Integrated bracelet sports watch
The integrated bracelet sports watch has undergone a renaissance of late, and many watchmakers, from microbrands to long-established maisons have stepped up to the plate with re-issues (IWC Ingenieur/Tissot PRX) and modern classics (YEMA Urban Traveller) alike. You can now add Manime to the growing list, with their second offering, La Fidèle.
Manime, like Baltic, Serica, and YEMA, is a French brand, founded by ex-pat Edouard Paris in 2020.
Advertisement
Key Features of the Manime La Fidèle
La Fidèle is a pared down example of minimalism with its hyper modern, angular case and flat, no-nonsense bracelet. The watch is entirely brushed in a mix of vertical, horizontal, and radial finishes, but for a single line of polish separating the bezel from the case. There are few bevels or chamfers. It measures 38mm in diameter and only 42.2mm lug to lug. The watch is slender at 11.25mm, but appears athletic on wrist as the bracelet starts out at a robust 22mm before tapering down over the initial few links and running straight to the clasp.
The design is slab-sided with short “lugs” and no adornment. The unsigned crown and display case back both screw down, and the watch provides for 200m of water resistance.
The bracelet, for its part, is attached with screws and flows seamlessly out of the watch. Its butterfly clasp is entirely hidden, but for a discreet push-button release, allowing for an uninterrupted flow on wrist.
The direct, utilitarian design continues into the dial, which sits beneath a flat piece of sapphire glass. The brand’s geometric logo and a single line of text—“Automatique”—are printed on opposite ends, and a subtle minute track appears in the chapter ring. Unpretentious, applied baton-styled markers indicate the hours, and a modest pencil handset keeps the time. At three, there is a beveled date aperture.
Legibility is high, due to the contrasting use of white and polished steel against the deep sunray-finished anthracite. There is also an application of lume to increase visibility in the dark.
Manime have opted for the Miyota 9015 calibre here. However, it is regulated in-house. The movement has a beat rate of 28,800 BPH, or 4Hz, and offers up 42 hours of power reserve.
Specs
| Case | 316L Stainless Steel 38mm Diameter 42.2mm Lug to Lug 11.25mm Thick /w Glass 22mm at the Lugs Screwed Crown & Case back 200m Water Resistance |
| Dial & Crystal | Sapphire Glass /w AR Sunray Dial Applied Indexes Pencil Handset Super-LumiNova |
| Movement | Miyota 9015 28 800bph 24 Jewels 42-Hour Power Reserve |
| Strap | Integrated Flat-link Stainless Steel Bracelet /w Butterfly Clasp |
Manime La Fidèle
Advertisement
Final Thoughts
La Fidèle comes in three other colourways not featured here, including khaki, copper and champagne. There is also a military iteration. In addition, all models have been treated in a proprietary hardening coat, making them up to six times stronger than regular 316L stainless steel. With its discreet sizing, modest pricing, and ample specs, the Manime La Fidèle makes a strong argument as your GADA piece.
Pricing & Availability
The Manime La Fidèle retails for $597USD and is available now. For more information, please visit the brand website.
About the author
Brent Robillard is a writer, educator, craftsman, and watch enthusiast. He is the author of four novels. You can follow him on Instagram.
Off The Cuff articles are full-length, hands-on reviews of the watch in question and represent the opinion of the author only. All photos are original, unless specified otherwise. If you would like to have your watch reviewed on this site, contact us here.
Please understand that using any links to products on this site might result in us making money.