Buying Guide: The World of Complicated Chronographs
Dive watches, pilot watches or luxury sports watches are some of the most popular types of watches, but when it comes to complications, the chronograph probably reigns supreme. However, even in the field of chronograph watches, there are a lot of differences to be found! With that in mind, we go beyond simple manual and automatic chronographs and dissect seven complex ways to measure elapsed time.MONOPUSheR – Cartier Tortue monopoussoir chronographWe start things simple, in looks at least, with the monopoussoir?or monopusher chronograph. The name is pretty self-explanatory, as a monopusher chronograph uses a single button to start, stop and reset the chronograph function. We’ve gone for the lovely Cartier Tortue Monopusher, modelled after one of the most coveted vintage watches from the Collection Privee Cartier Paris collection. The calibre 1928 MC follows the shape of the case beautifully, and the watch is worn on an alligator leather strap (as it should be). Available in

Chopard Mille Miglia Lab One Automatic Tourbillon
A new automatic tourbillon housed in a futuristic case inspired by high-performance race cars speeds full throttle into the Mille Miglia collection. Although many Mille Miglia watches take their design cues from the classic automobiles that participate in the 1,000-mile Brescia to Rome race, the Chopard Mille Miglia Lab One?is the vision of a future direction for the collection. Housed in a blackened titanium cushion-shaped case, the latest racing team member is equipped with the first automatic tourbillon to emerge from Chopard's Manufacture. With two patents under its belt, this concept watch will be strictly limited to 20 pieces.Chopard’s First Concept WatchThe Mille Miglia Lab One is the brand's first concept watch, a futuristic vision of the Mille Miglia and a way of testing the waters with the public. The tradition of concept watches is borrowed directly from the world of concept cars; they are models designed to test new technologies and styling that are put into the publi

Showcasing the Mesmerizing Art of Dial Decorations through Six Mechanical Marvels - Monochrome Watches
We’re doing this differently this week, as we’re not content with ‘just’ listing watches within a certain price range, featuring a specific complication or a distinct dial colour. We’re not even going to focus on a movement’s complexity, an unconventional case design or a specific material. No, in this instalment of our weekly Buying Guide, we’re emerging ourselves into the wonderful world of dial decorations. From traditional guilloche to miniature enamel paintings and silicon marquetry, there is an abundance of incredibly creative craftsmanship to be discovered. The watches we’ve selected are all a labour of love and dedication, elevating the dial into true works of art.Schwarz Etienne geometryGuilloche is one of the oldest techniques still used in watchmaking today and one of the hardest to master. But the fact it’s considered a very traditional technique doesn’t imply it is only reserved for very classical pieces. Schwarz

In-Depth - The Merging of Pocket Watches and Wristwatches
Upgrading expensive mechanical devices is a centuries-old concept that prevents premature obsolescence as times change. In the American Wild West of the 19th century, black powder revolvers were commonly converted to shoot modern cartridges, forgoing the need to replace a vital necessity. Cameras are another example, such as early 20th-century screw-mount Leica rangefinders. The original fixed-lens Model A was often converted to interchangeable lens models, such as the I C/O Standard Mount or model IIIa. Products like these were designed to last decades or even a century, so modification at a fraction of the cost of replacement made perfect sense, not to mention the preservation of coveted possessions. The same applies to timepieces and pocket watches that have merged with wristwatches in many interesting ways. Following our previous post, answering the difficult question “Is there still a place for pocket watches in the 21st century?“, we now look at the more modern side o

Phillips Breaks Records with the First Patek Philippe Nautilus 5711/1A-018 Tiffany Sold for $6.5 Million - Monochrome Watches
If you’re a recurring reader of MONOCHROME or simply if you’re a watch enthusiast, you can’t have missed the piece of news that dropped last Monday. Indeed, Patek Philippe and its long-time retail partner Tiffany (now owned by LVMH… hence the logo on the back) released a highly discussed edition of the Nautilus 5711 with a Tiffany-Blue dial. Launched for the 170th anniversary of the NY-based jeweller, the watch will be produced in 170 pieces and is, without a doubt, the most sought-after timepiece of the hour. And you doubt it, the first of the models has just been auctioned by Phillips for a charity cause and it reached an INSANE price of USD 6,503,500 (with fees) making it by far the record for a Nautilus 5711.Besides the rather questionable colour of the dial – which certainly makes sense for Tiffany but isn’t liked by all – the most debated element of this watch actually had to do with previous statements and the olive green model. Indeed,