News: Universal Geneve Teases its 2026 Return, with Three 70th Anniversary Polerouter SAS Tribute Watches
The Polerouter is, without a doubt, one of the most emblematic watches ever created by Universal Geneve. Not only was it designed by young Gerald Genta, but it was powered by an important micro-rotor movement and was a purpose-built watch created by request of SAS, asking Universal Geneve to create a watch that could support pilots flying over the North Pole for the first time – which occurred exactly 70 years ago, on November 15, 1954. Now, you're certainly aware that, under the guidance of Georges Kern (CEO of Breitling), together with private investment firms Partners Group and CVC Capital Partners, Universal Geneve will be back soon. But before we see what the brand has to offer (in 2026), here's a tribute to the Polerouter SAS Watches. Three faithful recreations with historic micro-rotor movements, each a unique piece, one of which will be auctioned Are we seeing here a draft for future models to come? This will remain a question for now.?A quick recap about the Universal Ge

The Battle of Elegant Time-Only Watches Part 3 - Drive de Cartier Extra-Flat vs. Grand Seiko SBWG231 - The Verdict - Monochrome Watches
There are moments in life that call for an elegant, time-only watch. Situations in which a strapping tool watch with protruding pushers and a glowing dial won't look quite right. If you are in the market for a handsome, straightforward time-only watch we have two very interesting candidates as different in looks as their cultural backgrounds. The Drive de Cartier is a tres French take on elegance and refinement; the Grand Seiko SBGW231 is also a very elegant and refined watch but interpreted from a Japanese aesthetic. Let's put them side by side and gauge the strengths and weaknesses of each watch before we formulate a verdict. Case size and presence on the wristThe Drive de Cartier Extra-Flat has a diameter of 39mm and a case height of 6.6mm, proportions that categorically affirm its status as a dress watch. The cushion-shaped case of the Drive spells Cartier over and over again and seems to have been a member of Cartier's renowned family of shaped watches forev

Hands-On: The New Hublot Big Bang Integrated Automatic Tourbillon Full Carbon Texalium
In physics, the Big Bang signals the beginning of time; in watchmaking, it is synonymous with Hublot‘s eponymous collection. Imploding on the scene in 2005, the Hublot Big Bang was designed to shock and awe with its large loud cases fusing state-of-the-art materials. Fusion is the operative word again as the Big Bang steps up the action with a micro-rotor and tourbillon staged inside an ultra-lightweight carbon fibre and Texalium case with an integrated strap that looks uncannily like a metallic bracelet. Similar to the Big Bang Integral Tourbillon Full Sapphire of 2021, the Hublot Big Bang Integrated Tourbillon Full Texalium-Carbon (yup, it’s a mouthful) is a powerful mix of old and new combining in-house horological weight with a radically resistant yet lightweight composite.Lightweight yet toughThe striking interwoven texture of the 43mm case, with its thickness of 14.15mm, is produced using carbon fibre. Renowned for its resilience and lightness, the carbon fibre case w

IWC Pilots Watch Mark XVIII Edition Tribute to Mark XI (Ref. IW327007) - Specs & Price
IWC has been on a vintage-inspired tear for?quite a few months now. Following?the introduction of an entirely new Ingenieur collection, based on the original 1960s style, and?a 2017 Da Vinci Collection that is based on the original 1980s design, the Schaffhausen-based brand is now operating on its much-praised Pilot’s Watch, with a new edition that is (sorry for such enthusiasm) simply a killer! Reasonably sized, perfectly legit, historically relevant, tool-ish… The kind of IWC that we love. Here is the?IWC Pilot's Watch Mark XVIII Edition “Tribute to Mark XI”, based on the 1948?RAF navigators watches.An example of vintage IWC Mark XI – source: AnalogShift Ad - Scroll to continue with article To give some background, here is an extract from one of our in-depth article about the IWC Mark Series of watches “The Mark XI is consid

Vacheron Constantin Overseas Chronograph Perpetual Calendar in pink gold - Monochrome Watches
More then a year ago, in June 2011, Vacheron Constantin launched the most complicated watch in the Overseas collection.?The first Overseas Chronograph Perpetual Calendar?came in a titanium/steel case, one of the three choices of metals that Vacheron Constantin offers. Yesterday VC launched another version of the Overseas Chronograph Perpetual Calendar, but now in pink gold.?Because the photo of the VC Overseas Chronograph with deep blue dial, that we introduced yesterday, got so many positive responses, we show you the Overseas Chronograph Perpetual Calendar (or QP from Quantieme Perpetuel like the French say), in exactly the same angle. A ‘dramatic’ view on a stunning timepiece! Ad - Scroll to continue with article To be honest, usually I’m ?a purist and therefore no fan of mixing styles. Since the Overseas is a chic, elegant and sporty styled