First Look: New Indie Brand Renaud Tixier Launches with the Monday Watch
A veteran of the Swiss industry, Dominique Renaud joins forces with a young independent watchmaker, Julien Tixier. They aim to revisit fundamental principles of mechanical watchmaking and micro-mechanics introducing innovative solutions. The first opus of this newly created brand Renaud Tixier reimagines a classic of fine watchmaking, the micro-rotor, with an auxiliary mechanism to enhance its winding efficiency The watch is named the Renaud Tixier Monday, and we're here to discover what the two creative minds have prepared to revisit this winding mechanism.A name that many will know, Dominique Renaud made a name for himself by co-founding, together with Giulio Papi, Renaud & Papi in 1986, which has since evolved into Audemars Piguet Renaud Papi (APRP). Beyond their work for Audemars Piguet, APRP is one of the most prominent players in the development and has manufactured complicated movements for some of the most prestigious brands – such as IWC, Lange & Sohne, Jaeger-Le

Introducing the Arnold & Son Longitude Titanium Sports-Integrated Collection
No brand, it seems, is immune to the allure of the luxury sports watch, sporty-chic watches with integrated bracelets. The latest brand to dip its toe into the highly infested luxury sports watch waters is Arnold & Son, which introduces its first integrated sports watch at Watches and Wonders 2024. Christened the Longitude in honour of John Arnold’s historical marine chronometers, the layout of the first model echoes these historical pieces with its power reserve display at noon and small seconds at 6 o’clock. Not only does the layout evoke the marine chronometers of its famous ancestor, but the new automatic movement is a COSC-certified chronometer.While luxury sports watches have long been the domain of high-end watch brands, – with the Royal Oak, the Nautilus and the Overseas or VC 222, and the Laureato being the main names to come to mind – many high-end independent watchmakers have taken on the challenge – names like Czapek with its Antarctique, L

Interview Rexhep Rexhepi Akrivia on RRCCII, Future, Waiting Lists & more
The fact that the very first example of the Rexhep Rexhepi Chronometre Contemporain II (or RRCCII) hammered for CHF 800,000 at the latest edition of Only Watch speaks volumes about the recognition of independent watchmaker Rexhep Rexhepi, founder of the brand Akrivia. During Dubai Watch Week, we chatted with Rexhepi to find out how a young boy born in Kosovo became a watchmaker in Geneva and his next steps.Xavier Markl, MONOCHROME - How did a boy from Kosovo become one of the most successful independent watchmakers?Rexhep Rexhepi, independent watchmaker, founder of Akrivia –?I grew up with my grandmother in Kosovo. Like many Kosovars, my father worked in Switzerland and sent money home. One of my earliest memories was of a watch he was wearing when he came home to visit us from time to time in Kosovo. By the age of 11, we moved to Switzerland. When you arrive at Geneva airport, the first thing you see is watch advertising everywhere. Everything was new to me, and the first thing

Value Proposition MARNAUT Dark Surge 300m Dive Series (Specs & Price)
We've discussed the surge of microbrands on many occasions, appreciating their innovative styling at accessible price points. Dive watches, however, can be a tough nut to crack with well-established players like Seiko, Hamilton and Tissot offering affordable, competitive options at retailers worldwide. In fact, the market seems flooded with divers from just about every major brand, so how can a newcomer compete? Well, meet the MARNAUT Dark Surge 300m divers sporting a serious depth rating and unique style that doesn't scream or Seiko wannabe.We first looked at MARNAUT's Dark Surge series back in August 2018 when it launched on Kickstarter, but after having one on my wrist for a few weeks, it's time for a proper review. The watch shares company with a lot of compelling recent additions, such as the BOLDR Globetrotter GMT, UNDONE Aqua and Farer Aqua Compressor Endeavour, but it's able to stand out with a sophisticated dial and overall vibe unlike anything else. Let's take a closer look

Laurent Ferrier Galet Traveller Enamel US Limited Edition, in White Gold and in Pink Gold (Specs & Price) - Monochrome-Watches
As simple as it can visually look at first glance, a watch from Laurent Ferrier is far, very far from?being simple and random. Remember, a few years ago we’ve explained you all about the Laurent Ferrier Tourbillon Double Spiral and just after, all about the specific escapement called “double direct impulse on the balance“. Clearly, this is not what we can define as simple watchmaking. And the Double Direct Impulse?is now introduced in a new watch, the Laurent Ferrier Galet Traveller Enamel, a limited edition especially?made for US retailers and that is available in white gold and, for the first time exclusively for?Monochrome, in pink gold.Talking about complex escapements, you’ll be allowed to argue that Girard-Perregaux has the Constant Escapement and that Ulysse Nardin introduced the Anchor Escapement,?both highly innovative mechanisms.?These are for sure really impressive achievements, but made by top-tier manufactures, with 5-figure production numbers. Laur