Introducing – The Updated Sporty Jaquet Droz Collection, the Grande Seconde SW

When you think Jaquet Droz, you usually have in mind the image of a sleek and elegant watch, characterized by the 8-shaped display of the dial. Most of the collections are on the dressy side, however, it is hard for a mainstream brand to leave apart opportunities such as the sports-watch market. But… How to mix the refined and signature display of Jaquet Droz with a sporty and bold attire? This is the hard task of the Grande Seconde SW collection, which has just been slightly redesigned, with new dials, two-tone versions and metal bracelet options.

8 years ago

Only Watch 2017 – Frederique Constant Manufacture Perpetual Calendar With Unique Meteorite Dial

As the month of July flies by, we continue to explore the different watches that charity auction Only Watch 2017 has to offer. We already saw impressive watches, exclusively developed to help research on Duchenne muscular dystrophy – and this is not over yet. Part of the 48 brands to participate is Frederique Constant, which has decided to tweak its flagship watch, the Manufacture Perpetual Calendar, by giving it a unique meteorite dial… And what was the most affordable QP on the market will certainly (and hopefully) loose its title with this edition.

8 years ago

Is Steel & Gold Coming Back? Reviewing the Tudor Black Bay S&G Two-tone

Steel and gold, or often referred to as “Two-Tone” has been a no-go for a long time. I was very surprised when Tudor presented us with a two-tone version of their much praised Black Bay, at the Baselworld watch fair earlier this year. The Black Bay is one of the most popular watches of the last 5 years, ever since it was introduced in 2012. The first model featured a burgundy red bezel insert and since then we’ve seen several versions with different colours for the bezel insert. Last year the Geneva based brand introduced a full black edition, and that one also hit the right note among watch enthusiasts. This year a two-tone version has been added to the collection, and again it seems to become a favourite

8 years ago

Only Watch 2017 – Chopard Superfast 8Hz, With Unique High-Beat Movement (And a Weekend at Monaco Historique GP with Legend Jacky Ickx)

While Only Watch charity auction was usually presenting unique pieces to raise funds to help research on Duchenne muscular dystrophy, this year some brands are going a few steps further by not only having unique watches but also offering in the package special experiences (Bell & Ross, Carl F. Bucherer or Blancpain do so). This is the case for Chopard, which for Only Watch 2017, will present a unique high-beat watch in honor of legendary pilot Jacky Ickx (the Chopard Superfast 8Hz Power Control Porsche 919 Only Watch 2017) – and talking Mr. Ickx, there’s something priceless that you’ll be able to bid on too…

8 years ago

Review – Graham Chronofighter Vintage Nose Art Ltd. – Aviation Pinups on your wrist

Being known as a brand far from conventions, Graham has specialized itself in creating aviation-inspired pieces, with quite a bold design. One can’t denied that these watches are “special”, yet not void of a clear coolness. As already having in the collection some vintage- and military-inspired pieces – see here – Graham has decided to add something that is part of fighting aircrafts’ history to the Chronofighter: “Nose Art“. Pinups on the wrist, with the new Graham Chronofighter Vintage Nose Art Ltd… And once again, it’s audacious.

8 years ago

Introducing – Bell & Ross BR126 Renault Sport 40th Anniversary, To celebrate the 40th Anniversary of Renault in Formula 1

In 2016, the Parisian brand Bell & Ross moved from its usual military-inspired watches to explore new territories with a partnership in Formula 1, with Team Renault Sport. This “French Connection”, which we detailed here, lead to the creation of already 2 collections, including the new pieces presented at Baselworld 2017. Today, another watch comes to enrich this F1 line-up, however far from the usual hyper-technical theme, and more on the vintage side. Here is the Bell & Ross BR126 Renault Sport 40th Anniversary, to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of Renault in Formula 1.

8 years ago

Monochromatic Watchmaking – Review of the GoS Sarek and Sarek Akka

The literal definition for “monochrome” is a “photograph or picture developed or executed in black and white only, or in various tones of only one color.”  If you consider this, and take into account that Monochrome-Watches tends to focus on high-end mechanical, you now understand what our name basically stands for. And to support this, every now and then, and never intentionally I guess, a watch fits the literal definition AND our definition of Monochrome perfectly, such as this new GoS Sarek Akka.

8 years ago

Introducing the Porsche Design Chronograph 911 GT2RS Exclusive Series and 911 Turbo S Exclusive Series

Goodwood is one of those events that is a must-visit for every petrol head on the planet, and if the weather plays along, it’s absolutely fabulous! Goodwood has three main events during the year: Members Meeting (which marks the start of the racing season), Revival (after summer) and recently, Festival of Speed; the latter was the setting for Porsche to unveil their newest 911 GT2 RS. Now if you wonder what a watch journalist is doing at the Festival of Speed with Porsche (and Porsche Design), then there’s a good explanation for that and yes, it has everything to do with watches. Rather exclusive watches if I may say so, because you can only buy one if you bought either the recently introduced Porsche 911 Turbo S Exclusive Series or the new 911 GT2RS Exclusive Series.

8 years ago

Only Watch 2017 – Unique Bell & Ross BR-X1 RS17 Only Watch, and there’s more than a watch to be auctioned…

This is not the first time that Bell & Ross participates to Only Watch. Indeed, the military-inspired Parisian brand already created several unique watches to be auctioned for this good cause, as for instance in 2011, 2013 and 2015 (see here). This year, B&R will also have a specifically modified model, based on the recently introduced BR-X1 RS17, the result of their partnership with Formula 1 team Renault Sport. So expect some strong racing car inspiration here… and there’s more than just a watch to be auctioned.

8 years ago