In-Depth: The New Girard-Perregaux Neo Constant Escapement (Incl. Video)
Girard-Perregaux brings back a captivating concept, which was, to many, one of the most interesting technical developments in modern watchmaking: the Girard-Perregaux Constant Escapement. This novel escapement is one of the most sophisticated answers to a crucial question for watchmakers: how to handle the waning driving force supplied by barrels? The first-generation Constant Escapement was a technical marvel which received much praise from insiders and collectors. It now comes in a new form integrating both aesthetic and technical evolutions. Meet the Girard-Perregaux Neo Constant Escapement.The Constant Escapement: Concept & HistoryConstant force is a holy grail of watchmaking and chronometry. In a mechanical watch, the energy is stored by the mainspring inside the barrel. The energy is released via the gear train that drives the hands. The speed at which the gears rotate is controlled by the regulator that comprises the escapement and the oscillator. The escapement transfers en

Ophion OPH 786 Watch With New Movement, New Guilloche Dials & Affordable Prices
The story of the brand Ophion shouldn’t be new to you, in case you’re a frequent reader of Monochrome. Indeed, we introduced it to you, and we even gave away one of their first watches, the OPH 960. However, don’t be fooled by the youngness of the brand, as less than 2 years after their first iteration, a new watch is coming – and we have it for you here, quite exclusively.?Here is the Ophion OPH 786. It’s cool, it’s superbly done, the content is simply impressive for the price, there’s a new movement… Everything to fall in love.Throwback to Ophion’s storyWhat is Ophion? Well, it is?part of these multiple watch brands that create these days. However, no Kickstarter here, no Miyota movement, no crazy design. Instead, there’s a passion. When he started the brand, Miguel had a simple idea: bringing a bit of the haute horlogerie taste in an affordable, yet elegant watch, with nice execution and a different movement (no ETA, no Sei

Chopard L.U.C Chrono One Flyback Steel // Review, Price
A smaller case, a more contemporary design and a chronometer-certified manufacture movement inside; there's a lot to like about the new monochromatic Chopard L.U.C Chrono One Flyback. Not to mention the fact that this model is offered in steel – albeit in a limited edition of only 250 pieces. Given that previous iterations have only been available in precious metals - and larger cases - I wouldn't be surprised if this new flyback chronograph proves to be quite popular. We had the opportunity to get some wrist time with it recently. Here's what we thought.?The Chopard L.U.C Chrono One FlybackYou may or may not recall the previous iterations of the L.U.C Chrono One Flyback. Here's some basic background to provide a basis for comparison. As I mentioned before, those models were exclusively available in precious metals, such as rose or pink gold and offered more traditional styling. Think Roman numeral dials, two-tone colour schemes and 44mm cases. Very nice watches but a bit strong

Chopard at The Zandvoort Historic Grand Prix with a New Limited Edition Mille Miglia - Monochrome Watches
For a few years now, Zandvoort has been hosting one of the best Historic Grand Prix races, a fantastic event with international historic race cars from a wide range of categories. Think Historic Formula 1, vintage touring cars, Le Mans legends, one-of-a-kind demos and lots of racing legends behind the wheel. All staged at the Zandvoort International Circuit, the venue of 34 Grand Prix races between 1952 and 1985. This year, one of the main sponsors of the event was Chopard with a special watch.This year was the 7th?edition of the Historic Grand Prix in Zandvoort, an event that has quickly grown into a fan favourite and an internationally renowned get-together for vintage racing. Participants and visitors bring everything from small British GT's to thunderous American powerhouses, Le Mans legends and, of course, vintage Formula 1 cars. Ad - Scroll to continue with article

First Look: The Tissot PR 516 Automatic Chronograph
Lately, it seems that Tissot can do little wrong. Release after release shows an impressive sense of style, historical inspiration and solid mechanics, all the while remaining true to the brand’s relatively affordable pricing strategy. Following the immense success of the PRX Powermatic 80 and subsequent PRX Chronograph collections, Tissot is now pushing the PR 516 into the spotlight. Things started with a handsome manually wound PR 516 Chronograph, followed by the equally cool PR 516 Powermatic 80. While the expansion of the range might not be as fast and widespread as its PRX counterpart, next up is an automatic version of the PR 516 Chronograph, in sporty white and blue trim.?A little under a year ago, the PR 516 Chronograph Mechanical made its debut, based on a historic racing chronograph from the 1970s. It featured a larger yet similarly proportioned architecture with a predominantly black colour scheme, just like the original. That specific watch even gained big screen fame