Today, Salanitro SA has just announced that Patek Philippe has acquired a stake in its capital. The amount of the investment and the size of the stake were not disclosed. This entry into the capital of the gem-setting company materializes the coming together of two independent Geneva-based family businesses. If Patek Philippe requires little introduction, Salanitro SA […]
Since the closure of Smiths in the late 1960s/early 1970s, British watchmaking didn’t exist on a large scale anymore. There are certainly noticeable and highly respected independent watchmakers such as Garrick of Roger Smith, both producing almost entirely their watches on UK soil, but of course, we’re talking about small productions. When it comes to […]
Throughout over 150 years of history, IWC has had a long tradition of innovation in materials. Think for instance about its early use of titanium together with Porsche Design, or the 1986 Da Vinci Chronograph Perpetual Calendar, which was the world’s first pure ceramic watch. Even recently, the brand introduced Ceratanium, a innovative blend of titanium […]
After over a decade working at Hamilton HQ, Vivian Stauffer was promoted to the top of the brand’s leadership last July, a challenging time for the whole world due to the COVID-19 pandemic. During Hamilton’s 2021 novelty preview in Biel, we were able to speak with Vivian about strategy amidst a global pandemic, as well […]
2020 has been a difficult year for the Swiss watch industry, and for the entire luxury market. As we reported recently, the industry has had to face its steepest decline since 2009, with exports plummeting 21.8% in value, below the level of 2011. Certainly, the COVID-19 pandemic has had a strong impact on the watch […]
A few days ago, Maurice Lacroix launched its Aikon Venturer GMT digitally and simultaneously inaugurated its new studio to monitor online initiatives. To find out more about the brand’s new strategy, we interviewed the brand’s Managing Director, Stéphane Waser, and International Product and Marketing Director, Thiebaut Bentz. Xavier Markl, MONOCHROME – 2020 has been a […]
Some of you might not know about it but Girard-Perregaux’s link with the automotive world has been long-lasting. Following this tradition, the La Chaux-de-Fonds-based haute horlogerie manufacturer has just announced a new partnership with one of the most respected brands in the car industry, Aston Martin. MONOCHROME talks to Patrick Pruniaux, Girard-Perregaux and Ulysse Nardin’s […]
If watch brands are proudly trumpeting their watchmaking expertise and manufacturing capabilities, suppliers don’t always get the credit they deserve. Today we are taking a look at Timeless, a movement manufacturer that just hired two well-known industry veterans, Pierre Favre and Dominique Renaud. A good reason to make us think that we’ll hear more about […]
If watch brands are proudly trumpeting their watchmaking expertise and manufacturing capabilities, suppliers don’t always get the credit they deserve. Today we are taking a look at Timeless, a movement manufacturer that just hired two well-known industry veterans, Pierre Favre and Dominique Renaud. A good reason to make us think that we’ll be hearing more […]
This shouldn’t come as a surprise for you now, and most readers of MONOCHROME should be well aware that Patek Philippe’s most desirable (sought-after) model, the classic time-and-date stainless steel Nautilus 5711, will be discontinued in a few months. While the brand didn’t officially communicate on this topic yet (it was known through the indiscretion […]