Hands-on – TAG Heuer Carrera Heuer 02 GMT Chronograph – Travelling in the Fast Lane

The Carrera, a pillar of TAG Heuer’s identity, turns 55 this year and is feted with a rush of Carrera models, including this racy 45mm Carrera Chronograph GMT fitted with the souped-up in-house Heuer 02 movement. Displaying the 3-6-9 chronograph configuration of the original Carrera, TAG Heuer steams ahead and embraces a contemporary skeletonised look to ensure the Carrera stays in the fast lane.

8 years ago

Interview – Talking about the Oscars of Watchmaking and new Developments for the GPHG

As of January 1st, 2018, the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève, or short GPHG, has a new president: Mr Raymond Loretan. He took over the helm from his predecessor Carlo Lamprecht, who, together with Mrs Carine Maillard, director of the GPHG foundation, has built the GPHG to what it is today. What they achieved in only seventeen years is very impressive! Besides a new president, there are two more prize categories that we wanted to know more about. MONOCHROME sat down with Raymond Loretan and Carine Maillard to talk about the GPHG’s past and future. 

8 years ago

Hands-on – Bovet “Monsieur Bovet” – Wristwatch, Pocket Watch and Desk Clock in One

There is something special about the Bovet Monsieur… This subtly sophisticated watch is imbued with a sense of nostalgia for a bygone elegance. Its classical lines are clearly inspired by pocket watches. And it is no coincidence that this versatile watch incorporates Bovet’s patented Amadeo convertible case concept. Not one watch, but four watches at once. Here is our take on the new Bovet “Monsieur Bovet”

8 years ago

HANDS-ON: The Grand Seiko Blue Ceramic Hi-Beat GMT “Special” Limited Edition

In the wonderful world of Grand Seiko, if it’s not using a quartz crystal – and, yes, that includes the Spring Drive – then inside is a Caliber 9S movement. Introduced in 1998, the Caliber 9S is the staple of all mechanical Grand Seikos and forms the base for everything from humble three-handers to hi-beats and GMTs. This year, Grand Seiko are celebrating the 20th birthday of the 9S with – in addition to quite a few other LEs – the release of the Grand Seiko Blue Ceramic Hi-Beat GMT “Special” Limited Edition. Vital statistics Inside is a very “special” version of the Caliber 9S86 movement. Adjusted to six positions and allowing for changes in temperature, the movement exceeds the already stringent accuracy tolerances set by Grand Seiko, and is accurate to within +4 to -2 seconds per day, while it still features the added functionality of a GMT hand, and runs at 10 beats per second for up to 55 hours. This particular version of the 9S86 is now kept running by an oscillating weight made from titanium and tungsten. Visible through a sapphire crystal case back, the titanium sections of the weight are treated with an anodic oxidation…

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8 years ago

LIST: 3 new Bremont watches that grabbed my attention at their London boutique

When in London, it’d be rude not to drop in and see one of their (very few) British watch brands – Bremont. Luckily, the brand’s co-founder Giles English happened to be around their Mayfair boutique and up for a cup of tea. I might’ve had a coffee, but that didn’t stop Giles and I chatting through some of the brand’s recent releases. As I stepped out of the cold into the warmth of their store, I welcomed by one of the coolest store-fits I’ve ever experienced. If you’ve visited a Bremont Boutique, you know what I’m talking about. It’s not often you see a Martin-Baker ejection seat on display. Immediately, Giles pulled out a piece, the Bremont Endurance, which was worn and tested by polar explorer Ben Saunders in Antarctica. Needless to say, it was impressive to see a watch that lasted 52 days in Antarctica (which is 52 more than I would)! Giles then brought over a tray of new releases. Having been launched just weeks before my visit, I hadn’t had the opportunity to see them in person. Aside from the ice-cool Endurance, three others from the new collection caught my eye. First up was the brand new Bremont Airco…

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8 years ago