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

In-Depth: The Omega Seamaster Diver 300M No-Date
After months of speculation and anticipation, and enviously seeing Daniel Craig flaunting one, Omega has finally brought us the Seamaster Diver 300M No Date. In my initial article, I wanted to get the news out quickly, so I kept things a touch factual. Now though, after getting my hands on the two watches that are introduced, plus some time to digest everything, we’re going for a more in-depth story. Is it any good, for instance? How does it tie in with other No Date models? And most importantly perhaps, would I, or should you spend your money on it? This, and a whole lot more, is to come as I dissect the new Omega Seamaster Diver 300M No-Date collection!While the spotlight often goes to the legendary Speedmaster, it is in fact the Seamaster collection that is the true cornerstone of the brand. It’s been around the longest, as the name first appeared in 1948 on the occasion of Omega’s then-100th anniversary. The collection has been in continuous production ever since,

Introducing: Oris Divers Seventy-Five Calibre 400 C.04 for Collective Horology
Watchmaking collaborations are thriving, often yielding extraordinary results and offering a select group of collectors the chance to possess distinctive timepieces. In today’s showcase, Collective Horology, a California-based members-only club dedicated to crafting collaborative watches for enthusiasts, joined forces with the venerable Oris from Holstein. Together, they delved into the emblematic Divers Sixty-Five model, presenting a fresh perspective – a design that, while never realized by Oris in the 1970s, could seamlessly fit into the brand’s historic repertoire. Please welcome the new Oris Divers Seventy-Five Calibre 400 C.04 for Collective Horology.Remaining true to the core aesthetic of the original 1960s Oris Waterproof, the stainless steel case of the 40mm Divers Seventy-Five is paired with a bronze bezel, echoing the case and bezel shape of its inspirational predecessor. The design retains the large crown without guards, a distinctive feature preserved in

Phillips Sells Steve McQueen's Heuer Monaco 1133B from 'Le Mans' for $ 2.2 Million, The Most Expensive Heuer Ever - Monochrome Watches
We knew this watch was a very important historical piece. We knew it was in the starting blocks to break a record, as possibly the most expensive Heuer ever auctioned… And it did. The reason is simple. The present vintage Heuer Monaco 1133B is not any Monaco watch. It once was one of the Heuer Monaco 1133B worn by Steve McQueen while filming his iconic racing film, Le Mans. As such, it is one of the watches that gave this very watch its “Monaco Steve McQueen” nickname. And considering what happened with Paul Newman’s Paul Newman Daytona, the result of Phillip’s Racing Pulse auction was expected to be high. And at USD 2,208,000, it is not only high, but this?1133B Heuer Monaco Worn by Steve McQueen in ‘Le Mans’ sets a new record.This watch is one of the most iconic chronographs on the market. Its fame owes much to its cameo role on the wrist of Steve McQueen in the 1971 movie Le Mans. McQueen's performance as racer Michael Delaney is, without do

Jacob & Co. Astronomia Alec Monopoly (Specs & Price)
As a child of the 1980s, I grew up quite a few years before a little thing called the internet was widely available. Games were plaid off-line rather than online and you'd had to time yourself to watch?your favourite TV show, otherwise, you'd miss it. Growing up I had a few favourite TV cartoons and board games to play. And to my surprise, two of those things have just reared their head in an ultra-complex Jacob & Co in a collaboration with renowned artist and painter Alec Monopoly.?And once again, it is mechanical boldness to the max.Presented as a special collaboration between perhaps the most extravagant independent watchmaker and the famous street artist, the Astronomia Alec Monopoly combines several artistic crafts within the signature Astronomia theme. The four arms of the movement rotate over a sparkling black aventurine base dial, with four unique and handcrafted characters pretty much all of us are familiar with. Ad - Scroll to continue with article