Grand Seiko Heritage Calibre 9SA5 Platinum SLGH007J
In March 2020, Grand Seiko celebrated the 60th anniversary of its foundation by introducing a newly designed watch featuring a cutting-edge?and advanced movement, the Hi-Beat Calibre 9SA5 with multiple innovations, such as the novel Dual Impulse escapement. First presented in a gold case, followed by?a limited edition in steel, and a few weeks ago in a non-limited “Shirakaba” edition, both the design and movement returns this year in a high-end limited edition made of platinum and adorned by a stunning dial reflecting the spirit and vision of Kintaro Hattori, founder of Seiko. Meet the Grand Seiko Heritage Calibre 9SA5 Platinum “Wood Grain” SLGH007J.In 1881, Hattori (only aged 21) founded Seiko and as such, the brand is now celebrating its 140th anniversary. In honour of its founder and to celebrate 140 years of continuous operations, the brand is releasing several new models today, including this superb limited edition that focuses once again on nature, innovat

Just Because: Artcurial to Auction Watches and Clocks Owned by Charles de Gaulle
As you know, we rarely talk about auctions on MONOCHROME. We prefer to focus on what we know best: independent watchmaking, explaining fine mechanics and talking about new watches. Yet, from time to time, something sparks our interest – and in the present case, it did on a personal level, maybe due to a certain chauvinism of mine as a Frenchman. Auctions always generate doubts regarding the originality or provenance of watches, but this time I’m going beyond these questions as the origin of the watches is undeniably special. Coming Monday, December 16th, French auction house Artcurial is hosting a sale entirely dedicated to former French President and important military figure of WWII, Charles de Gaulle, including several timepieces previously owned by the General.?Charles de Gaulle (1890-1970), known in France as General de Gaulle, was a French military officer who led the Free French Forces against Nazi Germany in World War II and chaired the Provisional Government of the

Oris & Audi - The Oris Audi Sport III Limited Edition at WEC 6 Hours of Nurburgring - Monochrome Watches
For returning readers it is a known fact most members of team Monochrome are car-guys to some extent. Obviously, both watchmaking and the automotive industry are intertwined extensively, so when Oris gave us the chance to attend the FIA World Endurance Championship 6 Hours of Nurburgring race, I jumped on the occasion! 6 hours of the fastest prototypes and road-car-based racers on the planet, blasting around an historical track sounds like a good way to spend a weekend! Oh, and there was a new watch. Quite a cool, special watch, to be handed to the drivers of Audi Sport: the Oris Audi Sport III Limited Edition.Most people might know the brand to be focused on dive watches but that doesn't do them justice, as they are capable of so much more! They have brought us the world's first automatic altimeter for the wrist, or a watch with in-house movement featuring a single barrel storing up to 100 hours of power, neither of these are in the diving collection. And to top that, Oris has had a s

Porsche Design Chronograph 911 GT3 Flyback
Today, Porsche (the car manufacturer) has just unveiled the latest generation of its track-ready sports car, the new 911 GT3 – 992 generation. Once again an extremely capable track-oriented car, it will certainly be pure adrenaline behind the wheel. To coincide with this launch, sister-company Porsche Design has transferred the thrill of high-performance racing into a distinctive chronograph available exclusively to buyers of the new Porsche 992 GT3, and just like the car, it will be fully customisable. Here’s the new Porsche Design Chronograph 911 GT3.The new Porsche 992 GT3Today marks the launch of the seventh generation of one of the most focussed 911s… High-performance, track-inspired, here’s the new Porsche 992 GT3. Once again, we’re looking at the best of Porsche?Motorsport’s racing technologies transferred into a production model. Based on the architecture of the latest generation of 911 Carrera, this new GT3 model features true racing aerodyn

Panerai Luminor Due 3 Days Titanio 42mm PAM00728 - Hands-On Review (Specs & Price)
Much to our satisfaction, we have seen smaller watches re-emerged over the past few years. Even Panerai, known to be on the large side, has been downsizing its iconic design, with its 42mm Luminor Due, which is now offered for the first time in a handsome, light-weight titanium version. We go hands-on with the slender PAM00728 or Panerai Luminor Due 3 Days Titanio 42mm.The elegant Panerai Luminor Due was introduced back in 2016, providing a dressy option in the Italian maker collection. The 42mm Due retains the classic, iconic Luminor styling but in a smaller, thinner version. The case has a great balance. It is superbly shaped with its signature bridge protecting the crown and drilled lugs. It is unmistakably Panerai but different. It is slender, sitting just great under your cuff and it wears super comfortable, which is especially true for the lightweight titanium version. Not to mention the look that is simply stunning - at least for those who like Panerai watches Ad - Sc