The Omega Point is a theory – not a retail location. It is succinctly postulated by Pierre Teilhard de Chardin by the notion “that everything that rises must converge”. Those of us old enough to remember the way that mechanical watchmaking had to pull itself up out of the wreckage of the quartz-age are also […]
This “chronograph vs. chronometer” question is an important one. Certainly, most of our recurring readers here, at MONOCHROME, will have the answer to this question. But what about the others, the ones who want to start their horological journey? As I still hear this question quite often, we thought that it would be good to clarify the situation and to bring the answer to “what’s the difference between a chronometer and a chronograph?”
Roman numerals are one of the most classic designs found on clocks and watches. As far as we can go back in history, there have always been some clocks, pocket watches and wristwatches with such numerals on the dials. However, owners of such pieces might have noticed something weird, something rather unusual. While the numeral 4 is commonly written IV in the Roman numeric system, most watches rely on the typography IIII. And of course, just like us, you might have asked yourself why? As always, there is no single answer to a problem, but here are some possible explanations for this absurdly important question.
The horological landscape is a complex and interesting one, filled with not only mechanical marvels for your wrist but also myriad other interrelated products. The connection with some, such as watch winders, is obvious, whilst others are a little more abstract. Berd Vaye horological sculptures definitely fit into this latter category, displaying vintage watch parts from around the world in a whole new light.
Today, we’re extremely proud to announce that tomorrow, 11 December 2017, our largest video project ever (and we’ve done quite a few – see here) will go live, and it will last for no less than 5 days. It took us some great efforts to gather all these amazing guests, to find the right angle, to define what it would look like, and of course to film it… Here it is, “The Speedmaster Chronicles” will start tomorrow 5:00 PM (Europe Time) – 11:00 AM (New York time) – 12:00 PM (Hong Kong time).
While times have been difficult for the industry in the last 2 to 3 years (see the 2016/2017 results of Richemont Group), signs of recovery are now more and more blatant. Indeed, Swatch Group’s Half-Year Report 2017 showed growth (with increase of sales and better profitability). It’s now time for the other luxury powerhouse, Swiss-based group Richemont, to announce a massive increase in sales for the five months ended 31 August 2017, as we’re talking double-digit numbers and no negative data to be seen in any region or segment.
Very few companies manufacture hairsprings in Switzerland (read our article, Who manufactures hairsprings? See here) Producing this strategic component is a complex, labour intensive process shrouded in secrecy. Very few manufacturers would open their doors to show how they work. Monochrome goes behind the scenes, at E2O innovation, sister company of Schwarz Etienne, to provide an in-depth look at how this independent maker has built a rather impressive structure and expertise in the field.
Well, this is a big one, and I feel humbled to announce that non-other than esteemed watch journalist Roberta Naas is joining Monochrome-Watches. Having such an experienced journalist, who has been covering the world of watches since the early 1980s, is a real coup. She’s got more than thirty years in the industry and has written a half a dozen books on the subject. With that comes an incredible amount of knowledge about the industry, about watch models, styles and, of course, about those lovely mechanisms with a beating heart. She joins us to cover the topic many of you told us that you would like to read more about: women’s watches.
None of them need an introduction anymore. On one side is the most famous special agent in the world. On the other side is one of the most respected Swiss watch brands. And their collaboration is as explosive as the movies. While in most films, watches are only doing short screen appearances, with James Bond 007, this accessory has gained a totally different status, becoming a character on its own. Here is an exhaustive retrospective of all Omega watches used in James Bond movies, from 1995 Goldeneye to 2015 Spectre.
Except if you spent the last few weeks alone in some North-Pole cave, with no access to the World, you might have seen that France has a new President, in the name of Emmanuel Macron. No politics here, but as a watch magazine, the question of what type of watch Mister Macron could wear immediately came at the redaction. And knowing the Frenchies and their usual no external signs of wealth policy, it has been quite difficult… But we found out what can be, sometimes, on the wrist of Emmanuel Macron.