Dress Watches Archives - Page 88 of 89

Introducing the revamped Vacheron Constantin Traditionnelle Chronograph Perpetual Calendar (new dial, improved movement, ref. 5000T)

We have always said: there are huge analogies between the luxury car industry and the watchmaking industry whether we are talking about marketing, sponsorships, typology of collectors. In terms of products, we can also find similarities. It is extremely common for cars now to have their middle-life facelift, and this happens more and more in watches. Not entirely a new model, however slightly different from the previous version, the Vacheron Constantin Traditionnelle Chronograph Perpetual Calendar goes through this process, with an improved movement (Calibre 1142QP) and a redesigned dial, becoming ref. 5000T.

Introducing – Frederique Constant Slimline Moonphase Manufacture, now with an elegant ivory dial

Recently, we had to review a watch that actually quite impressed us, a watch with a nice display, based on a date and a moonphase, with a classical case, voluntarily vintage-inspired and, overall, a very nice price / pleasure ratio: the Frederique Constant Manufacture Classics Moonphase. The style of the watch is clearly identify in its name and this watch even adds an officer caseback, to complete the package. However, this watch has an also desirable sister, more modern, however ver close: the Frederique Constant Slimline Moonphase Manufacture, which comes now with an elegant ivory dial. Same movement, same display, different pleasures.

Introducing – Ulysse Nardin Classico Schooner America, with one crazy Cloisonne Enamel Dial tribute to the first America’s Cup

If there’s one thing that can be easily linked to Ulysse Nardin, it is the world of boats – and I mean everything related to this world, like Marine chronometers (they were the roots of this manufacture), yacht-oriented watches or a sponsorship of the world’s most famous nautical competition. While the latter partnership usually gives birth to modern and technical watches, such a this Marine Diver, tis time Ulysse Nardin pays tribute to the old-days of this race, with the Classico Schooner America, depicting on its superb dial, the first edition of 1851.

Hands-on – Andreas Strehler Papillon Sauterelle à Lune Exacte – The Most Precise MoonPhase Wristwatch Ever

Watchmakers are like all boys. When it comes to numbers, being first or having the greatest is always better – even if having the biggest (watch of course…) is not always desirable. Watchmakers always looked for the most complicated watch, for the watch with the most features, for the most precise movement or for the lightest case. And even when it comes to a specific complication, being the most accurate is a very good marketing argument – which of course always implies stupendous technical developments and immense watchmaking skills. In terms of MoonPhase, the title for the most precise was already in the hands of Andreas Strehler, but it’s now even better with his new Papillon Sauterelle à Lune Exacte.

Hands-on Review of the 2016 Patek Philippe 5170R Chronograph, now in rose gold (live pics, specs & price)

At Patek Philippe, chronographs are something considered with an almost clerical serious. From the extremely complex split-seconds or perpetual calendar versions – or even both – to the most simple variation, all of them are extremely desirable. One thing to note in the actual collection is a sort of back to basics, with cleaner and more elegant watches, slightly vintage inspired – something we’ve seen with the 5370 or the 5270. Launched in 2010, with a first evolution in 2013, followed by a stronger lifting in 2015, the 5170 undergoes this year its largest cure of youth, becoming the Patek Philippe 5170R Chronograph, with 2 new references in rose gold – and one older reference being discontinued. But don’t expect a revolution. As usual, the devil is in the details.

Hands-on – Arnold & Son HM Perpetual Moon, in steel with a striking blue dial (live pics, specs & price)

The Moon has always been a huge source of fascination for us, mere mortals. From its association with Antique Gods, to its first attempt of explanations by Greek scientists, to all the different symbolisms it had through history, the Moon has always fascinated men – a fascination that came to a pinnacle in 1969, when Mankind finally achieved to walk on what has always been its closest but yet unknown sister. Still today, we all have a certain relation with this satellite and wearing a watch with the age of the moon displayed on the dial is a sort of poetical, quite magical. And if you’re looking for a display that feels even more striking, the Arnold & Son HM Perpetual Moon won’t disappoint. Here is its steel and blue dial version.

In-Depth – A Look at Shaped Watches by Vacheron Constantin and Patek Philippe through History

When thinking about the archetype of the round Swiss watch, the first names that come to mind might very well be Patek Philippe or Vacheron Constantin. As the custodians of Geneva’s watchmaking tradition, influenced by the sober protestant spirit, both brands stand for subtle, understated elegance. However, beyond the design conventions dictated by the round wristwatch, Patek Philippe and Vacheron Constantin have in common a long, rich legacy of shaped watches. After Cartier, Monochrome brings together a (non-exhaustive) selection of shaped watches from Patek Philippe and Vacheron Constantin.

Introducing a new independent watchmaker, Kaj Korpela, and its “Timepiece No. 1”, a properly hand-made tourbillon

In the watchmaking industry, some terms are certainly often misused, like for instance “independent watchmaking” or “hand-made“. What we are going to show you today represent these two notions in their purest form, something in the vein of Roger Smith, Georges Daniels or Philippe Dufour – don’t expect us to make comparisons on the watch or the level of finishing here, we’re talking about the spirit behind the watch. Today, open your eyes and enjoy the Kaj Korpela “Timepiece No. 1”, a truly hand-made tourbillon, from a properly independent watchmaker. This is why we love watches here at Monochrome and it immediately brought a big “WOW” on our lips. And keep in mind that this is the first watch, from a new brand…

Hands-on – Patek Philippe 5230 World Time, the evolution of an icon (live pics, specs & price)

World Timers are among Patek Philippe’s most popular complications, with a history spanning over almost 80 years (thanks to the collaboration with Cottier). A cult status confirmed at Phillips May 2016 auction, when a rare Patek 2523/1 from 1954 achieved US$ 2.5 million. At Baselworld 2016, Patek Philippe introduced two new models featuring this practical function, the 5930 World Time Chronograph and the 5230, replacing the now iconic reference 5130. Monochrome takes a closer look at this new take on an icon.

Alexandre Meerson’s Altitude Collection: Skeptical To Believer

l was highly skeptical before my first presentation of the Alexandre Meerson Altitude. This felt like a small new brand wanting to waltz into a market dominated by venerated old names with sky-high reputations. Good luck with that, I thought. To my surprise, though, I was quite impressed by the sense of dramatic subtleties and eye for detail these watches display.

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Category: Dress Watches