Ulysse Nardin Freak Vision (SIHH 2018) - Specs & Price
Last year, at the SIHH 2017, Ulysse Nardin introduced an impressive piece, a concept watch featuring no less than 10 major innovations, as a showcase to demonstrate the brand’s savoir-faire: the InnoVision 2.?Every part of this watch boasted an innovation, whether the escapement, the display, the winding system or even the hands. And while last year’s piece wasn’t meant to be commercialized, it is now time for Ulysse Nardin to deploy some of these features into serially produced pieces… Meet the?Ulysse Nardin Freak Vision.Background – The FreakThe Freak collection by Ulysse Nardin has always been a showcase to explore new technologies. Remember that back in 2001, the inaugural Freak was the first watch ever commercialized with an escapement made of silicon (or?silicium?in French) – an innovation that is now spread all over the industry. A proper game changer.?Later, in 2005, Ulysse Nardin chose to use a diamond escapement and that same year, they deb

The Rotonde de Cartier Precious Icon Set
Cartier is a revered manufacturer of haute horlogerie. It is amongst three of the best-selling luxury watch brands in the world, sitting alongside the likes of Omega and . In addition to creating Geneva Seal movements, it has also mastered the art and form of crafting tourbillons and skeletonised watches that expose the high level of skill and craftsmanship behind in-house manufacture. Extending upon the complexity of this watchmaking repertoire is a trio of new mechanical timepieces from the Rotonde de Cartier watch collection that combine two complications – the skeleton and the mysterious. The three mechanisms go by the name of Astromysterieux, Mysterious Astrotourbillon and Skeleton Mysterious Double Tourbillon. The first mysterious movement appeared on a clock named “Model A” in 1912, featuring a transparent dial and two hands that appeared to be magically suspended in mid-air. The concept was originally perfected by one of Cartier's watch

Mastering shapes, for gentlemen - Review of the Cartier Drive in Gold (live pics, specs & price) - Monochrome Watches
If there’s one thing and one thing only to remember about Cartier (among many others of course) is how this Old Maison always mastered shapes, like not other brand achieved and always with a restrained, somehow old-fashioned elegance. Recently, the brand made?incursions in new worlds, like for instance the sporty Calibre de Cartier and its Diver edition. They also introduced a yachting-style Ronde Croisiere. But this year, at the SIHH 2016, Cartier probably introduced THE watch that many of us were expecting: an elegant, shaped, refined watch, with just a bit of vintage appeal, an in-house movement and a price that surprised more than just a few. This watch is named?the Cartier Drive and it’s a pure?summary of why we love Cartier.Cartier, a Master of shapesOne thing is important to notice with?Cartier; unlike many brands, they always had a strong focus on shaped watches. Many brands tried to do this – especially in the 1920s and 1930s, where Art-Deco also influenced w

Oris Carl Brashear Chronograph Limited Edition Bronze - Hands-On Baselworld 2018 (Specs & Price)
One of the coolest bronze dive watches just received a new sibling, perhaps an even cooler bronze diving chronograph. For 2018 Oris introduces a new Limited Edition based on the original Carl Brashear commemorative watch from two years ago, and now adds a chronograph to the mix. We've already given you a short rundown of the watch, but now we had time to go hands-on with the Oris Carl Brashear Chronograph Limited Edition Bronze during Baselworld 2018.The initial Carl Brashear Limited Edition Bronze was an instant hit, pleasing Oris collectors worldwide – and naturally, it went sold-out quickly. Technically, there is nothing revolutionary about this new version, but it is the first time Oris has gone for a chronograph movement, a Sellita clone of the bulletproof Valjoux 7750, in the Divers Sixty-Five collection. And to be honest, it is a very welcome addition, broadening the range of the collection further and further. Like we mentioned in the previous artic

Jean-Marc Pontroue on Panerai's Innovations, New Materials, COVID-19, Environment and... Experiences! - Monochrome Watches
Jean-Marc Pontroue became CEO of Panerai in 2018, bringing new ideas, energy and a more contemporary approach to the brand. Although changes within the company were inevitable, the core values and instantly recognizable aesthetics remain intact. During the digital Watches & Wonders week, I talked with Jean-Marc about Panerai's plans and challenges in 2020 during this unprecedented Coronavirus pandemic. New models will launch as planned, while others will wait until next year as the company adapts to global boutique closures, cancelled events and a big shift to a single, major fair in Geneva. With a focus on the environment, partnerships and long-term ambassadors like Mike Horn, Panerai is poised to emerge from the crisis stronger than ever with exciting new projects and innovations in the works.While the interview was conducted some weeks ago, one of the first announcements made by Panerai’s CEO could already be seen yesterday when the brand introduced a new blue dial edition