Watches NEWS
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
Spotted - The Watches of Dutch King Willem-Alexander on Koningsdag
April 27th in the Netherlands is Koningsdag or King’s Day. It is a national holiday and celebrates the birth of King Willem-Alexander who was born on 27 April 1967 to Princess Beatrix and diplomat Claus van Amsberg. He became Prince of Orange when his mother became Queen of the Netherlands on 30 April 1980. Willem-Alexander became King in 2013 after Queen Beatrix abdicated. The King is married to M¨¢xima Zorreguieta Cerruti, who is now Queen consort and they have three daughters. And because MONOCHROME has Dutch roots (doesn’t it, Frank Geelen?), we thought it would be a good time to look at the wristwatches of the King, as he owns a few interesting pieces.The first watch spotted on King Willem-Alexander’s wrist is a stainless-steel Datejust on a jubilee bracelet, with a blue dial. A classic timepiece that works well with formal and casual attire. Willem-Alexander wore this watch when he got married in February 2002.? Ad - Scroll to continue with article
The US-only Bulgari Octo Finissimo Automatic in yellow gold.
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the first-ever Bulgari Boutique in the United States. And although that might seem insignificant to some, Bulgari has taken the occasion to present a tantalising limited edition based on one of its most iconic watches: the Octo Finissimo Automatic. This horological sculpture, with its mix of sharp, straight lines and a round bezel, hardly needs introducing. However, to offer something a bit different, this US-only Bulgari Octo Finissimo Automatic Limited Edition is made of yellow gold, as if it were touched by King Midas himself.Using the very familiar Octo Finissimo design, this limited edition measures 40mm in diameter and just 6.40mm in height. The construction of the full yellow gold case actually relies on the Octo Finissimo S, with beefed-up water-resistance (100m vs 50m for the non-S) thanks to the slightly redesigned case and the inclusion of a screw-down crown. The yellow gold crown has a black ceramic insert. The finishing of the case i
First Look: The new Tank Louis Cartier with Automatic Movement
Louis Cartier's Tank watch, introduced in 1917, marked a before and after in men's wristwatches. Breaking with the taste for ornately decorated cases, the Tank Normale's geometric case, inspired by an aerial view of armoured Renault tanks deployed in WW1, was a precursor of the clean minimalist lines of Art Deco. Thanks to its well-executed and disarmingly simple design, the Tank Normale proved incredibly versatile, spawning a legion of Tanks, including the 1922 Tank Louis Cartier. Also known as the Tank LC, it was a larger edition with a more pronounced rectangular profile and masculine personality. Today, Cartier releases a new Tank Louis Cartier Automatic with more generous dimensions in pink and yellow gold cases, powered by the brand’s automatic Calibre 1899 MC.Taking the elemental features of a Renault tank and adapting them to a wristwatch was, in retrospect, a stroke of genius. The tank tread of the armoured vehicle became the lateral brancards or sides of the watch that
Industry Only Watch Charity Auction Returns in 2021
Only Watch is a unique initiative created by Luc Pettavino. This charity timepiece auction held every two years brings together the biggest names of the industry to benefit research on muscular dystrophy. The ninth edition of this charity auction, Only Watch 2021, will take place on Saturday, 6 November 2021. Unique timepieces created by over 50 of the world's best watchmakers will be offered to raise funds.?Every two years since 2007, Only Watch auctions unique timepieces to raise funds for a good cause: research for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Under the Patronage of His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco, Only Watch was founded and is organised by Luc Pettavino, President of the Association Monegasque Contre les Myopathies.?This charitable initiative brings together the biggest names of the industry. With over EUR 70 million raised since 2005, Only Watch has not only become a highly respectable charity auction, but also an important event in the international horological cal
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