Category: Novelty

Pre-SIHH 2018 – Vacheron Constantin Traditionnelle Complete Calendar “Excellence Platine”

It seems that Vacheron Constantin’s current favorite complication might well be the triple calendar (or full calendar, or complete calendar… all refer to the same complication). Brought back at center stage with the stunning Historiques Triple Calendrier 1942 in steel and its gold sibling, the Triple Calendrier 1948, two superbly vintage-inspired pieces, the elegant calendar display is now integrated into a more modern – and highly precious – watch, as a preview of the SIHH 2018. Please meet the Vacheron Constantin Traditionnelle Complete Calendar “Excellence Platine“.

7 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.

7 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.

7 years ago

Hands-On – The New Ferdinand Berthoud Chronomètre FB1.4, In Titanium and with Sapphire Bridges on the Movement

Ferdinand Berthoud strips down its spectacular Chronomètre FB1. After the recently introduced platinum edition, it’s now the movement that evolves. Indeed, sapphire bridges now offer an unimpeded view on its killer inner workings, and this mechanical beauty is now housed in a titanium case (with 2 different dials available). Meet the Ferdinand Berthoud Chronomètre FB1.4, available in two different versions, which shows quite some evolutions compared to the previous models of the brand.

7 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.

7 years ago

Introducing – H. Moser & Cie. Endeavour Tourbillon Concept, Fighting Gravity in the Purest Way

Creating an object without a single mention of its provenance on the dial and that, however, remains recognizable is far, far from easy. Yet, Schaffhausen-based brand H. Moser & Cie., with their pure/nude watches, achieved this – at least, among an audience of well-educated collectors. Pushing the idea even further are the Concept watches of the brand: no text, no indexes, no Swiss-Made mention… Actually, nothing! A dial and its hands, that’s all. This idea is now applied to another watch in the collection, the most complex of them all, with Endeavour Tourbillon Concept.

7 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. 

7 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.

7 years ago

In-Depth – The MING 19.01 With Exclusive Movement By Schwarz Etienne (With Live Photos)

A few months ago, we introduced you to a brand new, Malaysian-based brand called MING and their debut timepiece, the MING 17.01. Designed by famed watch photographer Ming Thein, this break-out watch sold out almost immediately (thanks in no small part to its US$900 price tag.) Impressively, just a few months later, Ming and his team have already unveiled their second watch; the MING 19.01. With a radical design, a Swiss Made movement and an extra zero on the price tag, this new timepiece has definitely gotten the watch world talking. Read on for all the details.

7 years ago