Category: Novelty

Jacob & Co. Astronomia Tourbillon Clarity Octopus… Extravagant But Mechanically Fascinating

Clearly, this watch is far from usual standards, in terms of elegance and proportions. Clearly, it is not meant for the masses – whether we talk about design or retail price. Clearly, it is not the average vision of a classic timepiece. Yet, the Jacob & Co. Astronomia Tourbillon is quite a watch, especially from a technical point of view. It is bold but mechanically fascinating. This year, Jacob & Co. unveils an exceptional new version of its uber-complicated piece, the Astronomia Tourbillon Clarity Octopus.

7 years ago

The Superb Laurent Ferrier Galet Annual Calendar School Piece in Pale Yellow Gold

For the SIHH 2018, Laurent Ferrier had quite a lot of novelties up his sleeve and his latest watch features a new movement and an unprecedented complication for the brand: an annual calendar. Housed in the sleek, round Montre Ecole (School Piece) case, the Laurent Ferrier Galet Annual Calendar already impressed us just by looking at photos… And then came the surprise of Ferrier’s new movement housed in a great looking new gold alloy. Clearly, one of the most elegant and desirable watches of the SIHH 2018.

7 years ago

Pre-Baselworld 2018 – Frederique Constant Classic Worldtimer Manufacture Green Dial

For many of us these days, regular international travel seems to have become a common occurrence. Whether for pleasure, or more likely, for business, the challenges of managing multiple time-zone changes are very much a reality. Not only is it tough on your body and soul (anyone who is reading this from their hotel room at 3am will know what I mean), it can also be a pain making sure your watch is set to the right time. Sure, you can just rely on your smartphone (boring), or you can invest in a handsome, yet affordable worldtimer, such as the soon to be released Frederique Constant Classic Worldtimer Manufacture Green Dial.

7 years ago

Pre-Baselworld 2018 – Maurice Lacroix Aikon Automatic Skeleton

Maurice Lacroix is known for its affordable approach of watchmaking, bringing complex displays and complications to a larger audience. Another field often used by the brand are skeleton watches, with modern and rather bold openworked movements. Expected to debut at Baselworld 2018 is the Maurice Lacroix Aikon Automatic Skeleton, a watch that brings a new self-winding skeleton movement in the recently introduced sporty Aikon case. Overview.

7 years ago

The E.C. Andersson Calypso, a Stylish All-Rounder with a Reliable Swiss-ETA Movement

A few months back, we got our hands on the North Sea II, the primary watch from Swedish micro-brand E.C. Andersson. A robust and attractive watch, it was itself based on the original North Sea, the first model of the brand, which it had successfully funded on Kickstarter in 2016 and then quickly sold out of. Now, the company is back with their next model, the Calypso, the production of which it is also funding on Kickstarter. Described by the brand as their first “true high-end watch”, it has already reached its funding goal with 15 days still to go. We decided to take a closer look to see what all the fuss is about.

7 years ago

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Jumbo Extra-Thin 15202IP – The Superb Titanium/Platinum and Smoked Blue Dial Version of the RO

When we received the whole bunch of novelties that AP was about to launch at the SIHH 2018 (and there was a lot), one watch set apart from the rest. Weird enough, this watch is far from being a true revolution. Not that the RD#2 isn’t a stunning development, but we were all, at the MONOCHROME redaction, focussed on this new Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Jumbo Extra-Thin 15202IP. Already stunning on the official images, we needed to see it in the metal. And boy, what a beauty it is.

7 years ago

The Czapek Quai des Bergues Guilloche Now In An Array of Colors

Czapek sets the tone for 2018, with new versions of the Quai des Bergues, full of colors. The independent brand, a revival of the name of Patek’s ex-partner, started its life with an online subscription campaign (yes, quite special for a brand with such high-end watches) and is now becoming more established than ever. New collections, new watches, new styles… For 2018, Czapek unveils its Quai des Bergues watch with colored guilloché dials.

7 years ago

The 2018 Cartier Santos Large Size, with New Design and Cool Strap/Bracelet Features

The Cartier Santos is back! Based on the first wristwatch created by Cartier in 1904 for aviator Santos Dumont, this legendary model had been in the collection since its introduction in 1978 – at least, the modern version of the Santos, with a steel case and screwed bezel. However, the Santos was discontinued two years ago – and for a good cause. A new model is about to hit the stores and Cartier presented its redesigned version at the SIHH. Meet the new Cartier Santos 2018, tested here in steel, large size and with quite some cool features for the strap/bracelet.

7 years ago

Graham Chronofighter Vintage Nose Art Ltd. Kelly, for Chinese New Year

Chinese New Year is fast approaching and there is another victory girl in the Graham pin-up line up. The concept of the vintage-inspired pilot chronograph, with its bold lefty-case, combined with painted dials depicting Nose Art is now a signature style for the brand, and there’s a new “babe” coming. She goes by the name of Kelly, she is Asian and she wears a long red floral dress. Here’s an early hands-on look at the Graham Chronofighter Vintage Nose Art Ltd. Kelly.

7 years ago