LIP Mach 2000 'Dark Master' Chronograph

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!

Lip’s story began in 1867, when Emmanuel Lipmann founded a clock workshop in Besançon, France. By the 20th century the company had become known as ‘Lip’ and was producing 2,500 pieces a year. From super compressor-cased divers to Fifty Fathoms models and more, Lip’s wares truly ran the gamut, and included some of the best designs of the 1960s and 1970s.
Despite these early successes, Lip began to experience financial troubles, and was embroiled in the civil unrest that swept through the country in 1968. Disputes between the workers and management would continue until 1973, when the workers took over the factory with the slogan, ‘We make them, we sell them, we pay ourselves!’ Several liquidations and reorganizations followed, yet through all this turmoil, the company continued to produce watches.
Although somewhat off the beaten path today, Lip’s vintage pieces still resonate with collectors thanks to their bright colors and avant-garde designs, while modern reissues of classics such as the Mach 2000 are attracting a new audience. The brand’s ‘Paul Newman’ exotic-dial chronographs are particularly sought after, containing as they do dials from Singer, which made the ‘exotic’ Daytona dials for Rolex.

Our Pledge

Analog:Shift stands behind the authenticity of our products in perpetuity.

Condition

Since our pieces are vintage or pre-owned, please expect wear & patina from usage and age. Please read each item description and examine all product images.

Warranty

We back each Analog:Shift vintage timepiece with a one-year mechanical warranty from the date of purchase.

International Buyers

Please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.

All of our watches include complementary insured shipping within the 50 states.

Most of our products are on hand and will ship directly from our headquarters in New York City. In some cases, watches will be shipped directly from one of our authorized partners.

We generally ship our products via FedEx, fully insured, within 5 business days of purchase. An adult signature is required for receipt of all packages for insurance purposes. Expedited shipping is available at an additional cost. We are also happy to hand deliver your purchase in Manhattan or you may pick it up at our showroom.

Returns must be sent overnight or by priority international delivery, fully insured and paid for by the customer. A restocking fee may apply. Watches must be returned in the same condition as initially shipped.

We welcome international buyers, please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.