Oversized watches are a thing of the past…? Well, on paper yes. For two to three years now, many brands have been scaling down their watches. Timepieces can move back to 40mm or sometimes even less. Yet, some models are made to be big and bold. 1990s and early 2000s Panerai, the IWC Big Pilot […]
Garrick, a distinguished brand from Norfolk, England, offers a limited series of fine timepieces for collectors who value its origins, unique character, and commitment to the “handcrafted in England” philosophy. Founded by David Brailsford, an experienced watch consultant and collector, and Simon Michelmayr, an accomplished British watchmaker, the brand has made significant strides since its […]
In 2017, Bell & Ross launched the BR03-92 Diver, bringing the “circle in a square” aesthetic to the underwater world. It was a proper dive watch with a rotating bezel and 300-metre depth rating, and it met the international standard ISO 6425 requirements. There are now five new models for 2024 that bring improvements such […]
One of my most memorable experiences when tumbling down the mechanical watchmaking rabbit hole is handling my very first tourbillon watch. I had already been writing for MONOCHROME for a while when it happened, and I knew about the complication and its function, but I had never handled one in person. It was at the […]
One of the oldest watchmaking brands in Switzerland, Bovet was taken over by Pascal Raffy in the early 2000s. Since then, the brand has consistently invested in a holistic approach to watchmaking. Bovet develops and produces its watches in-house with a rare level of vertical integration, combining expert craftsmanship and technical expertise. Bovet timepieces are […]
The Seiko Presage Style60’s collection is both popular, growing fast and a nice throwback to a bygone decade (yes, the 1960s, obviously). The latest pair of watches, ref. SRPL07 and SRPL09, don’t reinvent the wheel, but add classy touches with a slightly smaller case, a very nice new bracelet and a fixed bezel. Dial colours […]
The Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra has carved out a unique spot in the Seamaster family as a stylish, versatile, and durable everyday watch, perfect for both land and sea. While not classified as a professional dive watch, it offers a comfortable 150m water resistance (aqua), classic aesthetics, and a precise movement that seamlessly transitions from […]
The Frederique Constant Highlife collection launched in 1999 with an interchangeable, integrated strap/bracelet at an affordable price, making the desirable “luxury Swiss sports watch” accessible to many. The collection ultimately went dormant but was relaunched in 2020 to great fanfare with musician, producer and brand ambassador The Avener. In 2022, the brand introduced the Highlife […]
Audemars Piguet introduced the Royal Oak Selfwinding 34mm in 2020 as the smallest-sized option with mechanical movement. Since its debut, AP has expanded the range with several variations, ranging from simple stainless steel to diamond-covered pink gold versions. For 2024, Audemars Piguet added two new models to the Royal Oak Frosted Gold Selfwinding 34mm series—one […]
Cuervo y Sobrinos is the only major watch brand with solid Cuban roots, celebrating specific time periods and locations in Cuban history. For example, the previous Robusto Churchill Limited Edition honoured Winston Churchill’s fondness for Havana tobacco. The new Robusto Sans Souci looks back at 1950s Cuba, specifically the Sans Souci night venue just outside […]