In-Depth: The New Bulgari Octo Roma Grande Sonnerie Tourbillon
The grande sonnerie is one of the most intricate mechanisms in watchmaking. Its creation requires the utmost technical expertise as hundreds of components are required to interact simultaneously and strike time indications perfectly. Bulgari has a rich tradition of crafting striking watches, having already produced grande and petite sonnerie watches.?This expertise first originated from the acquisition of Gerald Genta and Daniel Roth in 2000. But Bulgari is committed to keeping this craft alive and evolving as demonstrated by the new Octo Roma Grande Sonnerie Tourbillon with its modernised design, chime and movement.The Exclusive Grande Sonnerie ClubIf Gerald Genta’s Grande Sonnerie was presented in 1994, the credit for creating the first Grande Sonnerie wristwatch goes to Philippe Dufour, who introduced his in 1992. Among the few other prestigious names who have produced Grande Sonnerie wristwatches are Patek Philippe, Vacheron Constantin, Audemars Piguet, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Greu

Maurice Lacroix Aikon Venturer 43mm Automatic - Hands-On (Specs & Price)
The introduction of the Aikon collection has been a very good surprise, back in 2018. The pleasure of a good luxury sports watch, without the waiting list or the 5-digit price tag. While the first version of the Aikon was a versatile, retrained model, Maurice Lacroix has decided to introduce a second, bolder, sportier iteration, with nautical/adventure inspiration. Its name is the Maurice Lacroix Aikon Venturer and today we take a look at it.While there’s no hiding the fame for luxury sports watches these days (RO and Nautilus being the stars of the show), few of us have a wallet thick enough to even consider to get one (if ever getting one was only a matter of cash… availability being THE main issue). So the introduction of an accessible, still well-crafted, automatic watch with the flair of these watches, but without the price tag, was refreshing. Certainly, you can’t expect a high-end, ultra-thin movement, a hand-polished case or the same level of execution, but as

Portrait: Michel Parmigiani, An Absolute Master of Horological Art
Just mention his name, and you will have the undivided attention of collectors and enlightened watch enthusiasts worldwide. Michel Parmigiani is considered a legend in watchmaking culture, and rightfully so. A personality marked by discretion, he has devoted his life to watchmaking and is renowned universally for his unparalleled expertise in the restoration of antique clocks. He is also the mastermind of some of the most unique table clocks and movements that have entered the annals of watchmaking history.?Michel Parmigiani is naturally curious, taking in the world around him to nourish his creations. Nature, architecture, history and even mathematical formulas can stimulate his inspiration. In his words: “In restoration, you cannot unleash your dreams; this is why I nurtured a wide range of interests over the years.” Today, we look back at a life dedicated to measuring time. Ad - Scroll to continue with article

Fly your flag at the Olympic Games with Omegas NATO straps - Monochrome Watches
Customisation is the name of game in the watch world today and the fastest way to change the personality of your watch is to change the strap. As the official timekeeper of the Olympic Games since 1932, and coinciding with the start of the PyeongChang 2018 Winter Games, Omega taps into the trend for customisation with its timely proposal of NATO straps decked out in the colours of competing nations' flags. Thanks to Omega’s new straps, you can change the personality and the nationality of your watch in a matter of seconds.With the 18 flag-inspired NATO straps, supporters can now root for their home teams or, if their country is not represented, commemorate the occasion with any one of the six NATO straps inspired by the five colours of the Olympic rings. Ad - Scroll to continue with article Where did NATO straps get their name?NATO straps have nothing to d

The Louis Erard Excellence Triptych Collection Hands-On (Price)
It's not uncommon for brands to introduce multiple models at once for a new collection, usually with consistent aesthetics and often differentiated by features. For example, Eugen Wegner recently launched three watches that shared a common design language and included time-only, time and date, and chronograph models. Louis Erard introduced a trio of its own models late last year with the Excellence Triptych, refining existing designs in its portfolio. All three share a distinctive look but are again separated by features, display and movement – time only, regulator, and monopusher chronograph. Let's take a closer look at this latest collection, inspired by the Jura Mountains in Le Noirmont, Switzerland… and with cool two-tone silver sector dials.HistoryFounded in 1929 in La Chaux-de-Fonds as a school for watchmaking, the brand began selling watches in 1931. After a couple of acquisitions and some internal turbulence, Louis Erard is now based in Le Noirmont, Switzerland and