LIP Watch - It's Possible
In 1973, the announcement of mass layoffs by one of Lip’s shareholders sparked protests in France. The discovery of a file labeled “480 to be laid off” was the climax of this affair. A fierce struggle ensued, featuring street demonstrations and a period of worker self-management that began on June 18, 1973, summed up by a powerful slogan: “It’s possible: we make it, we sell it, we pay ourselves.” That day, following a vote at a general assembly, production resumed under the workers’ control.
In January 1974, thanks to the Dole agreements, operations resumed on a more formal basis. The idea of giving renowned designers, such as Roger Tallon, free rein to create brought a breath of fresh hope to the brand. Within a few months, several iconic models were introduced.
The reissue or reinterpretation of watchmaking icons such as the Churchill, the Mach 2000, and the Nautic Ski marks the brand’s return to the forefront. Today, a symbol of the Lip affair takes pride of place on the dial of a limited-edition “C’est possible” model.
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Back to the Roots
SMB-LIP, which has been manufacturing Lip watches in Besançon again for the past ten years, asserts—fifty years after the “Lip” movement began—that yes, Lip is possible! After bringing production back to Besançon, the next step is to manufacture the movements, with the revival of the famous original T18 caliber.
Fifty years after the workers occupied the factory, SMB not only celebrates the commitment of the men and women involved in this conflict—which has become a symbol of the workers’ struggle to preserve their means of production—but also proclaims that it is possible! Lip watches are made in France, in Besançon!
Technical Specifications
Watch reference number:671950
Case:Silver-polished 316L stainless steel, 38 mm diameter, 11.1 mm thick (including glass), stainless steel case back
Dial:Silver sunburst finish, date window at 6 o'clock, silver hands and hour markers, "It's possible: we make it, we sell it, we get paid" in red and "Lip" in black
Glass:Domed sapphire crystal
Bracelet:Light brown smooth cowhide leather, 20 mm
Buckle:Polished steel prong buckle
Movement:RONDA 715 analog quartz
Battery:Type 371
Water resistance:50 meters
Warranty:2 years
Made in France—Besançon
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From the same collection
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