Weird Watch Wednesday: LIP Mach 2000 Dark Master Chronograph
Looking to add something a little different but still affordable to your collection? Look no further than funky French brand LIP and their infamous Mach 2000 Dark Master Chronograph. The retro design is anything but conventional and the trademark color scheme guarantees you’ll draw admiring stares wherever you go. Sure it’s different but that’s the whole point.
Classic Cool
The Mach 2000 and Revival Seventies collections were the brainchild of a revolutionary collective of French industrial designers, architects, interior decorators, and graphic designers. Back in the 1960s and 1970s, a few of the these creatives were invited by LIP to bring their truly original ideas of timekeeping to life in a series of watches.
Among them was renowned designer Roger Tallon, who designed everything from high-speed French TGV trains to the 1964 Helicoid Staircase (part of the MoMa Design Collection). In 1973 he designed the iconic aluminum cased Dark Master Chronograph, as part of his Mach 2000 series.
In the last few years this 142 year old company has begun reintroducing some of their most important models from this original collection that remains as visionary today as when it was first unveiled 35 years ago. Most are faithful recreations while others have been updated with new designer visions.
Image courtesy of Watchismo.
Distinct Design
The Dark Master Chronograph is easily recognizable thanks to its protruding multi-colored balls which function as the crown and stopwatch pushers. Several variations are available but it is the classic blackened case that really captures my eye as it provides the perfect contrast for the touch of color.
Powered by a Swiss Made ETA 251.271 quartz movement (I know it’s quartz but the appeal of this watch is purely of an aesthetic, not technical, nature) the piece is reasonably sized at 42mm x 40mm and is presented on a rubber strap.
Adding to its appeal is the very reasonable price of US$595.00.
The Final Word
Whilst admittedly it is not of the same pedigree as the mechanical masterpieces you typically see featured on The Watch Lounge, the Mach 2000 is a lesson in French chic and understated style. Sure it’s not an everyday watch but what’s the point of having a collection if it doesn’t feature something fun like this?
So if you like what you see why not splash out and get yourself a cool creation from LIP? Available now at Watchismo.
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- Nick Orloff: Beautiful piece, regrettably a little (?) out of my price range. I’d love to...
- Olivier Muller: Thanks, BMW
Stay tuned ! - Jack: Looks like a really nice watch for the price!
Heh
I’ve been wearing my Lip Mach 2000 for the past few days! It’s the grey one here – http://bit.ly/gesjt . The Azimuth “Back in Time” on my post qualifies as a “weird watch”, I reckon 