My La Montre Vivre Watch Review
When I decided to launch this page, it only felt right to start with a review of the La Montre Vivre—not just because it was one of the first watches I ever owned, but because it’s the only one that stayed with me through one of the darkest chapters in my watch-collecting journey.
A few years ago, I began diving into the world of horology. Slowly but surely, I built up a modest but meaningful collection. Each piece was special to me, often inspired by iconic timepieces or moments in film. But one day, everything changed. My home was broken into, and almost my entire collection was stolen.
Except one.
The La Montre Vivre.
By pure chance, I was wearing it that dreadful day—and so it stayed on my wrist, and in my life.
A Watch with a Story
At one point, this was my absolute favorite. Most of my watches are inspired by something, and this one was no different. I had long admired the black-and-white Omega Speedmaster that Jason Statham wore in The Transporter. That clean, bold look stuck with me. Unfortunately, the Omega was far out of my price range at the time, so I went searching for something with a similar feel—but far more affordable.
That search led me to Galaxy & Co., a now-liquidated jewelry retailer here in South Africa. They carried an in-house brand called La Montre, and that's where I found my Vivre model for just R600 (roughly $42 / €37 at the time).
Design and Specs
The La Montre Vivre is fitted with a Miyota quartz movement, known for its reliability in the entry-level market. It features:
A date window
Two working subdials for minutes and seconds
A water-resistance rating of 50 meters (though I’ve never tested that claim myself)
The design leans heavily into the “tool watch” aesthetic with a sporty yet refined look—definitely reminiscent of the Speedmaster vibe that originally drew me in.
The Reality of In-House Brands
Like many in-house brands, La Montre offered limited support. The watch came with a two-year guarantee, though that didn’t cover the strap. With Galaxy & Co. now liquidated, any warranty support is unfortunately null and void. That said, mine has kept ticking faithfully all these years, which is a testament to its build quality, especially at that price point.
Final Thoughts
This watch may not be the most expensive or technically advanced in the world, but it's special. It's a reminder of a time in my life, a symbol of resilience—and now, the first entry in what I hope will be a long journey sharing my passion for watches with all of you.
If you’re just starting out and looking for an affordable watch with some character, or if you're like me and attach stories to the things you wear—then a piece like the La Montre Vivre might be exactly what you’re looking for.
Until next time—keep your watches wound and your stories close.
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