Introducing An Unexpected Tuscany Dial for the AP Code 11.59 Chronograph
Following the release of Audemars Piguet's first semester novelties for 2025, another less publicised model caught us by surprise. While ostensibly a Code 11.59 Chronograph in a two-tone blue ceramic and white gold case, this special edition strays from the collection's signature dials and incorporates a rare Tuscany dial in blue, something that will ring a bell with collectors.Accustomed as we are to AP's hallmark tapisserie dials and even the more recent embossed dial patterns of the Code 11.59 collection, a Tuscan Blue dial is a relatively rare sighting in AP's universe. Associated with Royal Oak Perpetual Calendars of the 1990s, the dials were originally hammered by hand, producing a grained, speckled surface that is rougher and less regular than one obtained with a machine. Last seen on the Royal Oak Jumbo 16202, the Tuscan dial reappears in 2025 on board the Code 11:59 Chronograph. Ad - Scroll to continue with article

Roger Smith Series 2 Open Dial - Monochrome Watches
Master watch maker Roger Smith recently released an open dial version of his Series 2. A perfect example of the very finest in British watchmaking!The first time I met Roger Smith was in 2007 and his speech for a group of collectors, totally opened my eyes for independent watchmaking. Before that speech I knew a bit, after the speech I was ‘infected’ and this made search for more information about independent watchmakers. For this collectors meeting, Roger brought his Series 2 for us to admire. But first a photo of his new masterpiece, the Series 2 Open Dial. Ad - Scroll to continue with article Based on his Series 2 (see photo below) Roger Smith made an open dial version to expose what British watchmaking is all about. Him being a student of the legendary George Daniels, inventor of the co-axial escapement now used by Omega, he learned how to make a

Close Up - The TAG Heuer OnlyWatch Carbon Monaco
In light of the ninth edition of the Only Watch charity event, where exceptional one-off watches are donated and auctioned to raise funds in the fight against Duchene Muscular Dystrophy, TAG Heuer presents a rather remarkable watch. It’s astounding not only because of its looks, channelling a historical and highly sought-after vintage Heuer Monaco, but even more so because of the extensive use of carbon fibre almost everywhere, even inside the movement. For Only Watch 2021, and allegedly for one time only, the carbon fibre hairspring returns in the TAG Heuer OnlyWatch Carbon Monaco.The Heuer Monaco is a true watchmaking icon and, without a doubt, one of the most recognizable watches on the planet. The square-cased watch is highly regarded as one of the strongest designs ever created. Of course, it helped that a cinematic legend named Steve McQueen wore it on the big screen, but watches with a status like the Monaco are rare within the industry. Ad - Scroll to continue

The Auction Hammer - Patek Philippe Millennium ref.5032J - Monochrome Watches
Catch the bug after a decade – a Patek Philippe Millennium (ref.5032J) will be auctioned at the upcoming Antiquorum auction in New York. It is almost unbelievable but it has already been more than a decade ago since the world entered the new millennium. Despite this unique and joyful event, there was the dark shadow of the famous Y2K bug that promised black outs, meltdowns, total mayhem and, of course, the end of civilization as we knew it. Fortunately these doom-scenario's did not keep watchmakers from creating limited editions to commemorated this special event. Very interesting of course, especially when the name of this watchmaker is Patek Philippe. Ad - Scroll to continue with article Patek Philippe actually issued more than one model to commemorate the new millennium. Reference 5100J with their superb 10 days movement,?a double-sided pocket watch wit

Only Watch 2015 - Unique Zenith El Primero Striking 10th Lightweight Tribute to the Rolling Stones - Monochrome-Watches
Apart from the crazy complicated creations offered for Only Watch 2015 – like the unique Patek Philippe 5016 (with a minute repeater, a tourbillon and a QP) or the music machine by Ulysse Nardin – this charity auction held by Phillips Watches on November 7th, 2015 will also show the opportunity to bet on more?affordable?but iconic watches – but of course, in unique editions. Tudor will come with a one-of-a-kind Black Bay and now Zenith introduces its unique edition of the legendary El Primero. Here is the?Zenith El Primero Striking 10th Lightweight Tribute to the Rolling Stones for Only Watch 2015.When we say legendary, it’s with no doubt what the Zenith El Primero is – whatever the edition. In fact, it’s not really the watch itself that is an icon but more the movement that has to be praised, as this caliber was in 1969 part of the world’s first automatic chronographs?triad?(together with the Heuer Calibre 11 and the Seiko 6139). However, the