Introducing the Romain Jerome Skylab - Monochrome Watches
Romain Jerome can be quite a polarizing brand. Even here at the Monochrome offices – all of us die-hard watch aficionados – we don’t share the same enthusiasm about the various RJ timepieces. However Romain Jerome’s newest creation can count on many “yaes”, leaving the “nays” well behind. No dial, a fully skeletonized movement and the iconic case with four struts grabbing the bezel. And now the diameter has been reduced to a very agreeable 44 mm, we believe that Romain Jerome hit the jackpot.What Romain Jerome has taught us, is that we do not have to take watches too serious. Most of his timepieces are equipped with an ETA/Valjoux 7750 (or similar) movement, which is a very strong and reliable movement that also used throughout the industry (for instance by IWC, Breitling and TAG Heuer). The real work goes into the design of the case, dial, hands and these parts set RJ apart from the rest. When we saw the new Skylab models, we were pretty

First Look: Bulgari Drops a new Octo Finissimo Automatic Sketch Dial for its 140th Anniversary
Introduced over 10 years ago (time flies…), Bulgari’s Octo Finissimo collection has become one of the most successful sagas in recent watchmaking history. Not only did these watches break one record for thinness after another, but they also redefined the concept of the ultra-thin watch with a contemporary design and a casual attire. For the 10th anniversary of this collection, Bulgari released an ultra-cool pair of models fitted with a sketch dial. One of the most acclaimed styles in this collection, the Octo Finissimo Automatic Sketch Dial is coming back this time to celebrate the brand’s 140th anniversary.?Bulgari was founded in 1884 by Greek silversmith Sotirio Bulgari, in the city of Rome – where the brand still has its headquarters. One of the most prolific watchmakers/jewellers on the scene, the brand made a name for itself with its daring designs, such as the all-time emblematic Serpenti – both watches and jewellery. A mix between the Italian flair

Hands-On - 2021 Longines Silver Arrow (Specs & Price)
This isn’t the first time we’ve said it, but Longines is one of the brands that best knows how to play with its heritage and revive some of its most glorious models. Think about the superb Tuxedo Chronograph, the all-time classic Legend Diver or the oddly cool Avigation A7. And it goes on… This year, Longines is adding several new models to its Heritage collection, such as the titanium BigEye, and most importantly, this new edition of the Silver Arrow. It isn’t the first time that this watch is brought back to life, but it seems that this year’s version has plenty of arguments to become a great watch. Something we’ll verify now with a hands-on session.BackgroundBefore taking a look at the new Silver Arrow, we need to look at the real deal, the original model. The story of the Longines Silver Arrow goes back to 1955 when the brand held an in-house contest to find the name for a new timepiece with an avant-garde design. One name emerged from the 450 pr

All Non-Wristwatches of Only Watch 2021... And there are Some Seriously Cool Ones! - Monochrome Watches
Out of the 53 lots up for auction by Only Watch 2021 in a couple of weeks, there are four that cannot be worn on the wrist. While we tend to focus primarily on wrist-worn timing devices, only mechanical of course, it doesn't hurt to pay homage to the origins of watchmaking and feature a funky or complex clock or other timing instruments every now and then. With that in mind, here are the four lots that are perfect for your office, lounge or to admire from a distance.Ulysse Nardin UFO Table ClockUlysse Nardin presents something quite out of this world with the UFO Table Clock, in collaboration with expert clockmakers L'Epee 1893. The brand already launched (and sold out) the clock at Watches & Wonders earlier this year but has created a unique piece with this year's Only Watch theme. Instead of metallic blue for the aluminium base and some movement components, it now comes in a striking tone of orange. Ad - Scroll to continue with article

Bespoke timepieces from Vacheron Constatin - Atelier Cabinotiers - Monochrome Watches
Vacheron Constantin's Atelier Cabinotiers is a special workshop dedicated to custom builing bespoke timepieces. Recently this Atelier delivered two of such unique and very complicated timepieces. In 2006 Vacheron Constantin started a special workshop, entirely dedicated to fine watchmaking and creating bespoke timepieces, Atelier Cabinotiers. Just recently they finished two bespoke timepieces and to say that the two new timepieces are impressive, is an understatement. Today Monochrome presents you the first… Philosophia. Ad - Scroll to continue with article This is a very complicated timepiece and was commissioned with a clear philosophy about the watch in mind. No wonder it's called Philosophia. This hand-made unique wristwatch is based on the Patrimony collection and features a 60-second tourbillion, a minute repeater, a moon phase display… and onl