Category: Dress Watches

Introducing – Frederique Constant gives an elegant and refined face to the Classic Manufacture

We’re not going to explain in details again and again what we think here, at Monochrome-Watches, of Frédérique Constant. However, we have to say that they create some of the best value for money pieces around, with great classical design and interesting horological content – yes, they really do in-house movements, with watches under 3,000 Euros. That being said, what we’re about to see is another good example of this brand’s production, a watch with superior elegance and manufacture engine. Here are the new Frederique Constant Classic Manufacture watches, with fresh look for 2016.

8 years ago

Several New Vacheron Constantin Harmony Models, Including Complete Calendar Moonphase and New Iterations

When in 2015 Vacheron Constant presented the Harmony, it was already an entire collection, comprising a simple Dual Time, a small size chronograph (women-oriented), a Monopusher Chronograph (the superb 3300), a Tourbillon Chronograph and a stunning ref. 3500 ultra-thin, automatic, split-seconds chronograph. Even if there was no new editions at the 2016 Edition of the SIHH, which was entirely focussed on the Overseas, it’s time now for the Harmony Collection to see evolutions. As a sort of early Pre-SIHH, here are several new Vacheron Constantin Harmony models, including a brand new and elegant Complete Calendar Moonphase and new iterations of existing versions.

8 years ago

The versatility of the Vacheron Constantin Quai de l’Ile in steel

Pretty much every watch is introduced with one specific strap, or bracelet, and usually that’s what determines its looks. Of course, watch brands design the watch for a specific purpose,  and therefore the watch must have a matching look / style, so that’s all fully understandable. But it can also be kind of boring, especially for those who feel that their watch might also look good on a different strap, and befit a different style. For people who like to change the looks of their watch to the “style of the day” or to changing activities, a few brands deliver some of their watches with two or three straps or bracelets, and we applaud that. However when I saw the new steel Vacheron Constantin Quai de l’Ile on its alligator leather strap, I really wanted to see it on a more sporty and more casual strap, and Vacheron Constantin was so kind to let me give this a try. Since I was already fully convinced of the versatility of the watch, I’m now interested to find out what you think of the Quai de l’Ile in a different look. 

8 years ago

5 Cool Finds – 5 Luxury Watches that look good, in every situation, everywhere…

The “5 Cool Finds” are back, however with a few changes… the biggest one being is that we changed to a new, more reliable partner whom we have a profound trust in: Chronext. We already explained to you all about this London-based online marketplace for buying, selling, and servicing of luxury watches – and here, online goes together with the same security and service as any high-end boutique (for more details – and the possibility to win a 2016 Rolex Explorer – please look here). What about the “5 Cool Finds”? Simple: 5 watches, not new, not vintage, most of the time young-timers (that we believe are the new trend) that we selected for you. Today, we went for the efficient selection: 5 luxury to high-end used watches that will look good now, in 10 years, during weekend of for business and that don’t scream their ‘luxury price’ – so-to-say, classics.

8 years ago

Introducing – A. Lange & Söhne Richard Lange “Pour le Mérite” now in White Gold with Black Dial

When the words “Pour le Mérite” are attached to the name “A. Lange & Söhne“, you know it’s going to be hard to resist and you know it’s going to be complicated. Why? This nomenclature in Lange’s collections means a watch equipped with a fusée and chain transmission (like this one or the outstanding Tourbograph) – and that is far from being an usual construction for a wristwatch. First introduced in 2009 in a limited edition of 200 pieces in pink gold and 50 pieces in platinum, the A. Lange & Söhne Richard Lange “Pour le Mérite” was supposed to be sold out… Well, thankfully it’s back, in a new limited run of 218 pieces, now in white gold with a stunning black dial.

8 years ago

Hands-On Review – Chopard L.U.C XPS 1860 in stainless steel – High-end made accessible

It all began 20 years ago, when “in-house” and independent sourcing of movements were not yet in vogue across the watch industry. The presentation of a splendid micro-rotor movement manufactured in Fleurier, a watchmaking town of Val-de-Travers, gave birth to the Chopard L.U.C series, a highly respected collection among watch connoisseurs. This Chopard collection now celebrates its 20th anniversary, with the introduction of several models. Among these, the XPS 1860 houses the brand’s original micro-rotor movement in a steel case and is definitely worth a close look.

8 years ago

Review – The A. Lange & Söhne Saxonia Moon Phase, or the Essence of German Symmetry

When A. Lange & Söhne is mentioned, it is easy to dream. It is easy to dream because of names like Datograph, Zeitwerk or Double-Split. These watches can be found in so many watch collectors’ wish-list (and not only Lange aficionados), and for extremely good reasons, as clearly, they are all watchmaking pinnacles, grail watches, dream-machines… and they are all rather inaccessible. So the main question that I’ll have today, with the A. Lange & Söhne Saxonia Moon Phase, is simple: is there something special about A. Lange & Söhne in general and will this “reasonable offer” give me the same pleasure? No answer yet, you’ll have to wait a few lines of text…

8 years ago

Frederique Constant introduces 2 new HeartBeat Manufacture Watches for 2016

What can be seen now as a natural collection for Frederique Constant was not that of a gimmick and neither just another collection, back in 1994. When it has been introduced, the Frederique Constant HeartBeat was a sort of first of its kind. Showing the beating heart of a watch on the dial was not that usual, apart from the high-end tourbillon. This HeartBeat collection has expanded since then, and continues to do so this year, with two new references. Here are the 2016 Frederique Constant HeartBeat Manufacture Watches, with new dials and one edition with Date by Hand.

8 years ago

Hands-on with the Slim d’Hermès Email Grand Feu

There is something about Hermès. The singularity of the Parisian house lies in a distinctive, enduring perception of elegance where craftsmanship, creativity, integrity and patience are carefully preserved. The new ‘Slim’ Hermès watches with their pure, artful simplicity are no exception. Their refined style, at once modern and timeless, is now enhanced with an exquisite enamel dial.

8 years ago