Novelty Archives - Page 410 of 489

Hands-on – New Jaquet Droz Grande Seconde Off-Centered with Meteorite or Stromatolite Dials

Métiers d’art and natural stones are familiar themes at Jaquet Droz – for instance, Onyx has already been used in the past. The brand regularly adds new, rare stones to its decorative repertory. In the frame of the celebration of its 280th anniversary, the brand unveils new limited-edition watches with meteorite or stromatolite dials, based on the iconic 8-shaped watch with a twist, the Grande Seconde Off-Centered.

Introducing – Porsche Design 1919 Datetimer 70Y Sports Car Limited Edition – A Tribute to Porsche’s 70th Anniversary

70 years ago, in 1948, one of the most legendary car brands ever created was born. Its name: Porsche. Its earliest model: the 356, the predecessor of the illustrious 911. Yet, Porsche doesn’t only refer to a carmaker but also to a design centre – and not the worst of them to be honest – under the name Porsche Design. It happens that PD is also involved in the creation of timepieces – in fact already since 1972. THus, it makes sense to join forces between these two worlds and for this exact reason, Porsche Design pays tribute to this important anniversary by introducing the 1919 Datetimer 70Y Sports Car Limited Edition, a special edition limited to 1948 timepieces.

Hands-on – Schwarz Etienne Roma GMT – Clean Lines and Fine Mechanics

It is not the first time we talk about Schwarz Etienne on MONOCHROME. This independent brand, based in La Chaux-de-Fonds, shows an impressive level of integration – especially given its rather modest size. It is one of the few brands to develop and manufacture its in-house movements and parts, including the hairspring. Today, we take a look at one of the classic yet highly pleasant watches of the Roma collection, the Schwarz Etienne Roma GMT.

Introducing – Montblanc Heritage Chronométrie Collection 2018 with New Openworked Movements and Slimmer Cases

When Lambert took over Montblanc, the idea was simple: bringing a lot for less money. This didn’t mean that all watches had to be affordable, but rather that watches were priced lower than expected, even with a true horological content. This gave birth to a Sub-10k Perpetual Calendar, the 4810 ExoTourbillon Slim or a sub-7k annual calendar. Following the same idea, Montblanc introduces 3 new watches in the Heritage Chronométrie collection, still complex but with new, contemporary design codes.

Introducing – IWC Portugieser Perpetual Calendar in Platinum and Portugieser Automatic in Steel (which might cause a small riot)

This year, 2018, International Watch Company or short IWC celebrates their 150th anniversary and for that reason, they launched a host of anniversary models (see here in our IWC section) and in the meantime there’s been a new Pilot’s Watch Chronograph with creme-coloured (vintage style) markers and hands and a “Laureus Edition” black ceramic Pilot’s Watch Mark XVIII. And while the entire year will be all about the 150th anniversary, the Schaffhausen-based brand still adds some other novelties to the collection. There’s a new version of the Portugieser Perpetual Calendar in platinum and a steel Portugieser Automatic, that looks exactly like the older platinum version of this watch.

Buying Guide – Yellow gold Is Warming Up Again

When thinking of yellow gold, the first thing that may come to your mind is your parents’ or grandparents’ watch. Well, if you feel yellow gold is outdated, it might be time for a change. The status symbol of the 1960s to 1980s is making a comeback. As trends come and go, it fits perfectly in the current vintage craze – just like the unexpected comeback of the 1980s spirit in fashion and music. And interestingly, the way watchmakers use it today makes it look super chic and trendy. Here are 6 of the most notable yellow gold watches introduced recently.

Hands-on – Bell & Ross BR-01 Laughing Skull (and a video of its unexpected animation…)

Bell & Ross is now well-known for its Skull-inspired watches. Everything started in 2009 with BR-01 Skull, followed by 3 other watches (see some of them here and here). And for those who remain doubtful about the relevance of such watches in the B&R collection, you’ll see that the link with the brand’s military roots isn’t that far. Following this trend for Skull watches, Bell & Ross introduces its fifth iteration, the new BR-01 Laughing Skull – and this one has more than one surprise to show.

Value Proposition – LIV Watches is Back on Kickstarter with “The Breakthrough”, A Series of Sporty Automatic Watches

The folks at LIV Watches already know a bit about creating watches and funding them on Kickstarter. Their new “The Breakthrough” campaign isn’t their first offence. Yet, here it’s not one watch but a series of 3 automatic watches (and one quartz that won’t be covered here… you know us at MONOCHROME) that will be offered. Bold styles, 3 different inspirations – pilot, racing, diving – all of them powered by Swiss mechanical movement and offered, as usual, at great prices. Please meet the LIV Watches GX P-51 Chronograph, the GX Automatic Chrono and the GX Divers – all now available on Kickstarter.

Introducing – Frederique Constant Vintage Rally Healey Chronograph (Live Pics)

Since 2004, Frederique Constant has been sponsoring vintage car rallies worldwide, often being the official timekeeper for events celebrating classic automobiles. Frederique Constant is supporting the European Healey Club again in 2018, which will be celebrated by a new limited edition watch. After a chronograph in 2015 and a 3-hander in 2016, here is the new Frederique Constant Vintage Rally Healey Chronograph, a watch deeply inspired by the world of classic cars.

Women’s Watch Wednesday – The 2018 Rolex Oyster Pereptual Datejust 36: Is This the Perfect “Boyfriend’s Watch”?

Having recovered from the jubilation following the release of the steel GMT Master II Pepsi during Baselworld 2018, we can now turn our attention to another candidate in the classic Oyster Perpetual Datejust 36 line that is out to conquer the hearts of men… and women. Housed in a two-tone Everose Rolesor case (combination of steel and pink gold), Rolex has fitted the watch with its new-generation calibre 3235 and given the case some design tweaks. Handsome and refined with just the right touch of luxurious rose gold, practical for everyday wear and tear, robust and ready for action sports yet with enough style to work as a casual dress watch… what’s not to love about the Datejust 36? So, a word of warning to all you boyfriends out there: do not leave this watch unattended.

Watch Dandy

Category: Novelty