Ulysse Nardin Classico Manufacture “Grand Feu” with Enamel Dials, for the SIHH 2018

While some of the watches introduced by Ulysse Nardin at the SIHH 2018 slightly surprised us, including the Marine Torpilleur Military (and surprise doesn’t mean negative feelings here), the brand also had something resolutely classic up its sleeve in the form of the Classico Manufacture “Grand Feu”, which we reviewed here. Endowed with glossy enamel dials, a subtle yet original design, and an accessible price, we wanted to see them in the metal.

8 years ago

Oris Chronoris Williams 40th Anniversary Limited Edition

I always have a little bit of a tough time stomaching car, football club or otherwise branded Limited Edition or commemorative timepieces. Some try way too hard to get across what they are, other than a standard series watch with often little more than a few details that have nothing to do with watchmaking. Don’t get me wrong, there are examples that come out just right in my book, and yes it is of course highly personal, as is everything when it comes to preferences. One of those watches that seems to hit the proverbial nail on the head for me is the recently introduced Oris Chronoris Williams 40th Anniversary Limited Edition.

8 years ago

Frederique Constant Slimline Moonphase Stars Manufacture Hands-On

Decidedly feminine and intriguingly alluring, the new Frederique Constant Slimline Moonphase Stars Manufacture watch (yes, it is a long name) will dazzle you in an instant. The magnificent midnight blue dial depicts a stunning rendition of the moon and stars that captures the eye at a glance. However, this watch is not just a pretty face, as it will also talk to those with love for the nice mechanics.

8 years ago

The Unusual Louis Moinet 20-Second Tempograph

Presented in 2014, the Louis Moinet 20-Second Tempograph isn’t a new watch. Yet, as it features a playful retrograde second hand staged with volumes, contrasting materials and colours, it deserves that we, at MONOCHROME, take a closer look at a watch that is both unusual, technically complex, visually daring and unique in its display.

8 years ago

Recap – The 5 Watches That Made the Buzz in 2017

The end of the year is close, so it is time, before 2018 starts, to recap what happened in 2017. Yesterday, we looked at the industry and the 5 main highlights of the year. Today, we move back to watches, with the 5 pieces that created most conversations. Controversial, innovative, unexpected or loved… There were some great pieces in 2017 and these 5 are the ones that, for us, should be remembered. Of course, this list isn’t exhaustive. Please share with us in the comment section which watches made an impression on you.

8 years ago

Hands-On – The new Carl F. Bucherer Manero Perpetual Limited Edition

The Manero Collection has been a MONOCHROME favourite within the Carl F. Bucherer line-up for a long time. For simple reasons: these are the most elegant, refined watches and it comprises the most complex movements (including in-house ones). In addition to the Chronograph Perpetual, The Lucerne-based Manufacture has just added a QP-only watch to its …

8 years ago

Hands-On – New Versions of the Maurice Lacroix Masterpiece Moon Retrograde

Launched in the early 1990s, the Masterpiece family is Maurice Lacroix flagship collection. It offers small complications, yet with creative displays and with relatively accessible prices. At Baselworld 2017, the brand unveiled new versions of two models with retrograde indications, a speciality of the brand since 1999. Based on the same design introduced by the Masterpiece Double Retrogade we reviewed, here is the Maurice Lacroix Masterpiece Moon Retrograde, with yet another interesting display.

8 years ago

Review – The New Brellum Duobox Pandial Chronograph

If you’re a long-time reader of MONOCHROME, you should already be familiar with Brellum, a young Swiss-based brand responsible for the Duobox. This watch is everything of a no-nonsense chronograph: slightly vintage-inspired, robust, very well built and overall, cool to wear. We now have the first main evolution of this watch, the Duobox Pandial. The racing inspiration is now clear, with a two-tone dial and an external tachymeter bezel. Let’s have a closer look.

8 years ago

Hands-On – Parmigiani Fleurier Toric Hémisphère Rétrograde

The Toric was the first watch ever designed by Michel Parmigiani back in 1996. The collection was reintroduced at SIHH 2017 with the elegant Toric Chronomètre, a subdued, less complex take on the original case design. It is now presented in a stylish travel watch version with the Toric Hémisphères Rétrograde. The result is simply superb and the model has been awarded at the prestigious GPHG in the 2017 Travel Time category. Read on to learn more.

8 years ago

7 Women Industry Insiders Pick Top Watches For Under $1,000 (for both genders)

Just in time for the holidays, we bring you seven great watches – for men and women – under USD1,000, as selected by women insiders in the watch industry. This article was initially conceived of in response to the male-insiders-only article written in the New York Times just over a week ago. For that article, entitled “A Watch With Snob Appeal for Under $1,000? Six Watch Insiders Offer Picks” the author opted to inquire about top watches under $1,000 as selected by 6 different men, including our Founder, Frank Geelen. We, at MONOCHROME, wanted to hear what women have to say on that topic too. Additionally, we can bring some choices for both men and women as well – something the men really can’t do.

8 years ago