The Best of Indie Watchmaking Seen Through the Casebacks Part 2
Following Part 1 of this journey through the fascinating world of independent watchmaking, which we published last week, we continue today with the second part of this collection of superb watches… Instead of looking at the watches in the conventional way from the dial side, we’re looking at them from the reverse side.? And seeing what these independent, creative watchmakers are capable of when it comes to movement construction and decoration, we have to admit that in many cases, the view is even sexier.The selection below is a composed of small' independent watchmakers without mentioning larger brands such as Patek Philippe, A. Lange & Sohne or Audemars Piguet. Naturally, this isn't an exhaustive list, so do not hesitate to mention your favourite craftsmen or watches in the comment section below!Haldimann H11An?absence?of the?unnecessary and a focus on the essential That's what Beat Haldimann has been striving for with the timepieces that he crafts by hand. Plus a high

Breguet Classique Tourbillon 5367 Compared to Antique Breguet Pocket-watches - Review (Specs & Price)
The restrained and discreet watches of the Classique Collection are unequivocal, unmistakable members of the Breguet family. Without even thinking about it, they are immediately recognisable as a Breguet. This is all due to what the Maison names the “unmistakable signs” or the quintessential design codes used by the brand for over two centuries. In order to understand exactly what this means in modern-day creations, we’ve visited the Breguet Museum in Paris, talked with Emmanuel Breguet and bring you the brand’s latest creation – the?Breguet Classique Tourbillon 5367 – next to two of the most important and earliest creations of?Abraham-Louis Breguet.“Revival piece”, “vintage-inspired watches” or “re-edition”… You’ve certainly heard these expressions dozens of times. For over 10 years now, most brands are playing on the vintage trend by recreating some of their most glorious 1950s, 1960s and more recentl

Hands-On - Chopard Alpine Eagle 41mm Pine Green Dial (Specs & Price)
One of the most buoyant genres in the watchmaking arena is the luxury integrated sports watch, going from strength to strength since the Royal Oak's debut in 1972. Although Chopard appears to have been a latecomer to the scene with its 2019 Alpine Eagle, the roots of this watch can be traced to the late 1970s with a watch created by Karl-Friedrich Scheufele (now Chopard's Co-President) known as the St. Moritz. The latest model to join the Alpine Eagle is this time-and-date model with a pine green dial and Chopard's 01.01-C movement with chronometer certification. Parts of the proceeds from the sales of this watch will be donated to the Alpine Eagle Foundation.From St. Moritz to SustainabilityKarl-Friedrich Scheufele's design for the St. Moritz, a sporty-chic model with a showy baroque bezel, captured the hedonistic flamboyance of the 1980s and borrowed its name from the swank Swiss ski resort. Interestingly, the evolution of the St. Moritz is a three-generation story. The Alpine Eagle

Vacheron Constantin Overseas Automatic 4500V - Review (Specs & Price)
Some categories in the watch world are more competitive than others. The “Luxury Sports-Watch” sector certainly is amongst the toughest of all. Narrow, precisely defined, and requiring the highest standards of quality, luxury, and mechanics, it is driven by a few, very strong icons… Entering it is complex. Breaking back into its ranks is close to impossible, but this is what Vacheron Constantin have achieved with the new Overseas collection, first introduced in 2016, and today we look at the “standard” offer, the?Overseas Automatic 4500V.The “Luxury Sports-Watch” CategoryIn the?strictest definition, the “luxury sports-watch” category is extremely narrow. It comprises probably under 10 members, most of them born in the 1970s, under the genius pen of a certain Gerald Genta. What is a?“luxury sports-watch”? Of course, there’s no official definition, so here what we, at Monochrome, would say: a?“luxury sports-wat

Oris Aquis Depth Gauge (Specs & Price)
Rumour has it that the Oris Aquis Depth Guage is going to be discontinued soon and that Oris is working on a follow-up timepiece. The original Oris Aquis Depth Gauge remains a quirky, yet emblematic watch and a perfect statement as to why the Holstein-based brand is so popular among watch enthusiasts. The bang-for-buck philosophy, mixed with unconventional yet useful features is a strong selling point. As I recently acquired one for my personal collection, we thought it would be good to offer you a closer look at this cool instrument.Personally, I always liked the Oris Aquis Depth Gauge from the moment it was first released in 2013 in a steel case with a black rubber strap or a matching steel bracelet. A year later this black DLC-coated version was released, this time with a bright yellow rubber strap matching the yellow details on the dial. Compared to the steel one, it featured several other changes that gave it more appeal – to me at least. Even though this is a seven-year-old