Pre-Baselworld 2018 – Bell & Ross Vintage BR-V2 Steel Heritage

One year ago, for Baselworld 2017, Bell & Ross introduced a new “Vintage” collection, their classical range of watches, with round cases and more reasonable dimensions. This new BR Vintage collection was fully redesigned to be thinner, smaller and more elegantly shaped. Quite a success, which was later followed by several colourful limited editions, such as the Gardes-Cotes or Bellytanker. Prior to Baselworld 2018, Bell & Ross just introduced a new version in the Vintage collection, the Vintage BR-V2 Steel Heritage. And if the normal ones were already cool, these new ones are certainly even cooler.

7 years ago

The New Zenith Pilot Cronometro Tipo CP-2 Flyback, with a Bronze or Aged Steel Case

If the early El Primero watches (the ref. A386 in particular), fitted with one of the very first automatic chronograph movements, are certainly the most iconic pieces produced by the Le Locle-based manufacture, another watch has gained quite some fame recently: the Cronometro Tipo CP-2 Cairelli. Already reissued in 2016 in a limited edition, some new, non-limited versions of the Cairelli-inspired watch have been presented, with exotic materials and a new flyback function – quite relevant for a pilot chronograph. Meet the new Zenith Pilot Cronometro Tipo CP-2 Flyback, with Bronze or Aged-Steel case.

7 years ago

Pre-Baselworld 2018 – Maurice Lacroix Aikon Automatic Skeleton

Maurice Lacroix is known for its affordable approach of watchmaking, bringing complex displays and complications to a larger audience. Another field often used by the brand are skeleton watches, with modern and rather bold openworked movements. Expected to debut at Baselworld 2018 is the Maurice Lacroix Aikon Automatic Skeleton, a watch that brings a new self-winding skeleton movement in the recently introduced sporty Aikon case. Overview.

7 years ago

The E.C. Andersson Calypso, a Stylish All-Rounder with a Reliable Swiss-ETA Movement

A few months back, we got our hands on the North Sea II, the primary watch from Swedish micro-brand E.C. Andersson. A robust and attractive watch, it was itself based on the original North Sea, the first model of the brand, which it had successfully funded on Kickstarter in 2016 and then quickly sold out of. Now, the company is back with their next model, the Calypso, the production of which it is also funding on Kickstarter. Described by the brand as their first “true high-end watch”, it has already reached its funding goal with 15 days still to go. We decided to take a closer look to see what all the fuss is about.

7 years ago

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Jumbo Extra-Thin 15202IP – The Superb Titanium/Platinum and Smoked Blue Dial Version of the RO

When we received the whole bunch of novelties that AP was about to launch at the SIHH 2018 (and there was a lot), one watch set apart from the rest. Weird enough, this watch is far from being a true revolution. Not that the RD#2 isn’t a stunning development, but we were all, at the MONOCHROME redaction, focussed on this new Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Jumbo Extra-Thin 15202IP. Already stunning on the official images, we needed to see it in the metal. And boy, what a beauty it is.

7 years ago

Graham Chronofighter Vintage Nose Art Ltd. Kelly, for Chinese New Year

Chinese New Year is fast approaching and there is another victory girl in the Graham pin-up line up. The concept of the vintage-inspired pilot chronograph, with its bold lefty-case, combined with painted dials depicting Nose Art is now a signature style for the brand, and there’s a new “babe” coming. She goes by the name of Kelly, she is Asian and she wears a long red floral dress. Here’s an early hands-on look at the Graham Chronofighter Vintage Nose Art Ltd. Kelly.

7 years ago

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Chronograph With Smoked Dial (SIHH 2018)

Now that the big stress linked to the opening of SIHH 2018 is gone, it is time for us to look at less important novelties. Alongside the RD#2 (the thinnest automatic QP ever), Audemars has many other watches to show in the 2018 collection, including this one, a new version of the Royal Oak Chronograph with a smoked slate grey dial. Nothing revolutionary here, just a cool looking watch – but not for every pocket though.

7 years ago

Ulysse Nardin Diver Deep Dive (SIHH 2018)

Bold, bold and… Bold! Yes, this new Ulysse Nardin Diver Deep Dive is far from discreet and is a proper tool made to resist to high pressure. What you see is the new hero piece of the Ulysse Nardin Diver Collection. Indeed, for the SIHH 2018, Ulysse Nardin is not only playing on the innovation or fine craftsmanship sides but they also look at some inspirations that made the brand popular a few years ago. Overview of a strong, powerful dive watch.

7 years ago