Category: Dress Watches

Pre-SIHH 2018 – Vacheron Constantin Traditionnelle Complete Calendar “Excellence Platine”

It seems that Vacheron Constantin’s current favorite complication might well be the triple calendar (or full calendar, or complete calendar… all refer to the same complication). Brought back at center stage with the stunning Historiques Triple Calendrier 1942 in steel and its gold sibling, the Triple Calendrier 1948, two superbly vintage-inspired pieces, the elegant calendar display is now integrated into a more modern – and highly precious – watch, as a preview of the SIHH 2018. Please meet the Vacheron Constantin Traditionnelle Complete Calendar “Excellence Platine“.

7 years ago

Throwback to the Superb Montblanc Heritage Spirit Pulsograph and its Minerva Movement

Back in 2014, right after Jérôme Lambert was appointed CEO of the brand (who is now COO of almost all the Maisons at Richemont Group), Montblanc introduced the Heritage collection – a line-up of classical, elegant watches with a clear vintage appeal, in both the design and the use of complications. There was some Minerva inspiration, yet with the usual “affordability” the brand is known for. Alongside the below-10k perpetual calendar (a watch that sounded like a blast at that time) was another watch, the Montblanc Heritage Spirit Pulsograph. And here, not just a Minerva-inspiration but true Minerva watchmaking skills. Why talking about this watch today? Look at the photos, you’ll understand. A throwback to this watch is for the pleasure only…

7 years ago

Pre-SIHH 2018 – Ulysse Nardin Classico Manufacture “Grand Feu” with White or Black Enamel Dials

The Ulysse Nardin Classico Manufacture should be no stranger to you if you read MONOCHROME regularly. It is indeed a watch that we covered several times, and on each occurrence, we loved it. It is, as you could guess by its name, a classic offering from the brand. Available in several materials (yet, mainly with steel cases recently) and with many dial variations, it always remains a strong package throughout, with great value for the money. Prior to the SIHH 2018, Ulysse Nardin presents two new versions Classico Manufacture, with “Grand Feu” White or Black Enamel Dials, combined to steel case – and for less than EUR 9,000, that’s quite impressive.

7 years ago

Women’s Watch Wednesday – Reviewing the Tutima Saxon One Lady Automatic

While I love a complicated women’s watch chocked with horological prowess and lots of function, not every timepiece has to be over the top. Sometimes a simply clean and classic look works wonders. Such is the case with the German-Made Tutima Saxon One Automatic Lady watch, a brand-new offer from a brand more used to …

7 years ago

Introducing New “Cocktail” Seiko Presage Inspired by Tokyo’s Best Cocktails

At Baselworld 2017, Seiko introduced a new line in the Presage collection, the “Cocktail” watches – colourful, elegant timepieces inspired by the glamorous world of the cocktail bar. Comprising no less than 8 models, this series of Presage watches have been praised for its audacious look and for the perfect combination of mechanical pleasure with highly decent prices. Today, Seiko enriches the collection with four new models (two new dials, with two different movements) that have been inspired by the work of a past winner of the International Bar Association World Championships. Here are the Seiko Presage “Cocktail” Starlight and Sakura Hubuki with references SSA361, 363 and SRPC01, 03.

7 years ago

Buying Guide – 5 Complication Watches Offering Excellent Value For Money

After going through some of the best dress watches of 2017 (part 1 and part 2), it is time for our year-end buying guides to pick 5 traditional complication watches from 2017, stressing value – because an expensive watch is not necessarily a better watch. All you need from a watch, without having to take out a new mortgage. This doesn’t mean affordable watches, but rather impressive complications with a price that is far from being shocking.

7 years ago

Hands-On – The Alfred by Urban Jürgensen, The Steel Entry-Level to In-House Beauty

Recently, we showed you Urban Jürgensen’s real entry-level watch, a steel version of the Big 8 (priced at €12k), yet full of high-end details (crazy guilloche dial, superb hands, hand-finished case) but powered by an externally-sourced automatic movement. Now, if you want to enter into the beauty of exclusive calibres, no need to go crazy expensive and to go gold anymore. Urban Jürgensen has a new watch, the Alfred, which features, inside its steel case, the Maison’s P4 movement. It’s much more accessible, it is still superbly executed and it is sold online only.

7 years ago

Why the New Vacheron Constantin Historiques American 1921 Mid-Size is More Masculine Than Some Will Tell?

Recently, Vacheron Constantin unveiled a mid-size version of one of its most appealing watches, the desirable and highly original Historiques American 1921. Yet, there’s something tricky with this watch, and it’s all about its name, and the size that is implied by this “mid-size” appellation. Such watches have always been complex in terms of market segmentation… Large feminine watch, smaller masculine timepiece? It often falls between two stools, but in the case of the American 1921 Mid-Size, my decision is now clear… I needed to wear it and here’s what we (a unanimous decision from the Monochrome editorial team) think.

7 years ago

Buying Guide – The Best Dress Watches of 2017 to Prepare the Holiday Season – Part 1

The holiday season is fast approaching, which means it’s nearly time to tackle your gift list (including some to give yourself) and for us to plan our gift guides. We’ll start our series by trying to help to make dressing up easier, so we’ve picked 13 dress watches of 2017 with choices to suit every pocket and taste. And because that would be a lot for one single article, here is part one, with 7 watches priced under CHF / EUR 20,000.

7 years ago