ROLEX BASELWORLD 2017 – Predictions For The Novelties That Rolex Could Launch In 2017

It’s that time of the year again… In less than 2 months Baselworld will open its doors, revealing a myriad of new watch collections. Included among them of course will be the new releases from Rolex for 2017. Today we’re featuring what has become something of a recurring game for us here at Monochrome. Just like we did in 2016, 2015 and 2014 we’ve spent the last few weeks guessing what could be the Rolex Baselworld 2017 Collection? This is the question we’re trying to answer today. What could be Rolex 2017 Novelties? After long debates based on our own expectations, analysis of the Rolex catalogue and data compiled from discussions at several watch forums, here are the watches that Rolex could potentially launch at Baselworld 2017. Keep in mind, these are just predictions. Nothing is official.

8 years ago

BYOW (Build-Your-Own-Watch) – The Revolo Concept, An Affordable Way To Design A Unique Watch

Admit it, most of us (if not ALL of us) have dreamt about it at one point; building your own watch. Whether it’s our very own watch brand, or a Pièce Unique. Normally, if you call it normal, this will cost you thousands if not hundreds of thousands, especially when you want to turn your concept into an actual brand. There is a solution though, and it goes by the name of Revolo. We take a look at what it is, and what it can do for you through our very own “Monochrome Pièce Unique”.

8 years ago

The Blancpain Bathyscaphe Now In 38mm – A Smaller Version Presented in the Frame of The Blancpain Ocean Commitment (BOC) Inauguration in Zurich

Blancpain has been committed for years to raising awareness about the ever-increasing need to safeguard our oceans. The issue is a critical one that affects all of us and immediate action is required, so it is always good to see a brand taking the initiative to help protect our environment. This program is all the more meaningful given Blancpain’s historical connection with diving, going as far back as 1953 with the launch of the first modern diving watch, the Fifty Fathoms, which is now introduced in 38mm during the inauguration of the Blancpain Ocean Commitment exhibition in Zurich*.

8 years ago

Review – The A. Lange & Söhne Tourbograph Perpetual Pour le Merite (Spoiler Alert: It is MEGA)

No need to beat around the bush… Some subjects don’t really need to be debated. The new A. Lange & Söhne Tourbograph Perpetual Pour le Merite is a superlative watch, a proper masterpiece, mixing all the technical marvels of one of the best manufactures in the world (because for once, it’s outside Switzerland), with a strong respect to traditions and a devotion to what is (to me, at least) the most important in a watch; precision. Yes, you could say that the Tourbograph Perpetual Pour le Merite blows things out of proportion but still, whatever the critics will be, we all must admit that this watch is, in every aspect, mega.

8 years ago

Introducing The Colorful Sixties Iconic Square Collection By Glashütte Original (With 1960s Dial Colors)

Following the inaugural presentation of the Sixties Iconic Collection in 2015, Glashütte Original takes its tribute to iconic 1960s design to a new level. For those who thought that Glashütte Original watches were rigorous and very teutonic (well, some are, yet in a very beautiful way), you might have to change your mind about the brand. They can also go a bit out of the box. A vintage and original rounded-square design, combined with super-bright colors… Yes, the Glashütte Original Sixties Iconic Square Collection comes from that same Saxonian manufacture that can create the Senator Chronometer. And we won’t complain that they dare to look back at iconic design elements first presented in “Spezimatic” models produced in the 1960s.

8 years ago

IWC Da Vinci Perpetual Calendar Chronograph In Steel – The Cornerstone Of The 2017 Collection

As we’ve seen yesterday, the story behind the IWC Da Vinci has been eventful and longer than many thought. If the first edition dates back 1969, it’s really in 1985 that the Da Vinci obtained the recognition we know today, with one iconic version, the Ref. 3750 Perpetual Calendar Chronograph, conceived in the mind of genius Kurt Klaus. For 2017, there’s a new Da Vinci collection, which takes inspiration in that vintage model. And this might be the main reason why we heard many collectors praising one edition in particular, the one we believe to be the cornerstone of the 2017 range, the IWC Da Vinci Perpetual Calendar Chronograph in Steel.

8 years ago

Czapek & Cie Unveils A Platinum Limited Edition & The 38.5mm Quai des Bergues

The name Czapek came back on the front of the scene in 2015, with the launch of the Quai des Bergues (Read our story about the re-birth of Patek ex-partner here). The watch has been very well received and was even awarded with the Public Prize at Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève 2016. This stylish 42.5mm timepiece has been offered in different versions and Czapek now unveils a limited edition of 10 pieces in the noblest of metals, platinum and with an engraved case, as well as smaller 38.5mm edition.

8 years ago

Eventful, Innovative, Sometimes Unloved, Sometimes Iconic… The History Of The IWC Da Vinci

Over several decades of existence, the IWC Da Vinci has drastically evolved and has seen dozens of versions and style. Yet, even if this watch is certainly not as popular as the Portugeiser or the Big Pilot’s Watch, it has been the field for multiple innovations and milestones for the brand. Before we go hands-on with the latest version of the Da Vinci, in what we think is the key model of the 2017 collection, the Perpetual Calendar Chronograph, as a tribute to the famous 1985 watch created by legend Kurt Klaus, a short history of the IWC Da Vinci would be more than useful.

8 years ago

Pre-BaselWorld 2017 – Bell & Ross BR03-92 Horograph and BR03-92 Horolum

Now that the SIHH 2017 is off, it’s time for the Baselworld-exposing brands to start to unveil (a part of) their new collections. One of the first watchmakers to pull the trigger is Bell & Ross, which is making a comeback to minimalistic aviation-oriented pieces, after a few iterations based on racing-cars or complications. Iconic square case, graphic lines, matte finishing, utilitarian look, monochromatic tones and Bauhaus inspiration… Here are the Bell & Ross BR03-92 Horograph and BR03-92 Horolum (the latter being a 500-piece limited edition).

8 years ago

Louis Moinet Mobilis – An Hypnotic Double Tourbillon & Kaleidoscope Watch

Mobilis in Mobile – please welcome the Louis Moinet Mobilis – The ‘indie’ watchmaking brand honoring the memory of the great Louis Moinet unveils a sculptural, hyper-active and hypnotic watch. On the dial of this Louis Moinet Mobilis, no less than a double tourbillon powering a mesmerizing kaleidoscope automaton. Let’s take a closer look.

8 years ago