LIP Mach 2000 'Dark Master' Chronograph, c. 1974

Dealer description — Analog/Shift

It isn’t often that a watch is an example of iconic industrial design, masterminded by a giant in the field — but in the case of this watch, it most certainly is. The designer in question was Roger Tallon. Born in 1929, Tallon studied as an engineer. Afterwards, he worked for Caterpillar France and DuPont. Commissions from American companies Frigidaire and General Electric exposed him to the thoughtful utility of American design, an idea that would inform his creations from then on. In 1973, a tumultuous year for the Lip watch company, Tallon designed this watch, the Mach 2000 ‘Dark Master’ Chronograph. Although one in a series of sports watches Lip commissioned from Tallon, the Dark Master is certainly the standout. Minimal without being spare, functional while still being fun, it’s without a doubt one of the most distinctive watches we’ve ever come across. Dating to circa 1974, thus Mach 2000 is housed in a 39.5mm, all-black plastic case with a steel case back, a plastic crystal, an unsigned, blue rubber winding crown, and yellow and red rubber chronograph pushers. It features a gloss black tritium dial with painted baton indices, an outer tachymeter track, a dual-register chronograph, a date window at 6 o’clock, white stick hands, and a yellow seconds hand. Powered by a hand-wound Valjoux chronograph movement and paired to a rubber strap with a stainless steel pin buckle, this outrageously cool watch is in excellent condition throughout and includes its inner box. You couldn’t possibly find a more unique — and iconic! — model than the Mach 2000. If you’re not one to follow the pack, pick this one up today!