Hands-On - The 2021 Pasha de Cartier Chronograph 41mm
Pasha de Cartier watches attest to the Maison's unwavering dedication to creating flamboyant timepieces with daring shapes and out-of-the-ordinary hallmarks that are often shared with models from its revered collections. Cabochon-adorned crowns, crisp black Arabic numerals and blued steel hands are just a few examples. The Parisian watchmaker now releases a 41mm chronograph version of the Pasha, with undeniable sporty aesthetics. It features a rotating bezel, sapphire cabochon-topped push-pieces, a sapphire caseback exposing a manufacture movement and the brand's innovative strap-swapping technology.From a 1980s cult watch to a modern-day chronographWho could fill the role of creating an iconic sports watch with a distinctive diver's bezel and a unique square inside a circle concept? Gerald Genta is the name that springs to mind, but legend has it that the Pasha de Cartier‘s origins date further back in time. If the story of its origins is true, the watch was a commissioned piece

A guide to the Certifications and Quality Seals - Monochrome Watches
COSC, Geneva Seal, Fleurier Quality Foundation, ISO standards Watchmakers endorse their products with various certification marks to demonstrate their commitment to quality. These certifications address to multiple aspects of quality, relating to criteria as different as precision, durability, robustness, aesthetic or even provenance. This installment of A Technical Perspective provides a guide to quality and chronometric certifications seals.A bit of historyVery early, and well-before marketing or advertising were theorized, watchmakers worked on building a reputation of quality around their products and their name. The concept of chronometry really developed during the 18th century, when long-haul travellers needed sharp timekeepers to enable them to determine their position at sea reliably. Manufacturing precise watches became a subject of competition between watchmakers, specifically at observatories, which were founded as guardians of accurate time. There was fierce rivalry at obs

First Look: The new Ferdinand Berthoud Chronometre FB 3SPC
The project of Karl-Friedrich Scheufele, co-president of Chopard, Ferdinand Berthoud has established a very strong presence in the minds of independent and high-end watchmaking enthusiasts. The FB3, a complex time-only watch, is the third pillar of the brand. Sophisticate yet understated, this elegant chronometer is a superb display of fine workmanship, meticulous attention to detail and mastery of traditional horology. The model was originally proposed in white gold with a 2N-gilded calibre or in pink gold with a black rhodium-finished movement. It now comes in an attractive combination of a white gold case and black-finished movement, unveiled on the occasion of Dubai Watch Week 2023.As its name suggests, the FB3 is the third contemporary creation of Ferdinand Berthoud. It was envisioned as an answer to the desire from the brand's enthusiasts to be able to wear a slightly smaller timepiece and to have a (relatively speaking) more accessible piece. It nonetheless retains the no-compro

Tudor and its Heritage - How the Vintage Submariners inspired the Tudor Black Bay - Monochrome Watches
In terms of product design, vintage inspiration has been, for the last 10 years, one of the major, if not the major trend. Most brands, from low-end to ultra-luxury?have been, at least once, looking at their past and used it as a reference to?create new models. We all need strong foundations to feel confident, and this must be a part of the explanation. However, as always, some handled this vintage style with success, some didn’t. In the middle of this crowd, one brand must be regarded with great care: Tudor. With their?Heritage line, they clearly played on this trend and achieved probably better than most around. To every success there’s an explanation, and here, it must the combination of vintage elements into a modern package, and not just a copy-paste of the past. Today, we start a series about Tudor and its Heritage and we’ll look at how the?Vintage Submariners inspired the Tudor Black Bay (and inspired only…)When Tudor has been?relaunched at the end of the

Re-birth of Patek ex-partner with the Czapek Quai des Bergues collection (specs & price) - Monochrome-Watches
In the world of watchmaking, there are some historical names that are not to be denied: Abraham Louis Breguet, Ferdinand Berthoud,?Hans Wilsdorf (founder of ), Georges Daniels or?Antoni Norbert Patek. Talking about Patek, he was not alone when founding the company but accompanied by a talented watchmaker, polish like him, Fran?ois Czapek. History made?both men?split careers but?Czapek continued to create timepieces – and not the worst to be true. After his death, the production didn’t continue and his name remained forgotten (except for some real, seasoned collectors). However, our beloved industry is good in revivals and here it is: a new brand is about to be launched together with?the first collection of watches that goes with it. Please welcome the?Czapek Quai des Bergues collection.Historical background of?Fran?ois CzapekA Pole of Czech origin (born 1811),?Franciszek Czapek was born in Bohemia, and landed in Switzerland following a major geopolitical event,?the Polish