Hands-On: The New Titanium Bulgari Octo Finissimo Skeleton 8 Days
Even though it didn’t break records like so many watches in the fascinating Octo Finissimo collection, the Skeleton 8 Days is, nonetheless, quite an impressive watch, to say the least. Managing to extract close to 200 hours of energy from a movement that features a single barrel and that measures only 2.5mm in height is nothing but spectacular. First released in a luxurious gold version with anthracite grey movement and worn on a leather strap, the Bulgari Octo Finissimo Skeleton 8 Days comes back this year in the signature monochromatic style of the collection, with its integrated bracelet and made of titanium all around.?In the ever-growing Octo Finissimo collection, Bulgari’s modern and highly technical take on ultra-thin watchmaking, we’ve had time-only Automatics, GMT Chronographs, Tourbillons, Minute Repeaters, Perpetual Calendars and more. And the more here personifies with a watch that has, for a few months, been the thinnest mechanical timepiece ever created.

Your Guide to the "Dirty Dozen" - Including the Only British Member, VERTEX - Monochrome Watches
In our modern age of smartphones and wearable tech, it's easy to forget just how indispensable the humble mechanical wristwatch once was. Yet even a brief foray into the world of military watches is enough to provide a vivid reminder. Rugged, reliable and entirely fit-for-purpose, these simple timekeepers have played a critical role in the successful execution of military operations that dramatically shaped the course of modern history. Particularly during World War II, the period which we will be focusing on for the purpose of this article. Arguably the best-known such watches from this era are those of the British Military. More specifically, the Dirty Dozen.The 12 watches that compose the so-called “Dirty Dozen” – Photo by A Collected ManBackgroundChances are you're already familiar with the Dirty Dozen, or have at least heard the name. That's probably because the Dozen is amongst the most sought-after series by military watch collectors. If you're not familiar wit

Girard-Perregaux Laureato Absolute Light Bucherer BLUE - Hands-On
As the world-leading watch retailer, Bucherer has a solid reputation when it comes to creating special editions available solely through its worldwide network of boutiques and e-commerce platform. With all watches revolving around a central theme, which is the colour blue, the result is often striking, to say the least. The latest introduction is the very contemporary and evocative Girard-Perregaux Laureato Absolute Light Bucherer BLUE.This new blue-themed watch is based on the already impressive Girard-Perregaux Laureato Absolute Light?we've covered in January of last year. And with this new L.E. in the ever-expanding Bucherer BLUE collection, the changes to the watch are purely aesthetical. Just as we've seen with other recent introductions like the Longines Spirit or the Carl F. Bucherer Heritage BiCompax Annual, it's all about mixing in a touch of blue in a refined manner. Ad - Scroll to continue with article

The Collector's Series - Our first female collector and her glorious vintage Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso - Monochrome Watches
It happened. Although, quite frankly, I am rather ashamed to admit it, as it simply shouldn’t have taken so long. This week, it gives me great pleasure to welcome our first female collector, Lara Berry and her glorious vintage Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso to the Collector's Series.In a previous life, Lara worked for Experian in the finance data industry. Having spent several years in Hong Kong, Tokyo and Australia, she returned to the UK, when in 2015 she left the firm as an Account Director. She joined the well-regarded vintage watch dealers – Sonning Vintage Watches in March 2015 to help support the company’s growth plans. Now a Director at Sonning, I have to confess, prior to the interview, I asked Lara if she ever looked back on her corporate days since becoming self-employed. She simply smiled and said it was the best thing she had ever done. I am sure many of you would share the sentiment. Without further adieu, Lara and her vintage Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso:

A Set Of Unique Ra¨²l Pages Regulateura Detente RP1s With Dials By Master Enameller Anita Porchet - Monochrome Watches
When two masters of their respective crafts meet, it’s very likely greatness will ensue. However, while masters may strengthen each other, it’s difficult to find common ground when crafts might seem at odds. Despite this, a positive and uniquely intriguing outcome is still a possibility. Such is the case with the collaboration of Ra¨²l Pages, the esteemed independent watchmaker, and Anita Porchet, a true master enamelled. Even though the two are long-time friends, it wasn’t until now that they worked on a shared project, which happens to be a uniquely coloured trio of Pages’ brilliant Regulateura Detente.Ra¨²l Pages was recently awarded the 2024 Louis Vuitton Prize for Independent Creatives, for his work on the stupendous Regulatuera Detente. Louis Vuitton is also deeply connected with the work of Anita Porchet, who has decorated many of the watches by the design house over the years. Watches such as the Tambour Moon Flying Tourbillon and the Tambour Opera Automat