Collector's Series - The Christiaan Van der Klaauw Planetarium 2000
Watch collectors are kinda crazy, of course, but it's a nice kind of crazy' says Mr. Alias, a 45 years old entrepreneur from the Netherlands. His collection is eclectic and whenever he no longer wears a watch it is mercilessly discarded. His love for the technique, craftsmanship, and the painstaking devotion high-end watchmakers display, however, keeps him eternally intrigued by the world of watchmaking. One of his most interesting complication watches is the Christiaan Van der Klaauw Planetarium 2000 he bought in 2012. “This infatuation will never pass,” he said to me…Note: Mr. Alias is not currently in possession of his Planetarium, because I am wearing it. In a brotherly whim of trust, we have exchanged our Christiaan Van der Klaauw watches so we can wear each other's watch for a couple of weeks.The author’s CDvK Eclipse on the left, with the Church and Windmill (can’t be more Dutch than that…) and Mr. Alias’ CDvK Planetarium on the rightFra

Pre SIHH 2015: Introducing the Rotonde De Cartier Astrotourbillon Skeleton Watch Calibre 9461 MC - Monochrome Watches
Next month the Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie (short: SIHH) starts again and that marks one of the most important weeks in a year, for the horological industry. Today we’re already showing you?the?Rotonde de Cartier Astrotourbillon Skeleton Watch Calibre 9461MC, Cartier’s latest horological masterpiece, which will officially be introduced during the SIHH. This is one of Cartier most spectacular timepieces, and now they have skeletonized it to the max. A?feast for the eye and a magnificent accomplishment from Cartier’s watchmakers.?Not too long ago, in 2008 to be precise, Cartier became quite serious about watchmaking. In fact they became really serious about watchmaking; something that we covered here. The very elegant?Collection Privee Cartier Paris (CPCP) – a collection that we here at Monochrome just love – was phased out and in came the big?guns, horological big guns that is. In that year Cartier introduced the Fine Watchmaking collection a

The Collector's Series: Frank's first 'Indy Watch', the Sarpaneva Korona K1 - Monochrome Watches
It's the one you have all been waiting for! It's time to sit down with our very own Executive Editor and Monochrome-Watches' founder, Frank Geelen. I love nothing more than talking watches with enthusiasts but this one was extra special. To give you a bit of background (in case you were unaware): in 2006, Frank started Monochrome-Watches as a blog. By all accounts, his friends (and family) thought he was mad! Day in day, day out, writing about high-end mechanical watches. Nine years on however, Monochrome-Watches has grown to become one of the most important high-end watch magazines in the online space and Frank is acknowledged as one of THE experts in the watch-community.Frank has been a tremendous mentor of mine. He is, quite simply, a wonderfully nice guy (with a dry sense of humour) but first and foremost an expert on high-end, complicated watches and independent manufactures. Frank has chosen to discuss his (seriously cool) Sarpaneva Korona K1 in this, his first appearance on the

Buying Guide; All Eyes On The Moonphase With 6 Mechanical Marvels
The moon has fascinated mankind for millennia, and our neighbouring satellite has had a monumental impact on life. It has been detrimental in the early days of telling time, serving as a reference beacon in the sky for people around the globe. It’s no wonder then, that plenty of brands feature a miniature representation of the moon prominently on the dial of a watch. We’ve looked at the topic before, but this time around we pay homage to our Moon with five marvellous mechanical watches featuring the most classical of representations.Trilobe Les Matinaux L’Heure ExquiseFrench independent watchmaking brand Trilobe serenades the moon with the wonderful Les Matinaux L’Heure Exquise. Not only does it feature the brand’s signature continuously revolving display of time, but it incorporates it with a detailed double moonphase where the running seconds indications used to be. Available in two sizes, with titanium or gold cases, and deep blue or dune beige dials, i

The New Rose Gold and Titanium Hermes H08
Unveiled in 2021, the Hermes H08 is the French brand's versatile sporty-chic watch with a smooth cushion-shaped case and contemporary design elements. By juxtaposing different shapes (typical Hermes) and playing with different finishings and textures, the Hermes H08 reveals its fluid, sensual architecture. Previously offered in titanium and black graphene cases, the latest H08 ups the luxury factor with its sleek two-tone rose gold and black DLC-treated titanium case. Hermes, originally a saddle and harness atelier founded by Thierry Hermes in 1837, has become one of France's iconic luxury Maisons. Rather than pursue a conservative, conventional approach to luxury, Hermes has cultivated a unique design ethos for all its product lines that gives the Maison its distinctive personality. From silk scarves to Kelly bags and porcelain dinner sets, you can always feel the hand of the designer behind its beautiful creations. Ad - Scroll to continue with article