Buying Guide - 5 Newly-Launched Mechanical Watches under 1,000 Euros
Despite what the masses think, there’s no need to amass an incredible budget to enjoy the “tic-tac” of a mechanical watch on the wrist. In fact, the past years have been great for watch lovers, even those with a tight budget. The rise of crowd-funded projects (most of them not worthy of being mentioned though) and the effort of some brands to offer entry-level pieces allow young generations or enthusiasts with a lower budget to access the world of mechanical watches. For our latest buying guide, we’ve gathered 5 cool, well-made and original mechanical watches priced below EUR 1,000. More money, more pleasure? Not sure!Note: the following list is based on a consensus among the MONOCHROME redaction team. If you have other examples of recently launched, affordable watches (under EUR 1,000) that impressed you, feel free to share them with us in the comment box.Hamilton Khaki Pilot Pioneer MechanicalHamilton has always been known as the entry-level brand of the Swatc

IWC Big Pilots Watch Shock Absorber XPL IW357201
The military background of the IWC pilot watch needs little introduction. On the occasion of Watches & Wonders 2021, the Schaffhausen-based manufacturer unveils the Big Pilot's Watch Shock Absorber XPL. The first model to be created by the brand's “Experimental Engineering Team” is all about resistance to extreme shocks… as it is able to withstand shocks in excess of 30,000G! And it is not just a concept, as it will be available in (very) limited production.Housed in a 44mm Ceratanium case – the brand's high-tech titanium and ceramic compound, combining the advantages of ceramic (scratch-resistant) and titanium (lightweight) – this development is based on a patented SPRIN-g PROTECT system that shields the movement from impacts. If this is not the first example of a spring-mounted movement, the performances communicated by IWC and verified by the Cavendish Laboratory and the University of Cambridge are truly impressive, with a shock resistance in excess

Introducing: Tudor Pelagos FXD GMT Zulu Time x Marine Nationale
Tudor‘s connection with military forces is no secret anymore. The most famous of these partnerships is, without a doubt, the co-creation of specific dive watches for the French Marine Nationale, which resulted in some of the most appealing mil-spec models ever made by Tudor. Revived in 2021 with the launch of the Pelagos FXD platform, initially developed with a French Navy specialist unit, the collection has since expanded with a black Pelagos FXD model, the Alinghi Red Bull Racing watches and the FXD Chrono Cycling Edition. Today, Tudor goes back to the roots of the collection with yet another collaboration with the Marine Nationale. But this time, it’s not a dive watch anymore, but a model dedicated to the French Naval Aviation, a pilot’s GMT watch that is known as the Pelagos FXD GMT Zulu Time.Just like mother brand , Tudor has long been involved with military forces. Following the creation of the Submariner in 1953, started to develop more accessible models und

All the Generations of the Patek Philippe 5270 Perpetual Calendar Chronograph explained, including the 2015 third generation - Review, specs & price - Monochrome-Watches
The Perpetual Calendar Chronograph is the best interpretation of what defines a Patek Philippe. Like knows how to manufacture divers, Patek has mastered the Chrono with QP for ages and is, without any debate, the best at it. This association of complications?launched?in 1941 with the Ref. 1518 never ended and is still THE hallmark of the Geneva-based old lady (Patek Philippe). Recently we reviewed the latest example of this institution, the?Patek Philippe 5270 Perpetual Calendar Chronograph with a stunning blue dial. For 2015, Patek brings the third generation of the Ref. 5270,?with a new combination of a white dial and a rose gold case – plus the?correction of one of the main faults, the ‘chin’.Background – the 2011?and the 2013 generations of the?Patek Philippe Ref. 5270 explainedWithout going back into the full history of the?Perpetual Calendar Chronographs by Patek Philippe (that can be found here), let us give you some details about this specific referenc

Introducing: The Oris x LFP Divers Sixty-Five Limited Edition
Oris introduces a limited edition of its Divers Sixty-Five created in collaboration with France's Ligue de Football Professionnel (LFP) and the National Convention of Child Protection Associations charity (CNAPE). The model chosen to promote the annual children's football tournament is a classic 38mm Divers Sixty-Five powered by an automatic movement - not to be confused with the recently released 38mm Sixty-Five model running on the brand's proprietary calibre 400.Equipe de football de Rodez RAF – Equipe de football de Grenoble GF38 during the Ligue 2 BKT match between Grenoble Foot 38 and Rodez Aveyron Football at Stade des Alpes on November 25, 2023 in Grenoble, France. (Photo by Dave Winter/FEP/Icon Sport)The CNAPE is a federation of 200 associations working to protect children at risk across France. It has been staging the annual football tournament - Tournoi des Defenseurs de l'Enfance - with the LFP for the past four years. To raise awareness and generate funds, the tourna