Baselworld 2019 – Seiko’s New Sports Collection, the Prospex LX Line

Since the introduction in 1965 of its first professional diver’s watch, the 62MAS, Seiko’s reputation in the field of sports/tool watches cannot be disputed. The brand is among the best manufacturers when it comes to producing rugged, efficient, purpose-built timepieces made for action. Today, the spirit of this classic sports watch is expressed in a […]

6 years ago

Baselworld 2019 – Porsche Design 1919 Globetimer UTC

“If you analyze the function of an object, its form often becomes obvious,” was the credo of Professor Ferdinand Alexander Porsche (founder of Porsche Design). “Form follows function” is something we often hear in the watch world but with Porsche Design, it is a matter of fact. Apparently simple yet perfectly functional, this has become […]

6 years ago

Value Proposition – BOLDR Globetrotter GMT (Review)

To say there’s a sea of microbrands out there pushing dive watches would be an understatement. The Marnaut Dark Surge 300m Series, UNDONE Aqua and Farer Aqua Compressor Endeavour are recent examples. Comparable to drivers of four-wheel drive SUV’s, many dive watch owners rarely (if ever) use the timepieces for their intended purpose, preferring form […]

6 years ago

Hands-on – Speake-Marin One&Two Openworked Dual Time – Classical Meet Technical

Following in the footsteps of the successful time-only One&Two Openworked model launched in 2017, Speake-Marin unveiled its latest One&Two Openworked model with a dual time function and a retrograde date display at the SIHH 2019. The new Dual Time model builds on the brand’s base SMA01 calibre with two new complications and steers the design codes into a more contemporary direction with an intrepid combination of classic details and defiantly technical elements.

6 years ago

Hands-on – Speake-Marin One&Two Openworked Dual Time – Classical Meets Technical

Following in the footsteps of the successful time-only One&Two Openworked model launched in 2017, Speake-Marin unveiled its latest One&Two Openworked model with a dual time function and a retrograde date display at the SIHH 2019. The new Dual Time model builds on the brand’s base SMA01 calibre with two new complications and steers the design codes into a more contemporary direction with an intrepid combination of classic details and defiantly technical elements.

6 years ago

Review – Leica Watch L1 and L2 – When a Camera Manufacturer Ventures into the Watch Game

Few camera companies have the prestige and brand recognition of Leica, the legendary German manufacturer that invented discreet, mobile street photography with the 35mm Leica 1. Introduced in 1925 at the Leipzig Spring Fair in Germany, the Leica 1 brought the 35mm “movie” format to mainstream still photography with a small, reliable mechanical shooter and premium lenses. Following a large series of models with interchangeable screw-mount lenses, a new bayonet-mount M-series launched in 1954 with the Leica M3 – arguably the most revered 35mm camera ever produced for the masses. Built with a masterful level of mechanical precision, even the oldest of Leica cameras can reliably shoot photos today. Sound familiar? Timepieces from a century ago can still be reliable wrist companions with a comparable level of mechanical refinement. It only makes sense that Leica would eventually venture into the watch game and they’ve crafted two hand-wound timepieces (L1 and L2) that share DNA with their camera cousins.

6 years ago

SIHH 2019 – Speake-Marin One&Two Openworked Dual Time

Launched just two years ago, the Speake-Marin One&Two is, without a doubt, one of the most striking developments of the brand. The collection is quintessentially Speake-Marin: an off-beat take on classic Swiss watchmaking infused with a touch of British elegance and eccentricity. Not just a pretty face, the One&Two owes a lot to its movement, a nice micro-rotor calibre with a unique small seconds display at 1:30. It now welcomes new complications, with the addition of dual time indication and a retrograde date.

6 years ago

Video – Live from SIHH 2019 – Benoit Mintiens of Ressence (About the Type 2 e-Crown)

MONOCHROME continues its live coverage direct from the hallowed halls of horology and brings you this next video with Benoit Mintiens, founder of the brand that has added the adjective ‘cool’ to the display of mechanical watches. Find out what makes the Ressence Type 2 e-Crown such an innovative hybrid proposition combining the reliability of electronics […]

6 years ago

SIHH 2019 – Bovet Tourbillon Amadeo Fleurier Virtuoso IX

Bovet, very much a niche connoisseur brand, is finally attracting the attention it merits. Last year, its Récital 22 Grand Récital, a masterpiece of technical and astronomical complications, won the coveted Aiguille d’Or at the GPHG 2018. In January 2019, Bovet will be making its debut at the SIHH and will be wowing the crowds with its Virtuoso IX, a double time zone, 24-city, 10-day power reserve, big date, two reversible faces and flying tourbillon extravaganza equipped with a brand new in-house calibre and housed in the brand’s iconic convertible Amadeo® case!

6 years ago