Hands-On – The New Ressence Type 5G, The Full Titanium Diver

When it has been launched, back in December 2015, we’ve been fairly surprised with the Ressence Type 5… In a very good way, this has to be said. For sure, a dive watch from Ressence was really not expected, however, when knowing the evolution of the concept initialized with the Type 3, it felt like a natural evolution. Apart from the cool display, this watch, thanks to its oil-filled dial, allowed to be the only mechanical dive watch with zero reflections underwater (and if you’re doubtful, see our field test here). Just between the SIHH and the upcoming Baselworld, Ressence now comes with a full titanium version of this watch, the Type 5G, and it has some arguments to convince. And after you saw it yesterday on all our competitors’ websites with press photos, we, at Monochrome, go hands-on with it.

8 years ago

Hublot Classic Fusion Italia Independent / Lapo Elkann – With Authentic Fabric Dials & Straps

With Hublot, the word Fusion is not just the name of a watch. It is much more than that. it is a motto, a proper guideline for the design. Fusion refers to the concept of mixing materials, something that has always been in the DNA of the bold manufacture. Fusion of gold and ceramic, fusion of metals and rubber, fusion of gold and patinated leather, fusion of everything that you can imagine and more… Hublot dares to integrate in watches materials that you would have never thought about. And they did it again, with the Hublot Classic Fusion Italia Independent, using authentic fabric dials & straps, the result of a collaboration with the highly creative enfant terrible Lapo Elkann.

8 years ago

Bell & Ross reveals the new BR03-94 RS17 alongside the Renault Sport F1 new R.S.17

Last year, in 2016, we announced to you a new partnership between Parisian brand Bell & Ross and Formula One Team Renault Sport – a partnership that we didn’t expected at first but that CEO Carlos Rosillo explained to us in details, just to avoid any confusions. Indeed, the brand was usually focused on military and aviation timepieces but this move to F1 and sports cars certainly opens new horizons. Talking novelties, and while the 2017 F1 season will soon begin, Bell & Ross just revealed their new Renault Sport F1 collaboration piece, the BR03 RS17 Chronograph, the new flagship of this race-oriented line of watches.

8 years ago

Pre-Baselworld 2017 – TAG Heuer Carrera Heuer-01 43 mm, now in Skeleton Version

Since its inception in 2015, the TAG Heuer Carrera Heuer-01 has quickly become the emblematic model of the brand, being also one of its best-sellers – which is surprising, first because of the look, rather in opposition with the previous creations, and because of its price positioning, as being one of the upper-range watches. While in …

8 years ago

Hands-On – The MB&F Legacy Machine LM2, now in Titanium (and that’s not the only update…)

When launched in 2013, the second iteration of the Legacy Machine Series, the MB&F LM2, introduced complexity not in the display but in chronometry, something that was actually rather new for Max and his team / friends. Indeed, MB&F Watches are usually very complex, but more to indicate the time in a different way. This LM2 was the reference point for the upcoming watches of the LM Series. Previously released in red gold, white gold and platinum (the latter being a limited edition linked to the usual bright blue dial). Today, MB&F announced the latest version of their dual balance watch, the Legacy Machine LM2, now in Titanium, with vivid green dial… and a few other tweaks to make it even better.

8 years ago

Review – Garrick Portsmouth, The Pride of England… With Exclusive Beating Heart

There’s a great line attributed to the fictional character Gregory House from the popular show House that seems very applicable in our social media driven world of instant feedback; “if nobody hates you, you’re doing something wrong.” It seems appropriate now more than ever as we see an increasing number of independent watchmaking brands emerge from relative obscurity to take center stage in what can only be described as ‘interesting’ times for the luxury watch industry as a whole. One such notable player is a small, British-based watch-maker by the name of Garrick Watch Co.

8 years ago

Introducing – Oris Hammerhead Limited Edition

Oris Hammerhead limited edition – As sharks are facing extinction, Oris unveils its robust dive watch, the Aquis, in a limited edition to help raise funds for a shark conservation project run by the NGO Pelagios Kakunjá, and supported by Oris ambassador and professional diver Jérôme Delafosse. Specific Grey dial, Day-Date display, combined with the new Aquis style.

8 years ago

Hands-On – The Colorful 40mm Piaget Altiplano Automatic “Back To Basics” Collection

For now 60 years, the Piaget Altiplano has been one of the best (if not the most remarkable) definitions of what a slim, elegant and sleek dress watch should be. It has it all: the pedigree, the mechanical content, the design… Yet, in the recent days, the Altiplano might have lost a bit of boldness to become a clean and modern watch, yet with the usual attributes of the collection. For the SIHH 2017 and to mark the 60th anniversary of the model, Piaget brings back some eccentricity to the Altiplano and historically relevant features, with the new colorful 40mm Piaget Altiplano Automatic.

8 years ago

Panerai LAB-ID PAM700 – Pure Concentrate of Technology

A common cliché is to let engineering and innovation in the hands of Germans / Swiss and design to Italians. Justified or not, you probably heard that dozens of times. Yet, for once, we’ll let Italians their chance to show their skills in terms of innovation… And to be honest, they might have something here. Indeed, the new Panerai LAB-ID PAM700, presented at the SIHH 2017, is simply a concentrate of Panerai’s technology. 50 years warranty, self-lubricated parts, almost no jewels in the movement, carbon everywhere. See, Italians can also jump into technology.

8 years ago

Review – Brellum Duobox, A New Offer With Cool Retro Design & Excellent Value For Money

The Brellum Duobox is a no-nonsense chronograph with retro-inspired design, powered by the robust and reliable Valjoux 7750. Elegant, nicely executed and offering excellent value for money – it is most likely one of the most affordable chronographs powered by a 7750 (and the best is that this movement is COSC certified… and that is almost never true in the below 5k price bracket!). This sounded promising enough to meet Sébastien Muller, founder of the brand, and go hands-on with the Brellum Duobox.

8 years ago