2021 Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Selfwinding Chronograph Calibre 4401
The Royal Oak range by Audemars Piguet needs little introduction. Launched in 1972 and designed by the legendary Gerald Genta, it defined a whole new segment of watches. New for 2021 is the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Selfwinding Chronograph 41mm, which receives the in-house, integrated flyback chronograph movement originally developed for Code 11.59. This new calibre 4401 means that a few other things needed to be retouched too.?The Royal Oak serves as the perfect platform for Audemars Piguet to build their brand on. The collection offers everything from steel base models with time-and-date only, to ultra-complex haute horlogerie creations in precious metals. Throughout its existence, it has managed to evolve so many times, from the original presented in 1972 all the way to the latest interpretations. Models fitted with an ultra-thin QP movement, a contemporary ice-blue dial or a case and bracelet in titanium or ceramic. Audemars Piguet is not afraid to innovate with its iconic line of

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

Longines Spirit Titanium Collection 2021 - Hands-on, Price
Longines is a brand with a rich history, and in many fields. One that stands out above the others is the field of aviation watches, a type of watch that has long been dear to the brand and where the winged hourglass?has excelled, putting its instruments on the wrist of many?pioneers. A?classic pilot's watch that combines old-school design cues with a contemporary execution,?available in multiple editions, with several colours, sizes and movements, the Longines Spirit collection is once more expanding this year, with a cool edition combining vintage elements with technical?conception. Meet the new Longines Spirit Titanium Collection.Founded in 1832 in Saint-Imier in the Swiss Jura, Longines became renowned for its reliable and precise timing instruments, which would become the brand's hallmark. With the advent of military and civilian aviation and thus the need for pilots to rely on precise timekeeping instruments, the brand would become one of the most coveted manufacturers for pioneer

UNDONE Aqua Dive Watch (automatic, customizable) - Specs & Price
The popularity of microbrands is rapidly spreading and unique mechanical watches are being sold at cut-throat prices. An interesting piece can be had for well under USD 500, but odds are you'll be getting a Chinese movement and parts that are far removed from Switzerland. That doesn't mean that many of these watches are bad products, but from both a reliability and collector’s standpoint, they're often considered a lower tier. UNDONE is a popular microbrand that stands out from the crowd with its customisation options. Colours, cases, dials, hands, straps and even materials can be individually chosen to create a unique timepiece just for you, all for under USD 500. Many of its watches are attractive chronographs – equipped with quartz movements instead of mechanical ones. Their Aqua series of dive watches, however, have proven Seiko automatics inside and are an excellent value proposition for budding enthusiasts or active divers. Dive watches are among my favourite styles a

The intricate Gimbutis Avantgarde Pinecone Skeleton
Our environment can give birth to fascinating concepts, and designers have been inspired by nature for centuries. This is also the case for the Signature design of Gimbutis (a jewellery/watch brand founded by Romas Gimbutis). It is inspired by the pine cone that, like many plants, illustrates the Fibonacci sequence or golden ratio in its structure. Curvy lines and three-dimensional seed scale patterns combine to create a modern, non-conformist artistic expression. Building on the success of the brand’s pinecone jewellery, Gimbutis has now launched a selection of watches and today we are taking a look at the Avantgarde Pinecone Skeleton in white gold.The first thing to grab your attention with the Gimbutis Avantgarde is its extroverted, non-conformist design. Subconsciously symmetric and organic, its tonneau shape case stands out with soft curves, dramatic arcs, and, most importantly, a distinctive three-dimensional surface inspired by the pine cone seed scale. Measuring 42.65mm x