"Rarity merchant takes lead over traders, with whispers of 'bauchlandung'"
A Rare and Iconic Timepiece: The Lip Mach 2000
The Lip Mach 2000, designed by Roger Tallon in 1975, is a celebrated example of bold, modernist watch design. This unique timepiece, characterised by clean lines and understated asymmetry, is a testament to Lip's well-regarded history of innovative watches [1][2][4].
History and Design
The Mach 2000 was originally created by French industrial designer Roger Tallon, renowned for his modernist approach [4]. Its distinctive features include a large, square-ish case (42 mm x 40 mm), Swiss quartz movement with chronograph and date function, and an innovative, visually striking design that reflects Tallon's 1970s design DNA [2][4]. The watch is notable enough to have replica versions manufactured faithfully to the original style [4].
Value
The Lip Mach 2000 is considered an affordable classic, still manufactured in France in the original Lip locale, making it accessible yet collectible [5]. Its value lies not only in its function but its design heritage as a product of a prominent industrial designer, contributing to its cult status among enthusiasts of modernist and vintage watches [1][5]. While specific current market prices for original vintage pieces vary, replicas and newer versions with quartz movements are more widely affordable, appealing to collectors appreciating design history without prohibitive cost [4][5].
The Story Behind the Watch
The Lip Mach 2000, which caught the eye of the dealers at "Bares für Rares", was purchased by Rolf in 1974 with his first paycheck after training [3]. Rolf, a candidate at "Bares für Rares", is now selling the watch as part of dissolving his design collection, which the watch originally founded [3]. Sven Deutschmanek, an expert, found the watch to be extremely special due to its asymmetrical form, and introduced a design watch by Roger Tallon, modeled for Lip [2].
Despite the watch's rarity and high estimated price of between 1,400 and 1,600 euros by the expert, no dealer was willing to pay the asked price during the event [2]. Lisa Nüdling expressed skepticism about the watch due to her lack of knowledge about watches [2]. One dealer politely declined, but the reason for the decline was not specified [2]. Rolf concluded that the watch was not rare enough for the dealers, similar to his own perspective [2]. Daniel Meyer offered a maximum of 1,200 euros for the watch [2].
In summary, the Lip Mach 2000 wristwatch is historically significant for pioneering modernist watch design under Roger Tallon in the mid-1970s and continues to hold design and collectible value due to its innovative aesthetics and enduring appeal within accessible price ranges [1][2][4][5].
[1] https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/lip-mach-2000-roger-tallon-watches-for-sale [2] https://www.watchtime.com/wristwatches/news/lip-mach-2000-roger-tallon-wristwatch-up-for-auction-at-bares-fuer-rares/ [3] https://www.watchtime.com/wristwatches/news/lip-mach-2000-roger-tallon-wristwatch-sold-at-bares-fuer-rares/ [4] https://www.fratellowatches.com/lip-mach-2000-roger-tallon-vintage-watch-review/ [5] https://www.chrono24.com/watches/lip/mach-2000/12007-1103.htm
Social media users often share stunning images of the Lip Mach 2000 on platforms like Instagram, admiring its timeless modernist design. The watch's design heritage makes it a popular topic for discussion in forums dedicated to movies, TV shows, and entertainment focused on fashion and design.
