Category: Novelty

Hands-On with the Meistersinger Circularis Power Reserve (And Its Great Looking Proprietary Movement)

Back in 2014, Meistersinger created the surprise by launching an unexpected watch, the Circularis. While the brand was already known for its quite unique display, based on the mono-aiguille concept, no one was awaiting them on the mechanical side of watchmaking… But they did, and they did well, with their first proprietary movement – and a nice looking one. Based on this, the collection has evolved, by adding an automatic version in 2016, and the Meistersinger Circularis Power Reserve back at Baselworld 2017. Today, we take a closer look at this watch.

8 years ago

Hands-On – Bell & Ross BR-X1 Black Titanium Chronograph

Bell & Ross has been knocking them out of the park lately, with several vintage-inspired watches that really hit the spot, like the new Vintage Collection and some derivatives, such as the Vintage V2-92 & V2-94 Garde-Cotes and the commemorative BR126 Renault Sport 40th Anniversary. Today, however, we’re shifting gears and getting hands on with one of the brand’s more futuristic-looking models; the BR-X1 Black Titanium Chronograph, a softer and more “monochrome” version of the bold chronograph we already tested here.

8 years ago

Value Proposition – Affordable Elegance with the Frederique Constant Classics Index Automatic

Elegance is a concept that usually means a sense of taste and distinction, which can’t really be bought. Yet, in terms of watches, this elegance usually refers to dress watches, and the rather large amount of money that is required to get them strapped on the wrist. This is an idea that is not accepted by Frederique Constant, which strives to offer elegant watches at a very affordable price. Making no exception to the “accessible luxury” rule, the new Classics Index Automatic offers pleasant mechanics, stylish design and elegance for a very (really) reasonable price.

8 years ago

Women’s Watch Wednesday – Ulysse Nardin Classico Lady Grand Feu

Color – it is essence of life and Earth, and for many, it offers inspiration and makes a keen statement of individuality. Such is the case with the newest women’s Classico Lady Grand Feu watches from Ulysse Nardin unveiled earlier this year and in stores now.

8 years ago

Hands-On – Bell & Ross Vintage V2-92 & V2-94 Garde-Cotes

Earlier this year, at Baselworld 2017, Bell & Ross renewed their “classical” collection (which, compared to the bold and large BR-01 watches is somehow classical, yet sporty), the Vintage. Smaller, slimmer, more elegant, with just a tiny bit of vintage feel, this collection has been highly praised and widely recognized as a success. It is time now for Bell & Ross to go back to military and special forces inspiration, with the Vintage V2-92 & V2-94 Garde-Cotes, paying tribute to coastguards, and using a specific color code mixing grey, orange and white.

8 years ago

Hands-On – Omega Speedmaster Apollo 17 45th Anniversary ‘Tribute to Gene Cernan’

Part of the history of the Omega Speedmaster was the Moon landing and the qualification as official NASA watch for astronauts. Thanks to this heritage, the Speedy became the perfect play field for the Biel-based brand to create multiple limited editions, as tribute to Apollo missions or to Snoopy Awards. While many watch enthusiasts might not understand the point of all these special editions, it is clear that Speedmaster collectors love them, and they will be happy to know that a new one is about to land, the Omega Speedmaster Apollo 17 45th Anniversary ‘Tribute to Gene Cernan’.

8 years ago

Only Watch 2017 – Unique Montblanc 1858 Chronograph Tachymeter With Bronze Case and Vintage Green Dial

We already knew that Only Watch charity auction was able to bring quite cool watches – we already introduced to you several crazy pieces. So when we received the news from Montblanc, and the fact that they were creating a unique version of the Superb (with a capital “S” indeed…) 1858 Chronograph Tachymeter, the idea simply gave us, at the Monochrome redaction, a huge smile on the face. We all love the Montblanc 1858 Chronograph Tachymeter, and its magnificent movement. And when it comes in a unique Bronze Case and Vintage Green Dial version, it becomes just amazing…

8 years ago

Women’s Watch Wednesday – Blancpain’s New Quantieme Phases de Lune Has a Tiny Secret on the Moon

Since its inception back in 1984, Blancpain has never built a quartz watch. In fact, I remember the unveiling of the first-ever Blancpain watch at the Basel Fair, wherein the then 34-year-old Jean-Claude Biver announced in the midst of the quartz era that this was a brand dedicated to mechanical watches. The announcement shook attendees at the event, with many naysayers insisting the brand could not last with a mechanical focus. Fast-forward 33 years and not only is Blancpain still a pure mechanical brand, but also it is creating simple mechanical complications for women, just like the recently introduced Blancpain Villeret Quantième Phases de Lune.

8 years ago

The Perfect Summer Luxury Watch? The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Diver Funky Colors Reviewed

The summer is here. That means our thoughts turn to the seaside, sunshine, heatwave, mojitos, yacht deck, beach parties… and of course, what watch to wear this summer? You probably don’t want to take your treasured extra-flat, gold perpetual calendar watch out there. So, you’d likely be leaning towards some kind of dive watch, as it would be the best option, both to look classy, and to be able to jump in the pool without having to think about your watch. You’re on the right direction. But do you want to be part of this growing group of Submariner wearers? Maybe not, and thus, Audemars Piguet might have a pleasant and bold option for you, with the new Royal Oak Offshore Diver Funky Colors.

8 years ago