Review – Breitling Navitimer 1 Automatic 38 – Yes, The One Without a Chronograph!

Georges Kern has been busy dusting off cobwebs and streamlining references (from 600 to 120) since he was appointed CEO of Breitling in the summer of 2017. With large market segments entirely overlooked by the brand’s predominant focus on oversized pilot’s watches, Kern has altered the flight plan. His mission is one of expansion and he hopes to attract women and lure the Asian market into the Breitling fold. The new 38mm Navitimer 1 three-hander would seem to be a direct response to his strategy and plays the unisex card to great effect. Ideal for men with smaller wrists and women who like watches with a more virile personality, let’s take a closer look at the Navitimer 1 Automatic 38.

6 years ago

Hands-on – Corum Heritage Hobo Coin Watch – Updating a Classic

Corum introduced its first coin watch in 1964. The model is, without doubt, one of their most iconic watches. If coin pocket watches had been produced for decades (usually ultra-thin watches concealed under a hinged cover), the brand’s coin wristwatch was innovative, in particular with a novel construction: a coin sliced in two, in order to encase the movement. More than 50 years later, Corum still produces coin watches. Classics stand the test of time. At Baselworld 2018, the La Chaux-de-fonds based manufacturer added a cool and modern note to this timepiece, taking it a few steps further, venturing into unexplored arty hype territories.

6 years ago

Introducing – Arnold & Son Time Pyramid Black Edition

One of the main points of interest of Arnold & Son timepieces has always their uniquely skeletonized movements, based on an almost perfectly symmetrical design. Whether you take ultra-complex pieces such as the Constant-Force Tourbillon or the Tourbillon Chronometer N° 36, or more simple pieces like the Nebula, most of the brand’s creations please the eye simply because of this symmetry. One of the most striking designs of this manufacture, the well-known Time Pyramid, is another demonstration of such savoir-faire, and it now comes in a new Black Edition.

6 years ago

HANDS-ON: The Bulgari Octo Finissimo Automatic Sandblasted – same Octo, completely new look

Bulgari blew us away last year with their Octo Finissimo Automatic – that mind-boggling thinness; the incredible lightness of being at one with its titanium case and bracelet, feeling it drape around the wrist. For Baselworld 2018, it’s back – this time in full gold. And if you think “solid gold bracelet watch” means 1980s-style bling, think again. Vital statistics In all respects, except the case and bracelet material, the new model is the same watch as before – equipped with that super-skinny (briefly record-breaking) manufacture self-winding calibre BVL 138. At only 2.23mm thick with a single barrel, it packs in a power reserve of 60 hours. The 5.15mm thick, pink gold case has a matching crown with a ceramic inlay and it’s water-resistant to 30m. The dial has a gold finish that exactly matches the case material, with printed black numerals and faceted black hands. On the wrist Having briefly worn the first, titanium version last year and marvelled at its almost unworldly lightness on the wrist, the relatively hefty weight of the gold feels almost strange for such a super-slim watch. But after that momentary surprise, it feels very good indeed. The bracelet has the same fluid-as-a-ribbon feel…

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6 years ago

HANDS-ON: The Patek Philippe Aquanaut Chronograph Ref. 5968A — A Patek for the cool kids

One of the more entertaining games to play at Baselworld 2018 is: “Who is Brand X after with this watch?” In some cases the answer can be as clear as mud, but in the case of the new Patek Philippe Aquanaut Chronograph it’s a bit of a no-brainer. Bright orange accents on its dial, and sold with both black and bright orange straps, this is the new king-casual Patek for a new generation. With the steel Nautilus in brutally short supply these days, this new Aquanaut is expected to be the new entry point into the Patek Philippe universe. Having taken a closer look at the new reference 5968A, we don’t doubt it’ll hook its fair share of new Patek fans. Vital statistics Transferred over from the Nautilus chronograph, the automatic flyback chronograph Caliber CH 28-520 C powers the new Aquanaut, featuring central chronograph seconds and a large 60-minute chronograph counter at 6 o’clock. Unlike current versions of the Nautilus Chronograph, the Aquanaut’s subdial does not include the 12-h totaliser within said subdial, giving the dial a slightly cleaner look. The case size is also increased on this latest Aquanaut, coming in at 42mm in diameter. This is now the largest Aquanaut on…

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6 years ago

Hands-on – Porsche Design 1919 Chronotimer Flyback Brown and Leather – New Colour and New Mechanics

As you’ve certainly come to expect, when seeing a Porsche Design watch on MONOCHROME, stuff like ergonomics, comfort, build-quality, value-for-money or understated design will be mentioned. And this article will be no exception, as Porsche Design introduces its newest sibling in the 1919 collection in a rich, brown, chocolaty hue. We go hands-on with the Porsche Design 1919 Chronotimer Flyback Brown – which is more than just a new dial, but also features a new proprietary movement.

6 years ago