Category: Value Proposition

Seiko Prospex Automatic Diver “PADI Samurai” SRPB99J1

Back in 2017, Seiko treated us with a nice surprise, as one of its most iconic watches was back in the collection: the Samurai. Praised by many enthusiasts, tested and certified by most as a reliable dive watch, updated for 2017 with slight evolutions and new colours, there was not much to complain about… Except maybe for the lack of a PADI edition. Well, the honour is safe as the “warrior” can be now ordered in the super-cool blue and red combination dear to PADI editions. Meet the Seiko Prospex Automatic Diver “PADI Samurai” SRPB99J1.

7 years ago

Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical 38mm – Super Accessible, Cool and Hand-Wound

Sometimes – yes, it does happen to us, watch snobs – we like to take a look at some watches that could properly be named “value propositions”. By that, we don’t mean only an accessible price but also an outstanding value for the money. What Swiss brand Hamilton will launch soon is just that: cool and historically relevant design, right proportions, mechanical movement (and hand-wound in addition to that) and very, very friendly priced… Meet the new Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical 38mm.

7 years ago

The E.C. Andersson Calypso, a Stylish All-Rounder with a Reliable Swiss-ETA Movement

A few months back, we got our hands on the North Sea II, the primary watch from Swedish micro-brand E.C. Andersson. A robust and attractive watch, it was itself based on the original North Sea, the first model of the brand, which it had successfully funded on Kickstarter in 2016 and then quickly sold out of. Now, the company is back with their next model, the Calypso, the production of which it is also funding on Kickstarter. Described by the brand as their first “true high-end watch”, it has already reached its funding goal with 15 days still to go. We decided to take a closer look to see what all the fuss is about.

7 years ago

Mido Commander Big Date Centennial Celebration Watch

Mido is coming up for its 100th anniversary and celebrates this big date in its history with the release of the Commander Big Date. Given that Mido’s history is not exactly common knowledge, the brand is determined to shine new light on its more veteran models and welcomes a handsome Commander on board.

7 years ago

7 Women Industry Insiders Pick Top Watches For Under $1,000 (for both genders)

Just in time for the holidays, we bring you seven great watches – for men and women – under USD1,000, as selected by women insiders in the watch industry. This article was initially conceived of in response to the male-insiders-only article written in the New York Times just over a week ago. For that article, entitled “A Watch With Snob Appeal for Under $1,000? Six Watch Insiders Offer Picks” the author opted to inquire about top watches under $1,000 as selected by 6 different men, including our Founder, Frank Geelen. We, at MONOCHROME, wanted to hear what women have to say on that topic too. Additionally, we can bring some choices for both men and women as well – something the men really can’t do.

7 years ago

Buying Guide – 5 Automatic Watches from Established Brands Under EUR 1,000

A good watch doesn’t have to break the bank. Thankfully, there are plenty of worthy options if you are looking for something affordable, yet stylish and well-crafted. We have put together 5 respectable watches priced under EUR 1,000. Of course, because you are reading MONOCHROME, these 5 timepieces couldn’t be anything else than automatic. And they all come from well-established brands. Did we hear cool Christmas gifts?

7 years ago

Value Proposition – Hands-On With The Aramar Long Beach Racing Chronograph

Vintage-inspired watches have been one of the hottest trends of 2017 and this looks set to continue in 2018. Automotive-focused watches from the golden era of the 1960’s and 1970’s, such as the Bell & Ross Vintage Bellytanker and the Heuer Autavia, have been particularly popular, no doubt helped along in no small part by the $17m sale of a Rolex Daytona owned by some guy. Not everyone can afford the premium price tags these types of watch command, however, so today we’re getting hands-on with a much more accessible alternative from Netherlands-based watch designer and producer, Aramar Watch Co. Called the Long Beach Racing Chronograph, it’s already exceeded its funding goal on Kickstarter, with just under a month still to go. Read on for all the details.

7 years ago

Value Proposition – The Star Dust and Black Dust From Balticus Watches

A few months ago, we told you about a young brand from Poland called Balticus. At the time, they were raising funds on Indiegogo for two new automatic bronze watches; the Big Wave and the Grey Seal. Today, we’re getting hands-on with another two models from this young company, the descriptively named Star Dust and Black Dust. At once familiar and unusual, both models come in at under EUR 600 and offer a lot of bang for the buck, although they may not suit everyone’s tastes.

7 years ago

Introducing – The New Formex Element, A Rugged & Accessible Chronograph

Formex has just unveiled the Element; reimagining the brand design DNA into a bold, rugged chronograph offering excellent value for money. Just a few days after the watch premiered at Munich Time, we have visited the Formex team in Biel to go hands-on with their latest stopwatch… and here are the specs, some live pics and the price.

7 years ago