We love watches with a unique design, and it’s even better if that watch is created by a brand that doesn’t receive a lot of spotlight. That is the exact scenario here.
By now, we are used to the elegant designs of the Le Forban watches, and the new Rochelaise is no exception.
The skin dive watch design with the turtle case brings back the real ‘60s / ‘70s vibe, and in a refreshing twist, the sunburst dial itself boasts vibrant colors.
Le Forban’s new timepiece is an elegant addition, a perfect watch for the summer season that will accompany you anywhere from the beach to sunset cocktail hours.
Let’s take a closer look at the Rochelaise.
Specs:
- Movement: Automatic
- Caliber: Miyota 9039
- Power Reserve: 42 hours
- Case Width: 39 mm
- Lug-to-Lug Distance: 46 mm
- Price: Around $800
Le Forban Sécurité Mer: The Brand
Le Forban Sécurité Mer is a proud French brand. Their watches are assembled, tested, and regulated in Brittany (Western France), in the workshop of a master watchmaker in France.
Le Forban watches were worn by French Navy sailors starting in 1969. This historical heritage is beautifully maintained today, as the current models take their inspiration directly from the timeless aesthetics of their predecessors.
Additionally, the Le Forban watches are named after famous French ports, another subtle nod towards celebrated places in the history of French maritime.
Le Forban La Rochelaise: Overview
The Rochelaise takes its inspiration from the coastal city in southwestern France, called La Rochelle. The city has a strong commercial tradition, having an active port from very early on in its history, and today it’s rapidly becoming a popular destination for coastal living.
The two available colors for the dial are representing the essence of the beach:
- Sand Grey: a sunburst warm grey color that looks brownish under natural light resembles the sand.
- Sea Green: a deep blue-green resembling the colors of La Rochelle.
The watch is vibrant in overall effect, yet still elegant. Both variations have an intense depth that can stay in focus as the dial itself is simplistic. The asymmetrical position of the crowns was designed deliberately to make the watch more dynamic, and the red color of the second-hand reminds us of the dive watch nature of the Rochelaise.
Specs:
- Movement: Automatic
- Caliber: Miyota 9039
- Power Reserve: 42 hours
- Case Width: 39 mm
- Lug-to-Lug Distance: 46 mm
- Price: Around $800
Dial
The dial of the Rochelaise comes in two different colors: San Grey and Sea Green.
Both color options represent the beach by the ocean in an intense and vibrant way that make this watch look very modern, while the case provides a vintage frame.
The overall design of the dial is understated and minimalistic in the best way possible. There is no date window, so our attention stays focused on the main color and the captivating details.
There are no Roman or Arab numerals for hour markers, instead the time is subtly marked by minimalistic reflective lines, providing great visibility in the dark. The overall symmetry is emphasized once again with additional silver-toned decor around the indices at 3, 6, 9, and 12 o’clock.
The pencil hour and minute hand design is a great choice for this watch: understated, elegant, yet the slight angles give just the right amount of robustness that we do need for a dive watch.
The red color of the second hand brings an exciting dynamism, while the actual design – the lollipop – is a more elegant choice. We think it’s a great combination of functionality and elegance.
Adding to the dial’s balance, the brand’s name and logo – the silhouette of an anchor – is just below the 12 o’clock Arab numeral, and above the 6 o’clock we have the name of the watch, adorned with a French flag, and the water resistance demarcation (150 meters).
Don’t forget, this is a dive watch, and good visibility is essential, that is why the markers and the hands have Super-Luminova® C3 coating, providing great visibility in the dark.
Bezel
The choice to have an internal rotating bi-directional bezel is the real throwback element to the ‘60s ‘super compressors’ design, and we love it.
To turn the inner bezel, you’ll have to use the crown at 2 o’clock position. Overall, the inner bezel solution gives us the vintage-feel, as we get a lot more “dial” visually, and less stainless steel case around the face of the watch.
Our favorite detail regarding the inner rotating bezel is that the indices are pressed into the metal, which provides additional depth. A great solution that elevates the watch’s overall quality.
Case
The turtle case is brushed stainless steel. The width of the case is 39 mm, therefore it’s perfect for most wrist sizes. Lug-to-lug distance is at 46 mm. The height of the case itself is only 10.6 mm, which is thinner than most average sport watches, and this provides for great versatility as the thinner case makes this dive watch suitable for more elegant settings, and can comfortably fit under your shirt cuff.
