Phillips Sells the Omega Tourbillon 30 I, One Of The First Tourbillon Wristwatches Ever, For a Monumental CHF 1,428,500 (Most Expensive Omega Ever Auctioned) - Monochrome Watches
Today is the second day of the Geneva Watch Auction Six (GWA6) by Phillips. While there were some impressive lots (is that even a surprise from Aurel Bacs and Phillips…), with a Patek 2523 or an incredible Patek 2497 in white gold, the star of the show for us here, at MONOCHROME, certainly was the?Omega Tourbillon 30 I – a 1947 watch and one of the very first tourbillon wristwatches ever made, and the first to have been completed in Switzerland. This watch just sold for an impressive CHF?1,428,500, making it the most expensive Omega ever auctioned.The story behind this watch is rather impressive. While the tourbillon is, as many of you know, the invention of a certain Abraham Louis Breguet in 1801 (or?at least the patent is from that year, even if it was not revealed to the public until 1805), it has remained a pocket watch feature for close to 150 years. What is today an almost common complication was not back in the days, and it has always been a feature reserved for ultr

Industry News: LVMH Acquires High-End Clockmaker L'Epee 1839
Known as the largest luxury group in the world, owned by the Arnault family, LVMH continues its development in all fields related to rare and artistic crafts. Already the owner, through its Watches Division, of TAG Heuer, Hublot and Zenith (as well as jewellery brands Bulgari and Tiffany, not included in this division), the group expands its portfolio by announcing the addition of a renowned yet niche company, L'Epee 1839, through the acquisition of its owner Swiza.?Founded 185 years ago and based in Delemont, in the Swiss Jura, L'Epee 1839 is one of the few surviving clockmakers on the scene. The brand and its owner, Swiza, have unique expertise in this field. The production of these unique timepieces brings together a wide range of craftsmen and savoir-faire, with more than 80 designers, engineers, watchmakers, mechanics and employees working alongside Arnaud Nicolas, CEO and Creative Director of L'Epee 1839.The T-Rex Table Clock of MB&F made together with L’Epee 1839When i

Girard-Perregaux Constant Escapement L.M. Wins The "Aiguille d'Or" At The Grand Prix dHorlogerie De Geneve - Monochrome Watches
Last Friday, Girard-Perregaux’s Constant Escapement L.M. was awarded with the “Aiguille d’Or” at the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Geneve (GPHG). The most coveted distinction in the watch industry for an idea that arose during a train ride, while playing with a train ticket. Last year, when we first heard about this new escapement, and broke the story to a large audience, we were already convinced of the potential of this new kind of escapement. Today we’d like to congratulate Girard-Perregaux and the inventor Nicolas Dehon.There can only be one to win the Aiguille d’Or (or Golden Hand in English), however there are quite a few sub categories and we’ll list all winners for you. Like last years, there’s a large percentage of independent watchmakers, taking home one of the prices. And while last year’s Special Jury Prize went to Vianney Halter, this year he is awarded with the Innovation Prize for his new watch, the Deep Space Tour

Introducing The 8 New Watches Of The Omega Seamaster 75th Anniversary Summer Blue Collection (Live Pics)
Omega, as a brand, has an incredibly long and rich history. When it comes to their watches, one can easily name models such as the Speedmaster or the Constellation. Yet, the watch collection with the longest production run is the Seamaster. Launched in 1948, to mark the 100th anniversary of the brand, the Omega Seamaster was based upon designs made for the British Royal Navy, but even though its technology was war-tested, it remained a child of peace. And a watch that has always been associated with water-resistance and, soon after its introduction 75th years ago, the exploration of the seas. And since the watch celebrates three-quarter of century of existence this year, it is time for Omega to release a special anniversary collection, with 7 classic Seamaster models rendered in a new Summer Blue gradient tone, but it also marks the return of an emblematic watch, the mighty Seamaster Ploprof.?Quick historical recapThe Omega Seamaster was born on the expertise that Omega gained with wat

First look: Vacheron Constantin Tourbillon Chronograph Collection Excellence Platine
Unveiled in 2020, the Traditionnelle Tourbillon Chronograph was a spectacular showcase of Vacheron Constantin’s dexterity in combining a monopusher chronograph and tourbillon complication with a twist, thanks to its unconventional layout. Now considered a classic, Vacheron has inducted the Traditionnelle into its hall of fame to become a member of the Excellence Platine club. Crafted in precious 950 platinum, the 50-piece limited edition is destined to become a sought-after collector’s piece.The Excellence Platine is Vacheron Constantin’s creme de la creme collection, originally created as a platform to release new benchmark models from the Maison. Broadening its horizons, the collection also welcomed emblematic timepieces. The common denominator for all the limited-edition members of this exclusive club is platinum. From the cases to the crown and from the sandblasted dial to the Maltese cross-shaped clasp, platinum is king. Even the stitching on the strap is made of