The Speake-Marin Magister Tourbillon, the back to basics watch - Monochrome Watches
Peter Speake-Marin is going back to his roots with a tourbillon, after an incursion in the world of sports watches. This complication is of very special significance for him. This is a good reason to take a closer look at his Magister Tourbillon, bringing together a host of details characteristics of his watch design we have been enjoying for some 15 years.Background / Reminder about Peter Speake-MarinAfter qualifying as a watchmaker at Hackney Technical College in London, Englishman Peter Speake-Marin moved to Switzerland in the late 1980s. There, he further learnt his trade at Wostep, the renowned watchmaking school in Neuchatel. Returning to London, seven highly formative years to set up and run the antique watch restauration department at Somlo antiques in Piccadilly London were an influential period on his career, allowing him to discover the valuable works of past masters. In 1996, he was attracted back to Switzerland to develop high complications for Renaud & Papi, the high-

Introducing the new IWC Big Pilot's Watch IW500912 - Specs and Price - Monochrome Watches
It’s already 14 years ago since IWC revived the now iconic Big Pilot’s Watch and this year they treat us on a new and improved version: the IWC Big Pilot’s Watch IW500912. Moreover, IWC also launches three more Big Pilot’s Watch models, being the Big Pilot’s Watch Spitfire (ref. IW500917) in 18k red gold, the Big Pilot’s Watch Top Gun (ref. IW502001) in black ceramic and the Big Pilot’s Watch Edition ‘Le Petit Prince’ (ref. IW500916) that comes with its unmistakable, and striking, blue dial. Let’s take a closer look at the new & improved IWC Big Pilot’s Watch and its siblings.?Before we dive into all details, let’s have a look back at the very reason d’etre of the IWC Big Pilot’s Watch. To learn more we have to look back at the years before World War II and the so-called B-Uhren, which is an abbreviation for Beobachtungsuhren. This name translates to English as ‘observation watch’, and t

Introducing The Patek Philippe Aquanaut Luce Annual Calendar 5261R
Patek Philippe’s patented annual calendar mechanism (1996) debuts inside an Aquanaut model for 2023. Presented in a unisex 39.9mm rose gold case with a bluish-grey dial, the annual calendar brings a useful and easy-to-use complication to the Aquanaut family. A new automatic movement with an inverted annual calendar module powers the Aquanaut Luce Annual Calendar.In 1997, Patek Philippe launched its sporty chic Aquanaut, nearly two decades after the debut of its iconic Nautilus luxury steel sports watch. With its rounded octagonal case, clearly inspired by that of the Nautilus, and tropical composite strap, the more modern spirit of the Aquanaut was out to capture a new, younger audience. The Aquanaut Luce, a ladies’ version of the watch, joined the catalogue in 2004. Forgive us for differing, but although the brand catalogues this new model as a ladies’ watch, we think it works exceptionally well as a gent’s watch. Ad - Scroll to continue with article

Introducing: The Brown & Gold PVD Mido Multifort TV Big Date
Mido's decision to revisit some of its vintage models and update them with contemporary specs has resulted in some very attractive yet affordable pieces. Models like the 1960s-inspired Ocean Star Decompression Timer with its colourful dial, the 1930s-styled Patrimony Chronograph?and the more recent Multifort TV Big Date are winning combinations of retro details and modern mechanics. Introduced in 2023, the sporty yet chic Multifort TV Big Date exudes a strong 1970s vibe. The latest iteration is this rose gold PVD case and chocolate brown dial combo that tunes into a more luxurious channel.TV-shaped watches had their heyday in the 1970s. Mido's first TV-shaped watch appeared in 1973, and in 2023, coinciding with its 50th anniversary, it released the Multifort TV Big Date. Measuring 39.2mm x 40mm and 11.5 mm thick, the resilient 100m water-resistant Multifort case is equipped with a screw-down crown protected by guards. Ad - Scroll to continue with article

Christophe Claret presents the X-TREM-1 Pinball - Monochrome Watches
Another timepiece for the Only Watch auction is a unique approach to the X-TREM-1 that Christophe Claret introduced last year. Of course we shared that brilliant timepiece with you (click here) because it was the very first timepiece to indicate time by means of magnetism! Yes indeed, magnetism usually is something you’d like to avoid in or around your mechanical watch, however Christophe Claret found a way to use moving magnets and round metal balls to indicate the time.?Besides the magnetism, the X-TREM-1 also features a tourbillon, that is mounted at a 30 degree angle. At that angle the tourbillon is simply more visible to the person wearing the watch and visual effects are key in a timepiece like the X-TREM-1. The folks over at Christophe Claret will mind the technical aspects and they are good at that. The new X-TREM-1 Pinball resembles the inside of a pinball machine, with bumpers, slingshots, balls and even a TILT button! Ad - Scroll to continue with article