Category: High-end Watches

Pre-SIHH 2017 – Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Frosted Gold 37mm (and why, as a man, I really like it)

Yes, this watch is advertised as a ladies’ watch. Yes, it does celebrate 40 years of Royal Oak for ladies (as the first one was introduced in 1976 and designed by Jacqueline Dimier). But, on the other hand, this watch has everything of the iconic 1972 Jumbo and the current 41mm men’s version, just in a smaller 37mm case –  which isn’t that small in reality. It has the iconic Genta-look, it has the hand-guilloche dial, it has an in-house automatic movement and, that’s the novelty here, it comes with a superb surface finishing, named gold hammering or frosting, and that is really appealing to us. Overview of the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Frosted Gold 37mm.

8 years ago

Event Report – At the Races with HYT Watches and Panis-Barthez Competition for the ELMS

Cars and watches… it’s a combination that always works, simple as that! Both worlds share many common points: precision mechanics, passionate fans, a toys-for-boys reputation… Such partnerships can range from classic cars to luxury supercars and sometimes even race cars. In the case of HYT Watches, the latter felt like a natural choice, with both worlds aiming for performance, innovation and using materials worthy of a spaceship. Today, we are sharing with you our experiences during an ELMS race in Estoril, with HYT Watches and Panis-Barthez Competition, the brand’s latest sports-oriented partner.

8 years ago

Introducing the Revolutionary Armin Strom Mirrored Force Resonance – and why it is a such Breakthrough in Watchmaking (VIDEO)

A breakthrough in Watchmaking: introducing the Armin Strom Mirrored Force Resonance. Until now, Armin Strom was known for its superb skeletonized watches, mixing haute horlogerie features and sporty design. Today, Armin Strom propels a century old concept, Resonance, well and truly into the 21st century. In an exclusive first look, Monochrome unveils this revolutionary development (yes, simply that…) with technical insights, video and pictures.

8 years ago

The History of the Vacheron Constantin Overseas – The Other 1970s Icon

In the 1970s, the post-war global economic boom came to an end. The new, accurate quartz watches gained popularity and plunged the Swiss watch industry in a deep crisis. As the inexpensive electronic watches began to flood the market, the competition from foreign manufacturers created a major economic turmoil, and with it, the need for Swiss brands to reinvent themselves, making necessary disruptive changes. And that includes the Vacheron Constantin Overseas, a watch born in that exact period.

8 years ago

Counting Down To SalonQP 2016, the London Watch Exhibition, 3 – 5 November 2016

In just a few short days, SalonQP 2016 will get underway at the Saatchi Gallery, London. From its humble beginnings, SalonQP has grown to be a must-visit annual watch event for collectors and enthusiasts alike from around Europe and even the world. This year promises to be no different, featuring new product launches, special exhibitions and, of course, the opportunity to get hands on with some really exceptional watches.

8 years ago

History of the Patek Philippe Nautilus, Part 3 – The Modern Days (2006/present)

To every story there’s an end, and today will be the third and last installment of our “History of the Patek Philippe Nautilus“. After a close look at the icon that started it all, the emblematic Nautilus Ref. 3700, after looking at the evolution of a model into a proper collection, from 1980 to 2006, it’s time now to look at modern ages – an era that started in 2006, for the 30th anniversary of the Nautilus, with the comeback of the “Steel Jumbo”, the addition of a chronograph and an overall facelift of the collection, to shape the Nautilus that we know today. Numbers like 5711, 5980 or 5990 will be mentioned, and some watch-lovers already know what it’s going to be about. Here are the modern days of the Patek Philippe Nautilus.

8 years ago

Hands-On – The new Urban Jürgensen Jules Collection (and an introduction to the brand’s rich history)

If you not familiar with the brand Urban Jürgensen yet and if haute horlogerie is one of your main interests, you clearly need to read what we’ll expose to you. While having a huge respect to traditional watchmaking, with a proper elegant design, these watches boast a definitely fascinating mechanical content. With a delicate touch of modernity, Urban Jürgensen renew their concept and introduce to us their latest creation, the Jules collection. But first, an introduction to the brand and its rich past is required.

8 years ago

Introducing – A. Lange & Söhne Lange 1 TimeZone Dresden Edition in Honey Gold (and with one little detail that makes it special…)

Do we have to introduce the Lange 1 to you, dear readers? If you’re here, reading at Monochrome, you certainly don’t need us to go full details about what certainly is one of the prettiest modern horological icons. The Lange 1 and its derivatives are well-known from watch enthusiasts since 1994, and for very good reasons. This is the main reason why, when a new edition is revealed, there’s always a sort of sentimental feel at the redaction – remember that the Lange 1 was (among others) the first watch introduced when Lange came back to life. And this why we’d like to introduce to you the new A. Lange & Söhne Lange 1 TimeZone Dresden Edition in Honey Gold (and the one little detail that makes it quite special…)

8 years ago

Hands-on – A. Lange & Söhne Lange 1 Tourbillon Perpetual Calendar, the hidden gem

Saxony has been a fertile ground for some of the most remarkable horological innovations. The Lange 1 Tourbillon Perpetual Calendar with its impressive technique and perfect craftsmanship is in perfect keeping with the A. Lange & Söhne great tradition. Introduced in 2013, this masterpiece is now presented in discreet white gold with an exquisite grey dial.

8 years ago