Interview - The Online Watch Market - Philipp Budiman from Montredo
Yesterday we started with the first in a series of interviews with the CEOs of the world’s largest online watch marketplaces. Each and every place has its own specific ways of dealing with trade; one company owns the displayed inventory, the other doesn’t, and a third has a hybrid approach. One way or another, all these companies want to give you the best and most secure buying experience. But how do they do it? The respective CEOs explain this and today we’re talking with Philipp Budimann, CEO of Montredo.Montredo is a newer marketplace, but already one of the largest players on the Internet. During our conversation, Philipp mentioned that his readers love videos like Montredo's Meet the Manufacturer and Hodinkee's Talking Watches. And then he told me that I could leave out mentioning Hodinkee’s videos. Of course not! At MONOCHROME we also love watching Talking Watches! Now on to the interview with Philipp Budimann, CEO of Montredo.Can you give us a quick histo

Pre-Baselworld 2016 - The re-birth of the Girard Perregaux Laureato (2016 edition, ref. 81000) - Monochrome Watches
This year, the manufacture Girard-Perregaux, known for its impressive tourbillons (under three bridges or working on several axis), its?minute repeaters but also for the iconic 1966 collection, is celebrating its 225th anniversary. As you might expect (this is the rule in the watchmaking industry), the brand will come with several special watches dedicated to its?rich past. The first one we’re about to show you is rather surprising (and rather refreshing too) as it is not another 3 Gold Bridges watch but a throwback to the golden age of sports-watches, the 1970s. Here is the?re-birth of the Girard Perregaux Laureato with the 2016 edition, ref. 81000.The history of?the Girard Perregaux LaureatoAs you probably already spotted, the?Girard Perregaux Laureato has this rather unique 1970s shape, a mix of octagonal and round for the bezel, an integrated bracelet and a rather slim profile. This description might sound familiar and refers to several watches: the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak,

Video TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph 42mm
The brand had been very clear at the beginning of this year: 2020 will be the year of the Carrera, TAG Heuer’s most emblematic watch. To coincide with the 160th anniversary of the brand, TAG has launched multiple editions of the Carrera, from the ultra-cool vintage-inspired Silver Edition to entirely remodelled core-collection models, such as the sporty 44mm chronograph with ceramic bezel. Today, we review its more classic counterpart, another non-limited and commercially important watch, the sleek and timeless-looking TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph 42mm in the video above.The Carrera is a watch that needs no introduction anymore. It is, without a doubt, among the most iconic watches of the industry, and one that gave Heuer and later TAG Heuer their success. With its name inspired by the perilous Carrera Panamericana race, the powerful angular lugs, bi-compax layout and clean, legible design created by Jack Heuer in 1963, the Carrera became the epitome of the sports watch for prof

Hands-On: The Edouard Koehn World Heritage II, a Rare WorldTimer with Alarm
Operating out of La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland, for several years now, the brand Edouard Koehn carries four distinct collections. Of particular interest is the model introduced in 2021 as part of the World Heritage line, blending two practical complications: world time and alarm functions. While several mechanical watches offer combinations of an alarm with a GMT or dual time display, the fusion of alarm and world time is a rarity in the horological world. In 2023, Edouard Koehn introduced a limited edition World Heritage II series, maintaining the same concept and underlying movement while offering a fresh presentation for enthusiasts to explore; we had a hands-on experience, and here are our impressions.First, a few words about the name. Edouard Koehn (1839-1908) was a watchmaker and at one time the co-owner of Patek, Philippe & Cie (a specialist of world time watches) A name with roots tracing back to the 19th century, it resurfaced in the modern watchmaking scene in 2020 thank

Montblanc Nicolas Rieussec Automatic reviewed - Monochrome Watches
This year Montblanc celebrates the 190th?anniversary of the chronograph with an?anniversary edition of the Nicolas Rieussec. Monochrome had the chance to wear a Nicolas Rieussec Automatic for some weeks and brings you a full review with live photos.Montblanc is not only known for their beautiful fountain pens, leather bags and jewellery, but also for watches. The distinguished Montblanc style can be recognized in all their products, including the wristwatches. The dial, case and crown, featuring the Montblanc logo, of the Nicolas Rieussec are a perfect example of Montblanc's classy style. Ad - Scroll to continue with article At the Salon de Haute Horlogerie (SIHH) 2011, Montblanc released a Nicolas Rieussec?anniversary?edition of 190 pieces in red gold, 90 pieces in white gold and 25 pieces in platinum, featuring the in-house developed and manufactured hand-woun