Introducing – Ulysse Nardin Marine Torpilleur, A Well-Thought-Out Facelift of the Emblematic Marine Collection

Ulysse Nardin’s history has been founded on Marine roots, as for over a century, the brand has been one of the main providers of Marine Chronometers. Since a few months, we’ve seen some extremely pleasant evolutions of the collections: new and more subtle designs, slightly vintage inspiration, easily wearable watches. With this in mind, Ulysse Nardin unveils the Marine Torpilleur, a well-thought-out facelift reinvigorating the brand’s emblematic Marine collection. Here is an early hands-on look at this classic yet urban timepiece.

7 years ago

REPORT – Car & Watches With Blancpain at the Blancpain GT Series

It’s loud, it’s fun and it’s exciting… Monochrome was fortunate enough to spend the week-end with Blancpain at Le Castellet (circuit Paul Ricard). Bentley took its first Endurance Cup victory in the Blancpain GT Series in three years in the day-night 1000km race. We took the opportunity to “get our hands dirty” taking a closer look …

7 years ago

Introducing – IWC Pilot’s Watch Mark XVIII Edition “Tribute to Mark XI”

IWC is on the vintage side since quite some months. After the introduction of an entirely new Ingenieur collection, based on the original 1960s style, or a 2017 Da Vinci Collection that is based on a 1980s design, the Schaffhausen-based brand is now operating on its praised Pilot’s Watch, with a new edition that is (sorry for such enthusiasm) simply a killer! Reasonably sized, perfectly legit, historically relevant, toolish… The kind of IWC we love. Here is the IWC Pilot’s Watch Mark XVIII Edition “Tribute to Mark XI”, based on the 1948 RAF navigators watches.

7 years ago

Hands-On – The 2017 Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra Master Chronometer 41mm

Since its inception in 2003, the Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra has been a cornerstone collection for Omega. Indeed, it is both an entry-level watch, yet including most of the recent technologies, and an all-rounder, being sporty, but not a sports watch. It is also a watch focused on the essential and a nice representation of what Omega stands for. At Baselworld 2017, this now-classic daily-beater receives a visually discreet facelift, linked to mechanical improvements, just to keep it perfectly up-to-date. Here is the 2017 Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra Master Chronometer.

7 years ago

5 Of The Coolest Vintage-Inspired Watches for This Summer

Vintage is one of the biggest trends these days… Really, what a piece of news! We all know that brands have been widely surfing on the vintage / heritage / reissue trend, and for now over 10 years. However, in the middle of the dozens of vintage-inspired watches launched every year, there are some good ones and the one you really need to consider. Here are 5 of the coolest vintage-inspired watches of 2017, to look good this summer.

7 years ago

Introducing – Oris Big Crown Limited Edition PA Charles de Gaulle (the Aircraft-Carrier, not the President…)

A bit of French pride for today… Indeed, as some of you might know, I’m French and what Oris is releasing today is somehow resonating in me. Based on the military roots of the brand, which is represented by the Oris Big Crown collection, the brand is introducing a limited edition made to honor the crew of the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle, the French Navy’s flagship. This is why I’m proud to show you the new Oris Big Crown Limited Edition PA Charles de Gaulle (the Aircraft-Carrier, not the President…)

7 years ago

H. Moser & Cie Introduces The Pioneer Perpetual Calendar – A Steel, Sporty, Entry-Level QP (Review)

In shared thinking, the perpetual calendar has to be, in certain proportions, one of the most classic looking watch. It is widely accepted that the QP is one of the historical complications and for this reason, playing on traditions and century-old heritage, a perpetual calendar is classic. However, not for some brand, who have decided that a QP can be different. Why not? Why not enjoying a sports watch with a complex movement? This is what H. Moser & Cie might have in mind, by introducing the sporty, steel and (sort of) accessible Pioneer Perpetual Calendar.

7 years ago

Watches and Formula 1 – Episode 5 – The French Connection, Renault Sport F1 x Bell & Ross

Renault came into Formula 1 with a bang, which is to be taken quite literally. At a time where the rulebook seemed virtually limitless, the French manufacturer brought turbocharging into the mix. Fueled by an insatiable hunger for power, combined with ground effects aerodynamics and just about the most daring drivers Formula 1 has ever seen, the constructor pioneered its way to the top! Since 2016 they are back as a constructor and partnered with Bell & Ross, which seems like a very French match. Today we unravel the history of Renault in Formula 1 and why the connection to Bell & Ross is a very logical one.

7 years ago

Visiting The Red Bull Racing Factory and the TAG Heuer Carrera Heuer 01 Red Bull Racing Special Edition (Photos, Specs and Price)

For as long as I can remember, watch brands, and a few in particular, have been involved in Formula 1 motor sport. This is not surprising of course, in the fast-paced world of Formula 1, timing is everything. In recent times, one relationship has proven particularly fruitful: Red Bull Racing and Tag Heuer. Last month we were invited to visit the Red Bull Racing factory in Milton Keynes, UK to see first-hand how a Formula 1 team operates and learn just how important its timing partner can really be.

7 years ago

Hands-On – Werenbach Earth collection, Made From Real Soyuz Rocket Parts

The world of Kickstarter goes above and beyond to try to lure us out of our hard-earned bucks. Projects left, right and center, get launched every day. But every now and then, a project comes along that is, well, out of this world! Pun intended obviously, as the Werenbach Earth collection is made from parts of a salvaged Soyuz MS-02 and MS-04 rocket! So yes, your dial has actually left this earth, possibly orbited it depending on the model you order, and then plummeted back down to land on your wrist (sort of, eventually). The campaign was hugely successful as it’s the most funded project on Kickstarter from Switzerland yet!

7 years ago