Color – it is essence of life and Earth, and for many, it offers inspiration and makes a keen statement of individuality. Such is the case with the newest women’s Classico Lady Grand Feu watches from Ulysse Nardin unveiled earlier this year and in stores now.
Earlier this year, at Baselworld 2017, Bell & Ross renewed their “classical” collection (which, compared to the bold and large BR-01 watches is somehow classical, yet sporty), the Vintage. Smaller, slimmer, more elegant, with just a tiny bit of vintage feel, this collection has been highly praised and widely recognized as a success. It is time now for Bell & Ross to go back to military and special forces inspiration, with the Vintage V2-92 & V2-94 Garde-Cotes, paying tribute to coastguards, and using a specific color code mixing grey, orange and white.
Part of the history of the Omega Speedmaster was the Moon landing and the qualification as official NASA watch for astronauts. Thanks to this heritage, the Speedy became the perfect play field for the Biel-based brand to create multiple limited editions, as tribute to Apollo missions or to Snoopy Awards. While many watch enthusiasts might not understand the point of all these special editions, it is clear that Speedmaster collectors love them, and they will be happy to know that a new one is about to land, the Omega Speedmaster Apollo 17 45th Anniversary ‘Tribute to Gene Cernan’.
The Tonda 1950 is one of our favorite time-only watches, here at the Monochrome redaction. Elegant and classic, yet with a modern and slightly Italian twist, it combines affordability with a superbly designed and finished movement. For 2017, Parmigiani has a new black-dialed version of the Tonda 1950 Steel collection, now with moon phase indication.
We already knew that Only Watch charity auction was able to bring quite cool watches – we already introduced to you several crazy pieces. So when we received the news from Montblanc, and the fact that they were creating a unique version of the Superb (with a capital “S” indeed…) 1858 Chronograph Tachymeter, the idea simply gave us, at the Monochrome redaction, a huge smile on the face. We all love the Montblanc 1858 Chronograph Tachymeter, and its magnificent movement. And when it comes in a unique Bronze Case and Vintage Green Dial version, it becomes just amazing…
Since its inception back in 1984, Blancpain has never built a quartz watch. In fact, I remember the unveiling of the first-ever Blancpain watch at the Basel Fair, wherein the then 34-year-old Jean-Claude Biver announced in the midst of the quartz era that this was a brand dedicated to mechanical watches. The announcement shook attendees at the event, with many naysayers insisting the brand could not last with a mechanical focus. Fast-forward 33 years and not only is Blancpain still a pure mechanical brand, but also it is creating simple mechanical complications for women, just like the recently introduced Blancpain Villeret Quantième Phases de Lune.
The summer is here. That means our thoughts turn to the seaside, sunshine, heatwave, mojitos, yacht deck, beach parties… and of course, what watch to wear this summer? You probably don’t want to take your treasured extra-flat, gold perpetual calendar watch out there. So, you’d likely be leaning towards some kind of dive watch, as it would be the best option, both to look classy, and to be able to jump in the pool without having to think about your watch. You’re on the right direction. But do you want to be part of this growing group of Submariner wearers? Maybe not, and thus, Audemars Piguet might have a pleasant and bold option for you, with the new Royal Oak Offshore Diver Funky Colors.
Not only large brands, such as Patek or Tudor, are participating to the Only Watch 2017 auction… There are many more watch companies, including some of the very best independent watchmakers who will also donate one unique, purpose-built timepiece to help research on muscular dystrophy. One of them is a favorite amongst Monochrome team: H. Moser & Cie, and for the 7th edition of the charity auction, they are coming with a one-of-a-kind piece, featuring their now classical “nude” style, and a few details to make it special. Here is the H. Moser & Cie. Venturer Concept Only Watch.
Earlier this year, prior to Baselworld 2017, Oris introduced a facelifted version of its most emblematic watch, the Aquis. More refined, better executed, more modern but still perfectly suitable as a professional dive watch… It seems that tool-watch lovers praised this new design. The entire Aquis collection is now going through this facelift process, to create a consistent line up. Today, the Oris Aquis Small Second Date, a watch that not only offers a different display but also a larger size and an increased water resistance, is introduced in its 2017 version.
While the main focus of Monochrome-Watches will clearly remain high-end watches, we also know that some of you, readers, can’t afford these superb yet pricy timepieces. This is why, from time to time, we also take a look at the other side of the range, with affordable options. Kickstarter, the crowdfunding tool, is full of watchmaking projects. Now launching is a new watch by Jakarta-based NAM Watch Company, with their classic-inspired Mahameru Automatic.