Watch Dandy

INTRODUCING: The Breitling Navitimer 1 Airline Editions

Breitling has just announced three retro takes on their iconic pilot’s watch — the mighty Navitimer — that evoke the golden age of jet travel. The Airline Editions capsule collection consists of tributes to three of the great airlines, Pan Am, Swissair and TWA. Each airline is the subject of nostalgic homage, in the form of a colourful, and undeniably cool, version of the Navitimer 1 B01. The context behind this capsule collection is quite interesting, as these are limited production, limited run watches, rather than a limited edition per se. The purpose behind this approach is to highlight specific historic stories or associations — something that Breitling has in spades. But onto the watches themselves. The Swissair edition is a black base dial marked by orange highlights of a tone that is particularly ’70s, along with a logo printed on the clear caseback. Pan Am is blue with a very similar orange, while TWA is orange details on a creamy, ivory dial and a nice vintage-style calf strap. Now, these watches are great and all, but I’ve got one problem. Why isn’t Qantas, Australia’s own flying kangaroo, in the mix?

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HANDS-ON: The Baume & Mercier Clifton Baumatic Cadran Bleu

Baume & Mercier’s foray into the world of in-house movements resulted in one of the biggest value propositions of 2018, the Clifton Baumatic. Well, this year the simple steel watch with an impressive five-day power reserve was the subject of a stylish makeover, in the form of a blue dial. But not just any blue. The cadran bleu, as it’s called, is a deep, dark graduated blue that veers strongly into black territory at its outer limits. It’s not as bold or flashy as some other graduated blue dials, but it’s also a lot more mysterious as black. Dial change aside, everything else is business as usual. The case is 40mm, and the watch comes either on leather (my pick) or a five-link bracelet. The movement is also offered in COSC or non-COSC variants. The COSC option features a sector-style crosshair on the dial. Baume & Mercier Clifton Baumatic Cadran Bleu pricing Baume & Mercier Clifton Baumatic Cadran Bleu, from 2400 euro, including tax.

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SIHH 2019 – Montblanc Heritage Manufacture Perpetual Calendar LE100 (with MB’s New Manufacture Movement)

For the SIHH 2019, Montblanc introduces a completely revamped “Heritage” collection – indeed, this collection isn’t entirely new, as already comprising models such as the Heritage Spirit Pulsograph or the Heritage Perpetual Calendar. The latter was a talking piece at the SIHH 2014, for being at that time the most affordable QP on the market. Having a redesigned collection is a thing, but Montblanc decided to give this watch something extra: the brand’s first manufacture perpetual calendar movement. Meet the new Montblanc Heritage Manufacture Perpetual Calendar LE100.

Video – Live from SIHH 2019 – Benoit Mintiens of Ressence (About the Type 2 e-Crown)

MONOCHROME continues its live coverage direct from the hallowed halls of horology and brings you this next video with Benoit Mintiens, founder of the brand that has added the adjective ‘cool’ to the display of mechanical watches. Find out what makes the Ressence Type 2 e-Crown such an innovative hybrid proposition combining the reliability of electronics […]

SIHH 2019 – A. Lange & Söhne Datograph Perpetual Tourbillon with Pink Gold Dial

Introduced in 2016, the Datograph Perpetual Tourbillon ranks among A. Lange & Söhne’s most complex watches – together with the 2017 Tourbograph Perpetual Pour le Merite and the 2018 Triple Split. Featuring a flyback chronograph, a perpetual calendar with moon phases, an outsize date, and a one-minute tourbillon discreetly integrated on the back – there are lots of goodies in […]

Introducing: The Richard Mille RM 16-01 Fraise And The RM 07-03 Marshmallow From The Bonbon Collection (With Live Pics)

Are these Bonbons merely saccharine treats, or signs of arch self-awareness?

Video – Live from SIHH 2019 – Charris Yadigaroglou of MB&F

MB&F unveils its hypnotic Medusa clock made in collaboration – the tenth – with Swiss clockmaker L’Epée 1839. As Charris Yadigaroglou, Communication Manager of MB&F reveals in this video, Medusa is an exceptional creation because it was not conceived by founder Max Büsser. The idea came from independent designer Fabrice Gonet, who in turn was […]

Just Because: H. Moser Made A Tourbillon Minute Repeater With No Hands

The Swiss Alp Watch Concept Black is a watchmaking thought experiment – and I have to admit I kind of love it.

SIHH 2019 – IWC Pilot’s Watch Automatic TOP GUN – New Ceramic Case and In-House Calibre

If you’ve seen the 1986 blockbuster Top Gun, you’re familiar with the Naval Fighter Weapons School for elite pilots, established in Southern California in 1969. IWC has paid homage to TOP GUN since 2007 and is releasing its latest three-hand automatic in the series with a new in-house movement and matte black ceramic case. Launched coincidentally with the new Pilot’s Watch Automatic Spitfire, the TOP GUN model also shares the Spitfire’s IWC 32110 automatic calibre, although the case is larger at 41mm (from the Spitfire’s 39mm diameter) with a more modern aesthetic.

SIHH 2019 – HYT H1.0 – A New Take on the Fluidic Complication

The SIHH 2019 has opened its doors and since you all know it is not just about Richemont brands anymore, but other brands are exhibiting as well, it results in a flurry of new watches this time a year. Next up is a new chapter in the HYT fluidic watchmaking adventure, the HYT H1.0. Not entirely new as a mechanical watchmaking concept, but still worth having a look at a significantly redesigned H1.