The Black & Gold Code 11.59 By Audemars Piguet Selfwinding Chronograph
Ever-evolving, Audemars Piguet's Code 11.59 collection was given a facelift in 2023 with a series of stainless steel models. Respectful of the complex case architecture that has few detractors, the controversy surrounding the somewhat dull dials of the inaugural members was addressed with a new embossed dial pattern and revisited indices, hands and typeface. A few months ago, AP released seven pink gold references with the refreshed dial features. Among these novelties is a model we'll look at today, the seductive two-tone version of the Code 11.59 Selfwinding Chronograph attired in pink gold and black ceramic.The Code 11.59 collection was conceived with grandiose ambitions. Destined to write a new chapter in the brand's history and stand proudly alongside perennial icons like the Royal Oak and its burlier sidekick, the Royal Oak Offshore, its reception in 2019 was lukewarm, to say the least. Despite the complex architecture of the beautifully finished case, most of the criticism was l

First Look: The AP Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar John Mayer Limited Edition
It’s no secret that Audemars Piguet has long been involved with celebrities and influential people from the world of music. It usually goes well beyond ambassadors and AP has launched several watches in collaboration with musicians – the latest to surface was the chocolate ceramic Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar “Cactus Jack” made with Travis Scott. Now, it’s time for a collaboration with artist (and famous watch collector) John Mayer, who has decided to bring a fresh, modern take on the classic Tuscan dial perpetual calendar. Meet the new Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar “John Mayer” Limited Edition 26574BC, a watch that also has historical importance, as we’ll see when talking about its calibre 5134.What we’re looking at here is nothing groundbreaking at first sight. In most aspects, this John Mayer limited version of the RO QP is identical to the permanent collection models we’ve covered here. What matters has to do with the dial,

Breitling Navitimer 1 Automatic 38 3-hand (Specs & Price)
Georges Kern has been busy dusting off cobwebs and streamlining references (from 600 to 120) since he was appointed CEO of Breitling in the summer?of 2017. With large market segments entirely overlooked by the brand's predominant focus on oversized pilot's watches, Kern has altered the flight plan. His mission is one of expansion and he hopes to attract women and lure the Asian market into the Breitling fold. The new 38mm Navitimer 1 three-hander would seem to be a direct response to his strategy and plays the unisex card to great effect. Ideal for men with smaller wrists and women who like watches with a more virile personality, let's take a closer look at the Navitimer 1 Automatic 38.Turbulence or smooth sailing on the horizon for BreitlingFollowing the hullabaloo provoked by the unveiling of the Navitimer 8 Collection – with die-hard fans of the legendary Navitimer chronograph offended by a collection that looks nothing like an original Navitimer - Breitling had a lot of expla

Hands-On - 2021 Longines HydroConquest 41mm Two-Tone Collection
Longines has secured a solid reputation in the field of chronographs and elegant, vintage-inspired watches these days. Yet, we should not forget that the brand also has a sizeable collection of sports watches, including one competent, quite accessible diver’s watch named HydroConquest. First launched in 2007, the model has since made its way up in the category and was fully revised in 2018, with upgraded materials, a simplified design and strong mechanical credentials. This year, the collection expands again with the addition of 11 new editions. Stylish, less instrumental, a bit more lifestyle-oriented yet still robust dive watches to be used and abused, here is the Longines HydroConquest 41mm Two-Tone Collection.Longines is no stranger to the dive watch concept. Certainly, its pilot’s chronographs and elegant 1940s models might be the first to come to mind, but that would be without mentioning two extremely desirable models, the Skin Diver and the Legend Diver. But these a

3 New Rado Ceramica Models, All With Automatic Movements - Monochrome Watches
In 2016, Rado relaunched its iconic Ceramica line, following a complete design refresh by highly respected industrial designer Konstantin Grcic. The geometric watches were certainly appealing from an aesthetic standpoint, however, they were powered by quartz movements and consequently didn't really make it onto the Monochrome radar. This year, Rado unveiled three new additions to the Ceramica family and we are happy to report that, for the first time, they are all powered by automatic movements.The Rado CeramicaFor many watch lovers, Rado will always be considered first and foremost a fashionable design brand. No one expects the company to come out with super complicated watches or unveil grounding breaking technical advancements (like the Zenith DEFY LAB). And yet, Rado is still a pioneer in its own right. When the Ceramica collection was unveiled in 1990, it was a big deal. This was one of the first examples of this hi-tech material being used in large scale production in the luxury