The Vintage Corner - The Underrated Hamilton Chrono-Matic Calibre 11
The Calibre 11, or Chrono-Matic (depending on the brand using it) needs no introduction anymore. It is, with its two competitors, the Seiko 6139 and Zenith El Primero, amongst the most important movements ever created. Why? Because it was part of the earliest automatic chronograph movements launched in 1969 and celebrating its 50th-anniversary last year. Surprisingly, people often think about Heuer when talking about the Calibre 11, and sometimes Breitling. Less regularly though, the name Hamilton is mentioned. And today, we'll look at how the Calibre 11/Chrono-Matic influenced a series of cool chronograph watches at Hamilton.For more details about the Calibre 11, you can read this in-depth story here, retracing the origins of the consortium and the technical details.The Hamilton Watch Company of Lancaster, Pennsylvania was America's largest pocket watch producer at the turn of the 20th century. Indeed, close to half of America's train engine drivers and railway workers – who dep

Naoya Hida & Co. Type 3A Moon Phase (Specs & Price)
The fascinating world of watches stretches all around the world and thankfully, it doesn't only focus on Switzerland. Until now, we haven't featured that many brands from Japan on MONOCHROME, to the exception of the usual mainstream brands and a few rising brands, and it is about time we do something about that. Today's destination is the Land of the Rising Sun as we take a closer look at Naoya Hida & Co., an independent watchmaker based in Tokyo, Japan, doing things with impressive attention to details. And the topic of choice is the recently introduced Naoya Hida & Co. Type 3A Moon Phase.BackgroundIt's no secret that we, at MONOCHROME, have love for independent watchmaking. People that do things on their own, with creativity and above all, devotion to craftsmanship. Time and time again we're surprised with the virtual limitless industry we love. Youngtimer-brand Naoya Hida & Co. is one of those brands that to us, came out of nowhere and took us by surprise. The brand uses

First Look: Union Glashutte Averin Chronograph
Back in 2008, Union Glashutte introduced the square-cased Averin. This bold chronograph watch looked quite different from most, thanks to a unique display for the date. A central three-handed pointer followed a three-line scale. Different, unique and quite fun for sure! Now though, the brand has decided to simplify things a little and morph the Averin into a racing-inspired two-register chronograph. Still following the design codes of the original, the new style highlights the square shapes the collection is known for. And yes, before you bring out your pitchforks, we will address the obvious at the end of the article.The previous Averin Chronograph and its unique date indication.Union Glashutte’s Averin collection has always relied on the sort of rounded square shape for its case, and that tradition is upheld here as well. The size comes down to 41mm by 41mm, with a height of 15.35mm from top to bottom. The case is finished with brushed and polished accents or black DLC-coated f

First Look: The Vacheron Constantin Patrimony x Ora ?to for the Model's 20 years
Vacheron Constantin celebrates the 20th anniversary of its Patrimony collection with a special edition produced in collaboration with French designer Ito Morabito, more widely known as Ora ?to. The understated soul of the Patrimony is inspired by Vacheron’s slim men’s dress watches of the 1950s, a formula applied across the board to all Patrimony references. As the epitome of technical complexity married to restrained style, the Patrimony is a natural partner for Ora ?to, whose designs are directed by his pursuit of providing simple responses to complex problems. Produced in a limited edition of 100 pieces, the Patrimony x Ora ?to comes in a 40mm yellow gold case with a mesmerising dial composed of concentric circles.Introduced in 2004, Vacheron Constantin's Patrimony collection took its design cues from the brand's ultra-slim 1950s timepieces. Famous manual-winding movements like the 2.94mm thick calibre 1001 and the 1.64mm thick calibre 1003, powering the references 6179

Vacheron Constantin Metiers D'art The Legend Of The Chinese Zodiac Year Of The Pig (Specs & price)
In Chinese astrology, each year is related to a Chinese zodiac animal according to the 12-year cycle. February 5th, 2019 marks the beginning of the year of the pig and in preparation, Vacheron Constantin is unveiling its latest addition to its Metiers d'Art The Legend Of The Chinese Zodiac series - Year Of The Pig. Available in either a Platinum or 18K 5N pink gold case, each version will be offered in a limited series of just 12 pieces. Read on for more details.The Metiers d'Art collection has always stood apart from all others offered by Vacheron Constantin. The reason for this can be found in the name, which loosely translates to artistic workmanship in English. The focus is on the more artistic aspects of watchmaking as opposed to the technical. Engraving, enamelling, gem-setting and so forth. As a result, the skilled artisans from Vacheron Constantin have produced some truly spectacular looking pieces unlike anything else we've seen from the brand. Ad - Scroll to contin