In Review: The Porsche Design Monobloc Actuator 24H-Chronotimer

Over the last few years, Porsche Design has come out with several interesting new models, like the stealth-looking Chronotimer Series 1 and the classically understated 1919 Globetimer. Both demonstrate Porsche Design’s ongoing commitment to high-quality engineering, combined with pared back technical design. This trend continues in 2017, with the launch of the Monobloc Actuator 24H-Chronotimer, officially unveiled at Baselworld earlier this year. Join us as we review this remarkable new watch in-depth.

7 years ago

Hands-On – Omega Speedmaster Apollo 17 45th Anniversary ‘Tribute to Gene Cernan’

Part of the history of the Omega Speedmaster was the Moon landing and the qualification as official NASA watch for astronauts. Thanks to this heritage, the Speedy became the perfect play field for the Biel-based brand to create multiple limited editions, as tribute to Apollo missions or to Snoopy Awards. While many watch enthusiasts might not understand the point of all these special editions, it is clear that Speedmaster collectors love them, and they will be happy to know that a new one is about to land, the Omega Speedmaster Apollo 17 45th Anniversary ‘Tribute to Gene Cernan’.

7 years ago

Only Watch 2017 – Unique Montblanc 1858 Chronograph Tachymeter With Bronze Case and Vintage Green Dial

We already knew that Only Watch charity auction was able to bring quite cool watches – we already introduced to you several crazy pieces. So when we received the news from Montblanc, and the fact that they were creating a unique version of the Superb (with a capital “S” indeed…) 1858 Chronograph Tachymeter, the idea simply gave us, at the Monochrome redaction, a huge smile on the face. We all love the Montblanc 1858 Chronograph Tachymeter, and its magnificent movement. And when it comes in a unique Bronze Case and Vintage Green Dial version, it becomes just amazing…

7 years ago

PHOTO REPORT – Cars-and-Watches with Montblanc at Goodwood Festival of Speed 2017

If you happen to read these lines, it certainly means that you have a sheer passion for all things related to watches – and so do we. Yet, as passionate as we are by the watchmaking world, some of us here share love for something else, yet mechanical too: cars. Thus, when I received an invite from Montblanc to spend a weekend at the Goodwood Festival of Speed (Montblanc is, since this year, the official timekeeper of the event), you can imagine that I didn’t have to think about it twice. The Goodwood FoS is massive, unique, loud and fun. Here is a photo report of the 2017 edition of the FoS – and no worries, there are watches too…

7 years ago

Only Watch 2017 – Unique Black-and-Yellow Fabergé Visionnaire Chronograph (with revolutionary movement)

At Baselworld 2017, a brand that is definitely more known for its jewelry pieces and historical eggs made for Russian Empire, Fabergé, came with what certainly was the most impressive piece of the show: the Visionnaire Chronograph and its movement created by Jean-Marc Wiederrecht and his team at Agenhor. Revolutionary might sound cliché however, it’s exactly what this watch is, in terms of technical solutions and display. For Only Watch 2017, Fabergé has created a unique black-and-yellow version of this watch, which also happens to be the very first “for delivery” piece to come out of the manufacture.

8 years ago

Review – Graham Chronofighter Vintage Nose Art Ltd. – Aviation Pinups on your wrist

Being known as a brand far from conventions, Graham has specialized itself in creating aviation-inspired pieces, with quite a bold design. One can’t denied that these watches are “special”, yet not void of a clear coolness. As already having in the collection some vintage- and military-inspired pieces – see here – Graham has decided to add something that is part of fighting aircrafts’ history to the Chronofighter: “Nose Art“. Pinups on the wrist, with the new Graham Chronofighter Vintage Nose Art Ltd… And once again, it’s audacious.

8 years ago

Review – E-Moonwatch Only, The Mobile Guide For Speedmaster Fans (With Clever Model Identification Tool)

Three years ago, two men decided to launch a book focussed an iconic watch, with an unprecedented level of information. Their name: Grégoire Rossier and Anthony Marquié. The watch in question: The Omega Speedmaster “Moonwatch”. The book: Moonwatch Only. This sort of encyclopedia quickly became the ultimate reference guide for Speedmaster lovers. All models explored, all components dissected, multiple historical references… A true bible of the Moonwatch. Today, the Speedmaster Guide comes back in an electronic version named E-Moonwatch Only (available on iBooks), and with a new tool that will make collectors’ life easier.

8 years ago

Introducing – Bell & Ross BR126 Renault Sport 40th Anniversary, To celebrate the 40th Anniversary of Renault in Formula 1

In 2016, the Parisian brand Bell & Ross moved from its usual military-inspired watches to explore new territories with a partnership in Formula 1, with Team Renault Sport. This “French Connection”, which we detailed here, lead to the creation of already 2 collections, including the new pieces presented at Baselworld 2017. Today, another watch comes to enrich this F1 line-up, however far from the usual hyper-technical theme, and more on the vintage side. Here is the Bell & Ross BR126 Renault Sport 40th Anniversary, to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of Renault in Formula 1.

8 years ago

Introducing the Porsche Design Chronograph 911 GT2RS Exclusive Series and 911 Turbo S Exclusive Series

Goodwood is one of those events that is a must-visit for every petrol head on the planet, and if the weather plays along, it’s absolutely fabulous! Goodwood has three main events during the year: Members Meeting (which marks the start of the racing season), Revival (after summer) and recently, Festival of Speed; the latter was the setting for Porsche to unveil their newest 911 GT2 RS. Now if you wonder what a watch journalist is doing at the Festival of Speed with Porsche (and Porsche Design), then there’s a good explanation for that and yes, it has everything to do with watches. Rather exclusive watches if I may say so, because you can only buy one if you bought either the recently introduced Porsche 911 Turbo S Exclusive Series or the new 911 GT2RS Exclusive Series.

8 years ago

Only Watch 2017 – Unique Bell & Ross BR-X1 RS17 Only Watch, and there’s more than a watch to be auctioned…

This is not the first time that Bell & Ross participates to Only Watch. Indeed, the military-inspired Parisian brand already created several unique watches to be auctioned for this good cause, as for instance in 2011, 2013 and 2015 (see here). This year, B&R will also have a specifically modified model, based on the recently introduced BR-X1 RS17, the result of their partnership with Formula 1 team Renault Sport. So expect some strong racing car inspiration here… and there’s more than just a watch to be auctioned.

8 years ago