Introducing – Ulysse Nardin Hourstriker Phantom with Devialet – Pump up the Volume

It’s clear that Ulysse Nardin wants to underline its commitment to high-tech innovation, first made manifest with the Freak and its cutting-edge silicium escapement. This time Ulysse Nardin reaches out to a famous French company renowned for its luxury speakers to co-develop a limited edition of 85 repeaters that will produce a “unique sound experience”. […]

5 years ago

In-Depth – Armin Strom Minute Repeater Resonance – Step 2 in the Masterpiece Collection

If you are a recurring reader of MONOCHROME or simply into independent watchmaking, you are probably familiar with Armin Strom and their innovative Resonance concept. Launched with the Mirrored Force Resonance in 2016, later used to regulate a dual-time watch, the brand’s first “Masterpiece”, the second chapter in this ultra-complex series of watches has just been presented… And here, resonance is used on two levels, as you’ll see below. Meet the impressive Armin Strom Minute Repeater Resonance.

5 years ago

Only Watch 2019 – Patek Philippe 6300A, the Unique Steel Grandmaster Chime

Here it is… The multi-million watch, potential record-breaker as the most expensive watch to be auctioned by Only Watch – remember the 5208T from 2017 (sold for CHF 6,200,000) and the 5016A from 2015 (sold for CHF 7,300,000)? What you’re looking at here is a unique example of an extremely rare piece, Patek’s most complicated […]

5 years ago

Introducing – Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Grande Tradition Repetition Minutes Perpetuelle

Jaeger-LeCoultre certainly is famous for its minimalistic and Art-Deco watch, the Reverso, or for its elegant Master collection. However, this would be reductive considering everything else the Grande Maison can achieve: métiers d’art, complex movements, superb designs. This year, at the SIHH, the brand introduced both an incredible masterpiece, the Master Grande Tradition Gyrotourbillon Westminster, as well as a new design for its high-end Master watches. Combining these two is another impressive piece, with innovative chiming mechanism (and more). Here’s the Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Grande Tradition Repetition Minutes Perpetuelle.

6 years ago

Introducing – Parmigiani Fleurier Tecnica Ombre Noir – A Triumvirate of Complications for one Lucky Collector

Three of the most revered complications in Haute Horlogerie – minute repeater, tourbillon and perpetual calendar – are united in this exceptional timepiece, a unique Parmigiani Fleurier piece that retails for just under half a million Swiss Francs.  The Tecnica Ombre Noire comes in a 45mm rose gold case with a splendid hand-guilloché dial. The combination of the gleaming rose gold case and the dark handsome dial is stunning, but the watch is not entirely new. In 2014, Parmigiani Fleurier launched a limited edition of five Tecnica Ombre Blanche watches – without the sumptuous guilloché dial.  The perpetual calendar functions are neatly arranged in three interconnected sub-dials with a fourth dial devoted to the one-minute tourbillon. But wait a minute, where is the slider to activate the minute repeater? Read on to find out more about this exceptional masterpiece.

6 years ago

SIHH 2019 – Vacheron Constantin Les Cabinotiers Minute Repeater Perpetual Calendar

Vacheron Constantin’s very own customisation department – Les Cabinotiers – has created a one-of-a-kind timepiece that perpetuates the brand’s longstanding tradition of combining sophisticated horological complications.  Following the release of the Mécaniques Sauvages animal-themed collection, the Grande Complication Phoenix, and the Minute Repeater Tourbillon Sky Chart,  Vacheron gives yet another display of the virtuosity of its watchmakers and artisans grouped in the Les Cabinotiers, where bespoke fantasies come to light. The latest unique piece shared by the brand is this Minute Repeater Perpetual Calendar fitted with a totally revisited and ultra-thin movement: Calibre 1731 QP.

6 years ago

SIHH 2019 – Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Grande Tradition Gyrotourbillon Westminster Perpetuel

In a bold move that underscores its technical abilities, Jaeger-LeCoultre unveils a grande complication watch featuring a staggering combination of complications: a multi-axis tourbillon driven by a remontoir d’égalité, a minute repeater with Westminster chime, a perpetual calendar… and more. Meet the new (and superb) Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Grande Tradition Gyrotourbillon Westminster Perpetuel – a.k.a The Gyrotourbillon 5.

6 years ago