As enthusiasm for vintage watches, particularly those used for diving, has reached unprecedented levels, many brands have been revived over the past few years. Among those resurfacing from the depths is Le Forban Sécurité Mer. Although the company lay dormant for over 30 years following the quartz crisis, the release of the Malouine model in 2019 signaled a promising comeback - like a beacon in a sea of reissues. Now, with the release of the new Brestoise model, the brand further emphasizes its distinctive style and design heritage.
Proudly originating from France, Le Forban Sécurité Mer heavily relies on its Parisian heritage - and rightly so. The development of diving, both recreational and professional, has a significant history linked to France. The creation of the Aqua-Lung autonomous underwater breathing apparatus by Emile Gagnon and Jacques Cousteau in the 1950s essentially unlocked Davy Jones' locker and laid the foundation for decades of future underwater explorers and oceanographers. Additionally, the Cousteau Society (and Jacques himself) brought attention to the ecological impact and importance of our oceans through film, something that had never truly been documented before.
In 1969, Le Forban Sécurité Mer saw an opportunity to capitalize on the growing popularity of skin diving and SCUBA, subsequently creating the first iteration of their diving watches. The genesis of these watches was inspired not just by leisure but also by the French Navy's search for reliable and robust tools specifically adapted for the everyday tasks of divers and marine personnel. To ensure the watches could withstand the harsh conditions of military and adventure use, special attention was given to clarity and utility. The successful execution of this goal resulted in true tool watches, which Le Forban Sécurité Mer proudly confirmed with its iconic anchor logo, which remains to this day.
As the successor to the flagship model of 1969, the new Brestoise listens to the same siren song and heads for the sea. Each model released since 2019 is named after a famous French port. In this case, Brestoise refers to the port city of Brest on the Celtic Sea coast. It is fitting that the model shares this name, as both Le Forban Sécurité Mer and the city of Brest have a rich maritime history.
Simplicity is a theme that runs through the entire design and execution of the Brestoise. The perfectly balanced 38.4 mm diameter ensures wearing comfort, remaining unobtrusive and ready for action. The case's modest thickness of 12.75 mm further enhances wearability, whether you're donning a coat to protect against ocean spray or a wetsuit for a day in the water. The black dial is a model of clarity, achieved through bold Arabic numerals with strong luminescent coating and alternating rectangular indexes. The minute hand is emphasized with a broad arrow, allowing for easy tracking of elapsed time in conjunction with the unidirectional bezel. The use of Super-LumiNova C3 on the bezel, as well as the hands and indexes, guarantees torch-like glow in low-light conditions, whether under ocean waves or during a nighttime city stroll.
Continuing to blend vintage aesthetics with modern components, Le Forban Sécurité Mer decided to use an aluminum bezel insert, which was also present on the original model. The high-domed sapphire crystal is far more scratch-resistant than what existed in the '60s, but the slight distortion around the dial's perimeter imparts an authentic retro vibe and warmth, typically associated with acrylic. The trapezoidal date window at the “3 o'clock” position is another nod to the classic skin diver aesthetic. Supplied on a tropical-style silicone strap and with a screw-down crown, the watch is water-resistant to 150 meters. In the watch community, depth ratings are often overly exalted, so while this may seem conservative compared to others on the market, it is more than sufficient for all but the most extreme divers.
The Brestoise watch is equipped with the Miyota 8215 movement. This Japanese automatic movement has been around since the late 1970s. Le Forban Sécurité Mer acknowledged that the proven reliability over decades aligns perfectly with the aura of the Brestoise watch. The mechanical movement not only stays true to what was found in actual vintage divers but also the absence of batteries or electronic components means it will reliably operate for many decades to come. As befits a watch destined for the open sea, the case back is adorned with a ship's wheel and aquatic motif.
Currently, the Brestoise watch is available on the Le Forban Sécurité Mer website and is priced at 408.33 euros (486.17 USD). Whether you are a coastal crusader or prefer a more secluded lifestyle, the Brestoise watch has a chameleon-like quality that easily fits any lifestyle. It pairs as well with the beach and shorts as with coffee and a croissant, so whatever your ideal day might be, this offering from Le Forban Sécurité Mer has got you covered.