Review: The Malouine from Le Forban Sécurité Mer Elegant French Design
When it comes to dive watches, most of the designs out there have a distinct sporty look, which of course makes sense as these timepieces have to be functional and durable in and around the water. While a dive watch can be dressed up and makes for a wonderfully versatile accessory, Le Forban Sécurité Mer attempted to take it a step further, and envisioned an elegant timepiece that has all the functionality of a dive watch but also stands its ground in a more elegant setting, due to an understated and elegant dial design. This vision came to life in the Malouine, and it wasn’t long before it caught our watchful eye. Let’s take a closer look, and discuss if the Le Forban Malouine is truly as good as it looks.
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 Malouine: Overview
The Malouine takes its inspiration from one of the brand’s original designs in the late ‘60s. However, this is a truly inspired reimagination of an evergreen classic. The case itself is 38.4 mm wide, but the total width is at 39 mm as the bezel is slightly bigger. Still, the 39 mm case width is perfect for all wrist sizes, and more importantly, the lug-to-lug distance is at 45 mm. These dimensions are perfect for this very elegant overall design. The case itself is 12.75 mm in height, so we have a slightly bigger profile dimension with the Malouine, but it can still comfortably fit under the shirt cuffs. The domed sapphire crystal is in keeping with the style of vintage watches.
The watch itself is not colorful, yet it’s vibrant in overall effect. Both variations – black or blue – have an intense chromatic depth. The dial itself is not crowded at all, yet retains an adventurous, dynamic feel.
The Malouine is a sophisticated and stylish timepiece that’s ready for an epic adventure at a moment’s notice.
Specs:
- Movement: Automatic
- Caliber: Miyota 8215
- Battery Life: 42 hours
- Case Width: 39 mm
- Lug-to-Lug Distance: 45 mm
- Water Resistance: 150 meters
- Price: Around $500
Dial
The dial of the Malouine comes in two different colors: black and blue with a light sunburst detail.
The overall design of the dial is understated and minimalistic, especially for a dive watch. This focus on the essentials is what distinguishes the Maloine from the sporty counterparts and ensures an elegant look. The relatively larger Arab numerals for 6, 9, and 12 fill the outer rim of the dial to perfection, and provide ample visibility. The date window at 3 o’clock position brings a balanced, almost symmetrical look and feel.
The thicker arrow hand design for the hour and minute hand makes sure the center of the dial doesn’t feel empty. Intentional design always catches our eye and is very much appreciated.
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, with a French flag and the water resistance demarcation (150 m).
Don’t forget, this is a dive watch, and good visibility is paramount. To that end both the hour markers and the hands have Super-Luminova® C3 coating, which is the brightest lume available on the market – again, a beautiful mix of elegance and functionality.
Bezel
The Malouine has a unidirectional aluminum bezel in either black or blue colors, depending on what dial color you choose. Markings are in 10-minute increments, and the high quality Super-Luminova® C3 coating at the starting point provides excellent visibility if you need to measure a specific amount of time somewhere dark.
The delicately serrated bezel provides an excellent grip when adjustment is needed—aesthetic and convenient all in one.
Case
The case is polished and brushed 316L stainless steel. The width of the case is 39 mm, therefore it’s perfect for most wrist sizes. Lug-to-lug distance is at 45 mm, and the distance between the lugs is 20 mm. The height of the case itself is 12.75 mm, which is on par with the sport watch average, and the addition of a domed sapphire crystal is a perfect touch vintage without being too forced.
The screw-on the machined case back is decorated with an old-school diver’s helmet with a wave pattern serving as background. This timepiece is water resistant up to 150 meters.
A nice touch: at the bottom of the caseback it reads “assembled in Paris” (assemblé à Paris).
Movement
The Le Forban Malouine comes with the reliable Miyota 8215 automatic Japanese movement.
Miyota – part of the Citizen group – has been manufacturing this movement since 1977. The Miyota 8215 is a 21-jewel automatic movement that provides a 42-hour power reserve. The movement doesn’t allow bi-directional winding, the crown has to be turned counterclockwise when winding the movement – in our view, this is not a negative, just something to remember when handling the watch.
The accuracy range is within +/- 20-40 seconds per day under normal operating conditions.
Tropic Strap
Le Forban worked together with Tropic to develop their own Tropic strap.
The Tropic brand has played a part as the world’s most iconic dive watch strap manufacturers since the 1960s, and it is said to be the “strap choice for discerning vintage or modern dive watch collectors”. The Malouine’s Tropic strap has a few notable customizations: instead of rubber silicone is used, which is lighter and more flexible, therefore giving additional comfort. The buckle and the strap proudly display the “Le Forban” brand name, and the longer side of the strap is enhanced by the addition of the anchor symbol.
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.
- Elegant design with historical heritage.
- Excellent value.
Cons
- The default strap – while perfectly functional – might not be appropriate for more elegant settings. We suggest having multiple strap options to swap for the one best fitting for the occasion.
Summary: Takeaway and Final Thoughts About The Malouine from Le Forban
An inspired reimagination of a design from the ‘60s / ‘70s, the Malouine is a modern beauty that exudes elegance while seamlessly integrating the functionality of a dive watch. The clean dial look ensures a timeless design, and the dimensions of the case further strengthens this position: the 39 mm case width, 45 mm lug-to-lug distance, and 12.75 mm case height are all ideal for both an adventure and a more formal event. In the Malouine, tradition and innovation are flawlessly combined, and in our opinion, it makes for a wonderful addition to any watch collection.
Specs:
- Movement: Automatic
- Caliber: Miyota 8215
- Battery Life: 42 hours
- Case Width: 39 mm
- Lug-to-Lug Distance: 45 mm
- Water Resistance: 150 meters
- Price: Around $500
Add Your Heading Text Here
Maté D
Other Watch Reviews
Kuoe Old Smith 90-007 In-Depth Review
Kuoe has managed to deliver a watch that captures the soul of the 1930s but packages it in a way that works for the 21st century. It is inspired by classic British wristwatches, but is offers so much more.
MAEN Manhattan 37 M2 “Grey Ice” Hands-On Review
This Maen Manhattan 37 M2 punches well above its weight in many ways. The design is confident and cohesive – Maen set out to deliver a modern re-interpretation of 1970s classics and they absolutely nailed that.
Sinn 104 St Sa | W (104.012) In-Depth Review
The Sinn 104 St Sa I W is a triumph of balance: it’s a tool watch that doesn’t feel cold or boring, a stylish watch that isn’t delicate or pretentious. For anyone seeking a “GADA” watch, the 104 is an easy recommendation.
Mühle-Glashütte Teutonia Sport II “Racing Green” (M1-29-74-LB-B) In-Depth Review
The Teutonia Sport II checks all the boxes for a modern sports watch. This watch is a great combination of technical excellence and a unique modern design.
Longines Conquest 41 mm (L3.830.4.02.6) Review
The Conquest 41 mm is a confident all-rounder that brings together Longines’ sporty DNA and modern watchmaking upgrades in a compelling package.
Hamilton Khaki Aviation Pilot Pioneer H76205530 Review
The Hamilton Khaki Aviation Pilot Pioneer (Ref # H76205530) is a beautiful blend of vintage-inspired aesthetics and contemporary watchmaking. Drawing inspiration from the WWII-era Model 23 pocket watch, this timepiece pays homage to Hamilton’s rich aviation and military heritage.