Pre-Baselworld 2018 – Vaucher Manufacture Fleurier Launches Its Integrated, High-Frequency, Column-Wheel Chronograph

For once, this won’t a product-related news – understand here, the launch of a new watch – that we will share with you. Instead, we’ll look at the other side of the industry: suppliers. Vaucher Manufacture Fleurier, one of the most respected movement constructors of the Swiss industry, indeed unveils an integrated high-frequency column-wheel chronograph, the calibre Seed VMF 6710. And it truly is quite an interesting movement, to say the least.

8 years ago

Opinion – The Frederique Constant Hybrid Manufacture – Enough to Convince a Watch Guy?

Recently, Frederique Constant introduced a watch it dubbed the “World’s First 3.0 Watch. You know about mechanical watches (obviously, if you’re reading this magazine, you definitely know about mechanical watches), you know about smart-watches. The next step, according to FC, is the hybrid watch, a combination of good old mechanics with a connected module on top. This announcement grabbed out attention and we asked for a watch to review. The question is simple: is the Frederique Constant Hybrid Manufacture the right recipe to take luxury watches into the 21st century?

8 years ago

Interview – In Conversation With Nick Harris, Founder of Orion and Watches By Nick

A somewhat surprising, yet very encouraging trend seems to be emerging in our tiny watch ecosystem. Young people from around the world, millennials who aren’t supposed to even care about traditional (‘outdated’) technology, are discovering a passion for mechanical wristwatches. And what’s more, they are finding interesting ways to explore and develop their own ideas, leveraging the boom in crowdfunding to help them create their own products and brands, many of which offer genuinely interesting additions to an already crowded market.

This seems all the more remarkable when you consider that none of these young creators has ever even had the need to wear a wristwatch, thanks largely to the advent of things like smartphones. Still, they are making the active choice to be a part of this world and to try and make a living from mechanical wristwatches. Today, we’re speaking to one such individual, a young man from the USA by the name of Nick Harris. The Seiko fans among you might recognise Nick’s name from his first watch-related project, Watches by Nick, which focused on modifying Seiko watches. Now, he’s studying full-time at watchmaking school and has launched his own brand, Orion, to help fund his studies.

8 years ago

Hands-on – Jaeger-LeCoultre Polaris Automatic – The Entry-Level to JLC’s new Sports Collection

Jaeger-LeCoultre takes a decidedly elegant plunge into the sports watch arena with the 2018 Polaris Collection. Reviewed here in detail, the five new members of the Polaris family are clearly descendants of the legendary Memovox Polaris model of 1968, revisited with just the right mix of vintage styling and contemporary tweaks. The Polaris Automatic is the simplest, smallest (41mm) and most contemporary looking model in the collection offering time only indications and an attractive entry-level price. For those of you who suffer from ‘datewindowphobia’, you will be pleased to discover that there is no such thing on this model allowing for an unobstructed, uninterrupted view of the dial. Smart enough to wear to the office yet rugged and sporty enough for 100-metre dives, the Polaris Automatic is as versatile as they come with a great history to boot.

8 years ago

Pre-Baselworld 2018 – The new Louis Moinet Skydance

Welcome to the Baroque universe of Louis Moinet watches where Jules Verne steampunk aesthetics are combined with elaborate mechanical movements and out-of-this-world materials like meteorite from Mars and 70-million-year-old fossilised palm wood. Made in exclusive, limited editions, the galaxy is a recurrent theme at Louis Moinet. Just ahead of Baselworld 2018, Louis Moinet launches Skydance, a 36mm ladies’ watch designed to celebrate the beauty of our celestial canopy offering hours, minutes and small seconds.

8 years ago

Hands-on – Bell & Ross Vintage BR V2-92 Steel Heritage

For several years, Bell & Ross was mainly known for its pilot-inspired square watches. Yet, not all wanted to wear such a large and bold 46mm watch (the BR-01) and what became a true icon of modern watchmaking could have become a trap for the brand. Bell & Ross had to evolve. This was the “Vintage Collection” mission. Entirely redesigned in 2017, this year the brand adds a few vintage elements to make this collection even cooler, with the Steel Heritage. Today, we take a closer look at the BR V2-92 Steel Heritage.

8 years ago

Value Proposition – AVI-8 Flyboy Centenary Collection “the 1920s Edition”

AVI-8 might still be a young brand, they are not beginners anymore. Their latest watch far from being their first offence. Their collection of timepieces seeks to honour aircrafts and airmen and if the previous model, the AV-4047, was a modern Pilot Watch inspired by the Hawker Harrier II, what has just been launched (now with pre-orders, with special “early-bird” price) is far more vintage-oriented – yet still highly accessible and well-crafted. Meet the AVI-8 Flyboy Centenary Collection “the 1920s Edition”.

8 years ago

First Look – Richard Mille RM 11-03 McLaren Automatic Flyback Chronograph

Richard Mille and McLaren have been partners for over a year now, even if this partnership was mainly focused on Formula 1 – with, for instance, the creation of the mighty Richard Mille RM 50-03 McLaren F1. Today, at the 88th Geneva International Motor Show, both brands are announcing the extension of this venture to road cars marking the official launch of the first McLaren automotive-inspired timepiece, the new Richard Mille RM 11-03 McLaren Automatic Flyback Chronograph. And here is an early hands-on with it.

8 years ago

First Look – TAG Heuer Monaco Gulf 2018 Special Edition

Right in the middle of the Geneva car-show, TAG Heuer just announced that a global partnership has been signed with Gulf Oil International, one of the most legendary motorsports’ sponsors. So, what happens when a brand known for its racing-car roots teams up with one of the best-known players in the automotive industry? Well, the result is the immediately recognisable famous blue and orange stripes applied to one of the most iconic motorsports chronographs, the square-shaped Monaco. Please meet the TAG Heuer Monaco Gulf 2018 Special Edition.

8 years ago