SIHH 2019 Audemars Piguet CODE 11.59 Collection (Live Photos, Specs & Price)
This is the big one for SIHH 2019! Here's an early hands-on article to what will most likely be one of the most discussed watches of the fair – and a crucial event for the brand, CODE 11.59 by Audemars Piguet. Very simply because there has been no product launch of this magnitude over the past 20 years for the brand. Picture this, 13 new references, 6 news models, 3 brand new calibres – including the much awaited in-house integrated chronograph! The ambition: to write a new page in the brand's history, creating a new pillar in the collection next to the Royal Oak, Royal Oak Offshore, Royal Oak Concept and Millenary.Why a new collection?Somehow, nobody had anticipated a launch of these dimensions from Audemars Piguet. The Royal Oak is an established icon and one of the most successful watches today on the market. Some brands just stick to what they do well. Having such a strong product is a unique asset but putting all your eggs in one basket has its risks. Yesterday’s

Hands-On: The AP Royal Oak Chronograph 41mm Yellow Gold 26240BA is a Statement in Style
In 2022, Audemars Piguet unveiled a plethora of new?Royal Oak models to commemorate the 50th anniversary?of this iconic line. Among these releases stood the Royal Oak Selfwinding Chronograph 41mm reference 26240, adorned, like other anniversary automatic editions, with a special rotor sporting a prominent 50 logo. However, by 2023, these gave way to regular models featuring the typical AP rotors, and new references were added to the permanent collection. This March marked the debut of a remarkable one: the striking APRO Selfwinding Chronograph 41mm 26240BA in radiant yellow gold on a matching bracelet. It is adorned with a luxurious gold-toned gradient dial and powered by the AP?calibre 4401, an in-house, integrated flyback chronograph movement initially showcased in 2019 with the Code 11.59 collection. With its striking aesthetics, solid construction, advanced movement and good history, this new chronograph is in high demand.Sporting a 41mm diameter and 12.4mm thickness, the 26240BA b

Introducing The IWC Portugieser Automatic 40 Salmon Dial
If you’re a recurring reader of MONOCHROME, you should know by now that we have a soft spot for salmon-coloured dials. So much so that it was the main theme of our very first Montre de Souscription. Salmon is original, warm, and luxurious, and despite the outpouring of love from the watch-collecting community, these dials remain quite rare… An exclusive treat for connoisseurs. Now, it’s time for the most classic of all IWC Portugieser models to receive such as dial with the introduction of the new Portugieser Automatic 40 Salmon. First exclusive to the UAE, but no worries, it’ll soon be available worldwide.?Let’s make this story short… Because all you need to know here is that there’s a salmon dial on the existing Portugieser Automatic 40, combined with a stainless steel case. That’s it. But sometimes, small updates can create beautiful watches. And, sorry to sound enthusiastic (I love salmon dials, I can’t help it), but seeing a sa

Hands-On: Ready for the Olympics, The Omega Speedmaster Chronoscope Paris 2024
The 2024 Paris Olympics, which will start later this week, mark 92 years of Omega‘s legacy as the official timekeeper for the Games. Since 1932 and for the 31st time, the Omega Timing team, with its unparalleled expertise, extensive personnel, and tons of equipment, will support the competing athletes. To truly grasp the extent of Omega’s involvement and the cutting-edge technology they bring to the table in 2024, I urge you to delve into “the insane technology behind the timekeeping role,” as detailed by Frank Geleen earlier this month. This technology, including a Quantum Timer with a resolution of one-millionth of a second, might seem far removed from modern mechanical chronographs. Still, the connection to sports timing remains clear and exhilarating.Omega track and field starting blocks with built-in sensorsThis brings us to the new and exciting Paris Olympics 2024 versions of the Speedmaster Chronoscope. Initially introduced in 2021, these timepieces featu

Buying Guide - 5 of the Coolest Bronze Watches of Baselworld 2019
Bronze watches have developed into a major trend over the past few years. A tough and strong metal, bronze lends itself perfectly to robust watches. Most importantly, it offers something different, a burst of colour that changes over time with the unique patina developing randomly on the surface of the metal. And if you're bold enough to go for this material, here are five of the best bronze watches released at Baselworld 2019.Note: this selection is based on a consensus among the MONOCHROME team. It reflects our preferences among watches unveiled at Baselworld 2019. If there are other Baselworld 2019 bronze watches you'd love to mention, feel free to share these in the comment section at the end of this article.Bell & Ross BR 03-92 Diver Green BronzeIf the BR 03-92 Diver Green Bronze is not the first version of the Bell & Ross square dive watch to be fashioned out of bronze (already available with a brown colour scheme), it distinguishes itself from previous models with its ne