Letter from the Editor - Introducing the new Monochrome-Watches - Monochrome-Watches
Hi and thanks for visiting Monochrome. As of today we switched to an entirely new look, with many new navigational options. It should serve you better and enable you to find what you're looking for much easier than before. And of course, we hope you like our new website! Let me briefly say a few more words about what's going on here at Monochrome-Watches and what we have planned for the coming months.However before I do that I'd like to introduce our associate editor Brice Goulard, who joined Monochrome early last year. Together with me, and a team of four contributors, we make sure that you are being served with all horological news that matters, with reviews of the most exclusive and beautiful timepieces and important historical background stories. Both on Monochrome, and on all our social media channels (Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest & Twitter). Ad - Scroll to continue with article

Monochrome-Watches at the Monochrome Watches
Here we are, 2016 has just started and the new horological year too, meaning that the SIHH 2016 is about to open its doors and to reveal the novelties of?Richemont Group brands. This year for the very first time the SIHH also gives the floor to several independent watchmakers. Known as the?Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie, the SIHH will be this year more interesting than ever before. In order to keep you updated?with everything that will be presented by the exhibiting brands, we are on the road to SIHH 2016 and will report live from the fair as of Monday morning.Like every year, the watch exhibition season starts in January with the SIHH, which focuses mainly on high-end brands owned by the Richemont Group – plus several independent brands, friend of the group (Audemars Piguet, Richard Mille, Greubel Forsey or Parmigiani). However, this year, the Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie undergoes several changes. We find back the 15 major brands that are part of the s

Omega Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon Alinghi
Already involved with the America's Cup since 1995, and also official timekeeper of the 36th edition of this legendary race, Omega is reinforcing its position in sailing. Last year, the Biel-based watchmaker announced its partnership with Alinghi, a?sailing team created in 1994 by Ernesto Bertarelli. To seal this alliance, Omega is today releasing a new, special edition of its bold Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon, with one of the most technical looks ever created in the brand’s history, in line with the impressive specs of Alinghi’s boats. Omega and Alinghi formed their partnership in May 2019, and have already enjoyed racing success thanks to the team's GC32 world title in June 2019, D35 Trophy win in September and GC32 championship in November. Alinghi is today one of the most awarded sailing team. In 2000, the team set itself the goal of winning the America’s Cup, which it did twice, in 2003 and 2007, meaning it was the first European team

IWC Big Pilots Watch Perpetual Calendar TOP GUN Edition Mojave Desert - Monochrome Watches
I guess, by now, we’re all accustomed ceramic being used for watch cases and bezels. Whether we’re looking at Rado, the brand that pioneered the use of ceramic already in the early 1980s, or the many other brands using ceramic for the bezel insert, even in colours that were considered impossible to match (GMT-Master II Pepsi.) However, IWC is taking things a few steps further and with this, they show again who they are and also where their pioneering spirit comes from. We’re looking at the new Big Pilot Perpetual Calendar ‘Mojave Desert’.?IWC was the first watch company to use ceramics for some movement parts in their in-house movements (or at least, besides ceramic ball bearings which are used by many.) Why? Ceramic is not only scratch resistant, but it hardly wears down and is much more durable than many of the (softer) metals that are used for many parts in a watch movement. This is the IWC way of thinking, and it’s been in the brand’s DNA t

Industry News: Swatch Group Half-Year Report 2023 Shows Sales Up By 18%
Swiss watch giant Swatch Group, the umbrella above brands such as Omega, Breguet, Tissot, Longines and many more, has just released its 2023 half-year sales report, for the period January 1st – June 30th. At CHF 4,019 million, net sales are up 18.0% compared to the previous year at constant exchange rates, or 11.3% at current rates given a significant negative currency impact. The operating profit is up 36.4% at CHF 686 million.Swatch Group reports that the first half of 2023 benefited from the lifting of travel restrictions in Asia, which positively impacted most markets in addition to the expected recovery in China. In particular, after years of decline, the business in Hong Kong has tripled. Sales rose strongly in Europe too, starting with an increase of almost 50% in Switzerland. Sales in North America developed exceptionally well, particularly in the lower and medium price segments, with high double-digit growth rates.Commenting on its brands' performance, the Group highligh