The Collector Series - A Man & His Breitling Premier Split-Seconds
We're back today with a new instalment of our Collector's Series column, where we leave the stage to an owner and his beloved watch. For a relatively unknown reason, Breitling has rarely been seen in the series, but we're about to change this And with a pretty impressive model. Today, we'll be talking with Timerider27, as this 54yo watch collector is known on Instagram. He is a true Breitling fan. He thought it was time to explain why his Breitling Duograph Premier Split-Seconds chronograph is his favourite one. And to ask people to stop complaining so muchFrank Geelen, MONOCHROME – How did you personally get to know the brand in the first place??Timerider27 – I started collecting in 2004. Reading various magazines and forums, the first Breitling that caught my interest was a variation of the Transocean Unitime without a chronograph. I also liked the ubiquitous Navitimer but thought I would never use the calculator bezel and I still hold to that. I also enjoy 24-hour dials

Chopard at The Zandvoort Historic Grand Prix with a New Limited Edition Mille Miglia - Monochrome Watches
For a few years now, Zandvoort has been hosting one of the best Historic Grand Prix races, a fantastic event with international historic race cars from a wide range of categories. Think Historic Formula 1, vintage touring cars, Le Mans legends, one-of-a-kind demos and lots of racing legends behind the wheel. All staged at the Zandvoort International Circuit, the venue of 34 Grand Prix races between 1952 and 1985. This year, one of the main sponsors of the event was Chopard with a special watch.This year was the 7th?edition of the Historic Grand Prix in Zandvoort, an event that has quickly grown into a fan favourite and an internationally renowned get-together for vintage racing. Participants and visitors bring everything from small British GT's to thunderous American powerhouses, Le Mans legends and, of course, vintage Formula 1 cars. Ad - Scroll to continue with article

Report - Crazy Prices for PF Journe at 2021 Phillips & Only Watch Auction
As you might have seen, this past weekend was important for the watch collecting community. Like every year, the weekend after the GPHG is packed with auctions in Geneva. Christie’s and Phillips (and others) had their auctions, and last Saturday was the Only Watch charity auction; all benefitting from the presence of the most prominent watch collectors. While the auctions showed a strong, but not spectacular, interest in vintage watches from the usual suspects (mainly Patek Phillipe and ), we’ve seen a renewed confirmation of a trend that started a couple of years ago. There’s a fast-growing and strong interest in some independent watchmakers, such as Philippe Dufour, Roger Smith and early watches made by F.P. Journe. And looking at the astonishing results fetched this weekend at Phillips Geneva Watch Auction XIV and Only Watch 2021, this is a trend that can’t be ignored anymore!When he created MONOCHROME more than 15 years ago, our founder Frank, quickly start

Introducing the new MONOCHROME Hand-Made Rally Straps - Monochrome Watches
End of last year we introduced the new Monochrome Web-Shop and our hand-made premium leather watch rolls. We’re very proud that our customers were very impressed by the impeccable quality. Since we write about the most beautiful and exclusive timepieces of our planet, we feel that our products should be on par with that. So we searched long, to find a very good strapmaker, who makes the very best straps for your vintage timepieces.Several years ago I already asked myself if changing straps is just a hobby for Paneristi? I do realize that it probably started with Panerai watches, however personally I love to switch straps on my other watches as well. The straps are hand-made in Cyprus, and are crafted of the finest leathers. These ‘rally’ straps are punctured with holes, in a typical 1960’s/1970’s racing style and look absolutely great on your vintage Speedmaster, Camaro, Carrera, Autavia, Monaco, Top Timer, or any other vintage/modern chronograph.

Introducing: The White Edition of the accessible Tissot Heritage 1938 COSC
Released last year, the Tissot Heritage 1938 COSC is a watch that’s hard to not objectively find brilliant. Combining a nice retro design with modern specs and a truly fair price, it even comes equipped with a chronometer-certified movement – making it one of the most accessible Swiss chronometers on the market. This handsome, affordable vintage-styled watch was already available in two appealing editions – salmon and black-gilt – but Tissot now adds a third version to the collection, with a fresh, classic silvery-white dial and blue accents.?Before we take a closer look at this new edition of the Heritage 1938 COSC, let’s quickly come back to the topic of the chronometer. A chronometer, not to be confused with a chronograph, is a watch that has been officially tested for its precision by an independent and vetted institute. Multiple organisations have the authority to certify movements and watches, the most famous of them all being the COSC or Contr?le Of