Hands-On Zenith Defy Fusee Tourbillon Carbon (Specs & Price)
Tradition meets innovation in this new Zenith Defy model with its dramatic setting to host two watchmaking classics: a fusee-and-chain escapement and a tourbillon. In keeping with the avant-garde spirit of the Defy family, Zenith stages the show in a gravity-defying, 3D, openworked setting that reveals absolutely everything. Available in full carbon or platinum cases, these limited editions are not for the faint of heart.Defiantly modernStaging a mechanism that was originally invented in the 15th century in a radically modern setting requires guts. It’s a bit like doing Shakespeare in space-age costume. Fusee-and-chain transmissions are extremely complex to manufacture, difficult to adjust, and for the most part, have become properly scarce. However, a few of the upper echelon brands, like A. Lange & Sohne, Romain Gauthier, Ferdinand Berthoud and Zenith's top-of-the-line Georges Favre-Jacot have resuscitated the fusee-and-chain transmission pulling off some of the most impres

Interview - Florent Lecomte, teacher and independent watchmaker
Throughout my years of working for MONOCHROME watches, I have seen architects, computer engineers, pharmacists and many others make a switch into watchmaking. People do this for varying reasons but one thing that always seems to be the case is sheer unbridled passion. Passion for traditional craftsmanship, passion for creating something out of nothing. This leads to the occasional discovery of new and intriguing watchmakers, such as Florent Lecomte. An industrial product designer turned watchmaking teacher turned independent watchmaker. Time to ask Florent some questions, and introduce you to this future star!Robin Nooij, MONOCHROME - First off, could you briefly introduce yourself to our readers Florent? Ad - Scroll to continue with article Florent Lecomte, founder of Lecomte Watches - Sure I can. My name is Florent Lecomte and I live in Morteau, France. I am a

Hands-On Bulgari Aluminium GMT Amerigo Vespucci Limited Edition
Stylish, casual yet elegant, the Bulgari Aluminium makes a great option for a summer watch The timing is therefore appropriate for a review of the latest iteration that has been released in the collection, a limited-edition GMT paying tribute to an emblematic Italian vessel and the spirit of adventure it represents. Let’s have a closer look at the new Bulgari Aluminium GMT Amerigo Vespucci Limited Edition.The classic versions of the Bulgari Aluminium, when relaunched in 2020Presented in 1998, the first-generation model of the Bulgari Aluminium was an instant success with its unconventional combination of materials – aluminium and rubber. This slick sports watch made a comeback on the occasion of the Geneva Watch Days 2020 – now 40mm in diameter, the aluminium watch with rubber bezel still stands out with its distinctive rubber/aluminium bracelet.? Ad - Scroll to continue with article

Montblanc Star Roman Carpe Diem Special Editions (specs & price) - Monochrome Watches
The Montblanc Star collection is certainly not widely coveted, at least less than the recent creations, like the Heritage Chronometrie collection or the high-end Villeret creations. In fact, this collection is older than its siblings but it’s not void of interest. It’s even a interesting choice for those looking for a?traditional and classical design, with an elegance suitable for an everyday use. In order to bring this collection back under the spotlights,?Montblanc presents three new?models in the Montblanc Star Collection ¡ª the Montblanc Star Roman Quantieme Complet Carpe Diem Special Edition, the Montblanc Star Roman Chronograph UTC Automatic Carpe Diem Special Edition and the Montblanc Star Roman Carpe Diem Small Second Special Edition.The Montblanc Star Roman Collection is defined by its classical design and simple but reliable automatic movements. The refined and understated look is expressed by?slim roundish polished stainless steel case with straight horns and dist

Vacheron Constantin FIFTYSIX Tourbillon, Peripheral Automatic (Specs & Price)
At the SIHH 2018, Vacheron Constantin introduced a brand new and important collection for the brand, the FIFTYSIX. With a clear intention to renew the clientele and to bring younger and less hardcore-oriented potential customers, this watch mixed vintage elements with a modern, masculine and slightly casual design. Presented in 3 different version (automatic, day-date, complete calendar), each of them available in steel or gold, it’s time now for the FIFTYSIX?to up the game and to receive true Vacheron Constantin savoir-faire. This has just been done with the addition of a high-end, automatic peripheral tourbillon movement.?Background – the?FIFTYSIX?collectionIn our review of the complete calendar version, we explained why we had been sceptical about this new collection. It was more an issue of “wrong first impressions” based on 3D renderings of the watch and a slightly “hipster” communication campaign, rather than an issue with the watch itself. Cer