Category: Sports watch

Warm and Bold… Armin Strom introduces its Edge Double Barrel in Rose Gold

While the Armin Strom Edge Double Barrel should not be a stranger to you anymore – as you might have read our extensive review here – it must be admitted that, for the moment, this watch has been mostly playing on black and sporty design clues. The standard edition is indeed entirely black and metallic and the Max Chilton Limited Edition removes a bit of coating on the case and adds some blue accents here and there. But what if you like something more luxurious, warmer, less rugged (and we know that Armin Strom can combines sports and luxury…). The answer is here; the new Armin Strom Edge Double Barrel in rose gold.

8 years ago

Review – Clerc Hydroscaph GMT Power Reserve Chronometer, the heavy diver

The choice for dive watches is quite literally endless. There are thousands of good, very good, or extremely good dive watches out there. There are also plenty of so-so dive watches, so it is very possible to lose track of what’s what in this popular category. Thus, we feel it is our duty to share some options outside the beaten path of Submariners, Seamasters or Panerais. One of these options is Clerc, a brand dedicated to dive watches with a bold design. Today, we bring you the Clerc Hydroscaph GMT Power Reserve Chronometer, first introduced last year, in one of our extensive reviews, including specs, lots of pictures and of course, our personal thoughts!

8 years ago

History of the Patek Philippe Nautilus, Part 1 – The Birth of an Icon, the 3700 (1976/1990)

Stating that the Patek Philippe Nautilus is an icon is probably too easy… but there is no way to evade this. The Nautilus is an icon. No debate. Introduced in 1976, and designed by one of the most famous watch-designers, who can be seen as the creator of a new species of timepieces – the luxury sports watch. The Nautilus is praised by all sorts of collectors, and it is now celebrating its 40th anniversary. Last week we explained the 40th anniversary editions  to you, and now it is time to look at the entire timeline of this watch. The first part of the history of the Patek Philippe Nautilus is of course dedicated to the very first version, the Ref. 3700.

8 years ago

History of the Patek Philippe Nautilus, Part 1 – The Birth an Icon, the 3700 (1976/1990)

Stating that the Patek Philippe Nautilus is an icon is probably too easy… but there is no way to evade this. The Nautilus is an icon. No debate. Introduced in 1976, and designed by one of the most famous watch-designers, who can be seen as the creator of a new species of timepieces – the luxury sports watch. The Nautilus is praised by all sorts of collectors, and it is now celebrating its 40th anniversary. Last week we explained the 40th anniversary editions  to you, and now it is time to look at the entire timeline of this watch. The first part of the history of the Patek Philippe Nautilus is of course dedicated to the very first version, the Ref. 3700.

8 years ago

Oris & Audi – The Oris Audi Sport III Limited Edition at WEC 6 Hours of Nurburgring

For returning readers it is a known fact most members of team Monochrome are car-guys to some extent. Obviously, both watchmaking and the automotive industry are intertwined extensively, so when Oris gave us the chance to attend the FIA World Endurance Championship 6 Hours of Nürburgring race, I jumped on the occasion! 6 hours of the fastest prototypes and road-car-based racers on the planet, blasting around an historical track sounds like a good way to spend a weekend! Oh, and there was a new watch. Quite a cool, special watch, to be handed to the drivers of Audi Sport: the Oris Audi Sport III Limited Edition.

8 years ago

Inside the Renault F1 Facilities with the Bell & Ross BR-X1 RS16 on the wrist

The Parisian brand Bell & Ross is most known for creating aviation inspired watches in a bold, squared style. Of course the collection consists of much more, including round cased watches, like the Vintage collection or the Aeronavale collection. Although most of these are still highly derived from avionics, Bell & Ross is also embarking into the world of automotive and racing-inspired watches. They have teamed-up with Renault F1 as an official timing partner for this year (more on that later in a dedicated chapter of our Watches and Formula 1 series) and now offer the BR-X1 RS16 and BR-X1 RS16 Tourbillon. We’ve had the chance to go hands-on, inside the Renault F1 facility in Enstone, the birthplace of Formula 1.

8 years ago

Introducing – Patek Philippe Nautilus 40th Anniversary Editions, including Platinum 3-hand 5711/1P and WG Chronograph 5976/1G (with price)

40 years ago, Patek Philippe introduced a watch that has become an icon over the past 4 decades. This watch was designed by the legendary watch-designer Gerald Genta. Inspired by the porthole, legend told it was drawn on a restaurant table in 5 minutes. It was the Nautilus ref. 3700, the first sports watch of the brand, which, in 1976, created the lineage, and which is today celebrating its 40th anniversary. As expected, Patek Philippe is about to offer its collectors dedicated jubilee editions. And there won’t be one but two of these Patek Philippe Nautilus 40th Anniversary Editions, including a platinum 3-hand 5711/1P and a white gold Chronograph 5976/1G. However, we have to say that we were both excited and also a bit disappointed by these two, and here is why…

8 years ago

5 Cool Finds – 5 Robust and Bold Sports Luxury Chronographs to consider

To follow with last week’s article, we continue our 5 Cool Finds selections, still with our trustful partner Chronext. We already explained to you all about this London-based online marketplace for buying, selling, and servicing of luxury watches – and here, online goes together with the same security and service as any high-end boutique. What about the “5 Cool Finds”? Simple: 5 watches, not new, not vintage, most of the time young-timers (that we believe are the new trend) that we selected for you. Today, we go for something highly masculine: a selection of 5 cool, luxurious and robust sports chronographs that will definitely look great on the beach, on a boat, on a racing track or for your most active passions.

8 years ago

The versatility of the Vacheron Constantin Quai de l’Ile in steel

Pretty much every watch is introduced with one specific strap, or bracelet, and usually that’s what determines its looks. Of course, watch brands design the watch for a specific purpose,  and therefore the watch must have a matching look / style, so that’s all fully understandable. But it can also be kind of boring, especially for those who feel that their watch might also look good on a different strap, and befit a different style. For people who like to change the looks of their watch to the “style of the day” or to changing activities, a few brands deliver some of their watches with two or three straps or bracelets, and we applaud that. However when I saw the new steel Vacheron Constantin Quai de l’Ile on its alligator leather strap, I really wanted to see it on a more sporty and more casual strap, and Vacheron Constantin was so kind to let me give this a try. Since I was already fully convinced of the versatility of the watch, I’m now interested to find out what you think of the Quai de l’Ile in a different look. 

8 years ago