Hands-On - Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Selfwinding Chronograph 38mm ref. 26315 (Specs & Price)
Although the launch of?Code 11.59 and the consequent deluge of reactions pretty much eclipsed other novelties of the brand during the SIHH 2019, Audemars Piguet had some treats up its sleeve, including this 38mm Royal Oak Chronograph. Still the same watch as the existing 41mm Royal Oak Chronograph but 3mm smaller, still powered by the same automatic chronograph movement, the new 38mm Royal Oak Chronograph is out to conquer men and women's wrists alike. Three versions, one in rose gold and two in stainless steel, were presented at the SIHH 2019 – and judging by the positive reactions so far, this size might well become a regular member of the Royal Oak Chronograph family.?Designed by Gerald Genta in 1972, the Royal Oak paved the way for the rise of the luxury sports watch genre. A 39mm stainless steel watch for men costing as much or more than a gold dress watch, the Royal Oak featured a commanding octagonal bezel, exposed hexagonal screws, a guilloche “tapisserie dial”

In-Depth: Deciphering The Superb F.P. Journe Astronomic Souveraine
The F.P. Journe Astronomic Souveraine is a complicated watch initially unveiled in 2019 as the Astronomic Blue, a one-of-a-kind (prototype) watch created for the biannual Only Watch auction fundraiser supporting muscular dystrophy research. This remarkable timepiece crafted in tantalum with a striking blue dial fetched a staggering CHF 1.8 million. Later that year, F.P. Journe announced limited quantities of a steel-cased production model, which closely resembled the Only Watch version, albeit with some differences in dial colours, design, and movement decoration. Let us share our recent encounter with this extraordinary horological creation.The Astronomic Souveraine is a true grand complication, boasting an array of 18 functions and complications. Among its impressive features are a minute repeater, moon phase display, sidereal time indication, day and night indicator, sunrise and sunset indications, power reserve indicator, annual calendar, and equation of time. All of these complex

Swatch Group's 2017 Results Show Strong Growth (and some Baselworld 2018 novelties partially revealed) - Monochrome Watches
After Richemont announced strong quarterly results just before SIHH 2018 and LVMH reported double-digit?growth for 2017, it’s now Swatch Group’s turn to disclose its annual results for the year 2017. And before going into details, know that the Group is strong and that the outlook for 2018 is still very positive. Once again, the industry seems to be in full recovery, with one or two threats that will have to be managed in the near future though.Swatch Group, one of the largest Watches & Jewelry conglomerate – owner, among others, of Swatch, Omega, Breguet, Blancpain, Jaquet Droz, Glashutte Original, Longines, Tissot or Rado – just published its yearly report, posting strong results for the year 2017. First of all, net sales increased 5.8% to CHF 7,989 million and +5.4% to CHF 7,960 million at current exchange rates?(vs.?CHF 7,553 million in 2016). Growth is driven mainly by the Watches & Jewelry segment, with an overall growth of 6.9% at current exchange

Visiting the Panerai Manufacture, the Brands Highly Efficient Production Site (With Exclusive Live Pics) - Monochrome Watches
Preliminary Note: Until now, very little has been communicated about the production procedures of Panerai watches. We had the opportunity to visit the brand's state-of-the-art manufacture and were impressed by the time and effort invested in quality management.The Panerai manufacture was completed in 2014 and is currently headed by Jean-Marc Pontroue. Located on the outskirts of Neuchatel, the 10,000 sq m building was constructed with eco-compatible standards. It gathers all product development and production teams under one modern roof to operate the brand manufacturing activities (parts, movements and casing). There, 250 people carry out their specialist work. In addition to the Swiss manufacture, Panerai's headquarters are located in Italy where key corporate functions, such as design and marketing, take place. Ad - Scroll to continue with article The Panerai

Vacheron Constantin Patrimony Moon Phase And Retrograde Date - SIHH 2017
This year was the year of the exceptional for Vacheron Constantin, a year of ultra-complex, ultra-rare and ultra-precious watches. The two main novelties were indeed the Celestia and the Symphonia. One is an astronomical watch with 23 complications, tourbillon and massive power reserve (6 barrels…!) The other one is no less than a Grande Sonnerie. Good for angels… However the brand also had some novelties for us, mere mortals. And one of them is this highly elegant and rather original?Vacheron Constantin Patrimony Moon Phase And Retrograde Date.When you look at this new?Vacheron Constantin Patrimony Moon Phase And Retrograde Date, it might have that familiar look, that thing that tells you that you’ve already seen it somewhere, without being sure that you’re right. This feeling is entirely justified, as if you look back at the Vacheron Constantin?collection, you’ll find the Patrimony Retrograde Day-Date, a watch that actually shares the same case, the same