Montblanc 1858 Chronograph Tachymeter Limited Edition Bronze with new Salmon Dial

In late 2015, Montblanc introduced the first version of the 1858 Chronograph Tachymeter. Fitted with a Minerva/Villeret monopusher movement, we were instantly smitten. The initial 18k red gold edition was soon followed by a version in steel, and then a gorgeous bronze number with a champagne dial. This year, Montblanc continues the bronze theme with the introduction of its latest limited edition 1858 Chronograph Tachymeter, this time paired with a striking salmon dial.

8 years ago

The new Panerai Luminor Due 38mm – That Small but That Good?

In the collective psyche of watch enthusiasts, Panerai is synonymous with large, robust, instrument dive watches. After all, that’s how the brand was conceived back in the 1930s. The brand wasn’t shy about making a 45mm watch its standard offer, and even to introduce 50mm pieces (or more). However, that was the 2000s and demand …

8 years ago

Seiko Prospex Automatic Diver “PADI Samurai” SRPB99J1

Back in 2017, Seiko treated us with a nice surprise, as one of its most iconic watches was back in the collection: the Samurai. Praised by many enthusiasts, tested and certified by most as a reliable dive watch, updated for 2017 with slight evolutions and new colours, there was not much to complain about… Except maybe for the lack of a PADI edition. Well, the honour is safe as the “warrior” can be now ordered in the super-cool blue and red combination dear to PADI editions. Meet the Seiko Prospex Automatic Diver “PADI Samurai” SRPB99J1.

8 years ago

Omega Seamaster Olympic Games Gold Collection – A Podium of Vintage-Inspired Watches

Since 1932, Omega is the Official Timekeeper of the Olympic Games and the brand learnt that they will fulfil this role until at least 2032 (even if we don’t know yet where the Games will be located). Easy to count… The Biel-based brand will be present at the Olympics for a full 100 years. To celebrate this legacy, Omega presents a new podium of watches known as the Seamaster Olympic Games Gold Collection, some elegant vintage-inspired timepieces representing the three winning medals presented to athletes at the Olympic Games.

8 years ago

Rolex Baselworld 2018 – Predictions for the Watches that Rolex could Launch in 2018

Baselworld 2018 is fast approaching and an array of new collections will be introduced. Among them will be new Rolex watches, so-to-say the most expected novelties of the year. This also means that it’s that time of the year when MONOCHROME goes creative. Just like we did in 2014, in 2015, in 2016 and in 2017, we have spent quite some time on the drawing board, trying to guess and design what could be the Rolex Baselworld 2018 Collection? And here are the watches that we think Rolex could potentially launch at Baselworld 2018.

8 years ago

A. Lange & Söhne Saxonia Outsize Date (SIHH 2018)

To me, one of the true marks of a great watch manufacturer is the ability to make interesting and desirable timepieces across a range of price points. Unfortunately, few brands seem to be able to achieve this with any consistency. There are exceptions of course, and A. Lange & Söhne is most certainly one of them. Proving my point is the new Saxonia Outsize Date, which was officially launched last month at SIHH 2018. We managed to spend a bit of hands-on time with the watch and can confirm it is as nice on the wrist as it looks in the photos.

8 years ago

The A. Lange & Söhne Triple Split – or the Triple “Wow Effect”

In the watchmaking world, there is the chronograph complication – in itself a complex type of movement that is hard to develop and to assemble. Then, there is the flyback chronograph, allowing for an instant reset-start of the timing session. And for years, right at the top of the food chain was the Split Seconds or rattrapante chronograph – the ultimate version of the stopwatch. That was the status quo until A. Lange & Söhne came on the market with a watch nicknamed by collectors the Mighty Double Split” or the “Über-Chronograph, a timepiece with split seconds and split minutes. This year, at the SIHH 2018, A. Lange & Söhne presented the Triple Split, the “mighter than mighty” version of its rattrapante chronograph. One watch that holds sway over them all…

8 years ago

The New Bulgari Octo l’Originale Solotempo in full Titanium

Bulgari made quite an impact last year when they unveiled their record-breaking, ultra-thin Octo Finissimo Automatic. In total, the sand-blasted titanium case measured just 5.15mm thick, an incredible achievement and one that in my opinion, looks absolutely superb on the wrist. Others, however, found it simply too thin, not to mention, also quite expensive. Fortunately for those people, Bulgari’s new Octo L’Originale SoloTempo Titanium offers a very similar aesthetic, in a slightly thicker case and at a more wallet-friendly price point.

8 years ago

Pre-Baselworld 2018 – Jaquet Droz Grande Seconde Moon Black Enamel

As part of their Baselworld 2017 collection, Jaquet Droz introduced a watch that we reviewed here and that I personally loved and considered as one of the most achieved pieces in the signature “Grande Seconde” collection. Based on the iconic 8-shaped dial, the addition of the date and the moon indication gave the watch a lovely complicated, yet balanced design. As a preview of the upcoming Basel fair, a new version is coming, in the name of the Jaquet Droz Grande Seconde Moon Black Enamel.

8 years ago

Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical 38mm – Super Accessible, Cool and Hand-Wound

Sometimes – yes, it does happen to us, watch snobs – we like to take a look at some watches that could properly be named “value propositions”. By that, we don’t mean only an accessible price but also an outstanding value for the money. What Swiss brand Hamilton will launch soon is just that: cool and historically relevant design, right proportions, mechanical movement (and hand-wound in addition to that) and very, very friendly priced… Meet the new Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical 38mm.

8 years ago