Video – MMT Swiss (Manufacture Modules Technologies), Creator of Smart Movements and Hybrid Watches

As a “magazine dedicated to fine watches”, MONOCHROME doesn’t tend to cover connected modules, batteries and microchips. Still, we have to recognize the benefits of this technology when it comes to monitoring heart rate or other health/activity indicators. Today, we find out more about MMT Swiss Connected, Manufacture Modules Technologies, a company that creates Swiss-made […]

6 years ago

VIDEO: Travel in style with Grand Seiko's SBGE201 

The travel watch is one of the classic tropes in the world of watch design — and as with all recurring themes, the travel watch is a broad spectrum, ranging from rough and ready all the way up to the private jets and mega-yachts version of travelling in style. The Grand Seiko SBGE201 treads a middle ground. It’s solid steel, but it also possesses enough innate pizzaz to hold its own in more formal situations. This tricky balancing act comes down to the materials Grand Seiko has used, and how they’ve been treated: the steel is hard-wearing and robust, but it’s been treated with Grand Seiko’s typical level of obsession and care, to transform the otherwise ubiquitous case-material into something far more sculptural. And, of course, that sapphire inset bezel adds more than its fair share of flash.  So, if you’re the sort of traveller who likes to stand out while fitting in, the classic, sporty shape and ever-impressive Spring Drive tech of the Grand Seiko SBGE201 might be something you want to take a closer look at.  Grand Seiko SBGE201 price Grand Seiko SBGE201, $8400 AUD Made in partnership with Grand Seiko. However, the opinions expressed in this article are…

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6 years ago

Video – Frederique Constant – Pim Koeslag, Technical Director, about the Watchmaking Evolution of the Brand

After two videos on history and strategy, we continue our series of videos focusing on accessible luxury brand Frederique Constant. Created only 30 years ago by Peter and Aletta Stas, the brand has gained international recognition for manufacturing elegant watches with interesting complications and luxurious appeal for reasonable prices. This also meant the adoption of true […]

6 years ago

Video – Frederique Constant – The Present and Future of the Brand with Managing Director Niels Eggerding

Today on MONOCHROME we continue our series of videos focusing on accessible luxury brand Frederique Constant. Created only 30 years ago by Peter and Aletta Stas, the brand has gained international recognition for manufacturing elegant watches with interesting complications and luxurious appeal for reasonable prices. This strategy started with outsourcing movements from renowned manufacturers (ETA and […]

6 years ago

VIDEO: Grand Seiko's epic Spring Drive Chronograph – the SBGC203

In general, Grand Seiko has a reputation for being somewhat stealthy on the wrist — but, to be honest, that’s not the case with this chunk of finely crafted steel, better known as the Grand Seiko Spring Drive Chronograph SBGC203.  At a sizeable 43.5mm across by 16.1mm tall, this isn’t the sort of watch that slides under the cuff, and even if it did, those oh-so-distinctive chronograph pushers would happily be peeking out, no matter what. But really, this is the sort of watch that you lean into. It’s a big and bold example of Grand Seiko’s best technologies — there’s no hiding the quality of the case or dial work, and the chronograph pushers have been so exceptionally engineered that you’ll be looking for any excuse (boiling eggs, timing car parks — the usual) to start, stop and reset. The goodness extends to the inside too. The 9R86 is a technical wonder — adding a GMT and a chronograph with a very unique layout to Grand Seiko’s already superlatively accurate Spring Drive technology. With this set of features and the fact that it’s rated to a decent 100 metres of water resistance, it’s a watch that can go anywhere,…

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6 years ago

Video – Frederique Constant – The History of the Brand with President Peter Stas

Today on MONOCHROME we start a series of videos focusing on accessible luxury brand, Frederique Constant. Created only 30 years ago by Peter and Aletta Stas, the brand has gained international recognition for manufacturing elegant watches with interesting complications and luxurious appeal for reasonable prices. Frederique Constant is also now an established manufacture, capable of […]

6 years ago

Introducing – Tudor Black Bay Chrono Dark Limited Edition (Incl. Video Review)

It’s rather unusual for Tudor to launch a watch out of the Baselworld context… What is even more unusual is a Tudor limited edition (except one done with Harrods and one with Bucherer). This explains why today’s launch is a bit of an exception. As one of the official sponsors of the All Blacks (New Zealand’s national rugby team) and as the 2019 Rugby World Cup is about to start in a few days from now, Tudor introduces a perfectly matching new model. Meet the Tudor Black Bay Chrono Dark Limited Edition ref. 79360DK.

6 years ago

First Look – The new URWERK UR-100 SpaceTime (Video, Hands-On)

URWERK can’t leave anyone indifferent. Since making its debut in the 1990s, the indie brand created by Martin Frei and Felix Baumgartner stands out with its radical, futuristic designs and its original way to portray time. The idea of wandering hours, like for a sundial, is omnipresent. The stage was set from the very beginning with the creation of the UR101/102 (we will come back on these watches later) displaying time on an arc. Then came the satellite time indication with a host of creative and complex iterations… satellites, cams, transporters, rotating cubes, telescopic hands, retrograde indications mark off the Urwerk time. The story continues with the new URWERK UR-100 SpaceTime.

6 years ago

VIDEO: Vintage style done right, the Tissot Heritage 1973 Chronograph

Broadly speaking, heritage-inspired watches fall into two significant camps — faithful reissues or modern interpretations. The Tissot Heritage 1973 Chronograph falls very much into the former camp. And, as far as faithful reissues go, it’s awesome. The big picture is the case, which is a hefty, hunky cushion — bonus points for the smart mix of case finishings, which is something you rarely see on a watch, let alone one at this price point. The dial is also a straight-up smash hit: panda-style, with a retro Tissot logo and charming orange highlights. A domed sapphire tops it off and the 7753 is an exceptionally reliable auto that is the perfect choice for this sort of watch. You don’t have to be a fan of mid-70s motorsports to wear this watch but, good golly, it would help. Tissot Heritage 1973 Chronograph price Tissot Heritage 1973 Chronograph, limited to 1973 pieces, $2900 AUD Made in partnership with Tissot. However, the opinions expressed in this article are our own in accordance with our Editorial Policy.

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6 years ago