Brellum has just unveiled two new versions of its retro-inspired Duobox. The first variation of this beautiful and well thought-out chronograph is rendered in steel and gold, while the second is a limited edition of 8 pieces in steel, powered by a modified Valjoux 7750 featuring a power reserve indication at 3 o’clock. Like the previous models, these new watches are great value for money. Let’s take a look!
The unapologetically smart H. Moser & Cie Swiss Alp Watch returns with Zzzz and Brrrr – two limited edition watches that lack nothing except vowels (live pics, specs and price). The mechanical wristwatch is still a powerful icon. At least we, at Monochrome, think so. Its role might be seen as threatened by mobile devices, however it …
De Grisogono might be an extremely respectable brand, it has the image of a field of action turning more around haute jewelry rather than complex watches. Of course, there are a few pieces, but nothing that, at first, could tickle our interest… But we were wrong, as the chic rectangular De Grisogono watch now houses an architectural Tourbillon skeleton movement – and it looks quite stunning.
Talking about an update in the case of the “new” Rolex Yacht-Master II is almost ironical, as the changes done by the “Crown” to its Regatta watch are minimal. However, the reality is that we indeed have a new iteration of this niche model, without changing its reference number (Ref. 116680 for the steel version). Something that actually sounds like a nice occasion to look back at the Yacht-Master II and its great functionalities.
Recently I had a chance to preview one of the most intriguing objects that I have seen in quite a while; the Anura Rafael Write Time. I call it an object because the Write Time doesn’t quite fit into one category. An incredible display of craftsmanship, it’s a fountain pen that transforms into a watch, or a watch that transforms into a fountain pen, depending on your perspective. Semantics aside however, it is an utterly fascinating example of unbridled creativity and artistic expression combined with the technical know-how required to execute such an ambitious project.
While Oris might be famous for its dive watches, such as the Aquis or the hype Divers Sixty Five, there’s another collection in the catalogue that is far from lacking interest, the Artelier range. Featuring the same overall quality for an affordable price as the rest of the watches produced by the brand, this Artelier collection can be seen the elegant and complex (relatively-speaking) offering. For 2017, one of Oris’ defining movements is encased in a redesigned watch, the new Oris Artelier Complication.
Last year, at Baselworld 2016, Hublot demonstrated again their concept of “fusion“, this mix of different materials, sometimes rather unusual for watches, with an interesting combination. The brainchild of a partnership between the watchmaker and Berluti, the famous Parisian shoemaker, they applied patinated leather not only for the straps but also on the dials – creating what I personally found one of the most appealing creations of the brand. Today, the same concept is applied on a chronograph, the Hublot Classic Fusion Chronograph Berluti.
Rough, cold, with a unique character and surprisingly though, fascinating… This description, which you might imagine being dedicated to this contrasting country that is Finland, will be equally relevant when talking about the new S.U.F. Helsinki Vetehinen, the brand’s first dive watch. A Finnish watch made by Finnish watchmaker Stepan Sarpaneva, playing with the codes and transposing them in his unique universe, resulting in a watch that simply feels different, in a very good way.
Rough, cold, with a unique character and surprisingly though, fascinating… This description, which you might imagine being dedicated to this contrasting country that is Finland, will be equally relevant when talking about the new S.U.F. Helsinki Vetehinen, the brand’s first dive watch. A Finnish watch made by Finnish watchmaker Stepan Sarpaneva, playing with the codes and transposing them in his unique universe, resulting in a watch that simply feels different, in a very good way.
I don’t know about you but when I think Glashütte Original, I generally think formal watches, exceptionally finished but a bit more sombre in design. That’s not to say the German watchmaker is afraid to use a bit of color (just look at the Sixties Iconic Square collection) but typically speaking, I would not describe the brand’s watches as particularly ‘young’ looking. That is until I got my hands on the new Glashütte Original Senator Chronograph Panorama Date in steel.