Collector's Series - @chronoapothecarist's Gronefeld One Hertz Techniek
The man who operates under the alias @chronoapothecarist must have the weirdest combination of interests ever. This 40-year-old pharmacist from San Diego, California, who strives for innovations and developments in the pharmaceutical field, is equally interested in the intricate workings of a fine watch movement. Hence his love for the Gr?nefeld One Hertz Techniek Titanium, made by the horological brothers from Oldenzaal in The Netherlands.Frank Geelen, MONOCHROME – Gronefeld is not one of the big brand names. How did you come to know them?@chronoapothecarist – My first memory of the Gr?nefeld brand was around the time when they released their One Hertz and reading about the brothers on various prominent watch forums/blogs, such as Monochrome. At this time, I had always been intrigued by independent watchmakers for their design and craftsmanship and dreamed about owning an independently made watch in the future. It is amazing, though, how over time, on one's collecting jour

Hands-On Rado Captain Cook Bronze (Specs & Price)
At Baselworld 2017, Rado surprised the audience with a very appealing diver’s model named ‘Captain Cook’. While the brand has gained its modern notoriety by mastering high-tech materials, mostly by using coloured ceramics, Rado has a rich history of interesting vintage models. Based on a watch released in 1962 with a distinctive case/bezel design, the brand reintroduced the Captain Cook and now enlarges the collection with different sizes and materials. And today, we take a closer look at what’s probably the hottest version, the Captain Cook Bronze – in its three different iterations.BackgroundThe 1960s is known as the golden age of sports watches with a spate of instrument chronographs, pilot’s models and, of course, dive watches meant for professional use or for the earliest days of recreational diving, appearing on the market. While some of the heavyweight brands entered the dive watch market in the mid-1950s (Blancpain, or Omega), Rado waited f

Singer Reimagined Track 1 Geneva Edition (Specs & Price)
When you think about it, there aren’t many differences between one racing chronograph and the next. Of course, designs can be different but the basics are there: 2 pushers, 3 registers, a fixed bezel with tachymeter scale, black or silver dials with coloured accents! All of these features feel so familiar that it quickly became the norm… but not for everyone! Some thought that a racing chronograph could be reinvented, reimagined and reshaped to offer something new, different and, in the end, highly desirable. This has a name: the Singer Reimagined Track 1, and today we take a closer look at the Geneva Edition and its superb pale yellow gold case.Reinventing the racing chronograph… 60 years of non-evolutionGetting rid of the basics of a concept so emblematic as the racing chronograph isn’t easy (at all). This specific category of watches has clear rules and is defined by two of the most iconic watches ever created: the Daytona and the Omega Speedmaster (and the

Armin Stroms Serge Michel on Current Affairs and the Future of the Brand - Monochrome Watches
Two years ago, we sat down with one of Armin Strom's owners, Serge Michel, and as we all know, a lot has happened since. So now, midway through 2021, we felt it was time to have another chat with Serge and see what is going on. How is the brand doing amidst the pandemic, how have the recently launched novelties been received, and what does the (near) future hold for Armin Strom? We are about to find out!Serge Michel, one of the owners of Armin Strom.Frank Geelen, MONOCHROME - Good to finally talk to you again, sadly through a screen – but still. How are you doing? How is Armin Strom doing?Serge Michel, Armin Strom ¨C?Very happy to see you too again. I have been doing very well, thank you. Luckily, we had no big issues during the pandemic, and we're starting to feel the effects of the world opening again. Of course, we had lockdowns, delays, and travel restrictions, but it seems like the world is heading in the right direction, and we are too. Ad - Scroll to continue wit

Introducing: Vacheron Constantin Tribute To Traditional Symbols
Vacheron Constantin taps into a more creative vein with the latest quartet of watches celebrating ancient Chinese culture. Emerging from Vacheron's Metiers d'Art atelier, the four models offer two different interpretations of the legendary Chinese motif known as the Seawater Cliff. The motif, which appeared in the 14th century, represents the sea crashing against steep cliffs. Presented in 38mm gold cases with richly decorated dials using different enamelling techniques, the two Eternal Flow models feature vivid technicolour dials, while the Moonlight Slivers interpret the theme in a more restrained palette.For the latest Metier's d'Art Series, Vacheron's design department was drawn to the Seawater Cliff, an omnipresent symbol of imperial China reproduced in architecture, furniture, porcelain and silk ceremonial dragon robes. This motif, which emerged during the Ming (1368-1644) and was perpetuated during the Qing (1644-1911) dynasties, depicts cliffs being pounded by the sea and repre