A Horological Peacock Feeding . . . Or? Caption Competition #35

Believe it or not, this stylized peacock pecking at a bowl full of ears of wheat is actually a fully functional horological component. But what other story might explain what’s going on here? Could it actually be a new avian constellation in the night sky? Share your ideas in the comments below.

8 years ago

Sound Investments: The Genius of Patek Philippe Minute Repeaters 2.

In Part 1 of Sound Investments: The Genius of Patek Philippe Minute Repeaters, we covered the heritage and innovations perfected by the Genevan manufacture. Today, Part 2 will cover the advancements and mechanical technologies heralded by the birth of the Calibre 89.…

8 years ago

Bring a Loupe: A Very Rare Patek Philippe Calatrava, An Oversized Rolex Pre-Explorer, An Unusual Jaeger-LeCoultre ‘Snowdrop,’ And More

This week’s Bring A Loupe features one of the rarest time-only vintage Patek Philippe watches out there. You no doubt familiar with the automatic reference 2526, but you probably haven’t seen one with a Gobbi signature on a black dial. Then comes and outstanding Rolex Pre-Explorer with a tapestry dial, the same type of oversized model worn by Edmund Hillary when he conquered Mount Everest. And it does not stop with these great classics – some more unusual watches from Jaeger-LeCoultre, Movado, and L. Leroy & Cie also made the cut today. This is your Bring A Loupe for September 2, 2016.

8 years ago

Historical Perspective – The Doxa Sub 300, The Dive Watch Personified

Back in Baselworld 2016, Doxa introduced its 50th Anniversary Sub model, a great dive watch with unquestionable pedigree. We will discover why this dive watch is so important by looking back at an early Doxa Sub 300, belonging to one of the preeminent Doxa collectors – and a great friend of Monochrome and me, personally – Mr. Marco Thier. By examining the story behind its creation, I hope to shed the light on the importance of the Doxa Sub in the history and the evolutionary course of the dive watch in general.

8 years ago

Hands-on with the TAG Heuer Aquaracer 300m Black Titanium

Built for the extreme, dive watches were born from an utilitarian purpose: diving is all about time and depth. Yet, their most important promise might very well be that strapping a rugged dive watch around your wrist, gets you ready for the next adventure or adrenaline fix. The perfect option if you want to test your ability “not to crack under pressure”. Celebrating the brand’s tagline, Aquaracer collection is complemented by new attractive colored models. Monochrome goes hands-on with the TAG Heuer Aquaracer 300m Black Titanium Sand’ and Blue.

8 years ago

FRIDAY WIND DOWN: 2nd September, 2016 – the advertising edition

Want to know something scary? 2016 is practically over. It’s 115 sleeps until Christmas. Which equals 17 more weeks or, most horrifyingly of all, a mere 85 business days. I don’t know about you, but I’m still recovering from #xmas15. There’s only one thing to do.…

8 years ago

EDITOR’S PICK: 7 ways to spot a fake Tudor Black Bay

Editor’s Note: Today we’re looking back at a story we ran just under a year ago, and one that’s just as relevant today. And while this ‘How to’ guide deals with the specific example of a fake Tudor Black Bay, many of the broad points here are relevant to a whole lot of watches.…

8 years ago

A Week On The Wrist – Fromanteel Pendulum

Fromanteel Pendulum – Their First Automatic Fromanteel might be a brand that you’ve not heard of before, or at least not very often. Yet, this Dutch brand exists already for 7 years now and had their first appearance at Baselworld this year as well. Supplying only quartz watches in the past it wasn’t a brand […]

8 years ago