Watches NEWS
9 of the Best and Most Impressive Complication Watches of 2020 - Monochrome Watches
The end of the year is fast approaching, so it is time for MONOCHROME to take a look back at the watches we think should make our “best of” lists for 2020. The COVID-19 outbreak disrupted our lives and, incidentally, the watch industry. Despite this situation, we’ve seen plenty of fascinating watches. We are starting with a round-up of the most complex and most innovative movements. From grandes complications to new escapements, here are some of the creations at the pinnacle of mechanical watchmaking for 2020.Note: the Vacheron Constantin Grand Complication, despite the fact that it is, without a doubt, a truly impressive timepiece, is not included here as it is a commissioned watch.Code 11.59 by Audemars Piguet Grande Sonnerie Carillon Super SonnerieThe grande sonnerie is an Audemars Piguet speciality. However, seeing it in the case of the brand's modern Code 11.59 sounds like a grand return. Although the foundations of the movement are those of the AP Grande Sonneri
Hands-On - Ulysse Nardin Marine Torpilleur Military Pre-SIHH 2018 - Specs & Price
A few weeks ago, Ulysse Nardin announced its Pre-SIHH 2018 watches, which include 2 very classical watches – the Marine Tourbillon Blue Enamel and the Classico Grand Feu – with all the DNA of the brand: enamel dial, nice in-house movement, Marine inspiration, elegance with a twist and relatively affordable price. A third watch was presented, however a much more original one: the?Ulysse Nardin Marine Torpilleur Military. Surprised by this piece, we had to check it in the metal to vote in favour (or not) of this new Military take on the Marine roots.To understand the new?Ulysse Nardin Marine Torpilleur Military, we have to back to mid-2017, when UN introduced a new, accessible and essential version of its Marine watch, the Torpilleur. This watch, deliberately inspired by some mid-19th century Marine Chronometers manufactured by the brand, and at the same time cleared of most of the fancy features found on the?standard Marine collection (see here for an example) was a refreshi
Farer Automatic Watches - British Design, Swiss Made, Vintage Look, Reasonable Price - Monochrome Watches
Wouldn’t it be pleasant if all the youngsters around would involve progressively in real watchmaking, meaning mechanical watches, if most of them grew as collectors, instead of looking at massive and not-so-distinguished fashion brands watches? Well, we don’t live at “candy land” and things won’t change that fast. However, every collector must have a starting point and when a cool, slightly fashion-oriented brand introduces automatic watches after a first successful collection of Quartz timepieces, it can only bring new, younger people to show interest in mechanical. Here are the?Farer Automatic Watches, a combination of British Design, Swiss Made and Vintage Look – a for a reasonable price.Farer watches started with a first collection of watches, in November 2015. Quite successful, these watches – all quartz unfortunately – were showing a nice, vintage-inspired design, which recalled military and sports watches from the 1960s. Cases were
TAG Heuer Aquaracer Calibre 5 Green Dial - Hands-On, Specs & Price
TAG Heuer is hugely popular for its automotive heritage and its racing chronographs. But the brand also has rich nautical and water-sport credentials, in particular with the Aquaracer dive watch collection. Launched in 2004/2005 as a direct descendant of the 2000 series, the Aquaracer line is now one of the pillars of the TAG Heuer portfolio. It comprises a variety of relatively accessible models. TAG Heuer has made a new addition to the collection with an emerald green Aquaracer Calibre 5.As you would have guessed, the most distinctive feature of this new take on the classic Aquaracer is its eye-catching vivid green dial. If colours are a matter of personal taste, it certainly brings a fresh, modern touch to the model - something quite different from the usual black of deep-blue dial. The dial's horizontal striped pattern is paired with luminescent markers and hands providing adequate contrast. The date indication at 3 o’clock is magnified by a cyclops lens. Ad - Scro
Hands-On Tudor Black Bay Fifty-Eight 925 Silver 79010SG - Price
Aside from the classics that are steel, titanium, gold or platinum, watchmaking has been using multiple “innovative” materials. You can think about exotic metals such as tantalum, aluminium or bronze, or materials like ceramic, carbon fibre or even sapphire – and not even counting dozens of proprietary alloys… The story behind 925 silver is slightly different. No stranger to watchmaking, this alloy has, however, long been replaced by steel or gold to make cases, and its use is often relegated to the production of dials. This year, Tudor somehow innovates (“think different” would be more appropriate) by launching its star dive watch in a 925 silver case. And indeed, it looks rather stunning, as we’ll show in this first live encounter with the Tudor Black Bay Fifty-Eight 925.As said, 925 silver is (was actually) a familiar material in watchmaking. It was common to see pocket watches being made of solid silver, in the same vein as jewellery has be