Side by Side – The A. Lange & Söhne Lange 1 and Lange 1 Daymatic

The other day A. Lange & Söhne sent us two watches for review and not one, as they would normally do. The two watches were the new blue dial Lange 1 and Lange 1 Daymatic. While the new blue dials are stunning (really they are!), we already covered them and well, without being blasé about it, it’s a dial colour and we cannot say much more about this. The thing that really intrigues me, already since the Lange 1 Daymatic was introduced back in 2010, is how these two timepieces compare. So we put them next to one another, the iconic hand-wound Lange 1 that has become so important for the brand and the newer automatic sibling named Lange 1 Daymatic. How do they compare? What are the differences and common points? And, what is your favourite?

6 years ago

Introducing – Vacheron Constantin Métiers d’Art The Legend Of The Chinese Zodiac – Year Of The Pig

In Chinese astrology, each year is related to a Chinese zodiac animal according to the 12-year cycle. February 5th, 2019 marks the beginning of the year of the pig and in preparation, Vacheron Constantin is unveiling its latest addition to its Métiers d’Art The Legend Of The Chinese Zodiac series – Year Of The Pig. Available in either a Platinum or 18K 5N pink gold case, each version will be offered in a limited series of just 12 pieces. Read on for more details.

6 years ago

Buying Guide – 5 High-End Watches with World Time or Multiple Time Zones

A watch is an essential item while travelling. Something that must be part of your “things to pack” list. We’ve said it already several times here on MONOCHROME, but multiple time-zone watches are certainly amongst the most practical you can find. Not only when travelling (obviously) but also for those working in an international environment – and there are more and more of them. For those who want to combine functionality and their love for fine watchmaking, here are 5 sophisticate watches with world-time complication or multiple time-zone indications.

6 years ago

Buying Guide – 5 High-End Watches with World-Time or Multiple Time-Zones

A watch is an essential item while travelling. Something that must be part of your “things to pack” list. We’ve said it already several times here on MONOCHROME, but multiple time-zone watches are certainly amongst the most practical you can find. Not only when travelling (obviously) but also for those working in an international environment – and there are more and more of them. For those who want to combine functionality and their love for fine watchmaking, here are 5 sophisticate watches with world-time complication or multiple time-zone indications.

6 years ago

Introducing – A. Lange & Söhne Datograph Lumen Up/Down (Live Pics)

The A. Lange & Söhne Datograph needs little introduction. Presented in 1999 and updated in 2012, it is one of the most iconic chronographs on the market. The Dato features a flyback chronograph with a precisely jumping minutes counter, two sub-dials recognizable because of their unusual positioning, a quick-set oversized date and a power reserve indicator. Overall, the architecture and the finishing of its movement are a feast for the eyes. Any new model in the series always brings curiosity and excitement among A. Lange & Söhne fans (including team MONOCHROME…) So, when we learnt that the Datograph Up/Down was getting the “Lumen” treatment, it naturally caught our attention.

6 years ago

Introducing – Chopard L.U.C Perpetual T Spirit of “La Santa Muerte” – Looking Death in the Face

Sold in just six minutes, Chopard’s L.U.C T Spirit of “La Santa Muerte” is an opulent tribute to the festive spirit of Mexico’s Day of the Dead celebrations. Unveiled during the 12th edition of the Salon Internacional de Alta Relojería (SIAR) – the most prestigious watch show in Latin America showcasing 40 plus brands – Chopard’s unique timepiece was snatched up by a collector in minutes. Crafted in 18k rose gold, with hand-engraved motifs on just about every surface of the case, the grinning skull on the dial steals the show and has been ingeniously designed to host the perpetual calendar complications and reveal details of the tourbillon.

6 years ago

Pre-SIHH 2019 – Vacheron Constantin Les Cabinotiers Minute Repeater Tourbillon Sky Chart

The new Vacheron Constantin Les Cabinotiers Minute Repeater Tourbillon Sky Chart is the second unique piece unveiled by the Geneva-based brand in the frame of its Pre-SIHH 2019 presentations. Just like the Grande Complication Phoenix we unveiled a few hours ago, the Minute Repeater Tourbillon Sky chart is exceptional in every respect, combining three major complications (tourbillon, minute repeater and sky chart) housed in a white gold case set with 112 baguette-cut diamonds.

6 years ago

Pre-SIHH 2019 – Vacheron Constantin Les Cabinotiers Grande Complication Phoenix

With SIHH 2019 fast approaching, brands are pre-releasing selected models to whet our appetites. Among them is Vacheron Constantin, which has released the first images of two unique pieces, Les Cabinotiers Grande Complication Phoenix and Les Cabinotiers Minute Repeater Tourbillon Sky chart we will introduce in a separate article. But for now, let’s look at the first model, a complex watch with no fewer than 15 complications.

6 years ago

Buying Guide – The Best of Independent Watchmaking 2018 – Part 2

Yesterday, we started to look at the best watches created by independent watchmakers in 2018, with more “classical” watches (if ever the indie scene could be labelled classical). Today, in the second part of this guide, we move to the most creative, daring, highly technical of them all. Sci-fi designs, unusual displays of the time, […]

6 years ago

Buying Guide – The Best of Independent Watchmaking 2018 – Part 1

Creative, daring, highly technical or crafted to a level that you simply cannot achieve in mass production – there are many reasons why independent watchmaking has been on the rise over the past twenty years. “Indies” are passionate about watchmaking and are often just a little bit crazy. Without massive marketing budgets or product committees, their creations are simply born from dreams, enthusiasm and entrepreneurial spirit. Their ingenuity, vision, diversity or simply their smaller size give watchmaking fans a wealth of unique creations. Today, we take a look at some of the best 2018 creations of the independent watchmaking scene.

6 years ago