Watches NEWS
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Grande Complication Titanium - Monochrome Watches
When Audemars Piguet showed me the new Royal Oak automatic (ref. 15202) during the SIHH in January of this year, it was love at first sight. It doesn’t happen often that in the first paragraph I write “I WANT ONE”, however I did and I meant it. The result has been on my wrist since February of this year when I bought the 15202’s predecessor, a Royal Oak ref. 5402.?The Royal Oak Jumbo, as it’s kindly nicknamed by collectors, is the purest form of the Royal Oak. I think that pure and strong design makes it more difficult to successfully integrate other complications in this design or to change it. Still Audemars Piguet successfully re-created the a bigger and bolder version, named Royal Oak Offshore. Today Audemars Piguet presents a successful merger between the bad ass Royal Oak Offshore and the most impressive of all complications, the Grande Complication. Ad - Scroll to continue with article
Collector's Series - Mark and his Gold IWC Big Ingenieur IW500503
Mark Sinclair, aka @a_complicated_nerd on Instagram, is a lawyer from Copenhagen, Denmark. He’s already been a very productive contributor to the series, as we discussed his Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Chronograph already and a stunning Patek Philippe 5960P. Let’s say that even if he knows a lot about watches and has truly fine tastes in horology, he doesn't take himself too seriously. And that's exactly the thing he appreciates in IWC Schaffhausen. Enticed by the brand's humorous advertising campaign in the mid-1990s, he fell for the brand about which he has a story or two to tell (and on other brands, too, as you will see). For his third appearance on MONOCHROME, he explains his awe for the IWC Big Ingenieur (ref. IW500503) he bought, whilst going to a dealer for a Patek Philippe Nautilus.Frank Geelen, MONOCHROME – You were enthused by the IWC advertising?Mark Sinclair, aka @a_complicated_nerd – Well, I clearly recall the moment I noticed the controversial, humoro
Introducing: Indie Brand Breva Geneve is back, with the new Segreto di Lario
Swiss brand Breva Geneve was founded in 2010 by Vincent Dupontreue. At one point, the brand garnered quite a bit of attention on the independent watchmaking scene with a series of original but niche complications such as a barometer, an altimeter or even a retractable speedometer! For multiple reasons, the brand unfortunately disappeared for a few years. But in 2025, the independent watchmaking brand is now resurrected by Julien Haenny – Ex-HYT, The Fine Watch Club, Anonimo, Vulcain, Jaeger-Lecoultre and TechnoMarine. And here’s what to expect from the new version of Breva Geneve, an elegant watch with an original power reserve display named the Segreto di Lario.?The first collection for the brand's second chapter and the inaugural model of this resurrection is named “Segreto di Lario” – Secret of Lake Como in Italian. If this poetic name sounds a bit cryptic, it does make sense, knowing that the name Breva itself comes from the breeze that blows over Lake
Introducing the Frederique Constant Classic Manufacture Moonphase (specs & price) - Monochrome-Watches
When it comes to buy a serious dress watch, what will be your expectations? Whatever the money?you’re ready to spend into this so-desired watch, you’ll probably want it to look classy, to have an interesting movement, to be featured with some complications and to be naturally elegant. Having a manufacture movement would of course be a welcomed extra… Which often means that this watch you’re looking for will cost you A LOT.?Frederique Constant?might however be a refreshing alternative, especially with their latest offer. Let’s have a look at the?Frederique Constant Classic Manufacture Moonphase.Frederique Constant has been known for creating attractive, classy and elegant watches that are now featuring an element?that really talks to us here, at Monochrome-Watches: a in-house movement. In fact, they’ve been producing (since 2004, in their manufacture located near Geneva) more calibres than you could expect. In this?Frederique Constant Classic Manufact
First Look: The New Sporty Certina DS-7 Chrono Auto
Last year, Certina ventured into the popular 1970s-inspired integrated-bracelet sports watch category. In this space, fellow Swatch Group brand Tissot has made waves with its highly successful and accessible PRX series. While the 2023 Certina DS-7 Powermatic 80 models offer a simple time-and-date functionality, they bring a more contemporary, slimmer, and less angular design, setting them apart from the PRX collection – though there’s no need to pit the two lines against each other. The distinction becomes even clearer with the introduction of the DS-7 Chrono Auto line. The new Certina chronograph leans more towards the sporty and robust modern aesthetic the brand is known for rather than a totally vintage-inspired look. However, tasteful retro elements are still present, adding a subtle nostalgic touch. The new Certina DS-7 Chrono Auto comes in a 42mm stainless steel case, offering 100m of water resistance. It features a slim tachymeter bezel and sap
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