Category: Novelty

Hands-on – The Cool, Vintage-Inspired Omega Seamaster 1948 Limited Editions 70th Anniversary

What’s old is new again, and Omega’s Seamaster 1948 gets a second lease of life in 2018 with two limited edition models that capture the retro spirit of the originals combined with turbo-charged 21st-century engines in the form of Co-Axial Master Chronometer movements. Seventy years down the line, the Seamaster 1948 reappears to seduce a new generation of buyers with two very attractive models, one with central seconds and the other with a small seconds sub-dial. With their elegant 38mm cases, monochromatic silver dials, Spartan aesthetics and non-existent date window, the Seamaster 1948 models were definitely one of our favourites at Baselworld 2018.

7 years ago

Hands-on – The H. Moser & Cie. Venturer Small Seconds XL Purity – Red Gold and Contemporary Rhodium-Plated Fumé Dial

Independent watch brand H. Moser & Cie. had another strong showing at Baselworld this year, introducing several stunning new models. We already wrote about the new Endeavour Perpetual Calendar Purity Cosmic Green (read that article here) and now today we’re getting hands-on with the simply sublime Venturer Small Seconds XL Purity. For the first time, 5N red gold makes its debut in the Venturer XL collection, creating a delightfully warm sense of contrast with the brand’s trademark fumé dials. Available in two different dial colours, this was definitely a sleeper hit from the brand for us.

7 years ago

Hands-on – Blancpain Villeret Tourbillon Volant Heure Sautante Minute Retrograde

With the Villeret Tourbillon Volant Heure Sautante Minute Retrograde, Blancpain introduces its first model ever with jumping hours and retrograde minutes. And that’s not all… There is much more than first meets the eye with this elegant Villeret watch. Its no-nonsense time display and clean, classic look incorporate technically challenging complications and superb craftsmanship. Let’s take a close look.

7 years ago

Hands-on – Hanhart Primus Monochrome Pilot – Bold, Military-Inspired and Monochromatic

First of all, important to mention that we, MONOCHROME, have nothing to do with the creation of this watch. Yet, when we’ve seen that Hanhart was about to launch a new timepiece named the “Primus Monochrome Pilot”, it was hard for us not to have a closer look. Based on the concept we’ve already reviewed a few months ago, the Primus Pilot, the German brand brings a new, stealthy and truly military-inspired version of its bold chronograph. Overview.

7 years ago

In-Depth – The New Tudor Black Bay Fifty-Eight 39mm – The Best Tudor BB So Far?

This year, at Baselworld 2018, the main novelty for Tudor was the Black Bay GMT – a watch that was a hot topic of debate, knowing that Rolex also showed its version of the Steel-Pepsi GMT watch. But was this watch the most important piece in the new collection? Maybe not. Additionally, Tudor introduced the Black Bay Fifty-Eight. Weird name for a watch that, at first sight, seems to be just another diving Black Bay. But let’s get straight to the point: this new ref. 79030N could well be the best Tudor Black Bay so far, and here’s why.

7 years ago

Hands-on – The Ferdinand Berthoud Edition 1785 – 5 Unique Pieces with Patinated Bronze Cases

50 shades of bronze… Bronze is trendy and has been mainly used to craft dive watches. Yet, Ferdinand Berthoud thought that this material could be used differently and could be an interesting playfield for its usually technical chronometer watches. At Baselworld 2018, the brand releases the Edition 1785, five unique pieces of the Chronomètre FB 1R, fashioned out of bronze and featuring different patina.

7 years ago

Hands-on – Omega Speedmaster CK2998 Pulsometer / Panda Dial

While Omega’s main focus for Baselworld 2018 was the Seamaster collection – the watch is celebrating its 70th anniversary this year – the Biel-based brand couldn’t entirely deny its other icon, the Speedmaster. Apart from the modern and surprising Dark Side of the Moon Apollo 8 edition, Omega also had something properly desirable to show: a new CK2998 Limited Edition. Nothing revolutionary here, just a cool vintage-inspired chronograph with several pleasant details. Meet the Omega Speedmaster CK2998 Pulsometer.

7 years ago

Women’s Watch Wednesday – Romain Gauthier Insight Micro-Rotor Lady – Mechanical Masterpiece With Exquisite Looks

Independent watchmaker Romain Gauthier has a masterful way of blending technology and design to create watches that are works of art, as well as timekeeping devices. For the past 13 years since Romain Gauthier started his eponymous brand in 2005, he has built his own movement components, developed four in-house calibres and handcrafts just about 60 watches per year – making Romain Gauthier one of the most exclusive watch brands on the market. It was at Baselworld 2017 that he unveiled his fourth calibre, the Insight Micro-Rotor. Now, Romain Gauthier unveils its first made-for-women watch: the Insight Micro-Rotor Lady.

7 years ago

Hands-on – Seiko Presage Shippo Enamel Limited Edition (ref. SPB073 & SPB075)

A well-kept Japanese secret, Seiko’s Presage collection was not shared with the rest of the world until 2016. With its winning formula of traditional Japanese craftsmanship, resilient mechanical technology and an unbeatable price, the Presage collection is almost too good to be true. The new Presage Shippo Enamel models, with their eye-catching blue dials, seduce at first sight and are proof positive that you don’t have to shell out a fortune for a beautifully handcrafted Grand Feu enamel dial. Two mechanical references, one with a date function and the second with a calendar and power reserve indicator, stand out from the crowd of ubiquitous blue dials flooding the market with their exquisite handcrafted Shippo enamel dials.

7 years ago