Watches NEWS
Interview: Charles Le Menestrel, Owner of Ollech & Wajs, On Keeping A Historical Name Alive
The name might not ring a bell with a broader audience, but it is well-known and highly respected in some collectors’ communities.?A Swiss brand specialising in tool watches, Ollech & Wajs (O&W) was founded in 1956 by Albert Wajs and his friend Joseph Ollech, who formed a partnership and opened a watch shop. At first, they distributed timepieces from Breitling and Omega but eventually decided to establish their own brand, Ollech & Wajs Zurich. They soon agreed that OWZ would specialise in reliable and accurate mechanical watches. In 2017, after more than 60 years at the helm, Albert Wajs passed on O&W to Charles Le Menestrel, who shares his vision to keep the brand’s spirit alive with us.Xavier Markl, MONOCHROME – Charles, thanks for having us. What is your background, and how did you get into watches?Charles Le Menestrel, Ollech & Wajs – I have always been into what would be best-called merchandise transactions, buying and selling large quan
Hands-On With The New, Redesigned Bulgari Octo Roma Automatic
Rome, la citt¨¤ eterna, exerts a strong gravitational pull on all Bulgari‘s products. The iconic Octo family, which takes its octagonal geometry from Ancient Roman architectural motifs, has many branches, including the invincible legion of ultra-thin record-breaking Octo Finissimo models. The Octo Roma, introduced by Bulgari in 2017, upholds its proud octagonal heritage but exhibits softer lines and displays only 58 facets compared to the dramatic razor-sharp edges produced by the 110 facets of its Finissimo brothers. For 2023, Bulgari refreshes its Octo Roma Automatic Time-and-Date model with a host of updates and a new Clous de Paris dial, a nod to the Swiss blood (movement) animating the collection.The beguiling juxtaposition of an octagon surmounted by a circle that characterises the Octo family was inspired by the octagonal coffering found on the vaults of the 310 AD Basilica of Maxentius in the Roman Forum.?The more rounded, softer lines of the Octo Roma reflect a distinctiv
IWC expands its Pilot's Watch Mark XX with 4 new references
Just a couple of months ago we found out IWC had quietly introduced the new Pilot’s Watch Mark XX. No fanfare, no public announcement, no press releases, nothing. It just popped up on the website one day, out of the blue. And speaking of blue, that was one of the dial colours presented, alongside classical black. This time around, IWC brings us four new references to the Mark XX collection that up the versatility of this very classically styled pilot’s watch once more, with new strap and bracelet options to choose from!These new additions to the Pilot’s Watch Mark XX collection aren’t going to wow you with creativity or originality. It are typical pilot-style watches by IWC so you pretty much know what you’re getting upfront. However, the Mark XX range revealed some touch-ups beyond the overall design as it showcased new proportions, colours, and mechanics. All of them come in the solid 40mm wide steel case with 10.8mm in height, a simple knurled crown, a
Hands-On Piaget Polo S Automatic Green-and-Gold Limited Edition
Presented in 2016, the Polo S is Piaget's take on the steel luxury watch. Infused with 1970s vibes, this versatile timepiece is evocative of the category's icons but also displays a clear lineage with the Piaget Emperador, one of the brand's most recognizable designs. For 2020, the collection welcomes an attractive version with green dial and rose gold indices, fitted with a steel bracelet.Besides the steel bracelet, the eye-catching green dial is the main novelty and attraction of this new iteration of the Piaget Polo S. If the colour is not new – as can be seen here – the applied indices, hands and the frame of the date window are now rendered in rose gold. Both original and subtle, this new dial is embossed with the signature striped pattern of the collection. The green surface stands out with beautiful changing colours and striking metallic reflections – thanks to the colour obtained by PVD coating. The contrasting white markings ensure perfect legibility. Just li
Introducing the Autumn 2014 collection by JeanRichard - Monochrome-Watches
For those who are not already aware, JeanRichard is the ‘affordable proposition’ of the Kering Group, meaning the luxury group that owns the impressive Girard-Perregaux, the jeweler Boucheron and, since a few weeks, Ulysse Nardin. With a collection focussed on sports watches with?a strong and distinctive design, the brand is growing in the heart of collectors and known for its interesting value for money ratio. For this end of summer, JeanRichard is introducing a new collection, inspired by the warm and natural colours of autumn.The JeanRichard 1681 Chestnut Brown PVDThe 1681 is JeanRichard’s?finest proposition. It comes with an interesting in-house calibre developed inside the manufacture Sowind, in the same plant where the movements of Girard-Perregaux?are produced. It is however an exclusive engine that is used only by JeanRichard. The Calibre JR1000 is a modern self-winding movement that ticks at 4hz (28.800vph) and that boasts 48 hours of power reserve. It may be
[Rating:(5 / 5 stars)]
