Hands-on Vacheron Constantin Overseas Ultra-Thin Perpetual Calendar (Live pics & price) - and why a QP is relevant in such a sports-watch - Monochrome Watches
The new Overseas collection by Vacheron Constantin, introduced this year at the SIHH, ticks all the right boxes. The watch’ design is pure, inspired, the finish is exquisite, and overall it’s desirable and luxurious… It is actually difficult to find flaws here. Whether we talk about the?normal 3-hander, the Chronograph or the Ultra-Thin edition; when we got to see these new models we are very impressed. There’s one?version that we didn’t show to you, yet, and this is the flagship one: the?Vacheron Constantin Overseas Ultra-Thin Perpetual Calendar. This watch does bring a question to the table: is such a refined movement with perpetual calendar complication useful and relevant in a sport-oriented watch? Is it similar to a 633 bhp twin-turbo W12 engine in a delicate Bentley Continental GT Speed? Let’s just enjoy the beauty of it, please!You’re probably already quite aware of the new Overseas collection by Vacheron Constantin, as it received a rat

IWC Big Pilots Watch Perpetual Calendar TOP GUN Edition Mojave Desert - Monochrome Watches
I guess, by now, we’re all accustomed ceramic being used for watch cases and bezels. Whether we’re looking at Rado, the brand that pioneered the use of ceramic already in the early 1980s, or the many other brands using ceramic for the bezel insert, even in colours that were considered impossible to match (GMT-Master II Pepsi.) However, IWC is taking things a few steps further and with this, they show again who they are and also where their pioneering spirit comes from. We’re looking at the new Big Pilot Perpetual Calendar ‘Mojave Desert’.?IWC was the first watch company to use ceramics for some movement parts in their in-house movements (or at least, besides ceramic ball bearings which are used by many.) Why? Ceramic is not only scratch resistant, but it hardly wears down and is much more durable than many of the (softer) metals that are used for many parts in a watch movement. This is the IWC way of thinking, and it’s been in the brand’s DNA t

Mido Multifort Patrimony Chronograph (Specs & Price)
Mido is one of the brands owned by the Swatch Group that, together with Hamilton, Tissot or Rado, plays on the accessible luxury trend. Still, it has both?a storied history and portfolio that shouldn't be overlooked. A couple of years ago, the brand introduced a very appealing retro-styled 3-hander watch that pays tribute to the most famed collection of the brand, the Multifort. This Mido Multifort Patrimony and its pulsometer dial encountered quite some success and today, the brand is enlarging this collection with a vintage-inspired chronograph. And once again, this Mido Multifort Patrimony Chronograph is an interesting mix of retro look and modern mechanics.Mido was founded in Biel/Bienne, Switzerland by George G. Schaeren in 1918. The brand's Multifort line has been in production since 1934 and was the first Mido with an automatic movement. The watches were anti-magnetic, shock and water-resistant, offering a rare combination of robustness at an impressive price to quality ratio. S

Hands-On Oris Oris Big Crown Pointer Date 36mm Bronze (Specs & Price)
It's no secret that smaller case sizes are back in a big way, which is something we're pretty pleased about here at MONOCHROME. A particular favourite is the new Oris Big Crown Pointer Date Bronze?(also available in steel), which was introduced at Baselworld last month and boasts a gorgeous bronze case that measures just 36mm. This model came as somewhat of a surprise to us and so we were quite keen to see how this smaller diameter would wear on the wrist. Suffice to say we were not disappointed.Oris has a well-documented history in the world of aviation, having made its first pilot's pocket watch in the early 1910s. This was followed by the company's first pilot's wristwatch in 1917, and eventually the creation of the Oris Big Crown in 1938, which, as the name suggests, featured an oversized crown so that gloved airmen could adjust their watches quickly and easily. Ad - Scroll to continue with article

Gucci debuts High-Watchmaking Collection and Proprietary Movement
Back in 1972, Gucci was one of the first fashion houses to venture into watchmaking. Since then, the fashion powerhouse has been associated with accessible branded' fashion watches. On the occasion of its centenary, Gucci steps up its horological game announcing its entry into the world of luxury watchmaking. The new collection has been designed by creative director Alessandro Michele and features sophisticated mechanical movements, including the brand's first proprietary calibres. We managed to have a look at this new collection.The new Haute Horlogerie collection debuts with four lines – Gucci 25H, G-Timeless, Grip and Haute Joaillerie watches – and over 30 different models. It includes tourbillons,? jumping hours, micro-rotor movements and jewelled watches. These will only be presented in flagship points of sale, such as the Paris jewellery boutique on Place Vend?me. Ad - Scroll to continue with article