Watches NEWS
Collector's Series - @chronoapothecarist's Gronefeld One Hertz Techniek
The man who operates under the alias @chronoapothecarist must have the weirdest combination of interests ever. This 40-year-old pharmacist from San Diego, California, who strives for innovations and developments in the pharmaceutical field, is equally interested in the intricate workings of a fine watch movement. Hence his love for the Gr?nefeld One Hertz Techniek Titanium, made by the horological brothers from Oldenzaal in The Netherlands.Frank Geelen, MONOCHROME – Gronefeld is not one of the big brand names. How did you come to know them?@chronoapothecarist – My first memory of the Gr?nefeld brand was around the time when they released their One Hertz and reading about the brothers on various prominent watch forums/blogs, such as Monochrome. At this time, I had always been intrigued by independent watchmakers for their design and craftsmanship and dreamed about owning an independently made watch in the future. It is amazing, though, how over time, on one's collecting jour
Kudoke HANDwerk 1, a typical handmade German watch - Monochrome Watches
German watches are typically free from any unnecessary details. No frills, no fuss, just clean, elegant watches. Whether you look at brands like A. Lange & Sohne, Glashutte Original,?Moritz Grossmann or at smaller independent brands, most of them offer very elegantly, stylish watches. One of these independents is Stefan Kudoke, founder and watchmaker of Kudoke Watches. Besides his intricately detailed skeletonised and engraved pieces, his HANDwerk collection reveals typical German traits. We go hands-on with the Kudoke HANDwerk 1.Who is Stefan Kudoke?Stefan Kudoke is new here on MONOCHROME Watches, but has been active for over ten years now, with his brand Kudoke Watches. Usually, this kind of storyline continues describing the lineage someone has in watchmaking, through either a father or grandfather or whatnot, but Stefan's story is a little different. With no family background in watchmaking, Stefan started his education from scratch. Under the guidance of his teachers, he learn
First Look: The new Longines HydroConquest GMT 43mm collection
Next to the vintage-inspired Legend Diver collection, the Longines HydroConquest is a more utilitarian, robust, classic diver, with water-resistance up to 300 metres, a unidirectional, external rotating bezel, a screw-in crown and a screw-down caseback. Following the introduction of the practical, versatile and mostly visually appealing HydroConquest GMT last year in a 41mm case, Longines now launches a larger 43mm version available either with a green, black or blue dial, and with several strap/bracelet options.Essentially, this new version of the Longines HydroConquest GMT shares all the characteristics of the 41mm version we saw about a year ago. The main change is related to its diameter, which now sits at 43mm. On one hand, this new, additional, larger watch feels a bit unexpected at a time when smaller watches are coming back in vogue. On the other hand, it is just an additional choice that will find its fans – Longines explains to us that there was demand from certain mark
The Collectors Series - Martin talks about his American-made RGM PS-801-E - Monochrome Watches
Martin Gluck is a fascinating gentleman. An army Psychologist and watch collector – he has direct family links to the watch world, as well as a wide ranging collection. His?grandfather (after whom he is named), operated the first watchmaker’s supplies business in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. When his father was 18 years old he went on the road as a salesman for his family business. After Martin Gluck Sr.’s death, the brothers split up and his father ran his own watchmakers supply business. Martin can recall playing with unwound main springs as a child, but having no idea what they were! Eventually his father went to work for a national wholesale?jewelry?corporation. During this time he?can remember him wearing a gold Waltham and several Gruen watches. In this interview we discuss his wider interest in watches as well as his stunning RGM. It was a joy discussing watches and their stories – one watch geek to another.?So Martin, what was the first watch? A
The Collectors Series - Diver Marco Thier and his possibly unique Golden Doxa Sub 300 - Monochrome Watches
I love divers watches and I have a special place in my heart for Doxa. Therefore, sooner or later, it was?inevitable to meet with Marco. Recently, I received an email from Frank, referring enthusiastically to his meeting with a great guy and collector, who had a few special dive watches and was interested to present them through Monochrome. When the ‘codename’ Doxa came into the conversation, I was intrigued. I am, after all, a big fan?of the Doxa Sub. We worked together with Marco for the presentation of his extremely rare and game changing Doxa HRV prototype and I learned a lot. I redefined what I had in my mind about the history of divers watches and loved Doxa even more.?Here, it’s with great pleasure that I share the interview of this fine gentleman, as part of the Collector’s Series. First and foremost, Marco Thier is a watch guy and a diver. And?for me, it makes him uber-cool. He is a graphic designer specializing in brand concepts, packaging and interfac