TAG HEUER introduces its New In-house Movement, Calibre 1969 - Monochrome Watches
Heuer had a great history in chronographs, especially with the Calibre 11, and seems to be moving towards a great future. After the presentation in 2009 of its first in-house movement since decades, the calibre 1887, TAG Heuer comes back with a very interesting offer in the market of in-house, self-winding chronograph movements. After all the debates around the calibre 11, and after the discussions about the calibre 1887 and whether or not it is a proper in-house movement, this 1969 could be the one to bring everyone into agreement. Let's see why.?We here at Monochrome are big chronograph enthusiasts, whether vintage or modern, like the Omega Speedmaster for its historical importance, or the Lange & Sohne Double Split for its perfection (we reviewed it for you here). The announcement a few days ago by TAG Heuer of a new movement had, of course, attracted our curiosity. And let's be clear about it; we’re looking at an impressive engine compared to TAG's previous standards. But

Watches and Formula 1 - Episode 3 - Mercedes AMG & IWC Schaffhausen - Monochrome Watches
After a long hiatus over the summer, and the sometimes literal clash between Mercedes AMG F1 drivers Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton reaches new levels race by race, it is time to look at the current leader of the pack for this third chapter in our Watches and Formula 1 series. Mercedes AMG F1 is the team that rose from the ashes of Brawn GP which in turn bailed out Honda Racing F1 Team. If you remember our first episode of this series, we covered the origin of motor racing, including the birth of Grand Prix racing and the start of Formula 1 in 1950. Coincidently, Mercedes played a major role in both of these! It just so happens that the German manufacturer teamed up with a Swiss Watchmaker from day one; IWC Schaffhausen!Before we take a look at the fireproof-glove-covering IWC's the team drivers Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton wear during each Formula 1 Grand Prix, the team's racing history is too interesting to be ignored. It features illustrious names, groundbreaking technology, dis

Eric Clapton's Patek Philippe Perpetual Calendar Chronograph ref.2499 - Monochrome Watches
From time to time, there are articles written about our favorite topic, articles that are truly great and a must read. Ben Clymer, executive editor from Hodinkee, just wrote such an article. An article that shares great knowledge, interesting facts and passion all in one story.?This story is about the only platinum Patek Philippe ref. 2499, a perpetual calendar chronograph, that is in private hands. In the hands of nobody less that Eric Clapton, who is single-(slow)-handedly responsible for me starting to play guitar. By now most of my friends have forgiven him, so I’d like to highlight another passion we have in common… watches and in this case a particular watch he offers for sale at the upcoming Christies auction in Geneva. Ad - Scroll to continue with article On Monday November 12, Christies will be auctioning the only platinum Patek Philippe 249

Hands-On - Frederique Constant Vintage Rally Healey Automatic Small Seconds
For more than 15 years, Frederique Constant has been associated with the world of vintage sports cars and historic rallies. The limited Vintage Rally collection pays tribute to one of the most emblematic British sports cars, the Austin-Healey. Since 2004, Frederique Constant and the Austin-Healey car brand have been partners resulting in one of the most enduring associations in the industry. A new year means a new collection, and for 2021 Frederique Constant releases a series of Vintage Rally Healey watches. Following the models with centre seconds last year, here are the new Vintage Rally Healey Automatic Small Seconds models.The HEALEY 100S NOJ 393Just like last year’s models, the new 2021 edition pay tribute to one of the most important Healey cars. Ten years ago, the NOJ 393 ex-Works 1953-55 Austin-Healey Special Test Car/100S set a world record. Not a speed record, but a record price at auction for an Austin-Healey when Bonhams sold it for GBP 843,000 (close to USD 1 million

Introducing the Vacheron Constantin Overseas now in UltraMarine Blue Limited Editions - Specs & Price - Monochrome-Watches
‘Blue is the new black’… For approximately 2 to 3 years now, we’ve seen many watches?launched?with a blue dial, watches from every brand, every price range and for every use. Blue is indeed a big trend (we’re not complaining) but this colour doesn’t fit every timepieces. However, there is one that we know to be superb with this tint: the Vacheron Constantin Overseas – as seen with the chronograph edition. Now Vacheron Constantin comes with limited editions of the Overseas Time-Date and Dual-Time with this same blue dial.?The Vacheron Constantin Overseas is one of the few watches that can properly be called a high-end sports watch, meaning a timepiece that combine a real sporty feeling and strong aesthetics with a luxurious finish, a high-end movement and the capability to be worn also with a suit and tie. The Overseas was launched in?1996, with a strong design that showed a bezel shaped like the Maltese cross, the emblem of the brand.?The Vache