In-Depth: The A. Lange & Sohne Datograph, the First 25 Years
In the realm of chronographs in 1999, it was customary across the watchmaking industry to rely upon outsourced calibres. , for example, was still using a modified Zenith El Primero to power the Daytona, and Patek Philippe had yet to introduce its in-house chronograph (2005); Patek’s 1998 chronograph 5070 was built upon the Lemania 2310 ebauche. Calibres like the Valjoux 7750, which had been introduced in the early 1970s, were adopted by many brands, and few new chronograph movements emerged after that. The few exceptions included the Frederic Piguet calibres 1180 and 1185, introduced in 1987 and 1988, respectively, designed by Edmond Capt, the same individual behind the creation of the 7750. Since 1996, Jaeger-LeCoultre utilised the calibre 829 in a limited edition with the Reverso Chronograph Retrograde, yet at the time, to make a chronograph, brands relied on outsourced movements and ebauches.Watchmaking companies began investing in calibre development in the 1990s, aiming to

Collector's Series - @nopstar83 and his Audemars Piguet 25734OR
Today we'll be talking with a collector from the other side of the world – that's the beauty of collecting these days, there are no borders anymore. His alias @Nopstar83 on Instagram may be familiar to you, since his posts of wristshots with (mainly) Audemars Piguet watches truly attract the attention! We spoke to the 38-year old watch fan, who works in IT in Singapore, about one of his favourite watches – an Audemars Piguet, as you'd expect from him, but not your typical Royal Oak. Instead, we'll be talking about a rare and very special watch, the Edward Piguet Ultra-thin Skeleton Quantieme Perpetuel in rose gold reference 25734OR.Frank Geelen, MONOCHROME – How did you get so interested in Audemars Piguet?@Nopstar83 – I got into luxury watches more than 10 years ago, in my first job in the IT industry. I started collecting other brands like TAG Heuer and Panerai, but once I held my first Audemars Piguet in my hands – back in 2009 – I knew there was

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Selfwinding Flying Tourbillon Titanium Hands-On
The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak, in addition to being one of the most emblematic watches on the market, the watch that created the luxury sports watch category and one of the hottest pieces currently for sale, has hosted a variety of complications in its complex case. The tourbillon is no stranger to the RO but has always been sort of a rara avis in this watch. About a week ago, Audemars Piguet introduced the Royal Oak Selfwinding Flying Tourbillon, with a movement never used in this collection, and a more contemporary approach. Among the three versions presented, one caught our attention. There was no steel case or blue guilloche dial here, but instead an unprecedented titanium case and sandblasted dial. Let’s have a closer look at this surprising reference 26530TI.?BackgroundIntroduced in 1972, the Royal Oak inaugurated an entirely new concept: the luxury sports watch with an integrated bracelet. A robust and water-resistant steel case, a delicate extra-thin movement, a refined g

VIDEO - Discovering Bvlgari Serpenti Seduttori with Model Lily Aldridge and CEO JC Babin
The Serpenti (snake in English) has been Bvlgari’s signature, iconic, cult women’s watch design for decades. Bold, feminine, precious, this watch captures the alluring sensuality of the snake that has become Bvlgari’s mascot in both jewellery and watch pieces.?This year, the Rome-based brand revisits its cult Serpenti watch. More contemporary and versatile, meet the Bvlgari Serpenti Seduttori. Born to be gold, the Serpenti Seduttori is clad in precious metal, with or without a sprinkling of diamonds.? The iconic viper-shaped head, a motif that descends from the historic Serpenti Tubogas model, is reinterpreted here and opens a new chapter in the world of Serpenti timepieces. At the same time, the Serpenti Seduttori is thinner than ever and comes on an extremely supple new bracelet with a hexagonal stylised pattern inspired by the first Serpenti watches. A versatile watch made for more than one occasion. To discover this new Bvlgari

The fight of the Titans - Unique pieces from Patek Philippe, FP Journe & Kari Voutilainen for Only Watch 2015 (live photos) - UPDATE with results, including the most expensive wristwatch ever - Monochrome-Watches
Handling unique pieces is for us a quite recurrent privilege. I know this will sound posh, but that’s our daily job (what a difficult life you’ll admit). Well, the truth is that nowadays, many brands come with unique watches, because of?a special request or watches made to create the buzz. However, the three watches you’re about to see are not the kind of?timepieces?you’ll see everyday – well in fact, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to handle the finest from the finest, 3 exceptional unique timepieces made by 3 master manufactures. The point is not to debate on?which is the best, but just to show you 3 of the best watches to be auctioned for Only Watch 2015. UPDATE: The Unique?Patek Philippe ref. 5016A-010 Minute Repeater Tourbillon Perpetual Calendar in stainless steel reached a stratospheric 7,300,000 Swiss Francs, making it THE most expensive wristwatch ever sold during an?auction.?in the left corner, the heavyweight, the title holder, Patek