Interview: Christian Knoop, Creative Director for IWC on the Amsterdam Boutique
We were recently invited to join the festive reopening of the Amsterdam Boutique of IWC Schaffhausen. Nestled in one of the most luxurious high streets in our nation’s capital is a haven where you can fully immerse yourself in the wonderful world of IWC. Step inside, and you can discover the brand’s various collections in a unique open display, have a coffee in the Big Pilot Bar, and even discover the brand’s engineering prowess. But there’s more to creating a fully immersive and tangible IWC experience, as we learn from Creative Director Christian Knoop. While we had the chance to talk to him, we also wanted to learn more about the recently launched IWC Pilot’s Watch Performance Chronograph 41, which is geared towards a different kind of pilot.Christian Knoop, Creative Director for IWC Schaffhausen.Robin Nooij, MONOCHROME Watches – Christian, we’re here in the newly remodelled IWC Boutique in Amsterdam. What can you tell us about it?Christian

The Vintage Corner - The Underrated Hamilton Chrono-Matic Calibre 11
The Calibre 11, or Chrono-Matic (depending on the brand using it) needs no introduction anymore. It is, with its two competitors, the Seiko 6139 and Zenith El Primero, amongst the most important movements ever created. Why? Because it was part of the earliest automatic chronograph movements launched in 1969 and celebrating its 50th-anniversary last year. Surprisingly, people often think about Heuer when talking about the Calibre 11, and sometimes Breitling. Less regularly though, the name Hamilton is mentioned. And today, we'll look at how the Calibre 11/Chrono-Matic influenced a series of cool chronograph watches at Hamilton.For more details about the Calibre 11, you can read this in-depth story here, retracing the origins of the consortium and the technical details.The Hamilton Watch Company of Lancaster, Pennsylvania was America's largest pocket watch producer at the turn of the 20th century. Indeed, close to half of America's train engine drivers and railway workers – who dep

Hands-On Vacheron Constantin Fiftysix Day-Date Steel (Specs & Price)
As you know, our first impressions of the 2018 launch of the Fiftysix?collection were mixed. Introduced as the brand's more casual collection, with steel options and automatic movements, and choice of complications. The Fiftysix?taps into the ongoing trend for vintage-style watches by taking inspiration from a VC model of 1956 and has lightened up the mood of the dial with contemporary and more casual touches. Touted by VC as a “modern, elegant and relaxed collection” with a “resolutely cosmopolitan style, our mission today is to determine if the model we had for our hands-on session lives up to Vacheron Constantin’s concept. The proof is in the pudding, so let's take a closer look at the Fiftysix?Day-Date steel model.?Complex Case, Elegant ProportionsLike its siblings in the current line-up? – Complete Calendar and the automatic time-and-date model (excluding the tourbillon with its 41mm case) – the case measures 40mm with a thickness of 11.6mm. Rec

Hands-On MeisterSinger Perigraph Bronze Limited Edition (Specs & Price)
German brand MeisterSinger has carved a niche in the market with its single-handed watches. The Perigraph, MeisterSinger's automatic watch with an open date ring is revisited in this handsome, 43mm bronze case. A winning combination of industrial German design with the warm vintage appeal of bronze, this new take on the Perigraph is a limited edition of just 100 pieces and is available at retailers now. And here are our thoughts about it.Going for the BronzeAs you know, bronze cases have made a strong comeback on the watch scene. Thanks to its resistance to corrosion, bronze has been used widely in the production of nautical and scientific instruments. The patina that develops over time gives watches a distinctive antique feel we associate with early marine chronometers and other seafaring equipment. And don't be fooled into thinking that only chunky dive watches (this or that) are suitable vessels for the heavy metal, bronze has transitioned across the board as a case material for pil

Interview: Favre Leuba Returns With Patrik Hoffmann At The Helm
Patrik Hoffmann has been at the forefront of the watch industry for years, notably as CEO of Ulysse Nardin and Executive Vice President of Watchbox. Now, this industry veteran is leading the revival of one of the oldest Swiss watch brands with ambitious plans. Established in 1737, Favre Leuba boasts a rich heritage, particularly from the 1960s, when it created the FL 251 twin barrel movement and iconic tool watches such as the Bivouac with its aneroid altimeter and dive watches like the Deep Blue or the Bathy with its depth gauge. In 1985, following the quartz crisis, the family, which had run the brand for eight generations, had to sell it. Since then, Favre-Leuba has changed hands several times, with various attempts to revive its illustrious name. The brand now embarks on a new chapter, unveiling four new collections and 22 watches during Geneva Watch Days. Just before the event, we had the opportunity to sit down with Patrik Hoffmann in Grenchen, where the brand is headquartered, t