Experience the Fusion of Heritage and Innovation: The Le Forban Marseillaise
The Legacy of the Bund Strap: A Brief Overview
The Bund strap, historically recognized for its robust design, provided a protective layer between a watch and the wearer's skin. Initially favored by German air force pilots, its popularity soared in the 1970s, gracing the wrists of style icons like Paul Newman and Steve McQueen. While traditionally associated with chunky chronographs, its application here with a dive watch offers a fresh perspective.
Introducing the Le Forban Marseillaise: A Dive Watch Reimagined
Le Forban's Marseillaise dive watch marks a unique fusion, pairing a dive timepiece with a rubber Bund strap, dubbed the 'Dive Bund'. This creation benefits from the expertise of Eddy Burgener, a renowned designer with a history of crafting iconic watches, ensuring a blend of credibility and innovative design.
Craftsmanship and Design: The Marseillaise's Core Features
The Marseillaise showcases a 40.8mm "Monnin"-style case made from brushed 316L stainless steel, featuring polished sides, prominent crown guards, and a black aluminum bezel insert with a lumed pip. Its wearability is enhanced by a 46mm lug-to-lug distance and a slim profile under 12mm. The screw-down crown and caseback contribute to its impressive 250-meter water resistance.
Dial and Bezel: A Closer Look at the Aesthetic Details
The watch's blue sunburst dial, available also in black, is subtly reflective and transitions from deep royal blue to near-black at the edges, offering a sophisticated visual depth. The bezel provides a tactile experience with precise, satisfying clicks, making timekeeping adjustments both efficient and enjoyable.
Display and Complications: Practicality Meets Style
Underneath its sapphire crystal, the dial features a deep rehaut, a lumed triangle at 12 o'clock, baton indexes, and round lume plots. A framed date window at 3 o'clock, though a point of contention for purists, adds practical functionality, especially for a sub-1,000-euro diver like the Marseillaise.
The "Dive Bund" Strap: An Unconventional Yet Intriguing Choice
The innovative 'Dive Bund' strap, crafted from comfortable and robust FKM rubber, raises the watch slightly from the wrist. Its patterned design includes a round cutout to showcase the logo and an asymmetrical shape to accommodate the crown guards, ensuring comfort against the skin.
The Functional Debate: Is the "Dive Bund" Practical?
While the functional necessity of a 'Dive Bund' for a diver watch is debatable, particularly regarding skin protection from metal or extreme temperatures in diving scenarios, its stylistic contribution is undeniable. It imbues the watch with a sense of purpose and ruggedness, despite any practical limitations.
Beyond Function: The Appeal of the "Dive Bund"
Despite its impracticalities, the 'Dive Bund' stands out as a unique and appealing feature. It adds a distinctive character to the watch, and its 20mm lug width allows for versatility with other strap options. The ability to remove the Bund pad also offers a more traditional dive strap experience.
Movement and Versatility: Inside the Marseillaise
Powered by the reliable Sellita SW-200 movement, the Marseillaise ensures dependable performance. Whether paired with the rubber strap or the optional steel bracelet, the watch offers a secure and substantial feel on the wrist, highlighting its robust construction.
A Brand Reborn: The Le Forban Legacy Continues
Le Forban, originally established in 1969, was successfully revived by Jean-Sebastien Coste in 2019. The brand's continuation offers a genuine connection to French dive-watch heritage, setting it apart in a crowded market of micro-brands. The 'Dive Bund' strap further distinguishes Le Forban, offering a nostalgic yet novel accessory that challenges traditional watch strap conventions.