IWC Also Joins the Smart Device Race with IWC Connect - UPDATED - Monochrome Watches
When opening my mailbox this morning, a new press release from IWC just came in. After opening that press release, the one and only thought I had was “WHY?”. Well, the BIG news is that IWC is also going to join the connected / smart watch race. They choose to do that with a ‘connected device’ that has been baptized IWC Connect, which will be integrated into the straps of IWC (sports) watches. Sometime later this year IWC will announce more information, however it’s certain that they will start with the Big Pilot’s Watch. – THIS ARTICLE HAS BEEN UPDATED (at the end) WITH NEW INFO FROM IWC –Let’s be clear about this, high-end watchmaking and SMART watches have nothing in common, zero, nada, niente (that’s Spanish/Portuguese and Italian). Well, except the fact that both can be worn on the wrist and indicate time, but that’s it. High-end watchmaking is all about the beauty of, well, high-end watchmaking. Think: bridges with

Breguet Classique 5287 Hand-Wound Chronograph // Review
Instead of unveiling a brand new 2020 model hot off the production line, today is all about indulgence as we revisit a timeless beauty: the Breguet Classique Hand-Wound 5287 chronograph. Although it was originally introduced in 2013 and still available in some boutiques, it is no longer being produced. This probably means that the Classique 5287 will join the circuit of coveted collector's pieces and see its price and desirability skyrocket. A classic in every sense of the word, from its refined aesthetics to its iconic hand-wound, Lemania-based chronograph movement, we were fortunate to have the rose gold model for our hands-on session. How Breguet recovered its radianceWithout re-examining the fascinating legacy of founder Abraham-Louis Breguet, it is worth dedicating a few lines to the recent history of the brand when it was acquired by Nicolas G. Hayek, founder of Swatch Group, in 1999. And Lemania has a lot to do in this story. Ad - Scroll to continue with article

Oris Aquis Great Barrier Reef Limited Edition II (specs & price) - Monochrome Watches
Oris is well known for creating high-quality watches with classical but pleasant design, all with an interesting price tag. Of course, we’re not talking about dream machines but the watches Oris produces are clearly to be considered for anyone seeking for a solid, well designed and reliable mechanical watch. Many collections exist, including racing chronographs or pilot watches, but the most famous series of watches concerns diving. Here is a new iteration, made jointly with the Australian Marine Conservation Society (AMCS) to help protect and preserve the Great Barrier Reef: the?Oris Aquis Great Barrier Reef Limited Edition II.The?Oris Great Barrier Reef Limited Edition II is based on one of the most successful watches made by the brand: the Aquis, a robust, efficient, well constructed dive watch, with a rather classical look. We’ve been testing it here?and our reaction was surprisingly good, knowing how snob the Monochrome-Watches team can be. The Oris Aquis is a perfect

Hands-On - Panerai Radiomir Venti PAM02020 Paneristi 20th Anniversary
The collecting community has always been drawn to vintage sports watches. However, when it comes to Panerai, we’re talking about one of the most active and authoritative web communities existing. They even have a name – the Paneristi – and a website dedicated to their passion – paneristi.com. Active, passionate owners who can also be quite critical… Tough love, they say. This community is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year and, as a tribute to them, Panerai thought it would be nice to treat them to something they’d like. So here’s the Panerai Radiomir Venti PAM02020, made especially to mark the 20 years of Paneristi.com.As you can imagine, this watch couldn’t only be an internal project. The community had to be invited into the creation process in order for the watch not only to make sense, but also to please the Paneristi. The PAM02020 “Venti” (Italian for twenty) is the result of a joint creation process between the

First Look: The New Sporty Certina DS-7 Chrono Auto
Last year, Certina ventured into the popular 1970s-inspired integrated-bracelet sports watch category. In this space, fellow Swatch Group brand Tissot has made waves with its highly successful and accessible PRX series. While the 2023 Certina DS-7 Powermatic 80 models offer a simple time-and-date functionality, they bring a more contemporary, slimmer, and less angular design, setting them apart from the PRX collection – though there’s no need to pit the two lines against each other. The distinction becomes even clearer with the introduction of the DS-7 Chrono Auto line. The new Certina chronograph leans more towards the sporty and robust modern aesthetic the brand is known for rather than a totally vintage-inspired look. However, tasteful retro elements are still present, adding a subtle nostalgic touch. The new Certina DS-7 Chrono Auto comes in a 42mm stainless steel case, offering 100m of water resistance. It features a slim tachymeter bezel and sap