Omega Starts New Chronometer Certification Process with METAS, the Swiss Federal Institute of Metrology - Monochrome Watches
Omega has just announced this morning that they will certify their Master Co-Axial chronometers with a new partner, being METAS, the Swiss Federal Institute of Metrology. As of mid-2015 Omega will test all the Master Co-Axial movements. These tests will be performed in-house (!!) and on encased movements. That also means that good ol’ COSC (Contr?le Officiel Suisse des Chronometres) won’t be testing these movements, which represent 10-15% of Omega’s annual production.This is quite something. When you look at all aspects of this change of policy, we’re talking about more than just a change of certification partner. It means that THE name in chronometer certification, COSC, is no longer doing their tests on the new Omega Master Co-Axial movements. The Master Co-Axial movements are developed and manufactured in-house, can withstand magnetics up to 15,000 Gauss. During Baselworld, earlier this year, we already announced that these movement were being introduced into

Hands-On Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean 600m GMT Master Chronometer
While the Speedmaster remains Omega’s most successful watch, specifically since the renewal of the collection recently, the other important pillar in the collection if, of course, the Seamaster. Past years have seen the brand focusing mostly on the Diver 300M. Yet, there’s another dive watch that deserves some attention, an even more powerful model with proper diving credentials, the Planet Ocean 600m. Recently, we got our hands on a model that we consider to be sort of a hidden gem in the collection… This is the Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean 600m GMT Master Chronometer and we give a closer look at it.?Neither the concept of an Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean 600m GMT nor this actual watch is new. In fact, the concept came on the market in 2013 and the watch we’ll be looking at today has been launched in 2016. Still, it is part of these watches that somehow didn’t get the recognition it truly deserves. This traveller’s PO 600M is a watch that has A LOT t

First Look: The Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra with new Glossy Black Dial
The Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra has carved out a unique spot in the Seamaster family as a stylish, versatile, and durable everyday watch, perfect for both land and sea. While not classified as a professional dive watch, it offers a comfortable 150m water resistance (aqua), classic aesthetics, and a precise movement that seamlessly transitions from the office to any adventure (terra). This Seamaster is designed by Omega to be an all-rounder, suitable for everyday wear, in any setting, and for virtually any occasion. The model is available in an array of colours and materials with 3 main sizes: 41mm, 38mm and 34mm. Over 100 different references are listed on the brand’s website, including the recent Mondo Duplantis edition. But as more options are surely not a bad thing, we are getting a new, stark black dial bringing a modern edge to the classic design, enhancing its elegance and versatility.?The Seamaster Aqua Terra is now rounded out with a new black dial available in all three s

TAG Heuer Fortifies the AQUARACER 300M with a Ceramic Bezel (specs & price) - Monochrome-Watches
In watches, Rado made Ceramic useful, Chanel made Ceramic fashionable, and now Tag Heuer employs Ceramic in its AQUARACER 300M to make the material indomitable. Given the active lifestyle of many watch owners, a dive watch might hit, bang, scrape, bump or slam against almost anything. A ceramic bezel insures a long-lasting pristine appearance, thanks not only to the visual quality of ceramic, but also its surpassing durability. Since 2004, when Tag Heuer introduced the AQUARACER 300, its popularity has grown to becoming a recommendation for an affordable watch for new collectors. We recommend either the 41mm automatic or the 43mm chronograph, which come in a standard version (steel case), an all-black version (sandblasted black titanium carbide coated case), or a numbered, limited edition Black Phantom version (sandblasted black titanium carbide case). There are no poor choices.The AQUARACER 300M standard version gives you alternatives. The notched ceramic bezels can be black or blue,

Panerai Submersible Marina Militare Carbotech PAM00961 (Including a Unique Experience in the Box) - Monochrome Watches
This year, at the SIHH 2019, the main focus of Panerai will be on the?Submersible watch – a bold and back-to-basics move to refocus the brand on the diving world. The first of the watches to be introduced is a “militarized” version of the impressive (and surprisingly convincing) Submersible?Carbotech. But that’s probably not the only thing that will grab your attention because Panerai is introducing a special something in the box… In one word: experience. Meet the new?Panerai Submersible Marina Militare Carbotech PAM00961 – and the extra surprise in the box. Ad - Scroll to continue with article Before we reveal the surprise, let’s take a look at the watch. The new?Panerai Submersible Marina Militare Carbotech PAM00961 isn’t entirely new to us but has to be seen as a variation on the existing?PAM00616, a watch that