Category: Luxury Watches

Buying Guide – 6 Great Bronze Watches for Patina Lovers

One of the earliest metals known to man – bronze – refers to a wide range of copper alloys, usually with tin as the main additive. Because it is strong and tough, bronze is mostly used to craft tool watches. It was used in boat fittings – prior to stainless steel – because of its resistance to saltwater corrosion. It oxidizes but only on its outer layer, and that greenish layer protects the metal from further corrosion. This is what makes bronze so special, but you have to be ready for it. The patina that slowly grows over time adds that rugged, vintage, distinctive touch and makes every watch unique and different from the rest. Here are 6 Bronze watches released in recent years that you might want to consider, if you like your watches to live and become unique.

8 years ago

Pre-SIHH 2018 – Vacheron Constantin Overseas Dual Time With New In-House Movement

This week, Vacheron Constantin is previewing one of the new additions it will be making to its popular Overseas collection in 2018, aptly named the Overseas Dual Time. Due to be officially launched at SIHH 2018, the Manufacture took the opportunity to get its new model in front of serious collectors from the Middle East (and further abroad) who attend the Dubai Watch Week event each year. Inside is the new Vacheron Constantin Caliber 5110 DT, which allows for the simultaneous reading of two time-zones, hence the name of the watch. A standard complication no doubt, but one that has been noticeably missing from the collection of this luxury sports watch.

8 years ago

In-Depth – Favre Leuba Bivouac 9000, A Watch With Mechanical Altimeter Measuring Altitudes Everywhere on Earth

Reaching extremes has always been one of mankind’s challenges. While the watchmaking industry has already provided watches for the exploration of both the top of the world or the deepest trench under the sea, today we have something that goes a few miles further… Seeking a rugged tool watch for hikes and explorations? The Favre Leuba Bivouac 9000 might be the perfect wrist companion, being the first watch capable of measuring altitude everywhere on Earth – and by that, we really mean everywhere, even on top of the Everest. Let’s take an in-depth look.

8 years ago

Hands-On – Tutima Saxon One Chronograph Royal Blue, The German Side of the Luxury Sports Watch

Tutima is a brand that, until recently, was mainly known for two things: being located in Germany’s temple of watches, a.k.a. Glashütte, and for being a provider of quite cool Flieger watches (WWII-inspired pilot chronographs). Yet, things are changing at Tutima, as we’ve seen with the superb Tempostopp and Patria, or with the recently introduced Saxon collection. This watch, the Tutima Saxon One Chronograph is now available with a blue dial, adding to the model’s overall contemporary look. We take a look at this sporty, yet elegant time-stopper.

8 years ago

Audemars Piguet Reissues the 1993 Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph… And We Go Hands-On With This 25th Anniversary Ref. 26237ST

Throughout its long history, Audemars Piguet did quite some bold moves. Of course, we all remember the 1972 Royal Oak, a Genta-designed watch that simply revolutionized the concept of the luxury watch. Another of these bold moves should be reminded. Back in 1993, Audemars Piguet presented an evolution of the Royal Oak, a highly-masculine version named the Offshore – a watch that will again create a trend that will later spread over the rest industry. To celebrate the 25th anniversary of this modern icon, the Le Brassus-based brand presents, as Pre-SIHH 2018 novelties, two new ROO watches, including this retro-inspired Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph Re-edition 25th Anniversary Ref. 26237ST. Slightly vintage, highly iconic.

8 years ago

Hands-On – The Garrick S1 Prototype With Skeletonized Dial, Offering A Window Into British Watchmaking

For the last few years, we’ve been hearing about the so-called “resurgence” of British watchmaking. Run by passionate Brits with a strong streak of defiance, these small independent brands are (very) slowly but surely gaining a foothold in the market and proving they have what it takes to stick around for a while. One such brand, which we’ve written about several times before on MONOCHROME, is Garrick (you can find all past coverage here.) Today, we’re taking a closer look at the S1, the latest model from the brand, or rather a prototype of it. 

8 years ago

Pre-SIHH 2018 – Ulysse Nardin Classico Manufacture “Grand Feu” with White or Black Enamel Dials

The Ulysse Nardin Classico Manufacture should be no stranger to you if you read MONOCHROME regularly. It is indeed a watch that we covered several times, and on each occurrence, we loved it. It is, as you could guess by its name, a classic offering from the brand. Available in several materials (yet, mainly with steel cases recently) and with many dial variations, it always remains a strong package throughout, with great value for the money. Prior to the SIHH 2018, Ulysse Nardin presents two new versions Classico Manufacture, with “Grand Feu” White or Black Enamel Dials, combined to steel case – and for less than EUR 9,000, that’s quite impressive.

8 years ago

Buying Guide – 8 of the Best New Tool-Watches Built For Adventures

It’s now time for our Year-End buying guides to gather 8 of the toughest watches launched in 2017. We have picked tool watches of various types, not excessively priced, but designed to hold up to outdoor activities, or constructed to tolerances for specific purposes. Perfect gifts for adventure seekers or simply for a rugged cool look for an afternoon trip into town.

8 years ago

Watches and Formula 1 – Episode 7 – Williams F1 and Oris

40 years, for some this feels like an eternity (I am only 33 years old) and for others it feels like next to nothing. Making it 40 years in life doesn’t require too much effort if you have no serious challenges. But to make it 40 years in the grueling sport of Formula 1 takes skill, determination, luck, good judgment, a lot of money and a clear vision. One of the most illustrious names in the business is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, so it is only fitting to include it into our Watches & Formula 1 saga; Williams F1 and their long-term watch partner, Oris.

8 years ago