Guide - The Most Technically Innovative Watches of 2019 (So Far)
Innovation can be a rather confusing buzzword in the world of watches, an industry full of tradition and somehow playing on the old-school concept. Still, the Swiss watchmaking industry continues to innovate and to surprise us - and 2019 already had its lot of crazy advanced timepieces. So here are 5 developments that take mechanical watchmaking to new heights and best exemplify innovation in the old world of mechanical watchesNote: this selection is based on a consensus among the MONOCHROME team. It reflects our preferences among watches unveiled in 2019. If there are other watches you'd love to mention, feel free to share these in the comment section at the end of this article.Bvlgari Octo Finissimo Chronograph GMT automaticBvlgari has just presented its 5th model in a series of record-breaking watches. The new Octo Finissimo Chronograph GMT Automatic indeed becomes the thinnest mechanical chronograph movement and watch, with heights of 6.90mm for the case and 3.30mm only for the cal

IWC Ingenieur Automatic ref.3239 Reviewed - Monochrome Watches
In January of this year, IWC introduced an entire new Ingenieur collection. Not just one or two new models; the entire collection was ‘reinvented’. While many of the new Ingenieur models feature all kind of technical innovations, the ref. 3239 Ingenieur Automatic, goes back to its roots. Back to the classic Ingenieur SL ref. 1832 that was designed by Gerald Genta. Will this also become such a classic?It is of course impossible to answer that question, however Monochrome did take a closer look at the Ingenieur Automatic ref. 3239-04 and gave it some serious wrist-time. We cannot predict if it will ever become a classic like its ancestor from the 1970’s, but we can check if all ingredients are present. The new Ingenieur Automatic is? smaller and thinner than any other Ingenieur, well, smaller and thinner than any Ingenieur since the classic SL ref. 1832 designed by Genta. And it wears accordingly, super comfortable. Ad - Scroll to continue with article

Introducing the Chopard L.U.C XPS in Fairmined Gold - Live photos - Monochrome-Watches
Our industry – watchmaking – can easily be seen as far, very far away from responsible matters. How would this be possible from an industry able to sell 40mm objects at more than 300.000 Euros? In fact, there is an organization that applies sustainable considerations to luxury, both jewelry and horology: Fairmined gold. This standard?performs responsible artisanal and small-scale mining, through mining operations, environmental protection, labor conditions, traceability of Fairmined?minerals and socio-economic development. Don’t expect this to come in an ugly watch (like those ugly brown recycle napkins). This responsible artisanal gold is featured in a very elegant and desirable watch, the?Chopard L.U.C XPS Fairmined.To prove the world that the watchmaking industry can also take into account the fate of people exploiting mines, Chopard has decided since a few years now to develop a partnership with Fairmined,?a certification guaranteeing that the gold used to craft s

Omega Seamaster Diver 300M - Underwater Dive Review (Specs & Price)
Let's play a word association game. When you hear the name Omega, what is the first thing that pops into your head? If you're like me, it instantly conjures up thoughts of Speedmaster chronographs and space exploration. This is no small thanks to Omega's marketing prowess and (well-deserved) pride at being on the wrists of the men who boldly went where no man had gone before. But it is at the other pinnacle of exploration where you will find the longest-running watch in Omega's vast catalogue: the Seamaster. And for another of my diving trips, I took the most classic yet ultra-accomplished model underwater, the Omega Seamaster Diver 300M.First released way back in 1948, the Seamaster was Omega's answer to the growing demand for a tough, everyday wristwatch. Based on the success and watchmaking know-how they honed making over 110,000 timepieces for the British military during World War II, the first Seamaster was a robust, do-it-all timepiece, with even better water resistance than its

Weekly Watch Photo - SIHH Impressions + Video Interview - Monochrome Watches
For the third year in a row, our friends at Montblanc invited me to the Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie or SIHH. This allowed me to have a look behind the scenes of?the most prestigious luxury watch fair in the world.?Montblanc CEO mister Lutz Bethge talks with us about the SIHH and the Montblanc resident photographer?Pascal Le Segretain, who captured the atmosphere in stylish black & white, monochrome, images. And like we promised… in a few days, we have an exiting prize to give away to one of you! Ad - Scroll to continue with article The SIHH is a magnificent experience; it’s an invitation-only event where only the guests of the 16 exhibiting brands are welcome. Just imagine, 30.000 square meters, 16 exhibiting brands with HUGE booths, tables for 3-course lunch, bars for coffee, tea, your morning croissant or a nice glass of wine in