Watches NEWS
Introducing: Unique, Stiking Code 11.59 Grande Sonnerie Models for AP's 150th Anniversary
As you probably know by now, Audemars Piguet is celebrating its 150th anniversary this year. Last week, the Le Brassus-based brand released an array of new watches, predominantly focused on a new, clever and technically advanced perpetual calendar movement getting rid of recessed correctors (it is far more complex than you might imagine…) But that was not all, as the brand will do many special 150-year models throughout the year, such as what we’ll be looking at today: five unique editions of the mighty complex Code 11.59 by Audemars Piguet Grande Sonnerie Carillon Supersonnerie, either in highly technical styles or, on the contrary, using striking stones.?This striking version of the Code 11.59, equipped with one of the grails of watchmaking – a grande sonnerie movement – was first released in 2020 with dials made by renowned enamel artist Anita Porchet with a paillonne decor. We have explored this watch in full detail, including a long movie here, showing ever
The Battle of Elegant Time-Only Watches Part 1 - Drive de Cartier Extra-Flat - Review, Price
Cartier is the undisputed master of the shaped watch and for the last century has launched some of the most emblematic and unforgettable watch collections for men and women alike. But Cartier also offers something above and beyond unusual shapes and has become the byword for refined French taste. Le go?t Cartier, as it is known, describes a quiet, self-assured elegance that has no need to shout. If you are on the prowl for a time-only dress watch, sans testosterone-heavy looks, the Drive de Cartier Extra-Flat is a promising candidate. A lean 39mm stainless steel case, a simple dial with hallmark features of Cartier's watches and a price that won't elicit an oh l¨¤ l¨¤, could this Drive de Cartier Extra-Flat be the answer to your dress watch dreams?Editor's note: this review of the Drive de Cartier Extra-Flat is part one of a series of three articles where we will compare two elegant time-only watches currently on the market. Two watches with the same concept, but two different flavours.
First Look: The Girard-Perregaux Laureato 42mm Pink Gold Sage Green and Ultramarine Blue
One of the earliest models in the so-called luxury sports watch category, the Girard-Perregaux Laureato, was released in 1975 and powered by a quartz movement. In 1984, mechanical movements found their way into this original barrel-shaped watch, and this has become the norm since the return of the watch in 2016. Now an established collection with countless variations and colours, the Girard-Perregaux Laureato range extends once more this year with the addition of two original colours – sage green and ultramarine blue – inside luxurious pink gold cases.?The design of the Laureato was set in stone back in 1975, making it one of the earliest members of the highly regarded luxury sports watch category – and while it came after the all-important Royal Oak (1972), it predates three other icons, the Patek Nautilus (1976), the IWC Ingenieur (1976) and the Vacheron 222 (1977). A classic of the genre, the Laureato was built around a shaped case with an integrated bracelet. The
Hands-On - Chopard L.U.C Heritage Grand Cru (Specs & Price)
While it is commonly?accepted that watches are mainly round – a shape guided by the way time is indicated by hands – exceptions exist. Shaped-watches are not that usual and if some tried, only a few endured. Mastering shapes is something complex, which requires a bit of talent. This year, Chopard is enlarging its L.U.C Collection (the high-end range of the brand) with a montre de forme or form-watch, based on the barrel idea… And indeed, behind this new?Chopard L.U.C Heritage Grand Cru, there’s a certain wine inspiration – and overall?a handsome watch.BackgroundThere are a few things to know about Chopard. The brand was?founded in 1860, in Sonvilier, by Louis-Ulysse Chopard and was originally known for making ladies’ watches and pocket watches. In 1963, the brand became the property of the?Scheufele family (at that time managed by Karl?Scheufele, a watchmaker from Pforzheim, Germany). This family?have owned the company up to the present day, currentl
The Ubercool Tudor Pelagos FXD Now Comes In Black
The diving heritage of Tudor can be basically split into two chapters. On one end you have the very retro-inspired Black Bay line-up, and on the other end the more professional Pelagos collection. Either of the two are fan-favourites and perform very well in most circumstances in life. But, in a surprising twist, two years ago Tudor released a very special take on the Pelagos with the Pelagos FXD. This watch paid tribute to past watches used by Combat divers and was developed with the Marine Nationale, the French Navy. It had fixed lugs and a special inverted diving scale on the bidirectional bezel. Now though, Tudor introduces a new take on the Pelagos FXD, in a black colour scheme and with a regular bezel.The case is yet again machined out of titanium and measures 42mm in diameter and 12.75mm in thickness. From lug end to lug end, you’re looking at 52mm in length. On top of the titanium case is a titanium rotating bezel, unidirectional instead of bidirectional. The black cerami