Industry News: Breitling Acquires Historic Brand Universal Geneve
Despite being barely existent anymore or now a memory from the past, some brands continue to live within the collecting community, benefitting from a certain aura. One of these brands is Universal Geneve, a once-prominent manufacturer known for its innovative designs (the Polerouter or the Tri-Compax, to name a few) and technically advanced movements (the famed micro-rotor). With the quartz crisis, Universal Geneve became the shadow of itself, still producing watches as the subsidiary of a Hong Kong-based investment firm. These days are over, as UG comes back into Swiss hands after Breitling and its main shareholder Partners Group have announced its acquisition of Universal Gene?ve, a move that “promises to restore the prestige of a hallowed name in the world of luxury timepieces,” according to the brand.Founded in 1894, Universal Geneve grew to become one of the top Swiss watchmakers, providing watch enthusiasts with models such as the Tri-Compax, the Aero-Compax, dozens o

Taking a closer look at 6 recently launched red-hot watches
We are all very well aware of the fact green seems all the rage over the past few years. It is a trend that really gained momentum three, maybe four years back. Sure, prior to that we saw green dials as well, but nowadays they are everywhere. We've also noticed a shift towards other colours, something we've addressed before (here and here) and we welcome very much. One of the colours seemingly popping up and getting some love is red. The fiery tone can be seen on a number of new watches, with six of them listed in today’s Buying Guide.TAG Heuer Carrera Red Dial EditionOne of the most recent crimson red wristwatches to be released is the TAG Heuer Carrera Red Dial Limited Edition. And although we haven't seen it in person, the sunray brushed red dial sure seems to pop against the steel case. Being a Carrera, it features all the hallmarks that make this such a classic. It comes in a steel case measuring 39mm across and about 15mm in height (due to the box-shaped sapphire crystal).

Cool Finds: a vintage Heuer Skipper, a mint LeCoultre Quartermaster and a gorgeous Vacheron-Constantin Triple Date Moonphase, sold by Antiquorum - Monochrome-Watches
Auctions are always offering superb opportunities to find cool watches, but (unfortunately) mainly vintage es and Pateks. Not that we have a problem here, at Monochrome-Watches, with these two brands, but we also love the exclusivity and originality of understated watches. Tomorrow (Tuesday, September 30th, 2014), the famous auction house Antiquorum will host a huge sale, full of interesting watches (at least, for us). Here are 3 of them that we wanted to show you.Lot 285 – A vintage Heuer SkipperThis is a rare one. Don’t be fooled by the Autavia shape. Even if it is technically speaking an Autavia, the Skipper is different and mainly, very hard to find. What we have here is a Heuer ref. 73464, produced during the 1970s (it was part of the 1971, 1972 and 1973 catalogs). What differentiates this Skipper from a classical Autavia is its blue dial and bezel and the 3-colour 15-minute counter. Inside ticks a?Valjous 7734 movement (the classical 7730 manual calibre with a date f

First Look: The New Formex Stratos UTC, An Intuitive True GMT Watch
Over the past few years, Swiss watchmaker Formex has managed to build quite a solid reputation by delivering impressive horological content for a fair price. While some focus on complications, Formex decided to create watches that are solid, resistant and mostly, packed with practicality. A very pragmatic approach centred around the user. This idea is once again taking centre stage for the brand’s latest creation, which focuses on travelling. Partnering with famous module constructor Dubois-Depraz, the brand presents its vision of a user-friendly true GMT watch, the new Formex Stratos UTC.?Formex made a name for itself with its clasp systems and case constructions, adding superior practicality to watches designed for daily wear – think about the brand’s case suspension system for better shock absorption, easily interchangeable bezels on dive watches, and multiple patented systems for quick-adjustment clasps on straps or micro-extension on bracelets. Now, with its late

Five Watches Presented in 2021 Making Full Use of Luminescence - Monochrome Watches
Some watches shine brighter than others; we all know that. And that doesn't necessarily have to be attributed to copious amounts of gems or a superbly polished case. It can also be the result of the amount and application of luminescent material. And this, quite literally, can make a watch shine brighter than any diamond, especially at night! Here's our list of five watches presented in 2021 that put Super-LumiNova to good use!Bovet 1822 Virtuoso VIII Chapter Two ReimaginedIt might be considered an unlikely candidate for a Buying Guide, but Bovet is not a brand that shies away from the unconventional. The independent watchmaker has a history of creating superb, elaborate pieces often mixing traditional crafts with contemporary design and complex movements. Ad - Scroll to continue with article The Bovet 1822 Virtuoso VIII Chapter Two Reimagined, however, pushes t