First Look: The new Grand Seiko Spring Drive UFA SLGB001 & SLGB003 (With Finally a Micro-Adjustment Clasp)
When talking about vintage Grand Seiko watches, some references or acronyms have a lot of meaning. For instance, 44GS refers to one of the most important models ever, the watch that initiated the Grammar of Design and the shape of all subsequent creations. The acronym VFA also has its importance. Standing for Very Fine Adjusted and first used in 1969, this designation defined a Grand Seiko watch that was adjusted so skillfully that it achieved an astonishing monthly rate of 1 minute. Now, Grand Seiko has turned part of its production to the Spring Drive technology, a hybrid system known for its great accuracy. This year, with the Evolution 9 Spring Drive SLGB001 & SLGB003, a new acronym is introduced: UFA, standing for Ultra Fine Accuracy and announcing a new generation movement, Calibre 9RB2. But that’s not all, as this duo of compact and handsome watches also comes with the long-anticipated micro-adjustment folding clasp.?The handsome Evolution 9 SLGB001 & SLGB003Before

Ophion OPH-960 - Review of an affordable new brand with interesting horological content (live photos & price) - Monochrome-Watches
It’s tough to think of a collector who?hasn’t?dreamt of ultra-high-end watches such as F.P. Journe, Kari Voutilainen, Laurent Ferrier or Philippe Dufour? These dream-watches are however, for almost all of us, unreachable objects, with prices starting at 50k (and with no limits). Miguel, the founder of Ophion?Watches, also harbors ambitions of owning such watches… but he know’s that, for most of us, the?average collector, it will most likely never happen. Instead of living in a dreamworld, he decided to create watches that could, for a fraction of the price, provide somewhat of the pleasure of these dream watches mentioned previously. Here is the full review of his horological vision, the Ophion OPH-960,?an affordable proposition?with interesting horological content.BackgroundLet’s be straight and?lay the groundwork first. Don’t expect the Ophion OPH-960 to be even close to?a Laurent Ferrier or a F.P. Journe in terms of finishing or horological precis

Hands-On - Ferdinand Berthoud Chronometre FB1.4 Titanium / Sapphire Bridges (Specs & Price)
Ferdinand Berthoud strips down its spectacular Chronometre FB1. After the recently introduced platinum edition, it's now the movement that evolves. Indeed, sapphire bridges now offer an unimpeded view on its killer inner workings, and this mechanical beauty is now housed in a titanium case (with 2 different dials available). Meet the Ferdinand Berthoud Chronometre FB1.4, available in two different versions, which shows quite some evolutions compared to the previous models of the brand.After a long incubation period, Chopard's Karl Frederich Scheufele revived Berthoud, one of the greatest horologists of all times, with the unveiling of the FB1 chronometer, a modern, personal take on this unique heritage (read our previous reviews about the FB1.1/2 and FB1.3). A tribute to chronometry, this elaborate creation features several mechanisms to optimize precision. It received numerous industry accolades, including being awarded the Aiguille d'Or at GPHG 2016 (the Oscars of Watchmaking). But t

Hands-on - Frederique Constant Classic Manufacture with Black Dial (Specs & Price)
Sports watches have a certain appeal, a?definitive coolness that makes them desirable. Yet, there?comes a?time?in your life, when?only owning these types of?timepieces is no?longer appropriate. At a certain point, every gentleman needs an elegant dress watch. However, while the need and the desire is present, the same cannot always be said?for the money… This is why we wanted to show you the?Frederique Constant Classic Manufacture with Black Dial. Extremely elegant, refined, mechanically interesting and yet, rather accessible.You can’t always dress like a teenager and wear a sports watch. At?certain times, a dress watch is required: formal business environment, black tie parties, matching?your?watch with a suit… Even if I don’t?see anything?wrong in wearing a Submariner or an IWC Pilot with a suit, this is not the case for everyone. Even a small watch collections should include?a subtle, smaller, slimmer and less tool-ish watch. If the idea of?going in?the opp

Vacheron Constantin Overseas Dual Time Black Dial / Review & Price
Vacheron Constantin's Overseas family is the brand's luxury sports watch proposal, a well-furnished collection with everything from simple three-handers?to sophisticated perpetual calendars, tourbillons and chronographs. The third-generation Overseas family was introduced in 2016 and given its vocation as a travel watch, the appearance of the Dual Time model in 2018 was a welcome addition. The latest Dual Time model, which we have for our hands-on session, is this black beauty. With an automatic manufacture movement, a highly practical dual-time function, resistance to water and magnetism, a beefy power reserve of 60 hours, dashing good looks, not one but three different straps, and the easiest interchangeable strap system on the market today… the Vacheron Constantin Overseas Dual Time is packed to the gills with assets.?ProvenanceThe genesis of the luxury sports watch has been told countless times. Suffice it to say that the leader of the pack was AP's Royal Oak of 1972 followed