Weekly Watch Photo - Voutilainen Observatoire - Monochrome Watches
When it comes to classic and extremely desirable timepieces, Kari Voutilainen’s Observatoire is on the short list of many collectors. In today’s Weekly Watch Photo we show you an Observatoire and tell more about its (base) movement, the competition chronometer Peseux 260. The stunning photos are from Gary, the proud owner of this magnificent beauty.?Before we turn to the chronometry competitions and the Peseux caliber 260, let’s have a closer look at the dial. It’s a perfect example of a hand guilloche (engine turned) dial as can be found on all Voutilainen timepieces.?Some of the few remaining Rose engine turning machines (click here for Wikipedia)?that can be used for dials, can be found in Voutilainen’s atelier. Dials adorned by engine turning (or hand guilloche) are a rare commodity now-a-days, as the Rose engine turning machines and the skills required to use these machines properly are both becoming extremely rare. Lucky for those in the position to

Buying Guide - MONOCHROME's Best Chronographs of 2022
The end of the year is near, so it’s time for the MONOCHROME team to sit down and look back at everything that happened in 2022… And there was a lot, with so many new watches launched, in all categories and in all price ranges. Today, we kick off a series of buying guides representing our selection of what we think are the best watches in their own category, starting with one of our all-time favourite functions, and probably one that so many watch enthusiasts appreciate; the chronograph. From accessible to high-end, classic to innovative, vintage or ultra-modern… Here are the best chronograph watches of 2022 according to the MONO’ team.With far more than 100 new models in the chronograph category listed on our website, it is a difficult task to list 5 or 6 models… We could have included the Gronefeld Gronograaf, the Tissot PRX Chronograph, the revamped Zenith Chronomaster Open, the handsome Vacheron Constantin Salmon QP or the new Habring2 Doppel38…

Just Because: Patek Philippe Discontinues the Nautilus Moonphase 5712A, and Some Predictions for its Future
Models come and go from brands’ portfolios. There’s nothing extraordinary in this, it’s just standard practice and lifecycle management. , for example, did it last year with the Yacht-Master II Regatta Chronograph (not necessarily a bad idea…) Patek Philippe is no stranger to this concept, as we’ve seen in the past – basically every year, the Geneva-based watchmaker cleans its collections. Yet, from time to time, some of these discontinuations make more noise than others… Remember in 2021 when Patek Philippe announced the end of the classic blue dial Nautilus 5711A…? It came as a shock. Of course, it was followed by a sought-after, short-produced green edition, later to make room for the 5811G in white gold. But still, it somehow hurt fans and collectors. Well, we’re here today with some bad news, as the other all-important steel Nautilus, the Moonphase 5712A, is reportedly discontinued (no more listed at patek.com). The end of an

Introducing: The Denim-Toned Patek Philippe Nautilus Chronograph 5980G
One trend that has asserted itself at Patek Philippe this year is denim, or rather, the colour of blue jeans, appearing on the dials and straps of several novelties, like the Worldtime with Date and Aquanaut Travel Time. A much sought-after model, the Nautilus Flyback Chronograph 5980, was discontinued earlier this year. Much to the delight of collectors, Patek introduces a white gold version of the Nautilus Chronograph 5980G with a casual denim-textured strap and a matching denim-coloured dial.Launched in 1976, the Nautilus is part of the famous holy trinity of luxury sports watches. In 2006, coinciding with the 30th anniversary of Gerald Genta's winning design for Patek, the Nautilus was fitted with an in-house chronograph complication (reference 5980/1A). Ad - Scroll to continue with article As a demonstration of Patek's ability to make complications user-fri

Hands-On Artisans de Geneve Honey Pearl Project Skeleton Nautilus 5711
The personalisation of timepieces can take many forms, from a classic black coating to the highly debatable integration of stones (the so-called ‘icing process’). But some workshops are on a mission to demonstrate that customisation can be made with taste and Haute Horlogerie in mind. Artisans de Geneve is certainly among the best in this field. Known for radically transforming the look of a watch and applying intricate skeletonisation techniques to movements, this team of specialised craftsmen only works upon request. Following the initial Pearl Project with carbon elements, the workshop presents a new and highly attractive gold version, the Artisans de Geneve “Honey Pearl” Project.?Disclaimer: Artisans de Geneve is an independent company specialising in the personalisation of timepieces. The present watch is a sample of its know-how and of the personalisation services made upon request. Artisans de Geneve is not affiliated with Patek Philippe SA nor authorised