Wow, just got a Limes Cartouche for Christmas...

This is really a sweet watch for the money. It compares favorably in many ways to my UN and Blancpain. Sure, the movement isn't as fancy as the Blancpain's but the Limes costs several times less and the ETA 2824 is still a decent movement - robust, simple, easy to get serviced...

Other features of the Cartouche are top notch though.

The casework is excellent (to be expected) a simple shape (cylinder) but very nicely finished and set off nicely by a coin-edge bezel and onion crown. The feel of it all is one of quality. And of course there's the display back held in place by individual screws - a cool touch and it's fun to see the movement beating away.

But it's the stunning dial/face that make this watch -beautiful silver dial with a sunburst center, fancy script Arabics, blued Breguet hands,... Hard to take my eyes off of it. A classic look with lots of visual interest.

The strap is a bit stiff (okay it's VERY stiff!) but after a few days it's beginning to soften some. I don't believe its a real croco or alligator strap but it is a pretty good "mock alligator". And while I would've liked a bit less shine the color is beautiful (mine's the brown one). Plus it's mounted to the lugs by screws not springbars - a classy touch.

All in all if you are in the market for a sweet, inexpensive watch and like the looks of Chronoswiss or Breguet definitely check out the Limes Cartouche. This is a fantastic watch for the money. Movement aside this watch compares quite favorably with some of the more expensive watches in my collection.

Also, I showed it to friend of mine Christmas day - he's not a watch nut like the rest of us, but he does like nice things - He's decided to buy one too. Hmm, the makings of a new WIS ?

Can you tell I like it ?

Cheers and thanks Ickler/Limes for producing such a nice product at such a good price.

John