The screw-on on the machined case back is decorated with a marine rope with a wave pattern serving as background. The marine rope as a decorative element was picked as a nod towards the historical heritage of La Rochelle: the Royal Ropemaking Factory of Rochefort.
This timepiece is water resistant up to 150 meters.
Movement
The Le Forban Rochelaise comes equipped with the reliable Miyota 9039 automatic Japanese movement.
Miyota – part of the Citizen group – has been manufacturing this relatively new movement since 2018. The Miyota 9039 is a 24-jewel automatic movement that provides a 42-hour power reserve. This caliber is part of Miyota’s Premium Automatic line.
The accuracy range is within +/- 10-30 seconds per day under normal operating conditions.
Stainless Steel Bracelet
Embracing the retro vibes, the Rochelaise comes with a fine-mesh stainless steel bracelet. It’s an elegant option, and it’s a great fit for an everyday watch as it’s a perfect companion for more elegant occasions.
Consider widening your strap options by picking up a rubber or fabric replacement strap, to make the watch even more of a comfortable wear for different summer activities.
Pros and Cons
Let’s take a look at the summary of pros and cons, in our humble opinion:
Pros
- The 39 mm case width is perfect for all wrist sizes.
- Great combination of vintage ‘super compressor’ design and modern vibrant colors.
- Excellent value and great quality.
- Stylishly and proudly French.
Cons:
- The default mesh stainless steel bracelet is appropriate for more elegant settings, but could be uncomfortable when in or around water. We suggest having multiple strap options to swap for the one best fitting for the occasion.
- While the dial colors are beautiful, they’re definitely a statement, therefore make sure the color you pick goes with your outfit.
Summary: Takeaway and Final Thoughts About The Rochelaise from Le Forban
An inspired reimagination of a design from the ‘60s / ‘70s, the Rochelaise is a modern classic with a pop of color embracing elegance while seamlessly integrating the functionality of a super compressor design dive watch. The 39 mm case width, 46 mm lug-to-lug distance, and 10.6 mm case height are all ideal for both an adventure and a more formal setting. The Rochelaise is a great addition to any collection, especially as a go-to watch during the summer season.
Specs:
- Movement: Automatic
- Caliber: Miyota 9039
- Power Reserve: 42 hours
- Case Width: 39 mm
- Lug-to-Lug Distance: 46 mm
- Price: Around $800
Other Watch Reviews
Victorinox Air Pro Automatic (Ref. 242003) In-Depth Review
The Victorinox Air Pro Automatic isn’t a homage or a derivative design; it has its own identity rooted in the brand’s legacy. The Air Pro Automatic stands out by confidently embracing the brand’s tool-watch heritage and pushing it into a modern format.
Laco Hamburg DIN 8330 (Ref. 862164) Pilot Watch – In-Depth Review
The Laco Hamburg DIN 8330 is a unique and commendable achievement. It brings the pilot watch on par with the diver’s watch in terms of having a defined performance standard, and it gives consumers a tangible measure of quality to point to.
Vero X Scout Motors Workhorse Chronograph In-Depth Review
The Vero X Scout Motors Workhorse Chronograph is a compelling blend of automotive heritage and modern watchcraft: both editions capture the collaborative spirit of Vero and Scout Motors – heritage colors, rugged engineering, and a shared love of adventure
DOXA SUB 600T Caribbean (862.10.201.32-N) In-Depth Review
If you’re a dive watch enthusiast or someone who appreciates vintage-inspired, no-nonsense sports watches, the SUB 600T Caribbean is easy to love. It’s got heritage cred, built-like-a-tank construction, great lume, and a personality all its own.
Circula DiveSport Titanium Petrol In-Depth Review
The Circula DiveSport Titanium Petrol has genuinely impressed me as an enthusiast looking for a tough, unique diver. It takes a different path than many microbrand divers by focusing on over-engineered capability and community-driven design rather than vintage homage. The result is a watch that feels purposeful and fresh. In a sea of dive watches, the DiveSport manages to carve its own identity – from that scratch-pattern dial to the two-tone lume and hardened titanium build, it doesn’t come across as a cookie-cutter design at all.
Vero x Realtree Tide Tracker Compass Blue In-Depth Review
The Vero x Realtree Tide Tracker Compass Blue is a thoroughly enjoyable watch with a clear purpose and character. It’s refreshing to encounter a watch that brings something truly new to the table in the sub-$600 price range.