Back to Basics for Bell & Ross with the Vintage BR V1-92 Military

Back at Baselworld 2017, Bell & Ross pleased collectors by launching a new “Vintage” collection, which had quite some arguments: smaller in diameter, with slimmer cases, an overall redesigned shape, some cool details… A winning combination for many B&R lovers. Among the 3 watches presented (3-hand, 3-hand with rotatable bezel and chronograph), the model that probably stroke me most was the simpler HMS version, a no-nonsense utilitarian, small and reasonably priced watch. This Bell & Ross Vintage BR V1-92 today receives its “Military” badges, in a new (and super-cool) version.

7 years ago

Value Proposition: Alpina Adds 3 New Models To Its Alpiner 4 Automatic Collection

Last year, Swiss watch manufacturer Alpina added a robust new sports watch to its main collection, the Alpiner 4 Automatic. At the time, the watch was offered in three different dial colours – dark blue, silver, black – all paired with elegant leather straps. This year, Alpina adds a further three options to the line-up, including a very sporty, slightly vintage-looking, red and black dial combination. Read on for all the details. 

7 years ago

Hands-On – Reservoir Watches, with Ultra-Cool Retrograde/Jumping Display

This was one of the cool finds at Baselword 2017. There’s some new kids on the block and they go by the name of Reservoir. Further to the presentation earlier this year, the brand is now launching on the market. Their timepieces provide their own cool, off-beat take on watchmaking, inspired by their fascination for all things mechanical and a nostalgia for the heyday of car culture and old measurement instruments: speedometers, tachometers, fuel, oil, temp, volt gauges, you name it!

7 years ago

Hands-On – Reservoir Watches, with Cool Retrograde/Jumping Display

This was one of the cool finds at Baselword 2017. There’s some new kids on the block and they go by the name of Reservoir. Further to the presentation earlier this year, the brand is now launching on the market. Their timepieces provide their own cool, off-beat take on watchmaking, inspired by their fascination for all things mechanical and a nostalgia for the heyday of car culture and old measurement instruments: speedometers, tachometers, fuel, oil, temp, volt gauges, you name it!

7 years ago

Review – Patek Philippe Advanced Research Aquanaut Travel Time Ref. 5650G (And History of the Advanced Research Program)

Earlier this year, Patek Philippe unveiled the limited-edition Aquanaut Travel Time Ref. 5650G, featuring the latest technology developed by its Advanced Research program. With its unusual aesthetics and impressive technological advances, it quickly became one of the most talked about watches at Baselworld. Today, we’re going hands-on with this incredible timepiece to learn more about what Patek Philippe is calling ‘two important innovations in the field of horological design’ and to see just how practical the watch is for everyday wear and use.

7 years ago

Hands-On with the new Anonimo Militare Chrono Vintage “Panda” and “Newman”

Anonimo celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2017. To mark the occasion, the brand unveils new versions of the rugged Militare Chrono Vintage, a watch we already looked at (in a different style) here. The same functions, the same robust feel and its distinctive style – this tasteful facelift keeps the characteristic elements of the design enhanced with worthy upgrades and a cool hint of modernity.

7 years ago

Introducing – Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Frosted Gold 41mm & Redesigned Royal Oak Cufflinks

Back in November 2016, as part of the pre-SIHH 2017 watches, Audemars Piguet introduced a properly surprising and amazing version of its emblematic Royal Oak, the Frosted Gold version. This watch featured a superb surface finishing named gold hammering or frosting. And even with its 37mm case, we told you why, as men, we also liked it. It was without knowing that the brand had something even more masculine in mind, as that same surface treatment is now applied in the men’s version, with the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Frosted Gold 41mm… And that comes along with redesigned Royal Oak Cufflinks (and we all know how cool they are).

7 years ago

Review (& Opinion) – The Tudor Heritage Black Bay Chronograph

Tudor did it again… When introduced at Baselworld 2017, their latest addition to the Heritage Black Bay collection, a chronograph, immediately became a talking piece, bringing contentious or heated discussions around the table and passionate arguments – and not only on collectors’ forums or social media but also internally here, at the Monochrome redaction. Yet, even if we all are watch-lovers, we also have the duty of being objective in our reviews. This is why we’ve been waiting to bring you this test of the Tudor Heritage Black Bay Chrono, just to make sure that passion-driven feelings have cooled-down.

7 years ago

Introducing – Ulysse Nardin Marine Chronometer Annual Calendar Monaco Edition

At the SIHH 2017, Ulysse Nardin introduced a watch that perfectly sums up what it stands for: a combination of marine roots with a cleverly designed movement, with simplification in mind. This watch was the Ulysse Nardin Marine Annual Calendar Chronometer. This year, in celebration of 9 years of loyal support for the prestigious Monaco Yacht Show, the brand introduces a dedicated limited edition based on this desirable watch, with a new style – and also a more attractive price.

7 years ago