First Look: New Indie Brand Renaud Tixier Launches with the Monday Watch
A veteran of the Swiss industry, Dominique Renaud joins forces with a young independent watchmaker, Julien Tixier. They aim to revisit fundamental principles of mechanical watchmaking and micro-mechanics introducing innovative solutions. The first opus of this newly created brand Renaud Tixier reimagines a classic of fine watchmaking, the micro-rotor, with an auxiliary mechanism to enhance its winding efficiency The watch is named the Renaud Tixier Monday, and we're here to discover what the two creative minds have prepared to revisit this winding mechanism.A name that many will know, Dominique Renaud made a name for himself by co-founding, together with Giulio Papi, Renaud & Papi in 1986, which has since evolved into Audemars Piguet Renaud Papi (APRP). Beyond their work for Audemars Piguet, APRP is one of the most prominent players in the development and has manufactured complicated movements for some of the most prestigious brands – such as IWC, Lange & Sohne, Jaeger-Le

Introducing Patek Philippe Calatrava "Clous de Paris" 6119 Hand-Wound
The Patek Philippe Calatrava is a horological icon that deserves little to no introduction. Presented in 1932 under reference 96, the model is seen by many as the ultimate dress watch. Among the countless versions of the Calatrava, the Clous de Paris has turned into a Patek Philippe trademark since its introduction on the bezel of the reference 96D in 1934. Fast forward to modern days, the emblematic reference 3919 was introduced in 1985 and has often been regarded as the quintessential Calatrava. This unapologetically elegant 33mm dress watch was powered by the micro-rotor calibre 215. The reference 5119 introduced in 2006 was slightly larger at 36mm. It’s now time for the model to reinvent itself with a larger, modernized version. Meet the Patek Philippe Calatrava 6119 and its new hand-wound calibre.The classic look of the Calatrava, as known for years, with the Clou de Paris bezel. Here, reference 5119With reference 6119, Patek Philippe updates its cult Calatrava with Clous de

Buying Guide - Some of Our Favourite Skeleton Watches
There are endless styles of watches, ranging from plain-and-simple to over-the-top, from time-only models to grande complications. While we often categorize watches on certain features or complications (tourbillon watches, sports watches, dive watches, etc…) there are styling choices that are free from restraints and can be found in any category. Today we go through no less than eight skeletonized watches that extend this delicate craft beyond the conventional boundaries.?While we already touched upon the subject of skeletonized watches a little over a year ago in a buying guide article, we felt it was time to once more pay homage to the art of cutting away all that isn't needed. We are once again taking a look at some of the most extraordinary open-worked watches but from a different perspective. As skeletonized watches range in style from chic to sporty and everything in between, we tried to select those that transcend a certain style and become more than just the sum of their

News: LVMH and TAG Heuer Become Official Partner of Formula 1 for 10 Years
While rumours had circulated for some time, the confirmation has now been made. As Formula 1 gears up to celebrate its 75th anniversary in 2025, there's major news shaking up its sponsorship landscape. LVMH, the world's largest luxury conglomerate, has officially signed on as a Global Partner of Formula 1 in a groundbreaking 10-year deal, with what is certainly one of the most important sports sponsorship deals ever. If no figures have been disclosed, it’s reasonable to imagine a 10-figure investment over the course of this partnership. While it will bring several iconic LVMH Maisons, including Louis Vuitton and Mo?t Hennessy, into the Formula 1 spotlight, our primary focus here at MONOCHROME is, naturally, on the watchmaking aspect, especially when it comes to TAG Heuer.The agreement, set to begin in 2025, marks a significant milestone for LVMH Group, and of course TAG Heuer, a brand synonymous with motorsport heritage. The involvement of the group is obviously pivotal here and

Introducing: The New Panerai Luminor Marina Collection in Steel
Although the Florentine brand Panerai was founded in 1860, its contract with the Italian Royal Navy to produce precision instruments changed its destiny radically. Panerai's 1916 radium-based powder, known as Radiomir, lit up the brand's future as a supplier of luminescent instruments, underwater tools, and eventually watches for the Italian Royal Navy and its famous frogmen commandos. In 1949, Panerai replaced radioactive radium with Luminor, a harmless tritium-based luminescent substance. A few years later, Panerai patented its Luminor watch with its sandwich dial, outstanding luminescence and crown-protecting bridge. In 1993, the Luminor and Luminor Marina Militare were made available to civilians. Now a flagship collection, Panerai proposes four new Luminor Marina models in stainless steel with increased water-resistance, brighter luminescence and a new 3-day automatic movement.The Luminor Marina's prominent bridge protecting the crown is now responsible for ensuring the higher wat