Watches NEWS
In-Depth: The History of the Zenith El Primero, The Glorious High-Frequency Automatic Chronograph
In our series on historically significant calibres, the best way to honour the El Primero calibre is by highlighting its qualities, functional characteristics, and pivotal role in shaping the watchmaking industry. While the tale of its salvation in 1976, along with that of Zenith as a company, by a courageous man defying the ill will of American owners is fascinating, the El Primero’s legendary status is primarily due to the use of advanced technology available at the time of its creation, excellent engineering and movement design, and a modern, industrial approach to production.?Still, had it not been for Charles Vermot, a Zenith workshop manager, who disobeyed orders to sell the metal presses and tools for manufacturing the El Primero as scrap and instead hid the necessary drawings and tools, watchmaking history would be missing some thrilling episodes. We will return to Vermot’s story shortly, but first, let us revisit how the El Primero came to be.Episode I – The
New Motorsport-Inspired Timepieces Showing That The Cars-Watches Connection is Stronger Than Ever - Monochrome Watches
As you might know, many in our team, here are MONOCHROME, are not only passionate about watches and everything related to horology, but we’re also fans of cars and motorsport. It shows, every week, in our Petrolhead Corner column. And when it comes to mixing both worlds, we usually come forward. There’s something so natural between sports cars and watches, something almost identical in these slightly outdated, rather irrelevant objects that go against the 21st-century concerns and habits. Both are often seen as toys for boys, both are mechanical, engineered, and are the topic of so many passions. And more than that, time and racing are two inseparable elements. Hence why, for as long as motorsport has existed, there have been watches involved. And the trend is certainly not slowing down, as shown by the new watches that all have in common to be linked to one side of the automotive industry. Modern or vintage, technical or elegant, track or rally… whatever you’re
Omega Speedmaster Chronoscope Bronze Gold 43mm - Hands-On, Price
A couple of weeks ago, we presented Omega’s?latest chronograph creation, a surprising take on the most famous of the brand’s timepieces, a complex, visually different edition of the Speedmaster named Chronoscope. While we extensively covered the reasons behind the name and all the specifications surrounding the six stainless steel editions in this in-depth article, I wanted to come back on the most characterful and probably (at least to me) attractive of the versions. One that isn’t made of stainless steel and one that has a far less sporty attire. Let’s take a closer look at the Omega Speedmaster Chronoscope Bronze Gold.?Some of the inspirations behind the new Omega Speedmaster Chronoscope collectionChronoscope is a name that resonates in Omega’s history. It was already in use in 1885, and far more recently, it was attached to the De Ville Chronograph watches. Behind this name is a tribute to the brand’s past, to watches from the 1930s and 1940s equ
Weekly Watch Photo - Omega Speedmaster Pre-moon - Monochrome Watches
Again a Weekly Watch Photo of an Omega. This week it’s a Speedmaster Pre-moon from Trum, a member of Timezone UK made the photo.He wrote a very informative post about identifying the different Pre-moon Speedmaster versions?that Omega released before the Speedmaster accompanied the astronauts in space. The first being reference 105.003, which can be recognized by the dial without the word “professional” under “Speedmaster”. This version was worn by astronauts during the Gemini 3 and Gemini 4 missions and it was the first Speedmaster worn during a?space walk on Ed White’s wrist. Ad - Scroll to continue with article The later references 105.012?and 145.012 (launched in 1966) are known as the two Speedmaster to have been worn on the moon by Apollo astronauts and referred to as the original Moonwatches. Omega Speedmasters have been
Montblanc Tourbillon Bi-Cylindrique - Monochrome Watches
The Montblanc Tourbillon Bi-Cylindrique is a true technical marvel and features the same tourbillon construction as in ship’s chronometers. With this watch, Montblanc really shows what they can do. Montblanc’s Tourbillon Bi-Cylindrique has a unique tourbillon construction, which has never before been implemented in a wrist watch. It’s iconic case with a teardrop shape at the 6 position was earlier used for the??Grand Tourbillon Heures Mysterieuses and the Metamorphosis.?Although the case, which is 47mm in diameter, is rather large it wears exceptionally comfortable. Ad - Scroll to continue with article The Tourbillon Bi-Cylindrique features the same tourbillon construction as can be found in a ship’s chronometer. Two cylindrical balance-springs are positioned concentrically, one inside the other. This requires the two balance-springs to h