Category: Value Proposition

Introducing New “Cocktail” Seiko Presage Inspired by Tokyo’s Best Cocktails

At Baselworld 2017, Seiko introduced a new line in the Presage collection, the “Cocktail” watches – colourful, elegant timepieces inspired by the glamorous world of the cocktail bar. Comprising no less than 8 models, this series of Presage watches have been praised for its audacious look and for the perfect combination of mechanical pleasure with highly decent prices. Today, Seiko enriches the collection with four new models (two new dials, with two different movements) that have been inspired by the work of a past winner of the International Bar Association World Championships. Here are the Seiko Presage “Cocktail” Starlight and Sakura Hubuki with references SSA361, 363 and SRPC01, 03.

7 years ago

Industry News – US-Brand Timex Goes Back to Mechanical After 35 Years of Quartz, with a $200 Hand-Wound Watch

For most of the youngsters, Timex is synonymous of accessible, fashion-oriented quartz watches. However, if we look back in time, Timex actually played a major role in the history of the American mechanical watch. Timex was one of the most, if not the most prominent US-based manufacture, until the early 1980s when the company made a drastic strategic move. Yet, times are changing, and without saying that Timex is about to go back to its glorious past position, it is to be noted that the US-based brand returns to mechanical, with the Timex Vintage Marlin, a hand-wound watch priced under $200. A lot to love, and also not to love… You’ll see!

7 years ago

Value Proposition – Review of the Minuteman RWB DLC, a Military-Inspired Watch Assembled in the United States

American Minutemen earned their nickname by being so well-prepared and ready to fight that they could assemble at a minute’s notice. I hate to admit, but it took me a while to realize just what a good name “Minuteman” is for a watch company, as it brings to mind both time and the military. Let’s go into a bit of Minuteman’s background for those unfamiliar with the company, and then dig into the details of the RWB DLC we are reviewing today.

7 years ago

Launching on Kickstarter – Revolo Fully Customizable Watches now with Chronograph Options

Recently, we introduced to you an interesting concept: Revolo. The idea behind this brand was to offer a complete customization program in order to create your very own watch. Dials, case shape and coating, hands, crown, straps and bracelets, and more importantly, movement type. After having created over 1,000 customized 3-hand watches, Revolo now moves to another type of timepiece, the chronograph… But still with the same personalization idea. Now launching on Kickstarter.

7 years ago

Hands-On with the Latest Versions of the Cool Brellum Duobox Chronograph (Inc. a New Power Reserve Version)

Sebastien Muller started Brellum in December 2016 with the presentation of the Duobox, an elegant stop-watch which offered excellent value for money. This handsome, retro-inspired chronograph is really nicely executed, powered by the reliable Valjoux 7750, and coming with a COSC certificate – All this at a very reasonable price, as this small independent brand sells direct-to-customer with no middlemen. Brellum has recently unveiled two new chronographs that keep the essential elements of the Duobox but simultaneously add a slightly different vibe.

7 years ago

Value Proposition – Hands-On with the Mido Multifort Escape

Founded in 1918, Mido is a company of the Swatch group based in Le Locle. For whatever reason, the brand is sometimes a bit underrated but deserves a closer look. Mido watches are well made and offer superb value. The Multifort was originally presented in 1934 and was among the first antimagnetic watches with a self-winding movement. A commercial success for the brand, it is one of its oldest collections. Today, we look at its descendant, the Mido Multifort Escape.

7 years ago

Value Proposition – The Paulin Watches Commuter Automatic (Designed and Assembled… In Glasgow)

As already explained to you, from time to time, we, posh watch-lovers and journalists, have to look at the other side of the watchmaking spectre. Of course, high-end, hand-decorated watches will remain our most important focus, but we shouldn’t forget that accessibility is key for many collectors. This is why, when there’s an affordable project that we love, we’re happy to share it with you… and this Paulin Commuter Automatic, a watch from Glasgow, Scotland, with an original and inspired design (and of course mechanical movement), is today under our scope.

7 years ago

Value Proposition: Alpina Adds 3 New Models To Its Alpiner 4 Automatic Collection

Last year, Swiss watch manufacturer Alpina added a robust new sports watch to its main collection, the Alpiner 4 Automatic. At the time, the watch was offered in three different dial colours – dark blue, silver, black – all paired with elegant leather straps. This year, Alpina adds a further three options to the line-up, including a very sporty, slightly vintage-looking, red and black dial combination. Read on for all the details. 

7 years ago

Value Proposition – Vario Eclipse, a 1960s-inspired & Singapore-Designed Hand-Wound Watch

Usually, on Monochrome, we’re all about the beauty of high-end watches. We love them and we believe you love them too. However, we’re also fully aware that not all collectors can afford the watches we cover. Sometimes, we have to look at more accessible pieces, however ones that we believe are good enough in terms of style and quality. One of them is the Vario Eclipse, an affordable (properly affordable) hand-wound and dressy watch with some rather cool vintage design features, original straps, and surprisingly designed in Singapore.

7 years ago