Introducing – Oris Big Crown Limited Edition PA Charles de Gaulle (the Aircraft-Carrier, not the President…)

A bit of French pride for today… Indeed, as some of you might know, I’m French and what Oris is releasing today is somehow resonating in me. Based on the military roots of the brand, which is represented by the Oris Big Crown collection, the brand is introducing a limited edition made to honor the crew of the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle, the French Navy’s flagship. This is why I’m proud to show you the new Oris Big Crown Limited Edition PA Charles de Gaulle (the Aircraft-Carrier, not the President…)

9 years ago

Almost Vintage… Christie’s To Auction Online Three Of The Earliest URWERK Watches

Almost vintage… Indeed, this might be a bit provocative, however do consider that what you see here is a time-capsule, enclosing 20 years of history. That’s right, the everlasting young and creative brand URWERK is celebrating this year two decades of bold and unchained horological creations. So, well, vintage… Maybe not! Extremely collectible… Most definitely, as Christie’s Watches Online is now having for sale three of the earliest URWERK watches, which is quite a rare opportunity to get your hands on a piece of the independent scene’s history.

9 years ago

HANDS-ON: Aggressively monochrome – the blacked-out Bulgari Octo Ultranero

With its intensely angular octagonal case, it’s easy to see why Bulgari’s Octo collection is a cult favourite. And the latest versions take the model down a darker path. We looked at the crimson-accented version earlier this year, and today we go even darker with the full-black Octo Ultranero. The case is the same as always – 41 mm steel treated with a black DLC, and rated to 100m. But while its red-and-black companion plays with contrast, this version offers nothing but black. The matt black hands and indices all but disappear into the equally black dial, and leave the case to be the dark and brooding hero. In fact, unless the light is hitting the inky lacquered dial at just the right angle, you’re going to have trouble seeing those sleek, skeletonised, dauphine-style hands against it. But legibility isn’t the main concern here. This watch manages to be both bold and understated, a difficult trick to pull off. The attention is on the Octo’s iconic Gerald Genta designed case. With razor-sharp lines and multiple facets, it’s a somewhat sinister play of light and shadow, reminiscent of a stealth fighter. Each of the many brushed black sides contrast or highlight…

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9 years ago

HANDS-ON: JLC’s mean machine – the Master Compressor Chronograph Ceramic, now in black and pink gold

This Jaeger-LeCoultre is a great example of just how true the old saying about assumptions is. You see, it’s easy to pigeonhole JLC as producing only fine, delicate and dressy watches – classic Reversos, or smart vintage-inspired pieces, for example. And while it’s true that this style of watchmaking is their bread and butter, that doesn’t mean they’re not supremely well-equipped to belt out a truly excellent contemporary piece when they put their mind to it. This latest version of the Master Compressor Chronograph ceramic illustrates the point perfectly. This stealthy-luxe sports watch was released at SIHH with (appropriately enough) zero fanfare, but that’s OK, because the matt black ceramic case with pink gold details makes an impressive statement all on its own. Aside from the new colourway, not much has changed from when the piece was first released in 2014. The case is quite large at 46mm, and the crown features the patented compression key, which, when activated, means the case is good for 100m of water resistance. The calibre 757 movement includes a chronograph and a second timezone, and is good for 65 hours of power reserve. In many ways this watch is similar to a supercar. Sure,…

The post HANDS-ON: JLC’s mean machine – the Master Compressor Chronograph Ceramic, now in black and pink gold appeared first on Time and Tide Watches.

9 years ago

Hands-on with the MCT Dodekal One D110 & Its Unique Mechanical-Digital Display

The MCT Dodekal One D110, which we introduced to you here, is simply one of the most impressive mechanical digital hour indications on the market. MCT is the abbreviation of Manufacture Contemporaine du Temps, and the name actually says it all. This “very contemporary” watch manufactory, which was launched in 2007, does not create wrist watches that indicate time simply by 2 or 3 hands. And their latest creation, the Dodekal One that we’re looking at today, is, even in the field of watches with another way to display time (something we love here at Monochrome), an absolute rarity. Today we go hands-on with the Dodekal One D110. 

9 years ago