Pre SIHH 2012 - The new Lange und Sohne Datograph Auf/Ab - Monochrome Watches
Lange und Sohne call it the new benchmark in chronograph design and we think they are absolutely right. The new Datograph Auf/Ab sets the bar at a new level and the improvements go beyond adding a power reserve indicator.?According to many collectors the normal Datograph was already one of the most desirable chronographs ever made, only surpassed by it’s bigger brother the Lange und Sohne Double Split. Will the new Datograph Auf/Ab bring a change in that hierarchy? Ad - Scroll to continue with article Let’s look at what’s been changed/improved.First of all the case size has increased from 39 mm to ?41 mm. Something that might seem like ‘almost nothing’ is a big change for Lange und Sohne because they usually keep diameters at a moderate, almost old fashioned, size of less than 40 mm. While we at Monochrome prefer such ideas about th

Introducing: The Zenith Defy Skyline CX Edition for Collective Horology
Since its inception in 2018, Collective Horology, a “proudly headquartered in Ventura, California” club for watch enthusiasts, has become quite famous through the Collective Series, which involves collaborations and limited editions with watch brands like IWC, H. Moser & Cie., Armin Strom, Czapek and Oris, to name a few and the Portfolio Series, which commissions watches from independent watchmakers. The club’s first collaborative watch was the Zenith Chronomaster El Primero C.01 x Collective; now Zenith’s star shines again with the introduction of the Defy C.X Edition, offering a fascinating new look to the model.Since its debut in 2022, the Zenith Defy Skyline collection has gained credit, offering an exceptional blend of vintage Defy design elements and contemporary watchmaking innovation. Available in 36mm, 41mm, and 42mm faceted cases, these timepieces are defined by their distinctive dodecagonal bezel and seamlessly integrated bracelet. The collection

Introducing The New Ulysse Nardin Freak One (Live Pics & Price)
The Freak, the brainchild of the late Ulysse Nardin owner Rolf Schnyder and genius watchmaker Ludwig Oechslin, has been with us for 22 years. The first Freak was packed with innovative ideas that would transform the conservative ways of watchmaking, changing perceptions. Since 2001 the watch with no crown to wind and time set, no conventional hands to point hours and minutes and no dial per common designation have appeared in several variants, yet looking at the timeline, many would agree that the new 2023 edition, the Freak ONE, could be the prettiest.The new Ulysse Nardin Freak ONE celebrates the previous, with many features popping up with just a glance. Still, it is a tribute to the first Ulysse Nardin Freak, highlighting the avant-garde design and technology of one of the most forward-thinking creations of this century so far. Ad - Scroll to continue with article

Introducing The Rado True Thinline x Great Gardens Of The World
Rado is renowned for its innovative use of high-tech ceramic and minimalist, contemporary design. Although we usually cover the sportier retro-inspired members of Rado's family on MONOCHROME, such as the Captain Cook and the Diastar, the brand also offers dressier more contemporary models like the Rado True Thinline. Introduced in 2011, this watch has an injected monobloc high-tech ceramic case construction that ensures a super-slim profile. Three new automatic models, with textured dials inspired by endangered plant species in partnership with the Great Gardens o the World organisation, join the True Thinline collection.Great Gardens of the World is a network of gardens across 20 countries. The partnership with Rado has resulted in a series of collections inspired by nature, designated with chapters and numbers. The latest trilogy marks Chapters 8 through 10, and all three watches share sleek, unisex 40mm high-tech ceramic monobloc cases with a thickness of 9mm. Ceramic is also used t

Value Proposition Mercer Airfoil Automatic Pilot Watch (Specs & Price)
Mercer Watch Co. is an American microbrand that I've been following for a couple of years now. I recently reviewed its?Lexington Chronograph and was impressed by the aesthetics and overall quality for the price. Although it has a Seagull ST1901 hand-wound movement from China, Mercer assembles, regulates and tests each one in-house and this particular movement has a solid reputation for reliability. A different concept, the Airfoil is its flagship but this time with a Swiss Sellita automatic running the show. It's a simple pilot watch that recently gained a vanilla dial alongside the original matte black face, and is an attractive, understated piece for just about any occasion. I usually consider something like the Hamilton Khaki Pilot Auto Day Date to be more of a pilot's watch, but the Airfoil's simplicity is also what I find appealing. Does it hold up in a very crowded and competitive field? Let's take a closer look at Mercer's bestseller with its new vanilla dial for 2018.BACKGROUND