Proclaiming to be the “world’s first 3.0 watch,” Frederique Constant’s Hybrid Manufacture was launched to great fanfare on 22 February, in New York. The Hybrid Manufacture combines a mechanical calibre with smartwatch functionality in a 42mm case that is the epitome of a traditional, conservative mechanical watch. A way to make us, at MONOCHROME, love technology?
Proclaiming to be the “world’s first 3.0 watch,” Frederique Constant’s Hybrid Manufacture was launched to great fanfare on 22 February, in New York. The Hybrid Manufacture combines a mechanical calibre with smartwatch functionality in a 42mm case that is the epitome of a traditional, conservative mechanical watch. A way to make us, at MONOCHROME, love technology?
Few names in the world of watchmaking are as iconic as Jo Siffert – a well-known pilot, strongly linked to vintage chronograph watches. Referring first to 1970s Heuer Autavia watches, with their Panda dial and bright blue accents, the name has been revived several times already, but today is quite special. Indeed, our friend David Chalmers from Calibre11.com, a reference for everything linked to Heuer and TAG Heuer, has developed a new limited edition with TAG, the Heuer Autavia Jo Siffert Collector’s Edition by Calibre 11 – and it looks quite stunning.
Few names in the world of watchmaking are as iconic as Jo Siffert – a well-known pilot, strongly linked to vintage chronograph watches. Referring first to 1970s Heuer Autavia watches, with their Panda dial and bright blue accents, the name has been revived several times already, but today is quite special. Indeed, our friend David Chalmers from Calibre11.com, a reference for everything linked to Heuer and TAG Heuer, has developed a new limited edition with TAG, the Heuer Autavia Jo Siffert Collector’s Edition by Calibre 11 – and it looks quite stunning.
With IWC introducing so many limited-edition references for its 150th anniversary this year (there are 27 in total), it’s been hard work picking a favourite. The blue dial Portugieser Chronograph is certainly high on the list, as of course is the Tribute to Pallweber. If I had to choose just one, however, I think it would have to be the Portugieser Perpetual Calendar Edition “150 Years” (IW503405). Striking design, practical complexity and a dial I could literally stare at for hours, it really does offer a lot of watch for the money.
With IWC introducing so many limited-edition references for its 150th anniversary this year (there are 27 in total), it’s been hard work picking a favourite. The blue dial Portugieser Chronograph is certainly high on the list, as of course is the Tribute to Pallweber. If I had to choose just one, however, I think it would have to be the Portugieser Perpetual Calendar Edition “150 Years” (IW503405). Striking design, practical complexity and a dial I could literally stare at for hours, it really does offer a lot of watch for the money.
Not every woman’s watch has to be a mechanical wonder. Sometimes an intriguing design can elevate a quartz watch to new heights. Such is the case with the new Piaget Possession watches that were unveiled at the recent SIHH 2018 in Geneva. Ultra-feminine, sleek and super chic, the new Piaget Possession watches have a lot to offer in terms of color and design. And, if you are looking for the perfect gift for that special someone, you won’t go wrong here.
Last year the Parisian brand Bell & Ross brought us new releases in their BR03-range, with one clear thing in mind: back to basics. The “Horo” line focused on simple, striking squared cases, micro-blasted matte finishing and an utter utilitarian look and feel – a concept also shared by the new BR03-92 Nightlume. This year, Bell & Ross introduces two new members; the BR03-92 Horoblack and the BR03-94 Horolum – and again, legibility first.
Music exists in time. Uniting two traditional Swiss crafts, the Jacob & Co. Opera is a highly complicated timepiece and a wearable music box at the same time… Moreover, it is a spectacular show on the wrist that is pretty hard to depict. The ballet of its triple-axis tourbillon and its musical mechanism in action is surprising and captivating. Technically, the combination of these two rare complications is impressive. There is indeed a lot happening and if a picture is worth a 1,000 words, a video is worth a million… It is even a must to present a timepiece that defies traditional labels by playing the Godfather theme and by featuring a miniature Don Vito Corleone in its center!
The combination of a complete calendar (or Quantième Complet in French) with a moonphase indication and a GMT function is a classic at Blancpain. Indeed, this interesting and practical combination of complications established itself as a mainstay with its original debut in 2002. Even more, the complete calendar is a signature display of the brand since its re-inception in the 1980s. For Baselworld 2018, the Le Brassus-based manufacture reinterprets this classic in a modern way, with a redesigned dial, an improved movement and more practicality. Here is the Blancpain Villeret Quantième Complet GMT.