Recap - MONOCHROME's 10 Most Read Reviews of the Year 2021
The end of the year is near, and we’ll soon be turning the page on 2021, a year of transition and (again) unexpected things. Sure, it was better than 2020 and its constant ups and downs, and sure it has been a great year for MONOCHROME, with the launch of two Montres de Souscription (with Habring2 and Czapek), the addition of new members to the team, and probably the most articles published in a single year. Indeed, we published over 1,100 articles this year (not counting the remaining days of 2021), and it’s time for us to have a look at what were your ten favourite articles of 2021.Thank you all for reading MONOCHROME, commenting, and sharing your passion for watches with us.10 – Audemars Piguet x Marvel Royal Oak Concept Black PantherIt’s not really a surprise to see this watch making it to the top 10. It certainly was one of the most discussed watches of the year. And rightfully so, since the result of the collaboration between Audemars Piguet and Marvel, a

Recap: The Best High Complication Watches Of 2023
As we’re drawing a close to 2023, we take a look back at some of the Best New Watches revealed this year in various categories. And even though we’ve already covered fan favourites such as Chronographs, GMT watches, Dive watches, as well as several others, we’re now upping the ante with some of the best ultra-complicated watches that burst upon the scene over the past twelve months. From ultra-complex creations based on historic pocket watches to watches inspired by 1960s housing projects and everything in between, this list is a perfect display of the bold creativity and technical innovation the industry is capable of. So, without further ado, let’s take a look at the Best High-Complication Watches of 2023!Code 11.59 by Audemars Piguet Ultra-Complication Universelle RD#4This one was a given, naturally. Audemars Piguet’s efforts in the high-complication game are very well known, but the Code 11:59 Universelle (to put it short) outclassed everything else th

Patek Philippe Nautilus Annual Calendar 5726 Gradient Blue Dial (Specs & Price)
These days it seems that any watch model from Patek Philippe that has the word Nautilus in its title is in great demand – and short supply. The two crowd favourites are of course the Ref. 5711 and the Ref. 5712. Both have seen their resale values skyrocket in the past few years and it doesn't look like things will abate any time soon. In fact, the last I heard, the wait time for a 5711 from the Patek Salon here in London is around a decade. Of course, there are more than two models in the Nautilus line-up. Today, we're taking a closer look at one that is perhaps sometimes overlooked by eager would-be collectors. This is the Patek Philippe Nautilus Ref. 5726/1A, complete with new gradient blue dial.A Little Bit Of HistoryIn 2006, Patek Philippe celebrated the 30th anniversary of the Nautilus by redesigning the entire collection and launching four new models. This was a major move and sparked a new level of interest in the brand's luxury steel sports watches. Included amongst the n

The Lederer Central Impulse Chronometer (Specs & Price)
The Lederer Central Impulse Chronometer is one of the most interesting technical concepts presented recently. Inspired by the George Daniels' Independent Double Wheel Escapement, revered watchmaker Bernhard Lederer developed a high-performance double-wheel escapement driven by two independent gear trains, each with its own barrel and constant force remontoir d'egalite. Following the presentation of first prototypes about a year ago, the Lederer Central Impulse Chronometer now comes in its final version. If virtually nothing has changed from a technical perspective, its new dial bringing an elegant new look and an interesting perspective on the movement and its concept.? Technical ReminderThe basic operating principle of a mechanical movement is the following. Energy is stored by the mainspring inside the barrel. The energy is released via the gear train that drives the hands. The speed at which the gears rotate is controlled by the regulator that comprises the es

Book Patek Philippe Watches by the Patek Philippe Museum - Volume I and II - Monochrome Watches
There are books and there are BOOKS. Patek Philippe Watches Volumes I and II, made by the Patek Philippe Museum, belong to the second category. These must have' volumes for Patek aficionados weigh a respectable 6.4kg and measures approximately 295x260x85mm. Definitely something you can put as an art object on your table - and certainly a read that will teach you one thing or two about Patek Philippe, to say the least.Purpose of the bookThe book essentially is a catalogue describing the collection of Patek Philippe timepieces on display in the Patek Philippe Museum. The museum pays homage to the craftsmanship of the watchmakers of yesterday and today. The main purpose of the book is to inspire the young people of the present and the future and to encourage horological vocations and promote the progress of haute horology (citation, Mister Philippe Stern). Ad - Scroll to continue with article