Hands-on Frederique Constant Manufacture Perpetual Calendar, a QP priced under €8,000 (Live photos) - Monochrome Watches
Among the classical watchmaking complications, the perpetual calendar is certainly one of the most desirable, as being a strong technical achievement. Because of what it does (being able to have a watch correctly adjusted for the coming 100 years…), it is sought after by collectors and can be seen as a sort of achievement in a collection. However, as expected, this is not a cheap type of watches. Well, it was not until a few years and it is even truer now, as at Baselworld 2016, a QP priced under 8,000 Euros has been launched, the?Frederique Constant Manufacture Perpetual Calendar. And don’t expect it to be featured with a poor content, as it has several arguments under the hood.What is a Perpetual Calendar and why it isn’t cheap?Before we start with this short technical explanation, we recently published a complete overview on the subject, here. To understand why a perpetual calendar exists, we first have to remind that our calendar, the Gregorian Calendar, is based

First Look: The Salmon Dial Bulgari Octo Finissimo Tuscan Copper
The third record for thinness in the successful Octo Finissimo series?by Bulgari, the Octo Finissimo Automatic started its life in the most monochromatic and sleek attire possible – sandblasted titanium over a tone-on-tone dial, a signature look for the collection. However, since its introduction in 2017, the model has seen multiple variations of colours and materials, specifically since the introduction of the Mk2 version with its satin-brushed case and 100m water-resistance. Following our presentation earlier today of a new yellow gold edition, it’s time now to introduce the Octo Finissimo Tuscan Copper Automatic, with a colour combination that is one of our favourites. Salmon-steel for the win!Salmon dial over a steel case is a classic of the Swiss watch industry that has been around for decades. Usually the apanage of classic dress watches and vintage-inspired chronographs, it finds a spot here in the context of an edgy, ultra-thin take on the luxury sports watch, the n

Hamilton Pan Europ Automatic - Full Review (Live photos, specs and Price) - Monochrome-Watches
The Jackson 5, ABBA and Queen. The Godfather, Bruce Lee and Star Wars. Platform shoes, sideburns and bell-bottomed pants. The Royal Oak, Nautilus and Ingenieur. All of them first saw the day of light during the seventies, and in the watch?industry, this era seems to be making a comeback when it comes to design. The original Hamilton Pan Europ was introduced in 1971 and in recent years they've brought it back to life. The Chronograph version was redone and re-issued in 2011, and for 2014 there is a non-chronograph available. We go hands-on for a review with the seventies inspired looker.Hamilton, as a brand, dates back to 1892 (no connection to a bloke named Lewis Hamilton, as many people tend to ask me). Among the accolades of the brand are the pocket watch from 1912 ensuring railroad accuracy in the United States, and the 1957 Hamilton Ventura, the first electric watch available to the public. The latter is also famous for being Elvis Presley's watch of choice for the 1961 movie Blue

Interview - Independent watchmaker Thomas Schnelle
In our search for new and surprising independent watchmakers to share with you, we come across many different styles, ranging from highly classical to contemporary and expressive. In recent months we have discovered watches by Alexandre Hazemann, Minhoon Yoo, The¨® Levaltier and several others. All of these struck us in one way or another, which after some digging, often results in fascinating stories. Next up is a watchmaker from the north of Germany, who started out as a supplier for the industry and is now making a very cool Art Deco wristwatch! Let’s meet Thomas Schnelle, shall we?Thomas, can you quickly introduce yourself and explain a bit of your background as a watchmaker? Ad - Scroll to continue with article I studied toolmaking after secondary school in my native city in the north of Germany, and I quickly realised that this would not fulfil me. Af

Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Control Memovox Timer - Hands-On, Price
Earlier this year at the digital edition of Watches & Wonders, Jaeger-LeCoultre presented two Master Control Memovox models. The one which interests us today is the limited edition Master Control Memovox Timer model, a classic Memovox alarm watch with a twist. Along with the traditional alarm function (typically JLC), the Memovox comes with a novel complication in the form of a timer indication. Housed in a new 40mm Master Control case and fitted with a re-engineered edition of calibre 956, the caseback is now open to reveal the new strike-works system. However, the one thing that hasn't changed is the signature school bell sound of the alarm. Let’s take a closer look…Brief background on alarmsMost people today are bombarded with beeps and vibrations coming from their smartphones, smartwatches and Fitbits. There's always something buzzing that needs to be dealt with; be it your wake-up tone, another company email or a prod to walk more steps to reach your daily fitness