Kelton Watches: A Complete Guide
's 2026 Collections
Since 1951, the iconic French brand—Vietnam mécanique, Colorama, RC2. From €60 to €120.
Kelton is the quintessential popular French watch. Created in 1951 in the Lip workshops in Besançon and worn by millions of French people for 40 years, it has enjoyed a remarkable resurgence in popularity since 2015. Affordable, colorful, mechanical, or quartz—Kelton remains true to its DNA: the beautiful French watch for everyone.
The History of Kelton: 70 Years of French Watches
Our Picks: The 6 Best Kelton 2026 Watches
A mechanical watch for €60—that's rare. The Vietnam 2 pays homage to the field watches of the 1970s. It features a sturdy round case, a desert-sand NATO strap, and a visible automatic movement. It's the perfect introduction to the world of French mechanical watches.
Mechanics Nato Sand Military style View the template →
The Colorama is the model that made Kelton a legend. It features a vintage dial, a round case with a flat back, and a matching colorful strap. This bright red embodies the spirit of the French 1970s—bold, warm, and unique. It’s the nostalgic piece everyone wants to wear.
Vintage '70s Kelton Icon Bright red View the template →
This blue-and-white striped seersucker bracelet brings a touch of summer in Brittany to your wrist. Inspired by traditional sailor-striped fabrics, this Colorama piece blends French identity with a coastal vibe. Perfect for the summer—lightweight, cool, and instantly recognizable.
Blue and white stripes Seafaring Spirit Seersucker View the template →
The RC2 is Kelton's sports collection—featuring a reinforced case, a two-tone NATO strap, and an easy-to-read dial. This blue and peach-yellow color scheme evokes outdoor sports and great adventures. Whether worn on the trails, in stadiums, or around town—it's sure to turn heads.
Sports Nato 2-Tone Blue & Yellow View the template →
The Grande Colorama reimagines the iconic silhouette in an XXL size—with a wider case and a bold presence on the wrist. The matte black finish lends it an unexpected elegance for a Kelton watch. A timepiece that transitions effortlessly from the office to dinner—the collection’s statement piece.
Large format Matte black Versatile View the template →
The Millennium Chrome embodies Kelton’s formal side. A polished chrome-plated steel case, a deep midnight blue dial, and slender hands. A classic watch that lives up to its price—understated, precise, and durable. Perfect for occasions when you want to look your best.
High-gloss chrome Midnight blue dial Classic View the template →The Kelton Collections
Colorama — the icon
The founding collection. Launched in the 1970s, the Colorama stands out for its minimalist round dial and its strap, which matches the case in color. Available in dozens of shades—red, blue, pink, black, beige—it remains the brand’s most recognizable watch. Each season, Kelton releases new colorways inspired by art, fashion, or French heritage.
Vietnam — The Soldier's Return
The Vietnam pays homage to the field watches of the 1960s and 1970s. It features a sturdy case, an interchangeable NATO strap, and a dial that’s easy to read in all conditions. The Vietnam 2 is powered by a mechanical movement—a rare and bold choice at this price point. For those who want a watch with soul.
RC2 — Sports
The Kelton Sport Collection. Reinforced case, two-tone NATO strap, dial with easy-to-read markers. Designed for outdoor activities while retaining its colorful French identity. The bold color combinations (blue/yellow, green/orange) make this a sports watch that stands out.
Millennium Chrome — the classic
The classic side of Kelton. A chrome case, a clean-lined dial, and slender hands. The Millennium proves that Kelton also knows how to create understated designs. Whether worn with a suit or a smart-casual outfit, it goes unnoticed but doesn’t fool the eye of connoisseurs.
Is Kelton really a French brand?
Yes. Kelton was founded in 1951 as a joint venture between Timex (U.S.) and Lip (Besançon, France) to produce affordable watches for the French market. After a long hiatus, the brand was relaunched in France around 2015 with a heritage-focused positioning—it emphasizes its French heritage and its down-to-earth values.
Is the Kelton Vietnam really mechanical?
Yes. The Vietnam 2 features a mechanical movement—which is rare for a watch priced at €60. It offers one of the best values for money when it comes to mechanical watches in France. The movement isn't Swiss-made, but it's reliable and can be repaired locally.
Which Kelton model should you choose as your first purchase?
For your first Kelton watch: the Colorama Rouge (€95) if you're looking for a colorful vintage classic, or the Vietnam 2 Mécanique (€60) if you want to explore mechanical watchmaking. Both are in stock with 48-hour delivery.
Kelton vs. LIP—What's the Difference?
Lip and Kelton share the same roots: Besançon. Lip is a premium brand (€130–400), centered on French industrial design (T18, Mach 2000). Kelton is more affordable (€60–130), more colorful, and more popular. Both are milestones in France’s watchmaking heritage. Read our complete guide to Lip here.
The Entire Kelton Catalog
More than 40 models in stock—Colorama, Vietnam, RC2, Millennium, and exclusive collections.
See all Kelton products