Black has a weird attraction. Black is timeless and classic. Black can be discreet or bold. And the watchmaking industry knows it as blacked-out watches are highly popular and widely available today, but not all models wear black as well as others. Today, we’ve listed some of the best recently launched black watches, versatile pieces […]
The annual calendar is a relatively young ‘complication’ and was first used in a wristwatch by Patek Philippe in 1996. It’s the less complicated sibling of the perpetual calendar and only requires one calendar adjustment every year. Today we’re looking at the ‘less complicated’ combination of a calendar mechanism and a chronograph. So not the esteemed combination of a perpetual calendar and a chronograph, but the combination of an annual calendar and a chronograph and there are actually only a handful combining these two complications.
Dive watches are some of the most popular timepieces around. These tool watches were originally designed to perform specific aquatic tasks, worn on the wrist of professionals. Today, they are equally ready-for-action instruments and style essentials; great companions in and out of the water. And even though it might be fully equipped, a cool dive […]
Dive watches are some of the most popular timepieces around. These tool watches were originally designed to perform specific aquatic tasks, worn on the wrist of professionals. Today, they are equally ready-for-action instruments and style essentials; great companions in and out of the water. And even though it might be fully equipped, a cool dive […]
What’s old is new again. Gradient or “fumé” (smoked) dials are back in fashion. Popular in the 1970s, forgotten for a while and brought back on the scene recently, these colourful dials stand out with lighter tones in the centre that gradually darken towards the edges. Their gradient colour gives a rich depth to the […]
A few days ago we gave a big shout-out to some of our friends who also run online watch magazines. However, the online world for watch shopping offers much more choice! Now that you’re (most likely) in confinement – hopefully well and healthy – you can still buy watches and have them delivered to your […]
Team MONOCHROME is working from home. This is our regular work mode since we’re spread all over Europe (and one in the US), but the way we work has been heavily affected. The closure of manufactures means less access to new watches to photograph and review. All my trips to watch events/launches to shoot new […]
In less than a week from now, it will be February 29th… Not a big deal, for sure. Unless you’re into watchmaking and want to see something mechanically fascinating. Indeed, watchmakers are sometimes a bit nerdy and imagined a complication that takes into account all the weird things of the Gregorian calendar. This means months […]
Well-executed dials, decorated with classic Grand Feu enamel or elaborate guilloché, can add thousands to the price and define the character of a piece; however, there are times when the sheer absence of a dial can result in the most intriguing aesthetic. André-Charles Caron, legendary clockmaker for Louis XV of France in the mid-18th century, […]
It certainly is way too early to claim that we’re in front of some of the best watches of the year, and even though the industry isn’t in the best mood (sales aren’t expected on the rise, China’s situation could affect exports), we expect to see some great news to be launched. Still, and even […]