Watch Dandy

Audemars Piguet Reissues the 1993 Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph… And We Go Hands-On With This 25th Anniversary Ref. 26237ST

Throughout its long history, Audemars Piguet did quite some bold moves. Of course, we all remember the 1972 Royal Oak, a Genta-designed watch that simply revolutionized the concept of the luxury watch. Another of these bold moves should be reminded. Back in 1993, Audemars Piguet presented an evolution of the Royal Oak, a highly-masculine version named the Offshore – a watch that will again create a trend that will later spread over the rest industry. To celebrate the 25th anniversary of this modern icon, the Le Brassus-based brand presents, as Pre-SIHH 2018 novelties, two new ROO watches, including this retro-inspired Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph Re-edition 25th Anniversary Ref. 26237ST. Slightly vintage, highly iconic.

Editorial: Price, Value, And The Strange Case Of The Nine Million Dollar Postage Stamp

Are record setting auction results a good thing or a bad thing – and for whom?

Business News: Still Too Many Watches In The World, Says Richemont Group

High inventories slow the pace of recovery, says Group Chairman Johann Rupert.

Hands-On – Panerai Luminor Due 3 Days Titanio 42mm, a Hint of Elegance for the Sporty Icon

Much to our satisfaction, we have seen smaller watches re-emerged over the past few years. Even Panerai, known to be on the large side, has been downsizing its iconic design, with its 42mm Luminor Due, which is now offered for the first time in a handsome, light-weight titanium version. We go hands-on with the slender PAM00728 or Panerai Luminor Due 3 Days Titanio 42mm.

INTRODUCING: A racy traveller – the Montblanc TimeWalker Chronograph UTC

In recent years, we’ve witnessed Montblanc – who acquired Minerva back in 2006 – embrace the storied bygone days of its Villeret movement manufacturer. They’ve developed innovative complications, and paid tribute with dressy heritage-style timepieces. And this year they’ve revamped their modern TimeWalker collection, keeping the contemporary styling, while paying tribute to the illustrious motorsport heritage of Minerva. Sitting amongst the simple three-handers and limited-edition rally timers of the collection is the TimeWalker Chronograph UTC. A sporty chronograph with a dual-time complication. What immediately sets the Chronograph UTC apart from the other TimeWalkers is its black DLC-treated 43mm case. Structurally it shares the exact same shape and semi-skeletonised lugs as the rest of the collection. Only bolder and blacked-out. The unidirectional ceramic bezel is engraved with a 24-hour scale – revealing its readiness to travel – and the bezel edge, along with the crown and pushers, is knurled – a functional finish common on vintage race cars. On the back is a smoked pane of sapphire crystal, uncovering the Calibre MB 25.03 movement beating inside. This is Montblanc’s variation of the ETA 7754, and has a power reserve of 46 hours. Water resistance is also a jaunty 100m. The dial…

The post INTRODUCING: A racy traveller – the Montblanc TimeWalker Chronograph UTC appeared first on Time and Tide Watches.

A Week On The Wrist: The Cartier Tank Américaine In Steel

Going back to basics for the Tank’s 100th birthday.

Introducing – H. Moser & Cie. Endeavour Tourbillon Concept, Fighting Gravity in the Purest Way

Creating an object without a single mention of its provenance on the dial and that, however, remains recognizable is far, far from easy. Yet, Schaffhausen-based brand H. Moser & Cie., with their pure/nude watches, achieved this – at least, among an audience of well-educated collectors. Pushing the idea even further are the Concept watches of the brand: no text, no indexes, no Swiss-Made mention… Actually, nothing! A dial and its hands, that’s all. This idea is now applied to another watch in the collection, the most complex of them all, with Endeavour Tourbillon Concept.

Introducing: The Urban Jürgensen Alfred With In-House Caliber P4

In steel, in-house, and in excellent taste.

Auction Report: Behold The Patek Philippe Wiretapping Device That Just Sold At Antiquorum Geneva

Just one more proof that Patek Philippe really listens to its customers.

Hands-On – The Garrick S1 Prototype With Skeletonized Dial, Offering A Window Into British Watchmaking

For the last few years, we’ve been hearing about the so-called “resurgence” of British watchmaking. Run by passionate Brits with a strong streak of defiance, these small independent brands are (very) slowly but surely gaining a foothold in the market and proving they have what it takes to stick around for a while. One such brand, which we’ve written about several times before on MONOCHROME, is Garrick (you can find all past coverage here.) Today, we’re taking a closer look at the S1, the latest model from the brand, or rather a prototype of it.