Category: High-end Watches

Introducing – The new Vacheron Constantin FIFTYSIX Tourbillon Automatic

At the SIHH 2018, Vacheron Constantin came with one brand new and important collection for the brand, the FIFTYSIX. With a clear intention to renew the clientele and to bring younger and less hardcore-oriented potential customers, this watch mixed vintage elements with a modern, masculine and slightly casual design. Presented in 3 different version (automatic, day-date, complete calendar), each of them available in steel or gold, it’s time now for the FIFTYSIX to up the game and to receive true Vacheron Constantin savoir-faire. This has just been done with the addition of a high-end, automatic peripheral tourbillon movement.

6 years ago

Review – Breguet Classique Complications 3797 – Pure, Unadulterated Breguet

A compendium of Abraham-Louis Breguet’s ingenious inventions and style, the Classique Complications 3797 is a magnificent perpetual calendar tourbillon laden with nostalgia for the undisputed horological star of the 18th century. Released in 2014, the 3797 is Breguet in his purest, unadulterated form with all the ‘unmistakable signs’ of the creator and a couple of 21st-century tweaks that the maestro would surely relish. Although almost all the heavyweights of the watch scene have produced a perpetual calendar tourbillon combination – ALS Lange 1, IWC Portugieser, Patek, Chopard et al. – none of them can match the historical clout and legitimacy of Breguet in this department. The 41mm case of the 3797, in rose gold or platinum, is a time capsule transporting the wearer (or in this case, the admirer) on a historical journey back in time.

6 years ago

Event – A. Lange & Söhne at Concours of Elegance, An Interview with CEO Wilhelm Schmid And Tons of Car/Watch Photos

Had you been walking past Hampton Court this weekend, no doubt you would you have heard the roar from the dozens of fine vintage specimens manoeuvring around the palace for the Concours of Elegance. This year was the first time A. Lange & Söhne had supported the event – though, you would be forgiven for confusing this Concourse of Elegance classic car event with the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este at Lake Como. Both events are supported by Lange, but this show held at Hampton Court Palace is, in fact, no relation to the one on Lake Como. Still, we were there, we enjoyed the scenery (cars and watches are always a winning combo – especially Lange x Classic Cars) and we talked with CEO Wilhelm Schmid.

6 years ago

News – GPHG 2018 Finalists Announced – Plus Our Predictions

As every year, the watchmaking industry is celebrating creativity and ingenuity with the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG) or the so-called Oscars of the Watchmaking Industry – see the report for the 2017 edition here. The most advanced, the most innovative or the most creative timepieces will be awarded prizes at the GPHG 2018. Before the […]

6 years ago

Hands-on – Bovet Amadeo Fleurier Virtuoso V Jumping Hours

Bovet watches break away from the norm. These stand out for their exquisite craftsmanship and ornate design revealing the complexity of their mechanism. However, the most striking thing about the Bovet Amadeo Fleurier Virtuoso V is, without doubt, its versatile character. The Virtuoso V is a timepiece with different faces, and it can be transformed from a wristwatch to a pocket watch or even a table clock.

6 years ago

Hands-on – The New Ulysse Nardin Executive Tourbillon Skeleton Free Wheel

While the previous version of the Ulysse Nardin Executive Tourbillon Skeleton wasn’t exactly what you would call a ‘shy watch’, Ulysse Nardin has decided to take it to a whole new level. Still based on a modern and aerial design, still featuring several impressive technical solutions (something dear to UN), Ulysse Nardin brings an entirely new […]

6 years ago

Video – The Vacheron Constantin Overseas – Part 2, The Creation of the Current Collection

Yesterday we took a close look at the history behind the modern icon that is the Overseas, today it’s time to understand everything behind the creation of the current, third-generation Vacheron Constantin Overseas. Launched in 2016, it was more an evolution than a revolution characterised by luxurious finishes, a simplified yet strong design, a sporty attitude, superbly decorated movements and several cool new features making the Overseas 3 the worthy heir of the 222. In this second instalment, we will talk with Christian Selmoni, the brand’s heritage and style director, about the Vacheron Constantin Overseas third-generation and what makes a desirable luxury sports watch.

6 years ago

Video – The Vacheron Constantin Overseas – Part 1, the Origins, the 222 and the Evolution of an Icon

In 1977, Vacheron Constantin, the oldest watch manufacturer in continuous operation, celebrated its 222nd anniversary. For this reason, the brand decided to create a special watch, right in the middle of what was named “the quartz crisis”. Swiss brands needed to reinvent themselves, making necessary disruptive changes. This is when the Vacheron Constantin 222, a true luxury sports watch, was born – a watch that would later become an icon under the name Overseas. In our latest series of videos, we will talk with Christian Selmoni, the brand’s heritage and style director, about the Vacheron Constantin Overseas. Today, in the first part, we focus on the origins, which includes the 222 and the first generations of Overseas.

6 years ago

Interview – Xavier de Roquemaurel, CEO of Czapek, About What Makes This Niche Brand Genuinely Unique

Genuinely different… When re-launched in 2015, the name Czapek made quite an impression, not only because of the watches presented back then but also because of the way the project had been financed. While crowdfunding often refers to affordable pieces, it is here attached to the words “Haute Horlogerie”. Very surprising indeed… This is why, today, we talk to Xavier de Roquemaurel, CEO of Czapek, to understand how the name has been revived, how the project came to life and what the future holds for this independent brand.

6 years ago

Spotlight on Young Talents – Remy Cools, 21, Freshly Graduated, Presents His Tourbillon

At MONOCHROME, we are always happy to present new watchmaking talents and their work. 21-year-old Remy Cools is one of them. A recent graduate of the Lycée Edgar Faure in Morteau, a French town next to the Swiss border, Remy is one of the winners of the 2018 young talent award by F.P. Journe. Already quite a serious background for such a young man. Not only he earned the knowledge, but he also applied it in the metal. His watch, the montre d’école tourbillon (school watch in French) is well worth a look.

6 years ago