The Black & Gold Code 11.59 By Audemars Piguet Selfwinding Chronograph
Ever-evolving, Audemars Piguet's Code 11.59 collection was given a facelift in 2023 with a series of stainless steel models. Respectful of the complex case architecture that has few detractors, the controversy surrounding the somewhat dull dials of the inaugural members was addressed with a new embossed dial pattern and revisited indices, hands and typeface. A few months ago, AP released seven pink gold references with the refreshed dial features. Among these novelties is a model we'll look at today, the seductive two-tone version of the Code 11.59 Selfwinding Chronograph attired in pink gold and black ceramic.The Code 11.59 collection was conceived with grandiose ambitions. Destined to write a new chapter in the brand's history and stand proudly alongside perennial icons like the Royal Oak and its burlier sidekick, the Royal Oak Offshore, its reception in 2019 was lukewarm, to say the least. Despite the complex architecture of the beautifully finished case, most of the criticism was l

Hands-On - Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean 600m Orange Bezel White dial 215.30.44.21.04.001 (Specs & Price)
The Omega Seamaster is more than a collection. It is an entire family of watches, all inspired by the sea… Nautical, sporty, diver-oriented or even elegant, the Seamaster has been around since 1948 – you can watch at this in-depth video for a complete history of the Seamaster. Among all the watches in the family, one has been quiet for a while, the Planet Ocean, but this year, it makes a strong comeback with the colour that is, to us, the real deal with this professional?timepiece.There are multiple milestone moments in the 71-year-old life of the Omega Seamaster: 1948 – creation of the model; 1957- introduction of the Seamaster 300 CK2913, which will define the collection as mostly a dive watch; 1995 – creation of the Seamaster Diver 300M, which will become famous as the James?Bond Watch. 2005 was another important date for this extensive family of watches, and marked the debut of a new collection, a higher-end, even more professionally-oriented watch, the Plan

Hands-on with the Omega Speedmaster Lunar Dust - Monochrome Watches
We were all so excited with the idea of the re-edition of the Seamaster 300 that we actually didn’t expect?a new version of the Speedmaster in Baselworld 2014. Last year, Omega went the extra mile: playing the vintage card?with the Seamaster 300 and the?Speedmaster Mark II?or?being innovative with the introduction the first fully antimagnetic movement?and the spreading of the co-axial escapement?to all collections. New materials are also in the current scope: after the introduction of a full black ceramic Speedmaster last year, the Dark Side of the Moon, this year Omega presents a grey version, again with a ceramic case, which is called the Lunar Dust.Monochromatic watches have been one of the major trends in the watchmaking industry in recent years, especially with the use of black DLC coated cases, with sometimes?“questionable” results. Although we’re not the biggest fans of full black watches, we have to admit that Omega’s proposition on the Speedmaster

Julien Coudray 1518 - Part 1: Monochrome meets Fabien Lamarche - Monochrome Watches
Recently Monochrome had the opportunity to sit down with Fabien Lamarche, the founder of Julien Coudray 1518. The brand is relatively new in the business of ultra high-end watchmaking, as their story began in 2007. This manufacture of Haute Horlogerie can boast the incorporation of some very distinctive features, such as movements made entirely of the same metal as the case (yellow, pink or white gold or platinum). In a three-part story, we're going to introduce you to the way these people work and the timepieces they create. Good enough, you might say. Not for us. We had the chance to witness a rare and precious moment: the “birth” of a new watch.Before creating Julien Coudray 1518, Fabien Lamarche occupied virtually all jobs related to watch development and production, such as being a restorer of antique watches, Breguet's process manager, Roger Dubuis's product director and Zenith's head of the prototype department. Fabien is never in a rush. He is the reflection of his

Vacheron Constantin Traditionnelle Chronograph Tourbillon (Specs-Price)
In 2015, in the frame of its 260th anniversary, Vacheron Constantin launched a beautiful mono-pusher chronograph tourbillon housed in a cushion-shaped case, the Harmony. The watch was powered by the Calibre 3200. This superb movement now returns in a classic case, a new but no less beautiful attire Meet the Vacheron Constantin Traditionnelle Chronograph Tourbillon.The Traditionnelle Chronograph Tourbillon is classic Vacheron Constantin, with a twist. Although this new model combines two traditional complications, these are presented in a truly original way. Rather than appearing on the lower part of the dial, its tourbillon regulator is unusually positioned at 12 o'clock. The chronograph is a mono-pusher with a 45-minute register at 3 o'clock. The power reserve indication creates a counterpoint to the tourbillon at 6 o'clock. Ad - Scroll to continue with article