Customization to an unprecedented level… We’ve seen hundreds of watch modification programmes appearing recently – mostly on Rolex watches. Most of the time, it is limited to a black coating on the case/bracelet or a different dial. Sometimes, customization can go a few steps further, with heritage-inspired watches based on modern models – see for […]
Panerai digs deep into its past and finds an unusual source of inspiration for its new Radiomir 1940 models in the form of an Art Deco pendulum clock. Housed in 47mm Radiomir cases, the dials of these newcomers are a far cry from standard Panerai fare. Dressier and playing the retro card to perfection, the […]
With its Métiers d’art collection, Blancpain has been exploring new artistic and expressive horizons, nurturing traditional skills with different expressions. Case in point: recently, the craftsmen of the Metiers d’art workshop in Le Brassus presented Shakudo dials. Of Japanese origin, Shakudo is an alloy principally composed of copper and gold, which acquires a dark patina between blue and black, according to variations in its composition and texture. This year, Japan has once again become an inspiration to Blancpain. One of the manufacture’s latest artistic creations features a Binchōtan dial.
Usually, we would not cover limited edition watches created by our neighbours (another magazine) but for once, we’ll make an exception. Not only because Wei Koh (founder of The Rake and Revolution) is a good friend of ours, not only because we like Bell & Ross watches, but mainly because the result of this new […]
It is not every day that URWERK presents a brand new piece – not an adaptation of an existing piece, but something truly different and unique. So when URWERK announces something new, we’re always excited to see the result of many years of development… And its latest baby does not disappoint. Bold and ultra-modern, as a URWERK should be, the new creation gets rid of the signature wandering hours indication to restore another iconic display: linear retrograde minutes. Meet the URWERK UR-111C, the direct descendant of the UR-CC1 King Cobra and a watch that brings many, many cool details and mechanical innovations.
Regulators have been a Chronoswiss trademark since the brand presented its first regulator wristwatch in 1987. With its 44mm case, the Grand Regulator has been one of the flagship models of the Chronoswiss collections for years. In 2017, the model got a facelift with the Flying Grand Regulator and a skeleton version – which we reviewed here. The addition of a 3D dial adds a sense of depth to the model and the impression that the regulator complication is floating above the dial. This year, the Lucerne-based brand adds a splash of colour to the model with two limited editions packaged in DLC-coated steel cases.
At the SIHH 2018, Vacheron Constantin came with one brand new and important collection for the brand, the FIFTYSIX. With a clear intention to renew the clientele and to bring younger and less hardcore-oriented potential customers, this watch mixed vintage elements with a modern, masculine and slightly casual design. Presented in 3 different version (automatic, day-date, complete calendar), each of them available in steel or gold, it’s time now for the FIFTYSIX to up the game and to receive true Vacheron Constantin savoir-faire. This has just been done with the addition of a high-end, automatic peripheral tourbillon movement.
You’d be hard pressed to find a more mature and unique watch company in the world of microbrands than London-based Farer Universal. Their production is predictably limited in number for a small brand, offering a maximum of 300 individual watches within most series (many are limited to 100) and they often sell out in a matter of months. They’re known for using a lot of colours and whimsical designs, yet maintain a sophistication and maturity that keep them from resembling expensive Swatch watches. With the exception of their initial quartz line, Farer always releases new watches in a series of three, all having very different dial designs that share a common case. Following up on the 37mm Hand-Wound series released a few months ago, the company just launched three automatic chronographs that continue their distinctive design language – The Cobb, Eldridge and Segrave.
The Bvlgari Bvlgari has been one of the brand’s most emblematic watches for over 40 years. The model was born in 1975 as the Bulgari brothers decided to create a watch as an exclusive gift for their best 100 clients. What started as a gift became an enduring Bvlgari design, reinventing itself over the years. Inspired by ancient Roman coins, the watch features pure, simple but powerful lines. In an original way, there is no logo on the dial. Instead, the Bvlgari logo engraved twice on the bezel, earning the timepiece the nickname “BB”. And this icon has just received a discreet facelift, to make it more modern.
Although Hamilton is associated with rugged pilot’s watches, there is life beyond the cockpit. First introduced in 2012, Hamilton’s Intra-Matic rides on the current mania for all things vintage, and proposes a classic two-hand and date dress watch that would not look amiss on Don Draper’s wrist in Mad Men. Inspired by the pared-down elegance and functionality of watches produced in the 1960’s, the original monochromatic offer is now enhanced with trendy ‘smoked’ dials in a wider and warmer choice of colours at competitive prices.