Interview – Valtteri Bottas talks Formula 1, (IWC) Watches and what may be Next

Following yesterday’s interview with Lewis Hamilton, it is now time to have some time with his team-mate, also a driver for Mercedes AMG Petronas Motorsport: Valtteri Bottas. As a Finnish, I had the idea that this interview would turn different than with super-star Lewis. And unsurprisingly, it did. Same questions as for Lewis, same focus on racing, style, (IWC) watches – as Valtteri also wears driving gloves with the Big Pilot’s Watch printed on them – and about what may be next for him. Here we are with the second part of this interview where Valtteri Bottas talks to MONOCHROME.

7 years ago

Hands-on – The New, 2018 models of the Ulysse Nardin Marine Torpilleur

Last year, Ulysse Nardin introduced the Marine Torpilleur (and later its sportier version, the Marine Torpilleur Military), a well-thought, tasteful and well-priced take on the iconic Marine DNA of the brand. Classical but not too much, simplified but still with great horological content, well manufactured… It quickly proved to the be a winning formula, as it is the brand’s current bestseller. After the white and blue inaugural editions, it is time for the Ulysse Nardin Marine Torpilleur collection to grow, with new 2018 models.

7 years ago

Interview – Lewis Hamilton talks Formula 1, (IWC) Watches and what may be next

Just ahead of the French Grand Prix last weekend, I had the chance to sit down with two of the best drivers currently racing in Formula 1, both behind the wheel of the Mercedes AMG Petronas Motorsport W09: Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas. IWC is a major sponsor of team Mercedes, and both drivers wear gloves with the well-known Big Pilot’s Watch printed on them. So, as you can imagine, the interview steered onto the watch track and we can even tell you what watches both gentlemen might be designing one day with the brand… First part, Lewis talks to MONOCHROME.

7 years ago

Event – Driving Porsche 911 & 718 Cayman with the Porsche Design 1919 Chronotimer All Titanium on the wrist

Ever since Porsche Design has taken matters more into their own hands, after relying for decades on other watch companies to build watches for them, I’m warming up to the collection even more than before. I’ve always been a bit of a fanboy of what these Germans, related to that eponymous car brand, have been doing in the world of watches. The very first titanium chronograph, the very first black wristwatch, and even a watch with a built-in compass. I love it. When Porsche Design launched the 1919 Chronotimer, this time assembled in-house in Solothurn, Switzerland, we immediately asked to do a review of the 1919 Chronotimer All Titanium on the black rubber strap. Recently I’ve had the good fortune (read on to find out why…) to do another review of that watch, now on the titanium bracelet.

7 years ago

Review – Farer Aqua Compressor Endeavour – A Modern Classic from a Colourful Brand

Dive watches are a dime a dozen these days. You can go high-end with a Panerai Luminor Submersible 1950 or Omega Seamaster, or find something more affordable like a Seiko Diver’s Automatic or Hamilton Khaki King Scuba. Whether spending USD 10,000 or USD 500, it’s not hard to find a stylish and capable dive watch from a plethora of established brands. Ever since I got my first serious mechanical watch in the 1990s, an RGM Model 107-P Pilot, I’ve gravitated toward smaller, lesser-known companies. Dive watches have often been my style of choice, so I’m excited to review a Super Compressor from a newcomer that has already generated some waves: the Farer Aqua Compressor Endeavour.

7 years ago

Hands-on – Corum Bubble Shark Mono-Pusher Chronograph

The Corum Bubble is an oversized watch with a playful, radical design boasting an impressive extra-large sapphire crystal dome. It was born in 2000 as Corum was owned and managed by late Severin Wunderman. After a few years of absence, it was back a couple of years ago (Baselworld 2015) with one of the important ingredients that made its success: numerous, bold limited editions! Today, we take a look at one of the most daring models, the Corum Bubble Shark Mono-pusher Chronograph – certainly a hate or love piece.

7 years ago

Hands-on – Singer Track 1 Hong-Kong Edition in Black Ceramic-Aluminum

Following the introduction of the Launch Edition in June 2017, a technical titanium version, and the Geneva Edition in January 2018, a vintage-oriented version with a stunning pale yellow gold case, Singer Reimagined now unveils the third version of its impressive chronograph. Named the Track 1 Hong Kong Edition, this third iteration is a sportier take on the concept, with its black Ceramic-Aluminum case and bold orange accents.

7 years ago

Hands-on – Singer Track 1 Hong Kong Edition in Black Ceramic-Aluminum

Following the introduction of the Launch Edition in June 2017, a technical titanium version, and the Geneva Edition in January 2018, a vintage-oriented version with a stunning pale yellow gold case, Singer Reimagined now unveils the third version of its impressive chronograph. Named the Track 1 Hong Kong Edition, this third iteration is a sportier take on the concept, with its black Ceramic-Aluminum case and bold orange accents.

7 years ago

Hands-on – Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Grande Date (with more than just a change of display)

The Blancpain Fifty Fathoms needs no introduction anymore. It was, back in 1953, one of the very first purpose-built dive watches and has since been in the minds of most collectors as a true icon. This watch – which production stopped when the brand was out of business during the 1970s – has been revived in 2007 and since then, multiple versions have been created. This year, the brand presented a new version with updated display, the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Grande Date – which has more than a new date window to offer.

7 years ago

Hands-on – Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Grande Date – with More than Just a Change of Display

The Blancpain Fifty Fathoms needs no introduction anymore. It was, back in 1953, one of the very first purpose-built dive watches and has since been in the minds of most collectors as a true icon. This watch – which production stopped when the brand was out of business during the 1970s – has been revived in 2007 and since then, multiple versions have been created. This year, the brand presented a new version with updated display, the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Grande Date – which has more than a new date window to offer.

7 years ago