Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Chronograph Frosted Gold Purple - Review, Price
You are all familiar with the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak, with its history, and its multiple manifestations but the model we have for our hands-on session today is going to elicit some very extreme reactions, good and bad. Although there is nothing novel under the hood or structurally about this Royal Oak chronograph, this is a very particular piece and as such is a limited edition of 200 pieces. What we're looking at here today - and coming to terms with - is a 41mm Royal Oak chronograph with a frosted white gold case and a loud purple dial. Hate it or love it, let's get to know it a little better.Born in the 1970s, the Royal Oak was a child of its timeLeading on from the flower power groove that marked the 1960s, the 1970s heralded a turbulent decade marked by student unrest, Vietnam, Watergate, the oil crisis, bell-bottoms, lava lamps, rock music and disco lights. However, for watch lovers, the most significant date of this decade is 1972, the year Gerald Genta's Royal Oak watch was

History of the Patek Philippe Nautilus, Part 1 - The Birth of an Icon, the 3700 (1976/1990) - Monochrome Watches
Stating that the Patek Philippe Nautilus is an icon is probably too easy… but there is no way to evade this. The Nautilus is an icon. No debate. Introduced?in 1976, and designed by one of the most famous watch-designers, who can be seen as the creator of a new species of timepieces – the luxury sports watch. The Nautilus?is praised by all sorts of collectors, and it?is now celebrating its 40th anniversary. Last week we explained the 40th anniversary editions? to you, and now it is time to look at the entire timeline of this watch. The first part of the history of the Patek Philippe Nautilus is of course dedicated to the very first version, the Ref. 3700.BackgroundBefore exploring the history of the Patek Philippe Nautilus, we have to look at a bit of background, to understand the market this watch entered into – simply because we are talking about a game changer. Ad - Scroll to continue with article

The RGM Model 600 Chronograph - Monochrome Watches
We've covered a lot of small, independent luxury brands here at MONOCHROME. Naoya Hida & Co. and De Bethune are a couple of examples, yet both come from countries known for fine watchmaking (Japan and Switzerland, respectively). RGM Watches is an independent American brand with four in-house movements since its founding in 1992, including a tourbillon and tonneau-shaped caliber. The watchmaker is known for elaborate guilloche and enamel dials, but there's also a pilots line with straight forward dials and ETA calibres. The Model 600 Chronograph falls into the latter category with a no-nonsense design for both collectors and flying/racing enthusiasts. ?AMERICAN DOMINANCEBefore Switzerland became synonymous with fine watchmaking, America was a leader with Hamilton, Waltham, Ingersoll and Elgin leading the way in the 19th and first half of the 20th century. It was American ingenuity that led to precise mass production of interchangeable watch parts around 1850, known as the American S

Chopard L.U.C Perpetual Chrono Titanium Limited Edition - Review
The Chopard L.U.C Perpetual Chrono, Chopard's answer to perpetual calendar chronographs of Haute Horlogerie powerhouses like Patek Philippe, Vacheron Constantin, and A. Lange & Sohne, was first launched in 2016 as a limited edition of 20 pieces. The 45mm watch in Fairmined 18k white gold offered a unique fusion of avant-garde looks paired with a highly traditionally decorated movement. 2021 sees the L.U.C Perpetual Chrono, now in titanium, face-lifted with small tweaks that lead to a more coherent and ultimately more refined package.There is no getting around it: measuring 45mm in diameter and just over 15mm in thickness, the Chopard L.U.C Perpetual Chrono is a large watch. It retains the same case shape and finish as the 2016 white gold edition, meaning vertically brushed case flanks, polished lug hoods, and a polished domed bezel. The first major update to the 2021 model comes in the choice of case metal - Chopard opted to go with surface-hardened Grade 5 titanium instead of prec

First Look: Ulysse Nardin Diver Net OPS & Diver X Skeleton OPS
Sustainability is a big trend in watchmaking today as brands jump on the bandwagon of environmentally friendly products. Some, like Chopard, ensure the sustainable source of their gold, while others look to innovative recycled materials with a lower carbon footprint. As a brand with legitimate and historical maritime ties, Ulysse Nardin's environmental focus is the sea. One of its first watches to use recycled fishing nets was the Diver Net Concept Watch of 2020. Turning to its Diver collection again in 2024, Ulysse Nardin gives its Diver and Diver X Skeleton models a sustainable makeover with on-trend camouflage. Used by animals to blend into the environment and survive attacks from predators, camouflage crossed over into the military to keep soldiers and their kit protected from enemy fire. A trend adopted across the board in watchmaking, Ulysse Nardin kitted its Freak One in military green to great effect.?Borrowing the rugged military camo uniform of the Frea