Watches NEWS
The Battle of High-End Chronographs Part 3 - Patek vs. Lange... The Verdict - Monochrome Watches
Having reviewed both the A. Lange & Sohne 1815 Chronograph and the Patek Philippe Chronograph 5172G manual-winding chronographs in previous days, today it's time for a face-off between these two premium contenders. Both are undeniably beautiful examples of the ‘pure-chronograph-no-additional-complications genre’ and both are impeccably crafted. But they are as different as chalk and cheese, so please, take a ringside seat and see if you agree with our verdict in the battle of high-end chronographs pitting the Lange versus the Patek.Case Size, Presence and MaterialPatek Philippe's ref. 5172G has a 41mm diameter and a height of 11.45mm, A. Lange & Sohne's 1815 Chronograph measures 39.5mm with a height of 11mm. Both models feature lateral pushers for the chronograph functions, but that's about where the similarities end. Although the Patek is slightly larger than the Lange, it sits flatter on the wrist thanks to the stepped design of the case and
Bvlgari Octo Finissimo S Steel Silvered Dial - Hands-On, Price
We all remember the inaugural Octo Finissimo Automatic, a watch that made headlines in 2017 with the thinnest automatic movement on the market. First presented in a monochromatic edition in titanium, followed by sandblasted steel and gold models, it has become a signature watch in the brand’s collection. Last year, it received an update to become the S model – not just a different dial but also a different finishing and, best of all, a 100m water-resistant case. This year, the Octo Finissimo S Steel Silvered Dial returns to its much-loved monochromatic look.The Octo Finissimo Automatic as presented in 2017, with its monochromatic titanium design.The original Octo Finissimo – which is still available – was and still is a fascinating watch. Combining the beauty of high-end watchmaking – with its ultra-thin (2.23mm height) automatic movement, developed and manufactured in-house – with a bold, contemporary design was a refreshing move. Octo Finissimo was
Introducing: The New Hublot Big Bang Unico Full Magic Gold
When the term “Big Bang” is mentioned, it can evoke different associations for different people. For many people, it may bring to mind the popular American television sitcom that aired from 2007 to 2019, while watch enthusiasts might immediately think of the Hublot Big Bang, a collection that has become synonymous with the brand since its introduction in 2005. Additionally, there’s Georges Lema?tre, the Belgian cosmologist and father of the Big Bang theory, who proposed the idea of the universe’s expansion originating from a single particle explosion. However, today we focus on Hublot’s recent unveiling of the Hublot Big Bang Unico Full Magic Gold, a 2023 edition that showcases the brand’s grandeur and innovative use of materials.In 2015, Hublot celebrated the 10th anniversary of the Big Bang with the release of the Big Bang Unico Full Magic Gold. This special timepiece featured Hublot’s scratch-resistant magic gold and housed the proprietary U
Hands-On IWC Pilot's Chronograph TOP GUN Lake Tahoe and Woodland
IWC was one of the pioneers in the use of ceramics in watchmaking, relying on this innovative material as early as 1986 with the Da Vinci Perpetual Calendar 3755. The Pilot’s collection, probably the most emblematic range at IWC, is no stranger to ceramics either, which were first used in the 1994 Chronograph 3705 – which has been recently re-issued. The brand even played with colours in the 1980s, releasing small series or prototypes in white, blue, green and even pink ceramics. This trend returned in 2019 when IWC Schaffhausen presented an ultra-bold, yet highly acclaimed watch, the Mojave Desert edition and its sand-coloured case. Now, it’s time for more ceramic cases with the new Pilot’s Watch Chronograph TOP GUN Edition “Lake Tahoe” White (IW389105) and “Woodland” Green (IW389106).?Ceramic has always been part of the TOP GUN collection’s DNA. Indeed, a DoppelChronograph with a black zirconia ceramic case and titanium back marke
The Collector's Series: Frank's first 'Indy Watch', the Sarpaneva Korona K1 - Monochrome Watches
It's the one you have all been waiting for! It's time to sit down with our very own Executive Editor and Monochrome-Watches' founder, Frank Geelen. I love nothing more than talking watches with enthusiasts but this one was extra special. To give you a bit of background (in case you were unaware): in 2006, Frank started Monochrome-Watches as a blog. By all accounts, his friends (and family) thought he was mad! Day in day, day out, writing about high-end mechanical watches. Nine years on however, Monochrome-Watches has grown to become one of the most important high-end watch magazines in the online space and Frank is acknowledged as one of THE experts in the watch-community.Frank has been a tremendous mentor of mine. He is, quite simply, a wonderfully nice guy (with a dry sense of humour) but first and foremost an expert on high-end, complicated watches and independent manufactures. Frank has chosen to discuss his (seriously cool) Sarpaneva Korona K1 in this, his first appearance on the