Xavier Markl’s Top 10 of the SIHH 2017

The SIHH 2017 was my 19th attendance to the Geneva-based fair. What a pleasure to tour the inescapable Geneva Haute Horlogerie rendez-vous, which has been great vintage indeed! Here’s my top ten favorite watches, after over 2,000 pictures shot. These are presented without specific order, focusing on gents watches (no mention therefore of the magnificent jeweled watches from Cartier, Piaget or Van Cleef and Arpels). A tough choice but as we had to pick ten, here we go with my personal highlights…

8 years ago

Vacheron Constantin Introduces Symphonia Grande Sonnerie Wristwatch (With a Little Help From its Friends)

Vacheron Constantin claimed two of the most complex watches unveiled at SIHH 2017, both million dollar masterpieces. The first being the two-faced Celestia Astronomical Grand Complication, while the second is the Les Cabinotiers Symphonia Grande Sonnerie 1860, the Geneva watchmaker’s first grande sonnerie wristwatch. The Symphonia is major, both physically and metaphorically. The case is a […]

8 years ago

SIHH 2017 – Vacheron Constantin Traditionnelle Chronograph Perpetual Calendar – now available in Pink Gold

Back in September 2016 we told you about the launch of the revamped Vacheron Constantin Traditionnelle Chronograph Perpetual Calendar. An update to one of the brand’s more iconic models, the new ref. 5000T boasted a re-designed dial and an improved movement. At the time however it was only available in a platinum case, unlike its predecessor which was also available in rose gold. At SIHH 2017, Vacheron Constantin completes this evolution with the official unveiling of the ref. 5000T-000R, featuring a gorgeous 18K 5N pink gold case.

8 years ago

Live from SIHH 2017 – Vacheron Constantin Métiers D’Arts Copernicus Celestial Spheres

Métiers D’Art are deeply ingrained in Vacheron Constantin’s tradition. At SIHH 2017, the Geneva-based Manufacture is introducing a collection in tribute to Nicolaus Copernicus, the Polish mathematician and astronomer who heralded a scientific revolution, putting forward the theory of heliocentrism, overturning all existing beliefs. Three different versions bring different interpretations of the theme into three expressions of exceptional craftsmanship – all powered by a movement animating a fascinating reproduction of the earth rotations around the sun.

8 years ago

SIHH 2017 – Vacheron Constantin Les Cabinotiers Symphonia Grande Sonnerie 1860

SIHH 2017 – Vacheron Constantin unveils its first ever Grande Sonnerie wristwatch with the one-of-a-kind Les Cabinotiers Symphonia Grande Sonnerie 1860, a horological masterpiece boasting ingenious security devices, a smart strike-mode selector operated via the bezel and “phantom” quarters elimination. It’s an impressive watch that we present to you today (and one that we’ll be reviewing in greater detail once the SIHH over).

8 years ago

Live From SIHH 2017 – The mighty Vacheron Constantin Celestia

Here we are, live from the SIHH 2017. And as you can imagine, things are quite hectic. So, this is why we’ll show you short stories to discover some of the best novelties we’re been presented. No long articles, just the pleasure of live photos. Still, don’t worry, we have dozens of longer articles coming. To start the show, here is the mighty (understatement) Vacheron Constantin Celestia.

8 years ago

Throwback To The SIHH 2016 Highlights, While You’re Waiting For The SIHH 2017 Novelties

In less than 2 days, Monday 16th January, 9am (Central Europe Time), will be the official opening of the SIHH 2017, the annual High Mass for watches in Geneva. While we, at the Monochrome-Watches redaction, already have a glimpse of what is about to come (don’t even try to ask, we won’t tell), on this day you’ll be able to discover what the 17 large brands and 12 independent watchmakers exposing there have prepared for their new collections. We’re sure you, watch aficionado and collectors, can’t wait, but to make the suspense a bit less difficult, here is an overview of what the SIHH 2016 had best to show.

8 years ago

Happy Chinese New Year With 8 Rooster-Themed Lucky Watches

It is now a tradition for watchmakers to observe Chinese New Year by creating beautiful, decorative timepieces. The rooster is the eleventh sign of the 12-year zodiac cycle. According to Chinese astrology, the rooster is loyal and punctual – a great fit for a timepiece! Check out these pieces by Jaquet Droz, Ulysse Nardin, Vacheron Constantin, Piaget, Chopard, and Panerai.

8 years ago