Category: Luxury Watches

Introducing Erwin, Habring² first jumping second with in-house movement

Habring² was founded in 2004 by husband and wife Richard and Maria Habring. Based in Austria, this small, independent manufacturer has received industry accolade being awarded several times at GPHG, the Oscars of watchmaking, including two “Petite Aiguilles”* – The first time was in 2013 for a jumping second watch. The second time was in 2015, with Felix, the first Habring² powered by an in-house movement, the A11. The news that the Austrian duo presents its first jumping second based on the A11 calibre sounded like something to look forward to. Erwin, their latest creation does live up to the promise.

9 years ago

Watches and Formula 1 – Episode 3 – Mercedes AMG & IWC Schaffhausen

After a long hiatus over the summer, and the sometimes literal clash between Mercedes AMG F1 drivers Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton reaches new levels race by race, it is time to look at the current leader of the pack for this third chapter in our Watches and Formula 1 series. Mercedes AMG F1 is the team that rose from the ashes of Brawn GP which in turn bailed out Honda Racing F1 Team. If you remember our first episode of this series, we covered the origin of motor racing, including the birth of Grand Prix racing and the start of Formula 1 in 1950. Coincidently, Mercedes played a major role in both of these! It just so happens that the German manufacturer teamed up with a Swiss Watchmaker from day one; IWC Schaffhausen!

9 years ago

History of the Patek Philippe Nautilus, Part 2 – The evolution of a collection (1980/2006)

As the Patek Philippe Nautilus is celebrating this year its 40th anniversary, it was time for two events: the launch of a dedicated collection by the Geneva-based Maison and, for us, it was the perfect moment to bring you a complete retrospective on this icon. Last week was part 1 and, of course, it was entirely focused on the one that started it all; the iconic reference 3700 “Jumbo”. This week, we’ll mainly focus on the evolution of the model into a proper collection, with the introduction of new versions, new sizes and new complications. And that, just before we look at the present collection… but that will come later.

9 years ago

Hands-On – The MeisterSinger Circularis Automatic… The single-hand goes self-winding and in-house

Most of you probably know THE main feature of MeisterSinger watches: the mono-aiguille / single-hand display. That alone is already enough to tickle our interest, linked to the fact that their watches are nice, elegant, quite unique and, best of all, rather inexpensive. What some of you probably don’t know is that since 2 years, the brand can also be called a manufacture, as they have their own in-house movement, the Circularis. This year, the upper-end offer of the brand evolves and turns into a self-winding movement. Here is the MeisterSinger Circularis Automatic – and for once, in-house really adds something more.

9 years ago

The Zoute Grand Prix Rally 2016 sponsored by Lebeau-Courally – Part 1, The Rally

What do a classic car rally, handmade hunting rifles and mechanical watches have in common? The answer is Lebeau-Courally. The company was founded in 1805 and is well known in Royal families for its handmade hunting rifles and has moved into the field of haute-horlogerie by acquiring Le Locle based IMH. Lebeau-Courally is a platinum sponsor of the Zoute Grand Prix Rally. In part 2 of this article we will focus on Lebeau-Courally and their newest timepiece, the beautiful Phase de Lune with 18 layers of enamel. However first we’re going to have a look at the Zoute Grand Prix event, in particular the rally.

9 years ago

Accessible Luxury as defined by the new Frederique Constant Classics Moonphase Automatic

“Accessible Luxury” is, as you might know now, since we explained it to you several times, Frederique Constant’s motto. Well, besides the marketing gimmick behind it, there’s actually much more. At FC, this is not just an idea to print on brochures, but a real way to build watches. The idea is simple: offering a lot for the (little) money you’re about to spend in a watch. And this new Frederique Constant Classics Moonphase Automatic is just about that.

9 years ago

Review – Clerc Hydroscaph GMT Power Reserve Chronometer, the heavy diver

The choice for dive watches is quite literally endless. There are thousands of good, very good, or extremely good dive watches out there. There are also plenty of so-so dive watches, so it is very possible to lose track of what’s what in this popular category. Thus, we feel it is our duty to share some options outside the beaten path of Submariners, Seamasters or Panerais. One of these options is Clerc, a brand dedicated to dive watches with a bold design. Today, we bring you the Clerc Hydroscaph GMT Power Reserve Chronometer, first introduced last year, in one of our extensive reviews, including specs, lots of pictures and of course, our personal thoughts!

9 years ago

History of the Patek Philippe Nautilus, Part 1 – The Birth an Icon, the 3700 (1976/1990)

Stating that the Patek Philippe Nautilus is an icon is probably too easy… but there is no way to evade this. The Nautilus is an icon. No debate. Introduced in 1976, and designed by one of the most famous watch-designers, who can be seen as the creator of a new species of timepieces – the luxury sports watch. The Nautilus is praised by all sorts of collectors, and it is now celebrating its 40th anniversary. Last week we explained the 40th anniversary editions  to you, and now it is time to look at the entire timeline of this watch. The first part of the history of the Patek Philippe Nautilus is of course dedicated to the very first version, the Ref. 3700.

9 years ago

History of the Patek Philippe Nautilus, Part 1 – The Birth of an Icon, the 3700 (1976/1990)

Stating that the Patek Philippe Nautilus is an icon is probably too easy… but there is no way to evade this. The Nautilus is an icon. No debate. Introduced in 1976, and designed by one of the most famous watch-designers, who can be seen as the creator of a new species of timepieces – the luxury sports watch. The Nautilus is praised by all sorts of collectors, and it is now celebrating its 40th anniversary. Last week we explained the 40th anniversary editions  to you, and now it is time to look at the entire timeline of this watch. The first part of the history of the Patek Philippe Nautilus is of course dedicated to the very first version, the Ref. 3700.

9 years ago

Oris & Audi – The Oris Audi Sport III Limited Edition at WEC 6 Hours of Nurburgring

For returning readers it is a known fact most members of team Monochrome are car-guys to some extent. Obviously, both watchmaking and the automotive industry are intertwined extensively, so when Oris gave us the chance to attend the FIA World Endurance Championship 6 Hours of Nürburgring race, I jumped on the occasion! 6 hours of the fastest prototypes and road-car-based racers on the planet, blasting around an historical track sounds like a good way to spend a weekend! Oh, and there was a new watch. Quite a cool, special watch, to be handed to the drivers of Audi Sport: the Oris Audi Sport III Limited Edition.

9 years ago