

Another awesome video!

[@IlluminatingWatches]

Thankyou very much! You were one of the original channel followers!

[@daintiestquarters3411]

The 1973 events are erased from the brand's website. That's another reason to value this brand, which has a historical and political meaning for the working class.

[@stchang759]

A rare and excellent video on vintage French LIP's watches. I own a 60's Swiss HOGA Jump Hour similar to the LIP's. It was given by my father. I would appreciate it if anyone can share some history on HOGA. Thanks.

[@sandzakau]

Such a great video.I did manage to get one of the LIP with reference number 253 which refers to mechanisms and 072 underneath, 17 jewels ,but can't find any info about it.

[@charlesdesaintvincent2485]

In France, the brand still suffers from the turn it took from the 1990s, when they shifted to low-cost watches that were usually gifted with magazine subscriptions. Only very recently was the brand and product line repositioned to reflect its history - they seem to be slowly regaining momentum, with more mechanic movements being redeveloped or readapted - less for this channel but more for others :-)...

[@IlluminatingWatches]

Yes there was a whole mail order period where they were Hong Kong owned . Hope they fully recover!

[@zornikzornuk3187]

Great video, I had no idea that LIP history and design was so rich (and I am French). Thanks you now I want a jump hours, a Tallon 2000 and a Zulu......

[@IlluminatingWatches]

Amazing how many folks don’t know about their awesome history ! I like all those watches too!

[@zornikzornuk3187]

@@IlluminatingWatches LIP have lot of amazing designs..

[@manusverzoni2384]

Maaaan! You forgot to show/mention the iconic Ninja chronograph. When I was a kid I dreamt of becoming a ninja one day...

[@IlluminatingWatches]

I need a ninja chrono in my life!

[@trevorbarnhart7501]

What is that watch in the center at 7:07 ?

[@jamesblonde2271]

Love the Tallon chrono, the main point of Lip in my lifetime was a gigantic major company, pulled down upon its employees in a Sampson like act of industrial suicide. Gotta love the 70's, still they looked cool doing it. As a side note was the Fortis flip, the calypso or Tag first with the resin cased watch?

[@IlluminatingWatches]

The whole lip affaires with the factory take over and all that is it’s own story! I’m not sure actually re: resin cased . The tissot idea 2001 always pointed to as first synthetic material watch

[@jamesblonde2271]

@@IlluminatingWatches Wow, but who made the first attractive one? I mean thats a shocker.......

[@frankieracing1048]

I live in besancon, and i care about lip! But, i really think modern lip watches are overpriced often using cheap quartz movements. They should try a different approch in my opinion, like Yema for exemple, better quality, inhouse movements and so on. Great video anyway ;)

[@IlluminatingWatches]

Yes the modern version not quite up the original levels. Would love to visit besancon!

[@frankieracing1048]

@@IlluminatingWatches If you come around here on day, that'll be a pleasure to share a drink, show you my watch collection, and visit the horology museum :)

[@Beechhill]

I've been stalking their website for a good while now. Lots of delicious horology, but, as mentioned in other comments, talk of shoddy finishing and general lack of quality has kept me from getting at least a T18.

[@IlluminatingWatches]

Yep - I think vintage is where it’s at. Of course the modern ones are nice homages to the history.

[@demonvial]

Out of curiosity, what is the name of the watch in the middle at 7:07 with the gold metal strap? Never seen that one before

[@IlluminatingWatches]

That is the Hicham Lahlou designed : La Lalla 1872352

[@demonvial]

@@IlluminatingWatches thank you for the quick response! Been following the channel for a while now, your content is wonderful. Thank you for your time!

[@IlluminatingWatches]

@@demonvial my pleasure. Thankyou that is so kind of you to say!

[@Jeanclaudevandamme55]

Interestingly, the bottom text reads “Lib”

[@monsterquinn30]

❤❤❤

[@AjTello300]

❤

[@Dr_LK]

2:58... asterisk not asterix (lol)

[@IlluminatingWatches]

Well spotted ha ha ;)

[@ElderPinto254]

i care i care a lot

[@zillsburyy1]

too many people who enjoy these videos simply dont smash that subscribe button

[@IlluminatingWatches]

Legend - thanks so much!