Hands-on – Graham Swordfish Chronograph Sails Back into the Collection

Graham refloats its Swordfish chronograph, an eye-catching timepiece distinguished by its two prominent portholes on deck to magnify the elapsed time counters. The 46mm hulls are made from bronze and steel but the look of these two limited editions models couldn’t be more different.

7 years ago

Hands-on – Frederique Constant Classics 24H – An Unusual (and affordable) Approach to Consulting the Time

There is no stopping the steady flow of models emerging from Frederique Constant, all steeled for battle in the mid-price arena. The latest Classic Automatic 24H, equipped with a 24-hour function, joins the well-populated Classics collection and will retail for under EUR 1,000. My first take on the newcomer was that this was a practical GMT watch, designed for men on the move. But where was the additional hand to read the second time zone? FC’s new watch is a bit of a mind teaser and presents a different way of reading the hours based on a 24-hour format. Instead of the standard hour hand advancing in 12 increments of one hour twice a day, the hand is slowed down to half its regular speed to read the 24-hour disc on the dial. Once you have got your mind around the fact that the hour hand makes one rotation a day and not two, things start to make sense.

7 years ago

Pre-SIHH 2019 – The Comeback of the Tonneau in the Cartier Privé Collection

The Tonneau Watch by Cartier always had a special place amongst collectors. Certainly less famous than other shaped watches designed by the Parisian Maison (Tortue, Crash, Tank, Santos, Drive, Ballon Bleu and many more), it remains one of the most original and certainly one of the most elegant creations ever done by Cartier. Thanks to the Revival of the “Privé” branding, with the reinterpretation of the Crash in 2015 and the Tank Cintrée in 2017, we see more of those beautiful shapes watches coming back in the brand’s portfolio. For the SIHH 2019, the Tonneau Watch is coming back.

7 years ago

Hands-on – Mido Ocean Star Diver 600, A Robust and Accessible Dive Watch

If Mido is celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2018, the history of the Mido Ocean Star dates back to the early 1940s. Naturally, at the time, the Ocean Star was not yet the modern mechanical dive watch it is today and had little in common with the latest model in the family, the most technical so far. Let’s take a look at this new Mido Ocean Star Diver 600.

7 years ago

Pre-SIHH 2019 – Montblanc Introduces Two New TimeWalker ‘Reverse Panda’ Chronographs

Two years ago at the SIHH 2017, Montblanc completely redesigned its TimeWalker collection, presenting its version of what a sports watch should look like. This represented the fulfilment of a key objective for Davide Cerrato, Managing Director of the Watch Division. In 2019, the brand looks to build on this success with the introduction of two additional models to the collection. Both feature “Reverse Panda” dials with contrasting black backgrounds and silvery-white counters and flanges. Read on for all the details, including expected pricing.

7 years ago

Pre-SIHH 2019 – Two New Montblanc Star Legacy Nicolas Rieussec Models in Steel and Red Gold

It might be hard to believe but we’re already into December, which means its nearly January. Incredible as it sounds, the first major watch fair of the New Year is mere weeks away. That means it’s preview time. We’ve already shown you several models from the likes of IWC, Piaget, HYT and Laurent Ferrier. Now it’s Montblanc’s turn. First on our list are two new Star Legacy Nicolas Rieussec Chronographs.

7 years ago

Introducing – Vacheron Constantin “Mécaniques Sauvages” – A Collection of Grand Complications and Artistic Crafts

Defying the restraint and moderation that has settled over the watchmaking scene of late, it is refreshing to see such a magnificent display of mechanical luxury and grandiose craftsmanship. Unleashing a menagerie of majestic wild animals, Vacheron Constantin gives a riveting display of its inexhaustible creativity and mechanical expertise. Mécaniques Sauvages is a bespoke collection of unique pieces made in Vacheron Constantin’s very own customisation department – Les Cabinotiers – where horological fantasies spring to life. To give you an idea of what the watchmakers at Les Cabinotiers are capable of producing, think back to Reference 57260, a private commission delivered in 2015 with no fewer than 57 complications under its belt, making it the most complicated timepiece on our planet.

7 years ago

Introducing – Minase, Mechanical Watches from a Japanese Microbrand (Live Pics)

The microbrand watch scene seems infinite. With an explosion of new brands, we’ve reached a point where it has become impossible to keep track of these, from high-end to low-end, and everything in between. Multiple brands have come and gone over the past years. Among these, Minase, a Japanese brand, stands out with a unique […]

7 years ago

Pre-SIHH 2019 – IWC Pilot’s Watch Chronograph Spitfire Bronze, with 41mm Case & Manufacture Movement (Hands-On)

Last but not least, of the four pilot watch ‘teasers’ that IWC has released ahead of the SIHH 2019, is this well-proportioned, vintage-inspired, bronze-cased, no-nonsense chronograph upgraded with a manufacture movement. All of that might sound like music to the ears of many collectors. At least, it does to us. Meet the IWC Pilot’s Watch Chronograph […]

7 years ago