Watches NEWS
Introducing the new IWC Big Pilot's Watch IW500912 - Specs and Price - Monochrome Watches
It’s already 14 years ago since IWC revived the now iconic Big Pilot’s Watch and this year they treat us on a new and improved version: the IWC Big Pilot’s Watch IW500912. Moreover, IWC also launches three more Big Pilot’s Watch models, being the Big Pilot’s Watch Spitfire (ref. IW500917) in 18k red gold, the Big Pilot’s Watch Top Gun (ref. IW502001) in black ceramic and the Big Pilot’s Watch Edition ‘Le Petit Prince’ (ref. IW500916) that comes with its unmistakable, and striking, blue dial. Let’s take a closer look at the new & improved IWC Big Pilot’s Watch and its siblings.?Before we dive into all details, let’s have a look back at the very reason d’etre of the IWC Big Pilot’s Watch. To learn more we have to look back at the years before World War II and the so-called B-Uhren, which is an abbreviation for Beobachtungsuhren. This name translates to English as ‘observation watch’, and t
Interview Matthias Breschan, CEO of Longines on 2021 collections
One of the oldest names in the Swiss watch industry, Longines is the market leader in the CHF 1,000-4,000 price segment. Matthias Breschan was named CEO of the brand last July, right in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic. The 2021 digital presentation of the brand’s novelties allowed us to talk to Breschan and find out how Longines has navigated 2020, look at its strategy, and discover some of the new products for 2021.?Xavier Markl, MONOCHROME – You took the helm at Longines as CEO a few months ago. What surprised you at Longines? Ad - Scroll to continue with article Matthias Breschan, Longines – Even though I have been working for 20 years in the watch industry, there are many things I did not know about the history of Longines. I was surprised to learn that Longines innovated with the flyback chronograph, the GMT, the rotating bezel, the hi
Report - Crazy Prices for PF Journe at 2021 Phillips & Only Watch Auction
As you might have seen, this past weekend was important for the watch collecting community. Like every year, the weekend after the GPHG is packed with auctions in Geneva. Christie’s and Phillips (and others) had their auctions, and last Saturday was the Only Watch charity auction; all benefitting from the presence of the most prominent watch collectors. While the auctions showed a strong, but not spectacular, interest in vintage watches from the usual suspects (mainly Patek Phillipe and ), we’ve seen a renewed confirmation of a trend that started a couple of years ago. There’s a fast-growing and strong interest in some independent watchmakers, such as Philippe Dufour, Roger Smith and early watches made by F.P. Journe. And looking at the astonishing results fetched this weekend at Phillips Geneva Watch Auction XIV and Only Watch 2021, this is a trend that can’t be ignored anymore!When he created MONOCHROME more than 15 years ago, our founder Frank, quickly start
HYT Hastroid Green Laser (Specs & Price)
As we’ve explained in this article published about 2 months ago, an important new chapter in the story of HYT Watches has just opened. After a complex period, and with a new CEO at its head – an industry veteran known as Davide Cerrato – the brand is back on track and comes with its spacecraft trunk fully loaded with new models, but with the distinctive meca-fluidic technology sound and safe. The name of this new opus in the HYT saga is Hastroid, and following the inaugural edition, the Green Nebula, it’s time for the second chapter to be released. Meet the new HYT Hastroid Green Laser. And indeed, it couldn’t be more green.?The HYT Hastroid Green Nebula, the edition that marked the return of the brand in early 2022.Everything we’ve explained over the past few months is still true for this new model. To make the story short, HYT has always been one of the most fascinating and original brands of the independent watchmaking scene. In addition to creati
Five Cool New Chronograph Watches Priced Below 3,5K
It’s not the first time year we’ve grouped together a selection of chronograph watches, and it’s likely not going to be the last time. With Watches & Wonders already well and truly in the past, and Geneva Watch Days not quite here yet, brand’s haven’t slowed down much to present us with new and exciting watches. And with the chronograph being a fan favourite complication, it didn’t take too long to compile a Buying Guide or two. And now we revisit the faithful “Chrono” once more, with six of the most recent new entries of this ever-popular type of wristwatch.?Hanhart 417 ES 1954When it comes to historically relevant, and vintage-inspired chronographs at a relatively affordable price, it’s impossible to ignore Hanhart. Especially when they release a more compact and downright fantastic version of the iconic 417 ES, a very classically styled pilot’s chronograph. Measuring 39mm across, where its larger brother comes in at 42m