Watches NEWS
Hands-On: The Sapphire Dial AP Code 11.59 Minute Repeater Supersonnerie
At a time when watchmaking brands were rushing to offer their interpretations of the Royal Oak and other models with an integrated design, Audemars Piguet launched an impressive new collection, oddly entitled Code 11.59, which aimed to reset the perception of AP being just the Royal Oak brand. In a bold and disruptive way, AP revealed 13 new references in one day, with three new calibres to power a Selfwinding Chronograph, AP’s first in-house, integrated automatic flyback chronograph movement, a time-and-date Selfwinding watch, and a new Selfwinding Flying Tourbillon. The inaugural collection also included an Openworked Tourbillon, a mesmerising Perpetual Calendar, and a Minute Repeater Supersonnerie. Fast forward four years, and Code 11.59 has grown to become an impressive collection in its own right (yes, we do believe it). It presents Audemars Piguet’s interpretation of classical round watches, meticulously designed with contemporary style and craft at the forefront of e
The cool Code41 Mecascape Sublimation One
Normally we can classify something as a wristwatch, a pocket watch or a clock, but in some instances, an object can transcend these labels and morph into something complex. Just think of? Bovet’s convertible Amadeo watches?or the recently introduced Omega Chrono Chime 1932. Swiss independent watchmakers Code41, a community-based brand founded in 2016, is looking to add an entirely new class of timing devices to the mix with its Mecascape Sublimation One. This creation is not born for the wrist but is a merger between a pocket watch and a desk clock in one. And it looks incredibly cool!Code41 was founded by Claudio D’Amore, who had worked hard to realise his watchmaking ideas by involving the public in everything he does. We’ve seen this approach before from Tom van Wijlick and his Lebois & Co / Airain revival, for instance, and it has also been very successful for Code41. The most significant benefit is the fact you create a product with input from potential custo
First Look: TAG Heuer Brings a Beads-of-Rice Bracelet to the Carrera Glassbox Collection
Bracelets are a perfect example of how functionality and aesthetics work harmoniously, producing visually striking and surprisingly practical, literally pleasing results. A well-crafted bracelet elevates the value of a watch, which is why collectors pay such close attention to them – far more than the average wearer, for whom metal links may seem simple and utilitarian. And in many cases, they are. Enters the Beads-of-Rice for the Carrera Glassbox.One of the most iconic bracelet designs, the Beads-of-Rice (BoR) style first appeared in the 1940s and has recently experienced a resurgence driven by the retro/vintage trend. Renowned for its exceptional comfort – thanks to numerous links, a great articulation and often rounded profile – the BoR bracelet has inspired many variations over the decades. Among the legendary bracelet makers, Gay Freres – once an independent company before acquired it in the 1990s – played a significant role in shaping this aspect o
Laurent Lecamp, Montblanc's new Watch Division Director on Building a Brand and Being an Entrepreneur - Monochrome Watches
Today we’re talking to Laurent Lecamp, the new director of Montblanc’s watch division. He takes over from Davide Cerrato, who held this position for the past five years. We’ve had Davide Cerrato in front of our camera several times in these past years, explaining the intricate beauty of Montblanc’s ExoTourbillon and the beauty of hand-finishing at the maison’s ateliers in Villeret. Of course we were curious to hear from Mr Laurent Lecamp what his plans for Montblanc’s watch division are, but also why his name already rings a bell… hint: Indie brand Cyrus.The name Laurent Lecamp may sound familiar, to those who know the independent watch brand Cyrus. That’s at least how I met Laurent, probably some ten years ago at Salon Belles Montres in Paris, when he had just started his adventure in the world of watches. Laurent founded Cyrus together with his cousin, and while the brand might still be a niche player, like most Indie brands, it has bee
Rado Captain Cook Bronze Burgundy (Hands-on, Price)
Since 2017, Rado has found a spot in the market for cool, vintage-oriented dive watches with its successful Captain Cook model. Largely associated with the use of high-tech ceramics, Rado also benefits from a rich history, and several emblematic watches from the past have been reintroduced. Inspired by a 1962 piece with a distinctive case/bezel design, the Captain Cook has been released in multiple iterations, such as compact 37mm limited editions and, more recently, some enlarged yet very appealing bronze versions. In addition to the green, grey/brown and blue models, today Rado launches a new and striking version: the Captain Cook Bronze Burgundy.A vintage example of the Rado Captain Cook – photo: Michael Stockton, Fratello WatchesAs explained in this article on the previous Captain Cook Bronze watches, this watch is inspired by a glorious and quite conspicuous watch produced by the brand during the golden age of the dive watch. This watch was released in 1962 with a 37mm case
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