Introducing: A. Lange & Sohne Datograph Perpetual Tourbillon Honeygold Lumen
The Datograph Perpetual Tourbillon Honeygold “Lumen” is the indisputable highlight of A. Lange & Sohne's novelties for Watches and Wonders 2024. Pulling out its big guns at Watches & Wonders, Lange has treated its uber-complex flyback chronograph, perpetual calendar, and tourbillon cocktail to an exclusive Honeygold case and, for the cherry on top, a luminous Lumen glow. Sharing identical specifications to its siblings in white gold and platinum, this masterpiece of horology and Saxon design that made its debut in 2016 has no qualms about revealing its innermost secrets in the dark.Although the Datograph is officially celebrating its 25th anniversary, Lange has chosen to pay homage to its complicated sibling, the Datograph Perpetual Tourbillon, by treating it to two of the brand’s trademarked products: Honeygold and Lumen.Honeygold is a top-secret alloy developed for Lange in 2010 with a unique colour comparable to that of honey. Harder than platinum and other

Baume HRS Limited Edition Automatic - When Richemont goes Microbrand-Like - Monochrome Watches
When you hear the word Baume, most would assume it's referring to Baume & Mercier, a popular luxury watch brand dating back to 1830 and now part of the Richemont Group. And they'd be partially correct. Baume is an offshoot of Baume & Mercier with Marie Chassot (Product Marketing Director for Baume & Mercier) coming in as the lead, along with several other executives from the parent company. Baume is, however, very much an independent company with different design philosophies and strategic guidance, and a strong focus on sustainability. Baume might be an entry-level brand among Richemont's more prestigious (and expensive) offerings, but there's a lot to like about its deep level of customization and a couple of special edition models. The one I'm reviewing today is its flagship HRS Limited Edition Automatic, a limited production regulator model with an interesting take on recycling. Baume calls it upcycling and its wooden case is made from a used skateboard deck, while the

First Look: Ulysse Nardin Diver Net OPS & Diver X Skeleton OPS
Sustainability is a big trend in watchmaking today as brands jump on the bandwagon of environmentally friendly products. Some, like Chopard, ensure the sustainable source of their gold, while others look to innovative recycled materials with a lower carbon footprint. As a brand with legitimate and historical maritime ties, Ulysse Nardin's environmental focus is the sea. One of its first watches to use recycled fishing nets was the Diver Net Concept Watch of 2020. Turning to its Diver collection again in 2024, Ulysse Nardin gives its Diver and Diver X Skeleton models a sustainable makeover with on-trend camouflage. Used by animals to blend into the environment and survive attacks from predators, camouflage crossed over into the military to keep soldiers and their kit protected from enemy fire. A trend adopted across the board in watchmaking, Ulysse Nardin kitted its Freak One in military green to great effect.?Borrowing the rugged military camo uniform of the Frea

Introducing the IWC Big Pilot Watch Edition 'Le Petit Prince' - Monochrome-Watches
IWC comes back with a new limited edition, honoring?one of its favorite ambassadors (unfortunately not with us anymore), Antoine de Saint-Exupery, pilot and writer, and its most famous character, ‘le Petit Prince’. Using the same concept as several other editions of the Pilot collection, it is now the Big Pilot that is paying tribute to one of the most classical books of all time. Please welcome the?IWC Big Pilot Watch Edition ‘Le Petit Prince’.Several other watches of the Pilot collection had been used to serve as a tribute to Antoine de Saint-Exupery?and ‘Le Petit Prince’. Remember in 2013, we introduced you to the?IWC Big Pilot Perpetual Calendar and Mark XVII Limited Special Edition ‘Le Petit Prince‘. This year we had the chance to get our hands on the chronograph edition. If you look closely at those 3 watches, they are all sharing a same scheme: pilot watches adorned with a special dial, a distinctive strap and, of course, a casebac

A Space Story - How a Micro-Brand Watch by Dave Sutton and an ErikasOriginals MN Strap Ended Up on the ISS - Monochrome Watches
Space exploration is a recurring topic when it comes to watches. Of course, the Omega Speedmaster a.k.a. Moonwatch is the reference when it comes to space-linked timepieces, however, it’s not the only watch that made it to space. Recently, we discovered that another watch had been launched via a resupply mission to the ISS, a custom-made pilot's watch, by Dave Sutton, worn on a Marine Nationale strap by our good friend Erika (from ErikasOriginals). Obviously, we wanted to know more about this very cool story.Dave's custom-made watch and Erika's MN strapThe watch itself is not branded or produced by one of the well-known brands. Much more interesting is the fact that the watch that was launched into space is a custom-made watch. Dave Sutton made a limited run of this watch, and it’s built with Seiko parts and some parts were supplied by friends. Dave has been as a professional pilot and professional diver (as the boating coordinator for the US research efforts in Antarctica)