Watches NEWS
Audemars Piguet Code 11.59 Flying Tourbillon Chronograph (Price)
After a rather controversial initial impression and some noise in the collecting community,?Code 11.59 by Audemars Piguet is now finding its way in both AP’s collections and in the heart of collectors. The brand is now working on expanding the range, adding some extravaganza and boldness, with for instance the greatly designed two-tone versions or the new smoked colours launched earlier this year. But it was also time for Audemars Piguet to demonstrate its savoir-faire as a high-end watchmaker, and the new Code 11.59 by Audemars Piguet Flying Tourbillon Chronograph is here to show you the brand’s skills.?Well, the collection of?Code 11.59 by Audemars Piguet isn’t what you can call entry-level watchmaking… Since its introduction, it has been available with multiple complications, such as the long-awaited integrated in-house chronograph, an open-worked tourbillon, an ultra-thin perpetual calendar and an impressive minute repeater. Today though, it is an unpreceden
First Look: The IWC Big Pilot 43 Tourbillon Markus Buhler (Incl. Video)
The IWC Big Pilot has earned its cult status, as the oversized 46mm pilot’s watch is, without a doubt, one of the most emblematic and striking watches of its kind. With over 20 years of history (and close to 85 years if you look back at the ancestor, the 1940 B-Uhr by IWC), there have been countless editions, some truly collectable. Yet, probably no other timepiece from IWC’s pilot collection has achieved the status of the 2008 Big Pilot Markus Buhler (ref. IW5003) – an ultra-limited edition inspired by a unique piece Markus Bu?hler created for a competition in the final year of his watchmaker apprenticeship at IWC Schaffhausen. Its most striking feature, an aircraft turbine on the small seconds and over its barrel, has captivated collectors over the years… As a gift for the fans, the turbine-equipped IWC Big Pilot Markus Buhler is back in 2023, now in platinum and linked to a complex flying tourbillon architecture. And we have its creator, Mr Buhler himself, pr
2021 Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch Professional Sedna Gold Hands-On
Unless you’ve been living in a non-connected world for the last two weeks, you’ll know that Omega has just launched a new, profoundly updated version of its classic Speedmaster Moonwatch Professional, now equipped with a new movement – with Co-Axial escapement and Master Chronometer-certified – and with a new design. After looking closely at the two steel models and the high-end Canopus gold version, it is time to look at the fourth version that Omega has presented, this time with its own pink gold alloy. So here’s the Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch Professional Sedna Gold.The Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch Professional in yellow gold, reference 3195.50 (photo by lunaroyster.com)While the Speedmaster is usually associated with stainless steel (it remains first and foremost a racing instrument chronograph), the concept of a precious metal Moonwatch is not new. In the past, mostly for limited or commemorative editions, gold or platinum have been used by Omega on m
Heuer Autavia's 50th birthday - Monochrome Watches
When Evan told me he wanted to write about a collector’s meeting in Manila, dedicated to the 50th birthday of the Heuer Autavia, I just had to say yes. A vintage Heuer Autavia was my first ‘expensive’ watch and I’m still the proud owner of a piece of history. Monochrome is usually dedicated to pure Haute Horlogerie, however I also have a weak spot for certain vintage watches, especially vintage Heuer chronographs!Earlier this month, we celebrated what was known to be the 50th birthday of the very first automatic chronograph ever made, depending on how you want to define “first” in this context. But festivity aside, we are in actuality celebrating the milestone event of a Heuer watch that never was embelished with the “Tag” prefix – the Autavia.Heuer Autavia ref.11630P Decompression bezelThe Autavia, an icon in its own right had become the quintessential Heuer piece to own. Autavia, an amalgamation of the words “Automobile and
Horage Tourbillon 1, Most Accessible Swiss-Made Tourbillon (Specs & Price)
Just a few years ago, TAG Heuer shocked the industry with the Carrera Heuer-02T Chronograph, the “cheapest” Swiss tourbillon at the time. Just shy of CHF 15,000, nothing outside of the Asian market could touch it. Borrowing from the Carrera Heuer-01 case, it was sporty and quite controversial. Let's say a few Swiss giants weren't too pleased by the low price. Horage, a ten-year-old brand based in Biel, Switzerland, has now undercut TAG Heuer by almost CHF 8,000 with the Tourbillon 1. What is this sorcery, you ask? Let's take a closer look.?How is it possible to produce a Swiss-made flying tourbillon, with the quality expected from the watchmaking capital, for less than half of what TAG Heuer achieved? Technology, experience and ingenuity, coupled with a clever pre-order campaign. The watches are limited to pre-orders with no stock available afterwards, helping to optimize production while directly funding every piece made – a sort of souscription program. This exclusi
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