Pre-SIHH 2019 – IWC Pilot’s Watch Timezoner Spitfire Edition “The Longest Flight” (Hands-On)

One of the four ‘teaser’ watches that IWC has unveiled ahead of the SIHH 2019, the Pilot’s Watch Timezoner Spitfire Edition ‘The Longest Flight’ introduces an unprecedented display/movement. Based on the Timezoner unveiled at SIHH 2016, this new version gets rid of the chronograph function to show a more balanced and legible dial focused on a world […]

6 years ago

Pre-SIHH 2019 – IWC Big Pilot’s Watch Constant-Force Tourbillon Edition “Le Petit Prince”

Among the four watches that IWC introduces for its pre-SIHH 2019 collection are three ‘standard’ pieces – a chronograph, a double-chronograph and a world time – and one very exclusive, complicated piece; the IWC Big Pilot’s Watch Constant-Force Tourbillon Edition “Le Petit Prince” IW590303 (yes, quite a name…) Nevertheless, if some will point to a lack of relevance […]

6 years ago

Pre-SIHH 2019 – IWC Pilot’s Watch Double Chronograph TOP GUN Ceratanium (Hands-On)

This is it… 2019 will be the year of the Pilot’s Watch at IWC. Don’t expect to see the entire range being remodelled, as that had been done already in 2016 – with a new Big Pilot and the Mark XVIII for instance. However, expect to see some nice new editions, some good-old designs brought back to life and some mechanical improvements. But before the real fireworks start at the SIHH 2019 in January, IWC teases us with 4 new pieces, including this new Pilot’s Watch Double Chronograph TOP GUN Ceratanium ref. IW371815.

6 years ago

Entry Price – The Most Accessible Watches You Can Get From Established Brands (Rolex, Omega, Patek… and many more)

Everyone has a Rolex. If you don’t have a Rolex by the time you reach 50, then you have clearly failed in life.” Some of you – at least our French-speaking readers – might remember this outrageous statement pronounced by Jacques Séguéla as the advertising tycoon tried to defend Nicolas Sarkozy’s bling-bling style on French TV. If owning a Rolex is the sine qua non of success for some, it’s a good time as any to review the entry-level prices of watch candidates from the leading brands. 

6 years ago

Buying Guide – 5 of The Most Iconic Pilot Watches You Can Buy In 2018

Aviation inspired watches are said to have made their debuts on the wrist of aviator Alberto Santos Dumont. At the beginning of the 20th-century, Louis Cartier had made a watch for his Brazilian friend, who wore it to time its flights. It was the first purposed-designed wristwatch. Since then, many watches have been inspired by aviation, all born out of practicality – in particular, pilot watches. Today, the category is one of the most popular.

6 years ago

Found – A Unique IWC Ingenieur 666A (and the story of how it came to life)

With the vintage market and auctions in full hype-mode these days, we often hear the words “unique” or “never-seen-before” to talk about a watch with one small detail to differentiate it from the rest of the crowd. However, we’re quite confident in saying that you’ve never seen what we’re about to show you: a truly unique, truly legit and truly interesting IWC Ingenieur 666A (the first generation of this model). And for once, we have all shreds of evidence that it was born this way, back in 1965, as a special order to IWC – and before you ask, no it isn’t for sale (or not yet at least).

6 years ago

In-Depth – Review of The IWC Portugieser Chronograph 3714 – The Modern Schaffhausen Icon

Since its debut in 1998, the IWC Portugieser Chronograph Ref. 3714 has become the most sought-after, the most recognisable, and certainly the best-selling model in the Portugieser family. Apart from being a veritable design success, this watch has acquired cult status for one reason: it hasn’t changed a bit since its inception. To celebrate the 20th anniversary of this modern icon, we thought it was time to take an in-depth look at this watch with a review of the Portugieser Chronograph 3714.

6 years ago

Buying Guide – Our Top 10 Moon Phase Watches for Women

The Moon phase function is the simplest and most prevalent astronomical complication. It is also one of the most attractive and bewitching of complications, a reminder of the beauty and mystery of our neighbouring satellite. Considered more of an aesthetic choice than a complication of intrinsic utility, moon phase watches have become a perennial favourite with their miniature recreations of the different phases of the Moon displayed in an aperture on the dial. So, take a look at our A-V Top Ten moon phase models and get ready to be moonstruck by their beauty – both superficial and mechanical – and in some cases, by their astronomical prices!

6 years ago

Buying Guide – 5 Elegant Watches for Women under EUR 5,000

In our previous guide, we’ve been looking at sports watches but an elegant, well-chosen dress watch will take you through the day and into the night. Distinguished yet subtle, a refined three-hander should look good in any context and be able to complement your look without dominating your wrist. The kind of watch that will endure changing fashions and that you can wear as a valuable every day – and hopefully – lifetime companion. Our line-up of candidates have been chosen for their timeless good looks, solid mechanical movements and, best of all, their attractive price tags, all retailing for under EUR 5,000.

6 years ago

Buying Guide – The 10 Most Iconic Chronographs You Can Buy in 2018

The chronograph is one of the most popular complications today. It is even more than a complication and has become a watch category in itself. It is stylish, practical and boasts a serious amount of technical complexity. For watch connoisseurs, there aren’t many experiences that are as rewarding as pressing the pushers of a stopwatch […]

6 years ago