Avel&Men and DropAndWatch: Two Breton companies passionate about watchmaking.
At the beginning of 2024, the first discussions will begin between Xavier from Avel&Men and Thomas from DropAndWatch . Between us, 2 Bretons, the principle is clear: A collaboration between the 2 companies must take place!
Our shared values and desires are to highlight know-how, craftsmanship and watchmaking passion by equipping the vintage watches that we regularly offer for sale with high-quality , made-in-France bracelets!
Our common land, Brittany, eternally turned towards the sea and the opportunity presented itself to us to receive a LIP Nautic Ski ... It did not take more to begin our first collaboration. We present to you today the result of this agreement: A LIP Nautic Ski Mk2 equipped with the Port-Louis Yellow strap in Seaqual canvas!
Agnès and Xavier founded Avel&Men in 2016! Their company offers Seaqual canvas straps, Cordura canvas straps and also leather straps! If you want to get some marmots to store your beautiful vintage watches, that's also possible! I'll let you take a look at their website which will guide you in detail on the different ranges, manufacturing processes and existing materials! (here is the link to the Avel&Men website: www.avel-and-men.com )
Coming back to our dear LIP Nautic Ski , we were lucky enough to receive a model that is quite rare on the market. Indeed, we see more regularly LIP Nautic with blue dials or first generation with black dials. Our model is a LIP Nautic Ski 2nd generation (also called MK2), with a gray dial and a rotating internal bezel in beautiful yellow and burgundy colors. You can find the model for sale in the vintage watch collection on our site: https://dropandwatch.com/products/lip-nautic-ski-mk2-x-avel-men-ref42983
Logically, this vintage watch lives up to its name and we had to equip it as it should be! Xavier presented us with his Seaqual canvas range and together we opted for the yellow color to recall the minority color of the internal bezel! Beyond territorial values, Seaqual canvas straps are straps designed from plastic waste found in the sea which are upcycled and transformed into textile fiber giving birth to a canvas! You will therefore not find leather in this Port-Louis strap but the big advantage is that this strap is perfectly suited for swimming!
We give you our full feedback on this bracelet after trying it on your wrist.
What struck me at first glance was the lightness of the bracelet. Once out of its case, the bracelet is a superb bright yellow color, equipped with 2 high-quality quick releases (and that is a very important point). In the case of our Nautic Ski , the steel case being relatively thick, the releases prevent the bracelet from folding completely on itself once the watch is placed.
Is it really important? No, because you can lay your watch flat or in a watch box and the problem is solved right away! Storing it in a marmot can be more difficult. Please note that this is specific to the size of the Nautic Ski and not to the Port-Louis bracelet itself! The upper texture of the bracelet is very pleasant and airy. Finally, I loved the detail or should I say THE detail: the reminder of the tricolor flag on the upper part of the bracelet! In my opinion, this kind of detail gives a perfect finishing touch to the bracelet! Don't panic for those who might be less chauvinistic than me, you can get the same bracelet without this reminder on the website of our friends from Finistère!
As you will have understood, I can only recommend this bracelet to you! I appreciate the freedom given to me by Xavier & Agnès on the product return. You will find this bracelet for around €135 on their site. A price that seems justified to me for a range of Made In France bracelets, qualitative (stainless steel pumps and buckle), and eco-responsible! Note in addition a fast delivery and a case provided with the bracelet if you place an order!
See you soon for a new collaboration between Avel&Men and Drop&Watch ! KENAVO! :)
