Introducing the Romain Jerome Skylab - Monochrome Watches
Romain Jerome can be quite a polarizing brand. Even here at the Monochrome offices – all of us die-hard watch aficionados – we don’t share the same enthusiasm about the various RJ timepieces. However Romain Jerome’s newest creation can count on many “yaes”, leaving the “nays” well behind. No dial, a fully skeletonized movement and the iconic case with four struts grabbing the bezel. And now the diameter has been reduced to a very agreeable 44 mm, we believe that Romain Jerome hit the jackpot.What Romain Jerome has taught us, is that we do not have to take watches too serious. Most of his timepieces are equipped with an ETA/Valjoux 7750 (or similar) movement, which is a very strong and reliable movement that also used throughout the industry (for instance by IWC, Breitling and TAG Heuer). The real work goes into the design of the case, dial, hands and these parts set RJ apart from the rest. When we saw the new Skylab models, we were pretty

The Petrolhead Corner: The EV-Swapped Electrogenic Mazda MX-5
EVs are booming at the moment, and I’ve said before they are here to stay. But, I say this again too; they are a part of the solution to a global problem, but not the?solution. And whenever it involves adding extra doses of fun into cars or preserving classics for future generations, we can certainly get behind the EV movement. Heck, with companies like The Land Rovers and AC Cars taking on the challenge of converting icons such as the Defender and AC Ace to electric drive, we’re not complaining. It’s a way to keep them on the road, despite ever-stringent emissions regulations and whatnot. So, when the news of a do-it-yourself EV-conversion kit for the mighty Mazda MX-5 (or Miata for our US readers) we certainly took notice!?a modern-day iconThe MX-5 or Miata by Mazda has always been a prime example of a fun car. A 50-50 weight distribution, rear-wheel drive, an open-top driving experience, a good bit of power but nothing crazy, and solid reliability pretty much made

Richard Mille RM 055 Bubba Watson - Hands-on - Monochrome-Watches
Richard Mille is known for its very high-end and technical watches, but also for the ambassadors that are wearing them. What differentiates RM’s emissaries from those using other brands is how they are involved, and how they are pushing these watches to the limit. A nice example of a Richard Mille ‘action watch’ is this white, skeletonized, lightweight but highly resistant RM 055 used by the professional golfer Bubba Watson. And all of that cutting-edge innovation of form comes with the incredible finish of the manufacture.3 weeks ago, Rafael Nadal won Roland Garros with a 19 grams tourbillon on the wrist. Romain Grosjean wears his?RM 011 NTPT over?his racing suit while driving at 320km/h in a Formula 1 car. Roberto Mancini uses its custom made RM 011 to time football games. That is the way Richard Mille selects ambassadors: people that can prove how efficient, reliable and light their watches are. And the same goes for this white RM 055 worn by Bubba Watson, one of t

Video Tissot Gentleman Powermatic 80 Silicium Collection
Presented in 2019, the Tissot Gentleman Powermatic 80 is an essential all-rounder, with the multi-purpose, versatile style needed for an everyday watch. Not too fancy or formal so it can be used on weekends, not too sporty either so it can be worn at the office. Modern yet classic, it might not be a particularly original design but, it is a very effective one.?And that makes it, alongside the attractive PRX collection, one of the best Tissot models now on offer.?The 40mm diameter and 11mm height of the case make the Tissot Gentleman relatively compact on the wrist. The sleek look, with a smooth polished bezel, adds to the robust feel of the watch, as well as its discretion. The case, as you would expect from Tissot, is well-executed, nicely decorated with a combination of brushed and polished surfaces, with an overall quality that is quite impressive given its price category. For instance, the side of the lugs is highlighted by a nice polished bevel, while the flanks are brushed. The w

Video - Discovering the Czapek 2020 Novelties during Geneva Watch Days
Following our visit to Geneva Watch Days, the only main watch-related event organised this year in Europe, we had the chance to finally discover in the metal some of the newest timepieces introduced earlier this year, as well as all-new models from more than 15 brands. Besides the large, established brands (such as Bvlgari, Ulysse Nardin or Girard-Perregaux), multiple creative and high-end independent manufactures were also present, including Czapek, one of the most active brands in this segment of the market, with its original horizontal integration and crowdfunding equity business model. Today, we take the time to talk to Xavier de Roquemaurel, CEO of the brand, to discover the new models of this year.Since its (re)inception in 2015, Czapek, who was once the partner of Patek, has demonstrated its capability of creating very interesting watches and calibres. After the inaugural “Quai des Bergues” collection of elegant watches inspired by antique pocket watches, it was time