Watches NEWS
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Selfwinding Chronograph 41mm Frosted Gold
Don’t think because Audemars Piguet has already presented various new models this year that they have nothing left to show. Actually, far from that, as today the brand is releasing once again multiple new watches. And some are pretty spectacular indeed. Earlier this year, Audemars Piguet launched a new version of its Royal Oak Selfwinding Chronograph, the classic model with a new automatic movement, based on the calibre launched in Code 11.59. Visually, there was not much to explain in this update, but mechanically, this was a major step forward. Today, the brand releases a new limited edition based on this watch, the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Selfwinding Chronograph 41mm Frosted Gold, with the signature hammered case.The Royal Oak Selfwinding Chronograph is a true classic in the collection, having been introduced in 1997 for the 25th anniversary of the collection. Back then measuring 39mm, and housing a Piguet-based movement, it will slowly evolve until 2012 when it will be upda
Hands-On - Zenith Chronomaster Sport Rose Gold (Specs & Price)
Earlier this year, Zenith introduced a new watch intended to become a cornerstone of its collection, the new standard?sports chronograph of the brand, and a watch that created a lot of discussions too – with highly positive comments, and equally negative ones too. This watch, the Chronomaster Sport, is a model with strong arguments to compete in the luxury sports chronograph category, being mechanically fully equipped, very well executed and simply handsome design-wise. First launched in steel, with a white or black dial, the first evolution has been presented a week ago, with a rose gold case. Today, we’ll take a closer look at this luxurious edition, and also address the elephant in room… that Zaytona/Daytona-Killer topic.?The gold Chronomaster SportThe name Chronomaster is far from new in Zenith’s nomenclature. Launched at the end of the year 1994, it has since become a key element in the brand’s collection. Following the relaunch of the production of t
Industry News: Swatch Group 2023 Results Show Growth, Positive Outlook for 2024
Following the announcement in July 2023 of its half-year results showing an impressive growth of 18% in sales, Swatch Group has just issued its key figures for the entire year 2023. The Biel-based conglomerate, owner of brands such as Omega, Longines, Tissot or Breguet, reports sales up by 12.6% at constant exchange rates, or 5.2% at current rates to CHF 7,888 million. Despite a slightly slower pace during the fourth quarter of the year, which might indicate a switch in the overall state of the business and industry, the Group remains positive in its 2024 outlook and expects “excellent growth prospects” for the year to come.?While not reaching the pre-pandemic sales levels – the Group reported sales of CHF 8,475 million in 2018 – Swatch Group can report strong sales in 2023 with close to CHF 8 billion turnover. That being said, the group also indicated a huge exchange rate impact and a challenging currency environment, with a hugely negative currency impact that
Introducing the 2014 edition of the Oris Aquis Depth Gauge (specs and price) - Monochrome-Watches
Oris is known for its rugged, sporty tool-watches. The Aquis is famous into?the community?of divers – a collection that includes some interesting, technical, well finished but affordable tools to be used under the deep salty waters.?One is?particularly noticeable because it includes a clever mechanical depth gauge. Here is the?updated edition of the Oris Aquis Depth Gauge.The Oris Aquis Depth Gauge was hailed as one of the most innovative diving watches when it was launched in 2013. It answered the challenge of how to build a depth gauge into a mechanical watch. It had a pioneering depth gauge function, developed and patented by Oris. Even if we,?at Monochrome-Watches, mainly focus on high-end watches, we recognized that this Oris Aquis Depth Gauge was truly interesting when it was unveiled. And somehow, with its mechanical system to indicate depth, we found it really special – and we love special watches! Ad - Scroll to continue with article
American Obscurities: Bare Steel and Plexiglas-Bodied Cars - Monochrome Watches
American car culture can be a weird thing sometimes, incomparable to other cultures. It is an endless source of interesting stories and cars. It might not be to everyone's liking as there's a wide range of styles and followings. This week we take a look at two stories by two leading manufacturers displaying their skill and know-how in new technology and design. On one hand, we have a transparent car by Pontiac (General Motors) from the 1930s and on the other, we have a trio of bare steel Fords.General Motors, parent to a whole portfolio of brands, and Ford are leading car manufacturers, both in the US and abroad. Besides building regular road cars for regular people, they have spawned some hugely interesting machines that get Petrolhead's gears racing a little faster! Most people might think of a Mustang, Camaro, Corvette, Charger and Challenger, a Viper or other muscle and sports cars. And you'd be right, all very lovely stuff. But there's more, especially when you look at concept car