Recap: The Best Chronograph Watches of 2024
Towards the end of the year, the MONOCHROME editorial team gets into Santa Claus mode by “making a list and checking it twice, and gonna find out who’s naughty and nice”, referring to watches, of course, As we all have our individual preferences and don’t get our hands on every single watch, some get all the attention, whereas others are grossly overlooked. So, looking back at what’s what for the 12 months behind us is a good way to revisit some of them and determine which ones can claim a spot on the ‘Nice!’ list. And while there are some usual suspects, our selection does include a surprise or two! Here are what we have selected as the Best Chronograph Watches of 2024.Angelus Instrument de VitesseWith the Instrument de Vitesse, Angelus gave us a real winner of a watch. Presented under the brand’s La Fabrique collection, it is not to be mistaken for a simple three-hander. Despite the lack of sub-dials, the Instrument de Vitesse is a genu

In Conversation with Indie Czech Watchmaker Ondrej Berkus
This isn't one of my usual articles in The Collector's Corner. For my first time talking with self-taught Czech watchmaking wizard Ond?ej Berkus (@hodinkyberkus), I wanted a format more intimate than a Q&A (for a look at how well a Q&A can be done, check out Ond?ej's interview with Watch Affinity here). I didn't want to write about how Ond?ej got into watches or about his watchmaking philosophy – I wanted to get to know the man and what drives him. I hope I am able to convey some of the wonders I felt when I spoke with him, and I also hope you enjoy the ride!Special thanks to @jirivratislav for supplying the photos for this article.?Off to CzechiaI look at the windows of the train as we cross the Austrian border to Czechia. It's a dreary day – a thick and oppressive cloud cover hangs in the sky and sheets of rain pour down. It's a flat country out here, a welcome respite from the mountains further west in Austria that seem to glower at you and crowd you in as you dr

The New Worldtimer Watches of Patek Philippe for 2022 - Monochrome Watches
With a history spanning over 80 years (and the famous Cottier watches), Worldtimers?are among?Patek Philippe's most popular complications. Patek was the brand to bring back this type of watches in 2000 with the launch of the 5110. The 5110 was replaced in 2006 by the 5130, itself replaced by the 5230 in 2016. On the occasion of Watches and Wonders 2022, the travel watch collection welcomes three new interpretations of existing models. The Blue Guilloche Platinum 5230P-001For the first time, Patek Philippe is interpreting the emblematic 5230 in a platinum case combined with a blue dial and strap. The dial center is adorned with a new circular hand-guilloche motif. Inside the watch is the fine and well-known Calibre 240HU (HU= Heure Universelle). This 27.50mm automatic movement features an off-center 22K gold micro-rotor, allowing a height below 3.9mm. It runs at 3Hz with 48 hours of power reserve. Ad - Scroll to continue with article

Oris Dat Watt Limited Edition (Specs & Price)
For many years now, Oris has had a focus on preserving not only their heritage as a manufacturer of proper tool watches but also to aid in sustaining our precious planet. Mostly linked to aquatic life, Oris has dedicated itself to protect ocean wildlife, reduce plastic pollution, preserve some of the world's most unique eco-systems and more. Their latest limited edition seeks attention to protect the world's single largest tidal system in the world; the Wadden Sea. This is the Oris Dat Watt Limited Edition.Using their Aquis collection as a platform for multiple special and limited editions to create awareness, the Dat Watt Limited Edition is another striking looking watch tying together what Oris is known for best. Combining their bold and masculine looking Aquis models with various interesting dial configurations, sometimes with added complications whilst remaining proper tool watches. And being Oris, most often at an attainable price too. Previous Aquis models linked to a good cause

The Watchmakers who say MIH - Monochrome Watches
The MIH Watch was released in september 2005 and has become a famous watch among watch enthusiasts in those past 3.5 years. With clean looks that do not immediately give away the complexity of the watch, it flies nicely under the radar.?The concept was developed by Ludwig Oechslin who is well known for creating remarkable watches like the Freak?for Ulysse Nardin. Paul Gerber was responsable for the technical development of the MIH, but mr. Gerber also has a reputation for creating the world’s most complicated wristwatch. Christian Gafner, who was responsible for the design, proposed an easily readable watch with absolutely no inscription on the front, but only a small “MIH” at the 9 o’clock position.As you can see the result is a watch with a very clean dial, which is easy to read the time. But don’t be fooled, despite the clean and simple design, the MIH Watch has a single button chronograph and an annual calendar. Ad - Scroll to continue with