Le Forban Sécurité Mer Marseillaise Review: A Modern Take on a 1979 Diver

The Le Forban Sécurité Mer Marseillaise marks a significant milestone for the revived French brand. It revives a historic model from 1979, originally known as the Monnin, while incorporating modern improvements that elevate it beyond a simple reissue. This review explores the watch's design, specifications, and place in the current market.

A Tribute to Marseille and French Heritage

The name 'Marseillaise' pays homage to the port city of Marseille and, by extension, the French national anthem. This follows the brand's tradition of naming watches after French coastal towns, such as the Malouine, Brestoise, Omaha, and Rochelaise. The design retains the character of its 1979 predecessor but with thoughtful updates, striking a balance between nostalgia and contemporary expectations.

Case Design and Dimensions

The Marseillaise features the iconic 'Monnin' case, originally crafted by Georges Monnin in the 1970s for several dive watch brands. Le Forban has refined this case, reducing the height from 13mm to under 12mm and the diameter from 42mm to 40.8mm. The lug-to-lug length is now 46mm, making it more compact and wearable than many modern divers. This downsizing is a deliberate choice, contrasting with the trend of larger reissues, and aligns with the brand's philosophy of lightness, compactness, and minimalism.

The case is made from 316L stainless steel with a matte finish, emphasizing its tool-watch heritage. It is water-resistant to 250 meters (25 bar), an upgrade from the original's 20 bar. The case back features an engraved octopus, a unique design element within the collection.

Dial and Bezel

The dial is available in two color variants: Abyss Blue with a black gradient and Old Black with eggshell-colored indices. The indices and hands are coated with Swiss Super-LumiNova, ensuring excellent readability in low-light conditions. The unidirectional rotating bezel has 120 clicks and is crafted from steel, with a black insert that complements the dial.

Movement: A Swiss Upgrade

One of the most significant upgrades is the movement. Earlier models like the Brestoise and Rochelaise used Japanese Miyota calibers, but the Marseillaise is powered by the Swiss Sellita SW200. This automatic movement, a clone of the ETA 2824-2, is renowned for its reliability and accuracy. It offers a 38-hour power reserve and includes a date function, making it a practical choice for daily wear.

Straps and Wearability

The Marseillaise comes with two strap options: a stainless steel bracelet with a matte finish and polished sides, tapering from 20mm at the lugs to 16mm at the clasp, and a unique rubber 'Dive-Bund' strap. The Dive-Bund is a modern interpretation of the vintage leather bund strap, but made entirely of rubber for water resistance. It features a removable central pad that can be worn to keep the case off the skin or removed for a more classic look.

In everyday use, the watch wears comfortably thanks to its compact dimensions. The bracelet is well-made, and the rubber strap adds versatility, making it suitable for both casual and diving activities.

Price and Availability

The Le Forban Sécurité Mer Marseillaise is priced at €940 on the rubber strap, €990 on the steel bracelet, and €1,090 for a set with both straps. It comes with a two-year warranty and is available in the Watch Replica Expert shop.

Conclusion

The Marseillaise represents a step forward for Le Forban Sécurité Mer. It offers a compelling package of heritage, quality, and modern specifications at a competitive price. The compact case, Swiss movement, and thoughtful details make it a strong contender in the premium dive watch segment. For enthusiasts seeking a distinctive French timepiece with a rich history, the Marseillaise is an excellent choice.