Category: Novelty

Hands-on – Santos de Cartier Chronograph – Respecting the Innate Elegance of an Icon

Having given the Santos new wings in 2018, Cartier expands the bestselling men’s collection in 2019 with the addition of a chronograph.  Thicker, wider and infinitely sportier, the new Santos de Cartier Chronograph has found an elegant solution to replace the classic two-pusher chronograph configuration with a modified version of its automatic 1904-CH MC calibre. Presented in three versions – solid 18k pink gold, steel and yellow gold bezel, and steel with a black ADLC bezel – we have selected the stylish pink gold model for our hands-on review.

7 years ago

Pre-Baselworld 2019 – Chopard L.U.C XPS Twist Qualité Fleurier

The XPS by Chopard has been one of the best examples of the modern, chic, ultra-thin watch for over 20 years now. Elegant, beautifully crafted with great mechanics, one could regret a certain lack of audacity in the design, with most of the pieces being quite minimalistic. While keeping the L.U.C codes alive, Chopard brings […]

7 years ago

News – Celebrating the 125th Anniversary of the Omega name with Jubilee Watches – Special De Ville Trésor and Reborn Original Calibre 19-ligne

125 years ago, a Swiss watch manufacture started to use its commercial name and became one of the most iconic, most sought-after names in the industry. Not a new brand per se, this watch manufacture took its name from its emblematic movement, a 19-ligne hand-wound calibre fitted in pocket watches: the Calibre Omega. As you’ve […]

7 years ago

Hands-on – Zenith Defy Classic Skeleton Two-Tone, Titanium and Rose Gold

Following up on their well-priced/well-executed full-titanium Defy Classic Skeleton from 2018, Zenith has added an embellished version with rose gold, which is also the first two-tone 41mm Defy model. The titanium bezel has been replaced with 18-carat rose gold along with links in the integrated titanium bracelet. The same sporty look with an edge from the Defy Classic remains intact with the two-tone version, but the upscale aesthetic is targeting a more “coat and tie” clientele. The openworked (skeleton) dial is the only option this time around, removing the second blue sunburst dial from last year’s Defy Classic. The core product may be the same, but the cosmetic changes make a big difference to the overall package. Let’s take a closer look at the Two-Tone Zenith Defy Classic.

7 years ago

Introducing – Chronoswiss Flying Regulator Open Gear 35th Anniversary Editions

Chronoswiss hit a home run with the Flying Regulator Open Gear last year and it quickly became their most popular model. The design is a contemporary and almost futuristic take on the centuries-old regulator setup (a style that Chronoswiss embraces) and many variations form a broader Flying Regulator series – the Night and Day and Grand Regulator are good examples. The company out of Lucerne, Switzerland celebrated its 35thanniversary in 2018 with a limited Flying Regulator Open Gear Anniversary Edition and has added two additional models for 2019, now in Metallic Orange or bright Blue.

7 years ago

In-Depth – The Audemars Piguet Calibre 4400, the New In-House, Integrated Chronograph

The launch of the Code 11.59 collection is a crucial moment for Audemars Piguet. There has been no product launch of this magnitude over the past 20 years for the brand. In this respect, the Code collection presentation was the perfect opportunity to introduce a long-anticipated development that was announced a few years ago: the Audemars Piguet Calibre 4400, an in-house, integrated chronograph movement – by no means a small achievement since chronographs are extremely difficult to develop.

7 years ago

Hands-on – Bvlgari Octo Finissimo Tourbillon Automatic now in Carbon

2018 was the year of the ultra-thin watch. No debate! Piaget and Bvlgari, which started to race a couple of years ago on that topic, literally smashed one record after another in less than 2 months. The final word, however, went to the Roman brand, which introduced the ultra-impressive Octo Finissimo Tourbillon Automatic at Baselworld 2018. After winning the thinness record, Bvlgari has decided to play on the weight of the watch. While not breaking lightness records, the new Carbon version of this watch makes it light as a feather.

7 years ago

SIHH 2019 – IWC Pilot’s Watch Chronograph Spitfire 41mm also in Steel (ref. IW387901)

As part of the Pre-SIHH 2019 novelties, IWC presented a new pilot’s chronograph with multiple reasons to fall in love: the Pilot’s Watch Chronograph Spitfire Bronze. “Vintaged”, smaller than previous Pilot’s Chrono, equipped with a new manufacture movement and with a cool green dial/bronze case combination, it made quite an impression on us. However, bronze isn’t for everyone… And good thing is that the SIHH 2019 brings this same watch in a more classical material. Meet the IWC Pilot’s Watch Chronograph Spitfire 41mm Also in Steel IW387901.

7 years ago

SIHH 2019 – Vacheron Constantin Les Cabinotiers Minute Repeater Perpetual Calendar

Vacheron Constantin’s very own customisation department – Les Cabinotiers – has created a one-of-a-kind timepiece that perpetuates the brand’s longstanding tradition of combining sophisticated horological complications.  Following the release of the Mécaniques Sauvages animal-themed collection, the Grande Complication Phoenix, and the Minute Repeater Tourbillon Sky Chart,  Vacheron gives yet another display of the virtuosity of its watchmakers and artisans grouped in the Les Cabinotiers, where bespoke fantasies come to light. The latest unique piece shared by the brand is this Minute Repeater Perpetual Calendar fitted with a totally revisited and ultra-thin movement: Calibre 1731 QP.

7 years ago