Hands-On Ulysse Nardin Executive Tourbillon Skeleton Free Wheel (Specs & Price)
While the previous version of the?Ulysse Nardin Executive Tourbillon Skeleton wasn’t exactly what you would call a ‘shy watch’, Ulysse Nardin has decided to take it to a whole new level. Still based on a modern and aerial design, still featuring several impressive technical solutions (something dear to UN), Ulysse Nardin brings an entirely new architecture to the movement and the watch – both highly interrelated here – with the new Ulysse Nardin Executive Tourbillon Skeleton “Free Wheel”.?Free-floating components and cutting-edge technology under a crystal box…The new “Free Wheel” is basically a new take on the?Executive Tourbillon. And even if some of the basics are still in place, it is quite an impressive facelift that UN is proposing here. The case retains the hallmark integrated triple lugs usually found on this model but revisited in a new, more angular way. The surfaces now alternate between polished and brushed finishe

The most talked about travel watches presented at Watches & Wonders
Watches & Wonders 2022 saw the MONOCHROME team travelling to Geneva again, which was a real joy to experience. After more than two years of pretty much not being able to go anywhere, it was an absolute pleasure to meet up at the Palexpo in Geneva, visit brands, meet people and just, talk face to face again. Perhaps with this in mind, several brands catered to this very occasion and launched new watches dedicated to travelling across multiple time zones. Here are some of the most talked-about watches we’ve seen presented during Watches & Wonders 2022, from the value-for-money kind, to the ultra-complex kind, and everything in between.Patek Philippe Annual Calendar Travel time 5326GPatek Philippe has gone down the vintage path for the new Annual Calendar Travel Time 5326G, and it looks surprisingly well. The white gold case is decorated with a Clous de Paris pattern on the movement container (yes, it runs the side of the entire caseband). The caseback and lugs are one integ

A Day with Jaeger-LeCoultre - Masterclass in Amsterdam - Monochrome Watches
Last month I had the pleasure of attending a Masterclass organized by Jaeger-LeCoultre. Several years ago I attended a similar Masterclass and now I was curious to see how much of my knowledge and “skills” remained.?The entire day was a lovely escape from any daily routine and very well organized, great place, great program, great food. And it gave much insight, again. Want to know how I did? Well, let me put it this way, after the Masterclass I respected watchmakers like I respect a good surgeon.?By the end of the day, we got to see many pieces from the current Jaeger-LeCoultre collection, so prepare for many wrist shots! Ad - Scroll to continue with article The Masterclass is something Jaeger-LeCoultre organizes for member of Le Club and people selected by Jaeger-LeCoultre dealers and their own boutiques. If you’re not a member of Le Club, th

Interview: Florian Brossard, Managing Director of Schwarz Etienne, on the Brands Future
Founded in 1902 in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Schwarz Etienne is an independent watchmaking brand that often flies under the radar yet holds incredible potential. In particular, it boasts a surprisingly high level of vertical integration, producing not only its own watches but also cases or movements. As Watches & Wonders 2025 and its parallel events approach, we sat down with the brand's newly appointed Managing Director, Florian Brossard, to discuss his vision for Schwarz Etienne and a few words about what to expect for the next collection of Schwarz Etienne.Xavier Markl, MONOCHROME - Florian, thanks for having us. You have been named Managing Director of Schwarz Etienne in July 2024. Can you share a bit about your background before joining the brand?Florian Brossard, Managing Director of Schwarz Etienne – While my parents were already in the watch industry, I initially took an independent path. I first studied to become a medtech engineer but soon realized I wanted something more

Hands-On Tissot T-Race MotoGP Automatic Chronograph 2022 Limited
Here's one for motorcycle enthusiasts and racing fans in general. Tissot has created a new race-inspired chronograph that looks fast while sitting on your wrist. It's large, a bit unconventional and certainly doesn't fly under the radar. This is a statement piece for those that crave speed and track days, and its focus is on MotoGP or Grand Prix motorcycle racing. Tissot currently has several quartz MotoGP models, but this automatic version is the one for watch enthusiasts and at a fair price. The brand has been an official MotoGP timekeeper since 2001 and this latest piece really highlights that partnership. Let’s hit the start button of this new Tissot T-Race MotoGP Automatic Chronograph 2022 LE.MotoGP CaseThe watch definitely has a MotoGP theme, starting with the bezel that looks like a motorcycle brake disc with the calliper at 3 o'clock. The stainless steel case with black PVD accents is sizeable with a width of 45.5mm, length of 48.8mm and height of 16.6mm. Don't be shy wit