Introducing – Nomos Orion “De Stijl” Limited Edition for Ace Jewelers, Celebrating Neoplasticism and Mondrian

As some of you might know, Monochrome-Watches has been founded by a Dutch man (Frank Geelen), in The Netherlands. Thus, it is with a bit of pride that today we’re celebrating the “Low Countries”, in many different ways, but of course with a watch. Indeed, Ace Jewelers, one of the Netherlands largest watch retailers, has partnered with manufacturer Nomos Glashütte to launch their first limited edition watch celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Dutch art movement De Stijl, with Bauhaus, primary colours and cubism in mind. Here is the Nomos Orion “De Stijl” Limited Edition, with art in mind.

7 years ago

Glashütte Original Sixties – Comparing the Old and the New

For this story we have to travel back in time to 2007, when the German watch manufacture Glashütte-Original introduced a new model that was heavily inspired on a vintage model. It was more of a modern version of a vintage timepiece that was made during the GDR period (from 1949 to 1990 the eastern part of …

7 years ago

Value Proposition – Affordable Elegance with the Frederique Constant Classics Index Automatic

Elegance is a concept that usually means a sense of taste and distinction, which can’t really be bought. Yet, in terms of watches, this elegance usually refers to dress watches, and the rather large amount of money that is required to get them strapped on the wrist. This is an idea that is not accepted by Frederique Constant, which strives to offer elegant watches at a very affordable price. Making no exception to the “accessible luxury” rule, the new Classics Index Automatic offers pleasant mechanics, stylish design and elegance for a very (really) reasonable price.

7 years ago

Making Complex Things Simple With The Ulysse Nardin Classic Perpetual Ludwig

Today we are taking a closer look at one of the most refined and streamlined Perpetual Calendars on the market, the Ulysse Nardin Classic Perpetual Ludwig. Named after the man largely responsible for the original watch some 20 years ago, Dr. Ludwig Oechslin, this modern-day tribute is nothing short of exceptional. Easy to set and even easier to read, this complicated watch helped pioneer a new way of thinking about Perpetual Calendars. Read on to learn what makes it so special.

7 years ago

Introducing the Vacheron Constantin Patrimony Collection Excellence Platine

In the past years Vacheron Constantin has been harmonizing the collections, and within the new line-up they kept some room for one very special collection, comprising only platinum watches. This is the Collection Platine Excellence and the newest piece within that collection is the Patrimony Collection Platine Excellence. Like the other models in the Collection Platine Excellence, it features the distinctive sand-blasted platinum dial that adds an ‘understated cool’ to it.

7 years ago

It’s Sunday, a perfect day to choose the color of your dress watch

Dress watch dials rarely venture beyond white, silver or black. A classic dress watch with a white dial and black leather strap is as formal as it gets (and it is most often a man’s first dress watch). Blue is also a fairly safe option that can be worn in nearly every circumstance. But, these …

7 years ago

Hands-On – Laurent Ferrier Galet Classic Tourbillon Dual with Open Dial

Laurent Ferrier is first and foremost a watch passionate and watch designer (he has spent 37 years at Patek Philippe, ending his career as creative director). He’s not one to show off or boast about his achievements, preferring instead to let his exceptional work speak for itself. Even then, he likes to keep things understated, at least on the dial side, ensuring the focus remains primarily on functionality and practicality (although the watches are gorgeous to look at too.) This year, however, he has finally bowed to the wishes of some of his passionate collectors and, for the first time ever, created a watch where the tourbillon is visible from the dial side – stocking for some, desired by others… Today, we’re going hands on with this beauty, which still features all the technical hallmarks of a wonderfully elegant Laurent Ferrier timepiece.

7 years ago

Hands-On – The Incredible Details of the Vacheron Constantin Traditionnelle Minute Repeater Tourbillon

Today, we’re not going to do a proper “Monochrome-Style” review, detailing every element of a watch or dissecting every technical feature. Instead, we’re going to do something “for the sake of watchmaking“, for the beauty of an art – because, at a certain point, I think we can move to another level and talk about proper works of art. To illustrate this, we’re going to look at one watch, the Vacheron Constantin Traditionnelle Minute Repeater Tourbillon, by detailing some small but extremely important features, demonstrating what high-end watchmaking is… And you’ll see, it doesn’t need to be loud and demonstrative.

7 years ago