Editorial: An Analysis of a Struggling Watch Industry, New and Secondary, for the First Half of 2024
Following three consecutive record years for the watch industry in 2021, 2022 and 2023, recovering from a complex situation in 2020 due to the pandemic, the watch industry in 2024 is not sending the same positive signs. Pessimistic notes in brands and groups’ financial reports, contraction of prices on the secondary market, ambient morosity, increasing inventories, decreasing waitlists and reduced speculation (in all fairness, the last two might be a positive outcome)… This is what our ears are catching in the corridors of the watch industry. What is the situation for the first semester of 2024? Let’s have an overview using the latest reports and analytics we have in hand.?Preliminary note: the analysis of the new watch market is based on either the exports of the industry as reported by the Swiss Federation of the Watch Industry (FHS) or on a brand/group’s perspective, with numbers that take into account the so-called sell-in – sales from a brand to a dis

Dietrich TC-Pure Limited Edition Sterile Dials (Specs & Price)
We've covered several Dietrich watches in the past, which showcase edgy, avant-garde designs like the DD-1 and 1969. Founded in 2010 by Emmanuel Dietrich, the brand focused on affordable eccentricity, but also flexed some horological muscle with the Perception in 2017, a complicated and sophisticated Swiss made piece with a high price to match. Dietrich also launched the Time Companion collection that year, a surprisingly conventional and well-priced steel sports watch. A recent collaboration with Toronto based designer Matt Smith-Johnson has resulted in the new TC-Pure Limited Edition, a stripped down and modern interpretation of the original Time Companion (TC-1).The stainless steel case and integrated bracelet remain unchanged from the TC-1 with their Audemars Piguet Royal Oak vibe, but the new dials really change the aesthetic. MONOCHROME's Founder and Managing Director Frank Geelen recently explained how personal a dial can be with his own vintage Royal Oak Jumbo' 5402ST. Matt Smi

Hands-On: The 2024 Omega Speedmaster FOiS (Side-by-Side with the Old FOiS)
The new Omega Speedmaster FOiS (for First Omega in Space) is the perfect example of a watch that’s not particularly spectacular, groundbreaking or innovative. But more often than not, a great watch doesn’t need to be a game-changer. The 2024 Speedmaster FOiS comes in continuity to a concept introduced in 2012, a vintage-inspired watch celebrating the first space flight of an Omega watch. It retains what should be retained, it upgrades what could be upgraded and somehow brings what the fan base wanted to see in this watch. Following our introducing article, it’s time now for us to bring our hands-on impressions… And also to compare this new FOiS to the now-discontinued 1st-generation Speedmaster First Omega in Space.While we’ll dive into the specifics of the 2024 Speedmaster FOiS in a bit, you can start by reading several stories that might be of help in this context. We won’t re-do the entire story of the original 1962 Mercury-Atlas 8 mission and the

Visiting The Red Bull Racing Factory and the TAG Heuer Carrera Heuer 01 Red Bull Racing Special Edition (Photos, Specs and Price) - Monochrome Watches
For as long as I can remember, watch brands, and a few in particular, have been involved in Formula 1 motor sport. This is not surprising of course, in the fast-paced world of Formula 1, timing is everything. In recent times, one relationship has proven particularly fruitful: Red Bull Racing and Tag Heuer. Last?month we were invited to visit the Red Bull Racing factory in Milton Keynes, UK to see first-hand how a Formula 1 team operates and learn just how important its timing partner can really be.You don't have to be a watchnerd to know that the automotive and watchmaking worlds are inextricably linked. There are literally examples everywhere. Recent ones that spring to mind include; the Bell & Ross BR03-94 AeroGT Chrono, the Singer Track1 Chronograph and the IWC Ingenieur Chronograph Sport Edition 50th Anniversary of Mercedes-AMG.?Back in the seventies there were of course the infamous Heuer watches, the Heuer Carrera, Heuer Monza, Heuer Monaco and Heuer Camaro. And yes, before y

Introducing: The Ulysse Nardin Freak X Gumball 3000
The Gumball 3000 is no ordinary car rally. Known for its high-octane blend of luxury, adventure and extravagance, the Gumball has captivated automotive enthusiasts since 1999. This iconic road rally, featuring supercars and celebrities, is an annual celebration of breaking boundaries and living life in the fast lane over a 3,000-mile journey. To commemorate this daring event's 25th anniversary, Ulysse Nardin unveils a limited edition of a watch that was born to defy conventions too – the Freak.The 2024 edition of Gumball 3000 will lead its participants through Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand and Malaysia to the Singapore F1 Grand Prix held on September 22, 2024. As explained by Maximillian Cooper, Founder of Gumball 3000: “Celebrating 25 years of Gumball 3000 is a huge milestone, and partnering with Ulysse Nardin to create something truly special felt like the perfect way to mark it. Just like Gumball, the Freak X breaks the mold – it's bold, unconventional, and engineere