Category: High-end Watches

Introducing The Anura Rafael Write Time – A Fountain Pen, A Wristwatch & A Tourbillon Combined

Recently I had a chance to preview one of the most intriguing objects that I have seen in quite a while; the Anura Rafael Write Time. I call it an object because the Write Time doesn’t quite fit into one category. An incredible display of craftsmanship, it’s a fountain pen that transforms into a watch, or a watch that transforms into a fountain pen, depending on your perspective. Semantics aside however, it is an utterly fascinating example of unbridled creativity and artistic expression combined with the technical know-how required to execute such an ambitious project.

8 years ago

Elegant in blue – 5 High-End Watches of 2017 with Blue Dials

You hear it every year: blue is the new black. With its timeless qualities, blue stands out but lends itself perfectly to elegant occasions. We have picked 5 dress watches of 2017, out of the mainstream brands, to help you find a blue that speaks to your style.

8 years ago

Simple Grandeur – The Romain Gauthier Insight Micro-Rotor

For those who know, Romain Gauthier certainly is one of the best representatives of the “Vallée de Joux” expertise. This means an exceptional level of finishing. Forget about mainstream brands that claim Haute Horlogerie. Here, we have hand-finishing to the highest level. Unveiling the Romain Gauthier insight micro-rotor, focusing on the essentials with radical manufacturing ethos and masterly craftsmanship.

8 years ago

Unveiling the Louis Moinet Memoris ‘Red Eclipse’ Chronograph, now in Engraved Pink Gold

The Louis Moinet Memoris ‘Red Eclipse’ is an integrated, automatic, inverted mono-pusher chronograph with column-wheel. It was first presented in a limited edition at Baselworld 2016 to celebrate the bi-centenary of the Compteur de Tierce (1816-2016) by Louis Moinet. This complex chronograph, with all its mechanics visible on the dial, is now available in a richly engraved pink gold version. Let’s take a closer look.

8 years ago

F.P. Journe Centigraphe Souverain Anniversaire In Titanium, For The 10th Anniversary of The Geneva Boutique

If you look closely, it is hard to figure that F.P. Journe is still a young brand. Of course, François-Paul, as a watchmaker, is active for already a few decades but F.P. Journe, as a brand, isn’t. It’s even clearer when you look at when official boutiques were opened: only 10 years ago. In order to celebrate the 10th anniversary of its boutiques, F.P. Journe offers a limited series, the Centigraphe Souverain Anniversaire, in a very unique materials and colors combination. After Hong Kong and Tokyo, the Geneva F.P. Journe Boutique was the third to celebrate its anniversary, unveiling its Anniversary Edition in a limited series of 10 pieces.

8 years ago

Vaucher Manufacture Fleurier – A Look Behind-The-Scenes Of The Watch Industry

Over the last few years, we have reviewed quite a few brands and their manufactures. From the largest ones, for instance those owned by groups like Swatch Group, Richemont or LVMH, to the smallest ateliers of independent watchmakers. Recently, we had the opportunity to visit another type of manufacture, one that is not part of a brand but rather a supplier. The name is probably familiar to you already as they are one of the most prominent high-grade movement makers for third-parties; Vaucher Manufacture Fleurier.

9 years ago

Introducing – Armin Strom Mirrored Force Resonance now in Stainless Steel

To make things clear from the beginning, the Armin Strom Mirrored Force Resonance was one of the watches that impressed us most here, at Monochrome-Watches, in 2016 – and when you know our level of snobbery, it is quite a title that we gave here. This watch had it all: a massively impressive technical solution, a respect of watchmaking history, a traditional manufacturing process and an unchained look. While only available in gold, the Armin Strom Mirrored Force Resonance is now offered in Stainless Steel – Mainly for the look than but also a bit for the wallet…

9 years ago

Vacheron Constantin “Entry-Level” Quai de l’Ile in Steel, now with Blue Dial

The Vacheron Constantin Quai de l’Ile is a watch with surprising contrasts. Made by one of the most prestigious names of the industry, but crafted in steel. Designed in a sporty, urban way, but featuring a “Hallmark of Geneva” movement. Bearing a name synonym of dreams but rather accessible. This superb surprise is now available in a new style. Here is the Vacheron Constantin “Entry-Level” Quai de l’Ile in Steel, now with Blue Dial.

9 years ago