Category: independent watchmaking

Introducing – URWERK UR-220 All Black

This summer, URWERK announced the final edition of the iconic UR-210. Luckily it didn’t take too long before the brand announced a successor of this staggering beauty, and to my relief, I can say it’s at least as good-looking and stealthy as the marvellous UR-210. That successor was the new UR-220 Falcon Project, which came in a carbon clad. Today, some 5 weeks after that first new UR-220, it’s time for another one. Another one in black, albeit in a slightly different shade of black… let’s have a closer look at the UR-220 All Black.

5 years ago

Introducing – Bremont Broadsword Bronze

Bremont, the English watchmaking brand founded by brothers Nick and Giles English in 2002, is renowned for its line-up of aviation and military-inspired watches with a strong British accent. The latest model to report for duty in Bremont’s Armed Forces Collection is the Broadsword Bronze. Unlike many military-themed watches, Bremont has legitimate credentials and enjoys an official partnership with the Ministry of Defence (MoD) since 2019. This partnership allows Bremont to use the signs, symbols and Heraldic Badges of the Royal Navy, British Army and Royal Air Force. Initially available exclusively to personnel of Her Majesty’s Armed Forces, civilians are now able to purchase official Bremont Military timepieces.

5 years ago

Introducing – De Bethune DB28GS “Yellow Submarine”

De Bethune is a fascinating brand capable of mixing Haute Horlogerie, neo-futuristic designs and groundbreaking technological innovations into an enticing cocktail that tastes like nothing else out there. Immediately recognizable, De Bethune’s watches have clocked up many prizes over the years. The DB28GS is the brand’s interpretation of the sports watch. Very much a De […]

5 years ago

Women’s Watch Wednesday – Introducing the Armin Strom Lady Beat

Today we bring glad tidings to women who appreciate mechanical watches with a certain dose of complexity. Armin Strom, the independent Swiss brand renowned for its revolutionary use of resonance, is releasing Lady Beat, a watch designed by women for women. Unlike many men’s watches that stray into female territory with smaller case sizes and […]

5 years ago

The Collector’s Series – Chris Cashion and his rather special GoS Skadi

Each member of the MONOCHROME team has their favourites amongst the many brands and watches we share with all of you. And for me, one of the brands I have been following closely since I joined MONOCHROME is the Swedish brand of Gustafsson & Sjögren, or GoS in short. The duo of Patrik Sjögren and Johan Gustafson offers very unique watches incorporating hand-forged Damascus steel for the cases, bezels, crowns, dials and more. So when I learned of the opportunity to chat with the owner of a very special 1-of-5 GoS Skadi, I just had to follow through.

5 years ago

Introducing – De Bethune Maestri’Art DW5 Armilia Cempasúchil

While the COVID pandemic has completely disrupted the global watch fair calendar, a few events have been maintained, including the upcoming Salón Internacional Alta Relojería (SIAR). Latin America’s most important watch fair will be held from October 20 to 22 in Mexico City. With over 30 brands participating, it will be one of the rare […]

5 years ago

Hands-on – The Original Minase Horizon

Minase is a boutique watch manufacturer based in Akita Prefecture, in the north of Japan. Producing less than 500 pieces a year, it was founded in 2005 as a spin-off of Kyowa and Co., a Japanese specialist toolmaker. From its expertise in this field, Kyowa crafted watch parts and then watches. The brand prides itself […]

5 years ago

Introducing – MB&F Legacy Machine Perpetual EVO (Live Photos & Video Review)

MB&F lands the Legacy Machine Perpetual, its most complicated watch to date, in a new habitat: everyday life on Earth. Renowned for its fleet of machines that seem to have flown in from outer space, the more classic Legacy Machine Perpetual EVO consolidates itself as a watch for earthlings to enjoy day in, day out. […]

5 years ago

The Collector’s Series – @Watch_Time_It_Is and His Customized Masahiro Kikuno Sakubou Watch

When you associate the words Japan and watchmaking, most enthusiasts will – rightfully – think Seiko or Grand Seiko. But that would be oh-so reductive. Japan, with Switzerland and Germany, is an important hub of independent watchmakers. And in pure respect of Japanese traditions, their devotion to handcrafts and ancestral metiers d’art is simply staggering. […]

5 years ago