LIP Type 14 Automatic Manufacture R26 676031 – Lepage

Description

The elegantly dark version of the Type 14 collection: 41 mm black PVD-treated 316L steel case, black nubuck leather strap, LIP R26 automatic caliber Made in Besançon. A blend of vintage aeronautics and contemporary sophistication.A revisited aeronautical heritageAt the end of the 1930s, as French aviation was living its golden age, LIP designed true onboard instruments for civil and military aircraft cockpits. These watches, capable of withstanding vibrations, pressure changes, and temperature variations, equipped aircraft such as the Morane-Saulnier MS.406 and the Dewoitine D.520, jewels of French aeronautical engineering.A true symbol of this expertise, the Type 14 already embodied the precision and robustness so dear to the Besançon-based manufacture. Nearly a century later, LIP pays tribute to this legend by offering a reinterpretation faithful to the spirit of the pioneers of the sky.The Type 14 R26 perpetuates the aesthetic and technical codes of an aircraft timepiece, now adapted to the wrist of modern adventurers. Entirely designed and assembled in Besançon, it perfectly illustrates the continuity of French watchmaking heritage.Design & Aeronautical FunctionalityInspired by the onboard instruments found in aircraft cockpits, the LIP Type 14 ref. 676031 boasts a resolutely modern and technical look. Its 41 mm black PVD-coated 316L stainless steel case makes a strong impression while retaining the functional spirit characteristic of pilot’s watches.It features a bidirectional internal rotating bezel marked with triangular indices, adjusted via a screw-down crown positioned at 2 o’clock — a direct nod to the aircraft chronometers of the 1930s.A second screw-down crown, located at 4 o’clock, handles time-setting and contributes to the 100-meter water resistance, a testament to the mechanical rigor and reliability that define the Besançon manufacture.The slightly domed sapphire crystal, treated with double-sided anti-reflective coating, ensures perfect legibility in all circumstances.The black dial, textured like an airport tarmac with a subtly grained finish, features large beige “Old Radium” luminescent Arabic numerals reminiscent of vintage flight instruments. This elegant, retro-technical contrast ensures quick reading even in low light and gives the watch a distinct personality.The ref. 676031 stands out with its supple black nubuck leather strap, soft to the touch and comfortable on the wrist — a subtle tribute to the gloves and flight jackets worn by pilots of the past.Its exclusive LIP pin buckle ensures a secure fit while maintaining understated elegance.Each piece is individually numbered and comes with a three-year international warranty, a testament to the care and craftsmanship that define the LIP Manufacture.The LIP R26 Movement, the Beating Heart of the WatchConvinced that it was time to restore LIP to its former glory, the management of the Besançon manufacture launched an ambitious project: to once again design a French manufacture movement worthy of the brand’s illustrious legacy.After three years of patient development conducted hand in hand with the SupMicroTech engineering school of Besançon, the LIP R26 calibre was born — the first automatic movement designed and assembled in Besançon in more than half a century.Born from reverse-engineering work applied to a proven mechanical base, the R26 has been completely redesigned: new technical plans, reworked components, micrometric adjustments, and refined finishes.Over 70% of its production value is French, with manufacturing largely concentrated in the Besançon region — a rare level of localization at this price point, almost unique in modern watchmaking.Measuring 26 mm in diameter and 5.92 mm thick, this movement is distinguished by its laser-decorated gear bridge and oscillating weight, both integrating the LIP logo directly into their structure.This mobile decoration, both playful and hypnotic, comes alive with every movement of the wrist, making the brand’s signature appear as if by magic.Hexagonal screws — a subtle nod to French identity — further emphasize the national pride embedded in this project.Operating at a frequency of 21,600 vibrations per hour (3 Hz), the R26 calibre offers a 42-hour power reserve and precision ranging from –5 to +10 seconds per day.It features a stop-seconds mechanism and quick-set date function, allowing for precise and intuitive time adjustments.Each movement is meticulously inspected and regulated by LIP’s master watchmakers, ensuring a level of craftsmanship that meets the highest standards of the world’s finest manufactures.