Welcome in the heart and soul of independent watchmaking from the Vallée de Joux, yet with a modern eye… A few weeks ago, we met with one of the most interesting surprises from Baselworld 2017, the “1740 The first 8” – and of course with its creator, David Candaux. See what hand-made and creative watchmaking mean!
Welcome in the heart and soul of independent watchmaking from the Vallée de Joux, yet with a modern eye… A few weeks ago, we met with one of the most interesting surprises from Baselworld 2017, the “1740 The first 8” – and of course with its creator, David Candaux. See what hand-made and creative watchmaking mean!
Recently, we reported to you a achievement that we, at Monochrome, think will be the next level of watchmaking, the Armin Strom Watch Configurator. As we told you, there’s no way that industry can still rely on old-fashioned production and selling channels. The next step is named “customization” and Armin Strom is the first to come with a proper achieved idea, an exhaustive Watch Configurator – where every aspect of the watch and the movement can be configured. Well, apart from this, there’s something extremely cool that we wanted to share: the possibility to win your personalized Armin Strom watch by sharing your configurated watch on Instagram in a creative way… Sounds interesting, right?
The classic elegance of L.U.C Chopard, with a contemporary twist and a hint of fair trade… because yes, watchmaking can also take care of social development and environmental protection. Meet the Chopard L.U.C XPS Twist Qualité Fleurier Fairmined, a slender limited edition timepiece resonating a unique perception of elegance, powered by a superb micro-rotor movement and crafted in ethical pink gold.
If you are experienced with the history of watchmaking or simply if you have ever paid attention to tourbillon pocket watches in auction catalogues, then you are probably familiar with the Pellaton name. It is connected to the makers of some of the most exceptional tourbillons in history. And now it’s brought back to life with a remarkable watch, to say the least! Here is the James C. Pellaton Royal Marine Chronometer, featuring an incredibly well finished movement (and it’s our technical editor who says that).
Over the years we got to know Kari Voutilainen as the humble Finnish watchmaker, who creates the most exquisite hand-finished timepieces. In the entire world of watchmaking there are only few who deliver such a level of “finesse”. Kari Voutilainen’s latest timepiece is not simply a design feat, and also not a special model made in collaboration with a master craftsman (like for instance this one made in collaboration with the legendary Japanese lacquer studio Unryuan). What we have here is Kari Voutilainen’s signature timepiece, the Vingt-8, with a unique way to indicate time. It’s called the Vingt-8 ISO and the entire idea behind it is rather unique, and is mean to create a more intimate and reflective relationship with your watch… (yes, we’ll explain it)
Schwarz Etienne started with a vertical integration strategy a few years ago, going as far as producing hairsprings in-house, with their sister company E2O innovations (read our recent introduction article about the brand here). This involved deep products’ evolution and a strategy based on a modular approach to movement development; a family of mechanical movements was created and evolved into different versions. Today, we take a look at the interesting La Chaux-de-Fonds Tourbillon Petite Seconde Retrograde, which was presented during Baselworld 2017.
The Malte always had a special position in the Vacheron Constantin collection, as using something that tends to disappear nowadays: a shaped case. Indeed, the Malte relies on a certain Art-Deco flair, on a voluntarily outdated style that gives the watch all its charm. But this timepiece is not just a pretty face, as inside the case is an exquisitely finished (to say the least) tourbillon movement. And as of now, its 18k pink gold case can be combined to a dark grey dial, for a warmer look. Here is the Vacheron Constantin Malte Tourbillon Pink Gold Slate Dial.
Seiko, for a long time, has been away from the trend of vintage and reissues. This was simply not their thing, the brand simply emphasized on evolution and modern designs. Yet, since a few years now, and mainly with the arrival of the Presage collection, the Japanese brand now looks at its rich history. For Baselworld 2017, the focus will be on the recreation of the first Grand Seiko, launched for Japan only in 1960 (while the international launch of Grand Seiko took place in 2010), with three limited editions (SBGW251 – SBGW252 – SBGW253). And for those who prefer present days, there will also be a modern reissue, the SBGR305.
A tribute to the astronomical observations of Louis Moinet, the independent watch brand’s latest creation features a mesmerizing Tourbillon whose cage is poised with a planet in rotation around it. Meet the ‘Space Mystery’, a stargazing invitation from Louis Moinet.