Bulgari Octo Finissimo Automatic vs. the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak ref. 5402ST
Now it makes zero sense to compare the very first luxury sports watch to the very latest in this desirable segment, at least not from a consumer’s perspective (the vintage AP RO Jumbo is of course not for sale anymore.) However, it does, when looking at if and how the luxury sports watch segment has developed over the past 4.5 decades. The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak ref. 5402ST was introduced in 1972, and the Bulgari Octo Finissimo Automatic was introduced in 2017. Forty-five years, only a handful of competitors in all those years and only one serious competitor survived: the Patek Philippe Nautilus. But will the new Bulgari become a serious competitor for the uncrowned king of the luxury sports watches???Setting the stageWhen Audemars Piguet introduced the Royal Oak in 1972, we can say it was not the average introduction of a new watch. The story goes that Gerald Genta, the designer of this iconic timepiece, drew some sketched the night before he had to show it during the Baselwo

In-Depth: The History of the Patek Philippe Perpetual Calendar Chronograph
Perpetual calendar chronograph watches are remarkable in their ability to measure the fleeting seconds of the present moment and given the right conditions, the passing of days, months, and years far into the future – perhaps even into eternity. Thus, a good title for this review could be From Here to Eternity, the same as James Jones’ 1951 novel, which was later adapted into a 1953 romantic war drama starring Burt Lancaster, Montgomery Clift, Frank Sinatra, Deborah Kerr, and Donna Reed. While the content-wise connection to our topic is nil, the events in the book and the iconic Hollywood film occur in 1941, the same year Patek Philippe introduced its first series-built Perpetual Calendar Chronograph wristwatch, the reference 1518.What made it possible? Why did Patek Philippe decide to create such an extravagant timepiece, not as a custom order but in series, during the height of World War II? Perhaps it was the very troubles of the era that made such bold moves both possib

Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean Deep Black Volvo Ocean Race Limited Edition Winner's Watch - Monochrome Watches
Today the most dangerous, intense, and harshest of all sea races, The Volvo Ocean Race, comes to an end in The Hague, Netherlands. After sailing around the globe, spending approx. 9 months at sea, today marks the last in-harbour race, although it does not change anything for the podium positions. By winning the 11th leg, Dongfeng Race Team wins the Volvo Ocean Race in a bold victory and we went hands-on with the official winner’s watch, the Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean Deep Black ‘Volvo Ocean Race’.The very first Planet Ocean Deep Black was introduced two years ago. First as a GMT version that came in four different colour schemes (although the basis was black ceramic), and now Omega adds a 73-piece limited edition with chronograph function. To stay with the colours of the Volvo Ocean Race, Omega opted for the black/red version of the Seamaster Planet Ocean Deep Black. Tonight, one of the 73 pieces will be handed over to the skipper of the?Dongfeng Race Team, when the

Glashutte Original Senator Moon Phase Skeletonized Edition - Monochrome Watches
Glashutte Original released the?Senator Moon Phase Skeletonized Edition, earlier this year. I would have expect a skeletonized version of an existing model, but no… Glashutte-Original?choose for?a skeletonized version of the 1845 Classic Up/Down with Moon Phase, originally introduced more than ten years ago. The skeletonizing and engraving is very much different from the Piece Unique that Kees Engelbarts recently showed us. Both in design and in the amount of work/time invested. This new Glashutte-Original is limited to 100 numbered pieces and is thus available for 99 more new owners, then?the unique pieces by Kees Engelbarts or Grieb?& Benzinger. Ad - Scroll to continue with article Although we haven’t received an official price quote,?if’ve heard rumors of a price around 40k USD. Fact is, for that amount you’ll get an incredibly bea

Oris Royal Flying Doctor Service Limited Edition II (Specs & Price)
Oris’ motto is “Real watches for real people“… and it’s not just a marketing gimmick (which happens rather often in this luxury watches industry, to say the least). Don’t be surprised to see that Oris watches are worn by ambassadors that are just a bit further away from red carpets than most brand ambassadors. For instance, take a look at the Rega Altimeter, or the?El Hierro Limited Edition… For their latest creation, it’s with Australia's Royal Flying Doctor Service (one of the world's most iconic aeromedical services) that Oris is teaming up with, to introduce a new watch, the?Oris Royal Flying Doctor Service Limited Edition II.“The Royal Flying Doctor Service provides emergency and primary healthcare services to people living in rural areas of Australia. It operates a fleet of more than 60 aircraft from bases around the country, including the Swiss Pilatus PC-12. It will shortly add long-range Pilatus PC-24 jets to its fleet.R