Hands-On - IWC Pilot's Watch Chronograph 41 Bronze IW388109
A classic among the collection of Pilot’s Watches, almost as important as the Big Pilot (in fact, it’s a chronograph that relaunched the pilot range at IWC), the Pilot’s Watch Chronograph is the collection’s cornerstone. A staple for the brand, which has produced such a model since the mid-1990s. For long an oversized watch with a 43mm case and Valjoux-based movement, it was revamped in 2021 with the introduction of a smaller case and a manufacture movement. Following the classic steel editions and a Ceratanium model, the brand once again demonstrates its focus on materials with this new IWC Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41 Bronze IW388109, combining warm colours for the case and dial.?The current IWC Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41 is the direct descendant of two significant watches: the mid-1990s references 3711 Doppelchronograph and the 3705, the classic chronograph housed in a ceramic case (and its steel counterpart, the 3706). These two watches were th

Just Because: Predictions for the Upcoming Swatch x Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Collaboration
We certainly can’t hide the fact that the Swatch x Omega Moonswatch, a collaboration bringing the style of the Speedmaster Moonwatch into a far more accessible segment of the watch industry, caused a blast. Seeing the success of this collaboration, with over 1 million examples sold in 2022, despite some issues regarding availability, it was somehow expected to see a new chapter coming. And it is just around the corner. On September 9th, 2023, we will see the Swatch x Blancpain collaboration. This part is 100% certain, as confirmed by both brands on Instagram. The model to be used as a base makes almost no doubt either; it will almost certainly be a Fifty Fathoms. What will be the beating heart and what it’ll look like are the real questions. So we’ve decided to create the Swatch x Blancpain Fifty Fathoms watches we’d love to see coming on the market. And yes, these are mechanical.? Above are the teasers released by Swatch and Blancpain. Th

The Art of Openworked Movements - A Case Study with Vaucher
Recently we brought you a detailed look at Vaucher, one of the most prominent high-grade mechanical makers for third parties in the watch industry (read our article here).?We went back to the Val-de-Travers to take a look at how the movement manufacturer produces openworked movements, including their own calibre 5401.The creation of openworked or skeleton watches, the art of playing with transparency aims at revealing the quintessence of the movement, allowing its wearer to admire its intricacies. When crafting an openworked/skeleton movement, the plate, bridges and other components such as the barrel cover are hollowed out and then carved to the bare essentials to reveal the inner workings that make it tick. It then requires complementary skills, those of master craftsmen to sublimate the movement with time-consuming finishing and decoration operations. Ad - Scroll to continue with article

Mustonen M-1 Collection, Mars Exploration-Themed Watch From Finland
Space can be an intimidating yet inspiring place. With centuries of gazing up at the stars, it seems we're closer than ever to expanding our horizon through advanced space exploration and colonisation. Of course, this is probably decades away, but we can begin to fantasise about stepping out of our homes on the Moon, or better yet, Mars. While this only exists in our minds, for now, some people use this as inspiration for their creations. Take Martin Mustonen, for instance, a Finnish watchmaker and jewellery expert launching his own brand, Mustonen Watches, with the M-1 collection inspired by our neighbouring planet, Mars.Martin Mustonen has spent years in the jewellery industry, gathering knowledge and growing a network throughout Europe and other parts of the world. In 2016 the time came to switch to watchmaking and fulfil his dream of starting a watch brand of his own. Now, a couple of years later and with relevant experience under his belt, he's launching Mustonen Watches and his i

Petrolhead Corner - Brawn GP, the Unlikeliest of Formula 1 Champions
Formula 1 eats up cash like there's no tomorrow, even to compete, let alone have a shot at winning the title. Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One team have dominated the sport for years now, yet this year's title race seems closer than ever. Close rivals Red Bull Racing have the German team in their crosshairs and are pushing hard with Dutchman Max Verstappen currently in the championship lead. It seems ages ago that shock race wins (and champions) were possible, but one season in modern history proves it is still very much possible. It just needs all the pieces of the puzzle to fall into the right place, as it did for the Brawn GP racing team in the 2009 Formula 1 season.Straight out the gates: Brawn GP is the ONLY Formula 1 constructor that has been around for one season only and crowned champion at the end of 17 races. No team before it, and no team since have been able to do that. And I must say that I expect no team ever to be able to repeat that. While the team's origins can be tra