Buying Guide - Best of Perpetual Calendar of 2021 by MONOCHROME
As we’re getting closer and closer to the end of the year 2021, we continue our series of buying guides looking at the best watches of the year per category. We’ve already looked at the best chronographs, the best of independent watchmaking, the best traveller’s watches and more. And today, we take a closer look at one of our favourite complications, the perpetual calendar. A must-have for high-end watchmakers, and one of the most classic haute horlogerie complications, this year we’ve some particularly attractive perpetual calendar watches being released. And here are our top 5 models equipped with this complex type of display.?Editor's note: this list reflects the preferences of MONCHROME's editorial team and results from an internal vote. This list is, of course, non-exhaustive and remains subjective. If there are other watches equipped with a perpetual calendar launched in 2021 that made an impression on you, feel free to share your thoughts with us in the c

Girard-Perregaux Laureato Absolute Light Sapphire // Hands-On, Price
For once, a watch is given a name that makes sense! The Laureato Absolute is a study in light: thanks to the titanium structural elements of the case, the Girard-Perregaux Laureato Absolute Light is lightweight, and thanks to its sapphire crystal case, light penetrates and illuminates the skeletonised movement. A limited-edition of 88 pieces, this latest iteration transforms the technical components of the movement into design elements. Although we’ve already seen something similar in the form of?2019 GP Laureato Skeleton Earth to Sky Edition, a skeletonised model with the same calibre 1800, this new model notches up the light factor even further.Brief background of the LaureatoLike many brands, Girard-Perregaux is exploring the world of high-tech materials to give a fresh face and attitude to its core and ever-growing Laureato collection. When it was first introduced in 1975, the Laureato was positioned as the brand's take on the luxury sports watch, a new genre that had just hi

Designing Time with Creativity and Haute Horlogery: Part 1 - 4N - Monochrome Watches
In the small world of independent watchmaking, competition is tough. Not only do you have to compete with big names, such as Richard Mille, Greubel Forsey or MB&F, you also have to offer “that little something extra” that makes your creation extraordinary. Innovation in this realm of specialists can be found in a profusion of complications or in a strong design, like a new way to display time. In a two-part story we’re going to introduce two amazing timepieces from two brilliant and innovative watch brands: 4N and Cabastan. Today, in part 1, we’ll start with 4N.When you think about reading the time, you will almost certainly imagine a round circle with three hands running on it - or four black numbers on a green screen if you lean digital and are still stuck in the 80's. Of course some complications in Haute Horlogery - and even in common Horlogery – have been created to offer some new ways to read time: jumping hours displayed in a window, retrograde

Up In The Air - Flying High With 5 Aviation Inspired Watches From Baselworld 2017 - Monochrome Watches
Legend has it that at the beginning of the 20th century, Louis Cartier designed a wristwatch for aviation pioneer Alberto Santos-Dumont because of the inconvenience of using a pocket watch while flying. The Santos was one of the earliest wristwatches and the first pilot watch. Born out of practicality, the watches intended for pilots have evolved - in fact, the original Santos had very little to do with a flight tool' watch.Pilot watches cannot be rigidly defined but have certain elements in common. They are built for legibility and functionality above all else. Common characteristics include; contrasting dials with highly legible numbers and oversized crowns for ease of operation. We have picked 5 aviation inspired watches from Baselworld 2017 that will look good both in the air and on the ground.Naturally, this list of five models is non-exhaustive. Watches are ordered by price in ascending order. Ad - Scroll to continue with article

Interview - Independent watchmaker Thomas Schnelle
In our search for new and surprising independent watchmakers to share with you, we come across many different styles, ranging from highly classical to contemporary and expressive. In recent months we have discovered watches by Alexandre Hazemann, Minhoon Yoo, The¨® Levaltier and several others. All of these struck us in one way or another, which after some digging, often results in fascinating stories. Next up is a watchmaker from the north of Germany, who started out as a supplier for the industry and is now making a very cool Art Deco wristwatch! Let’s meet Thomas Schnelle, shall we?Thomas, can you quickly introduce yourself and explain a bit of your background as a watchmaker? Ad - Scroll to continue with article I studied toolmaking after secondary school in my native city in the north of Germany, and I quickly realised that this would not fulfil me. Af