Category: Technical Perspective

A Technical Perspective – How Exactly Hairsprings are Manufactured – Explained with Videos (and thanks to E2O Innovations)

Very few companies manufacture hairsprings in Switzerland (read our article, Who manufactures hairsprings? See here) Producing this strategic component is a complex, labour intensive process shrouded in secrecy. Very few manufacturers would open their doors to show how they work. Monochrome goes behind the scenes, at E2O innovation, sister company of Schwarz Etienne, to provide an in-depth look at how this independent maker has built a rather impressive structure and expertise in the field.

8 years ago

The Hands of Time – A Guide to Names of the most used Watch Hands

There are many ways to tell the time: digital watches show us the time using numbers, whereas the first mechanical clocks did not even have faces, and indicated time by chiming it. Hourglasses, candle clocks or clepsydras are other examples. And there’s a segment that we here at Monochrome, refer to as ‘Other Display‘, which include the URWERK’s MB&F’s and Ressence’s of this world. Still, most watches use hands on a dial to show us the hours and minutes, and as is their wont, watchmakers have displayed great creativity in the way they shape hands (for practical or more fancy purposes). These come in a variety of styles and are an integral part of a watch design. It would be tough to come up with an exhaustive list, but we’ll take a look at the most used hand designs from watches we have photographed over the past few months.

8 years ago

A Technical Perspective – The Omega Co-Axial Escapement Fully Explained

The idea sprouted some 40 years ago in the genius mind of a British master craftsman, who worked his way up to become one of the greatest watchmakers of the 20th century. Following numerous attempts to find an escapement that would perform better than the century-old lever escapement, George Daniels eventually designed the “Co-Axial”. This superlative escapement is now at the heart of the vast majority of Omega’s watches and a key element in meeting the remarkable quality requirements set by the brand.

8 years ago

Vaucher Manufacture Fleurier – ExtraFlat Flying Tourbillon 5430 and How a Flying Tourbillon works

Recently we brought you a detailed look at Vaucher Manufacture, one of the most prominent high-grade mechanical makers for third parties in the watch industry (read our article here). During our visit to the Manufacture we also took the opportunity to go hands-on with Vaucher’s latest development, the Seed VMF 5430. Today we show you an in-depth look at this extra-flat flying tourbillon movement.

8 years ago

A. Lange & Söhne 1815 Chronograph Boutique Edition – Full Review with tons of Photos, Specs and Price

The A. Lange & Söhne 1815 Chronograph Boutique Edition is yet another example of the superlative chronographs, developed by the Haute Horlogerie brand from Glashütte, Germany. We were given the opportunity to test and wear the watch for a couple of weeks. To cut a long story short: we loved it. As we already introduced the watch to you earlier, in this article we will focus on the chronograph movement, more specifically its characteristics, what distinguishes it from other chronograph movements, and how it actually works. It looks great but what is what, and what does what? What is the purpose of all those wheels, levers, bridges and springs? Read on to learn how a chronograph actually works. 

9 years ago