LIP Revives French Watchmaking with the R26 Calibre: A 100% Ambitious Movement
With the launch of the LIP R26 movement, the oldest French watch brand still in business reconnects with a strong local industrial tradition and asserts its ambition to win over the wrists of fine-mechanics enthusiasts. A return to its roots shaped by innovation and manufacturing patriotism.
A manufacture movement designed and produced in Besançon
The result of three years of development in collaboration with Besançon engineering school SupMicroTech, the LIP R26 calibre is a self-winding mechanical movement. It is the first manufacture movement produced in Besançon since the glory days of Fred Lip.
Made up of more than 70% components whose value originates in the Besançon area, this movement represents a genuine French-style watchmaking reindustrialisation. Assembled, regulated and finished by LIP’s watchmakers, the R26 offers solid technical specifications:
- 26 mm diameter, 5.92 mm thickness
- 21 jewels, 21,600 vibrations per hour
- 42-hour power reserve
- Accuracy between -5 and +10 seconds/day
- Hacking seconds and quick-set date
Bold design, right down to the calibre
Beyond performance, LIP has built a strong visual identity into its movement. The LIP logo is revealed in motion thanks to a moving decoration on the oscillating weight, devised by an in-house engineer. The hexagonal screws on the bridges add a distinctive “made in France” touch down to the smallest details.
Three collections, three worlds: land, sea, air
This new French engine powers three new flagship collections:
Annapurna: vintage elegance for urban adventurers
Inspired by Himalayan expeditions of the 1950s, the LIP Annapurna is a chic, vintage-leaning watch. A 39 mm case in steel or gold-tone PVD-coated steel, a dual-finish dial, skeletonised hands, an exhibition caseback: a refined tribute to classic fine watchmaking.
Nautic 666: the iconic diver reborn
A contemporary reworking of a late-sixties model, the Nautic 666 makes a strong comeback. A 39 mm steel case water-resistant to 200 m, a unidirectional bezel, a highly legible dial with luminous markers: the French “Devil Diver” is ready for any aquatic adventure.
Type 14: the return of a French aircraft clock
Directly inspired by the onboard timepieces fitted to French fighter aircraft in the 1930s, the Type 14 blends military toughness with a technical aesthetic. An internal rotating bezel, a textured tarmac-style dial, 100 m water resistance: a high-altitude watch, in every sense of the word.
LIP: a French ambition, an industrial project
With the R26 calibre, LIP is not merely designing a high-performing movement. It is relaunching a local watchmaking ecosystem, connected to education, research and regional industry. An initiative praised for its coherence, ambition and deep local roots.
French-made watchmaking has found a new standard-bearer in LIP.
FAQ: Everything you need to know about LIP’s R26 calibre
Where does the R26 movement come from?
Designed in Besançon with SupMicroTech, it is assembled and finished by LIP, with more than 70% of the value added coming from France.
Which watches are fitted with the R26?
The Annapurna, Nautic 666 and Type 14 models, spanning the worlds of land, sea and air.
What is the R26’s accuracy?
Each movement is individually regulated to a tolerance of -5/+10 seconds per day.
Can you see the movement?
Yes, all three models feature an exhibition caseback that showcases the finishing work and the moving LIP logo.
Is it a limited edition?
No, each watch is individually numbered, but production is not limited.
Fancy rediscovering French watchmaking with real character?
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