Watches NEWS
Hands-on with the new Audemars Piguet Royal Oak QP Ultra-Thin
If anything has become clear when reviewing all the novelties presented by Audemars Piguet earlier this month, it is the simple fact that it has gone all-in in terms of complexity. Sure, there are some new time-and-date models for the Royal Oak and the Code 11.59 collections, but (ultra)complicated watchmaking by AP is in the spotlight this year. Not only did we get to see the most complex wristwatch Audemars Piguet has ever made, but others impressed us with their sheer mechanical prowess. One such watch is the newest version of the once-thinnest QP wristwatch in the world, the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Selfwinding Perpetual Calendar Ultra-Thin 41mm. And although it has been bested since it was first released in 2019, it is still a mighty watch to behold and handle, and one of our favourite watches from AP for various reasons.Although ultra-thin watchmaking is technically not a complication in itself, as it doesn’t do anything extra for a watch other than cut down height, we con
Cool Finds: Highlights Patek Philippe 175th Anniversary Auction by Christie's - Monochrome-Watches
Patek Philippe…?The most conservative, traditional and however desirable manufacture?is celebrating its 175th anniversary October?13th, 2014. Meaning that a very special collection will be introduced. Alongside this event, we have to remind Patek’s enormous history, with so many great watches manufactured. As a tribute, Christie’s will be holding one of the best auctions ever seen, with some of the most beautiful, rare, exclusive and interesting Pateks for sale. So, sell the house, sell one of your kidneys or sell the kids and?invest!Editor's note: Don't forget that next Monday (October 13th, 2014) is Patek's 175th anniversary. We'll be in Geneva, at the Manufacture,?for a live report of the novelties presented. Stay tuned on Monochrome-Watches!We won’t tell you which one is the rarest or the most exclusive?here, as all of them are almost unique and in stunning conditions. We’re talking about a really?serious selection made by?Christie’s Watch Depart
Industry news - Omega Opens New High-Tech Factory in Biel
Today, Omega just unveiled their brand new eco-friendly premises designed by Japanese architect Shigeru Ban. Located next to the brand's historical building where the brand is headquartered, the new factory was inaugurated today (Editor's note: November 2, 2017) and it is an important step for the brand, allowing it to centralise its forces, hitherto spread out between various sites. No revolution there (which Omega does not need) but an evolution bringing watch assembly training and quality control (T2/T3/T4 for those familiar with the Swatch Group production flows), under one roof, and providing a cutting-edge setting to operate the brand's production activities. The technology used inside the building is indeed impressive. This is evident with watchmakers and operators' workplaces benefiting from robotic assistance at the highest level, but also with the organization of the workflow and control procedures. The central stock is fully automated and
Interview - Frederic Arnault CEO TAG Heuer On Partnership with Porsche
We've said it repeatedly, but cars and mechanical watches are a natural match. The dedication to precision and fine mechanics, the passion they arouse, and the fact that many car enthusiasts are also watch aficionados (and vice versa) have made collaborations between watch manufactures and car brands a classic cocktail of our industry. But not all partnerships are equal Yesterday, TAG Heuer and Porsche announced their alliance, resulting in the Carrera Porsche Chronograph. And clearly, knowing the shared history of the brands over the last 50 years, this is one of the most natural brand partnerships we've seen recently. In addition to exploring the watch, we've decided to ask the CEO of TAG Heuer, Frederic Arnault, what the alliance with Porsche was all about.Frederic Arnault, CEO of TAG Heuer, on the left and Detlev von Platen, Member of the Executive Board for Sales and Marketing at Porsche AG, on the rightXavier Markl, MONOCHROME – How was the connection between TAG Heuer and
The Collector's Series - Our first female collector and her glorious vintage Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso - Monochrome Watches
It happened. Although, quite frankly, I am rather ashamed to admit it, as it simply shouldn’t have taken so long. This week, it gives me great pleasure to welcome our first female collector, Lara Berry and her glorious vintage Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso to the Collector's Series.In a previous life, Lara worked for Experian in the finance data industry. Having spent several years in Hong Kong, Tokyo and Australia, she returned to the UK, when in 2015 she left the firm as an Account Director. She joined the well-regarded vintage watch dealers – Sonning Vintage Watches in March 2015 to help support the company’s growth plans. Now a Director at Sonning, I have to confess, prior to the interview, I asked Lara if she ever looked back on her corporate days since becoming self-employed. She simply smiled and said it was the best thing she had ever done. I am sure many of you would share the sentiment. Without further adieu, Lara and her vintage Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso:
[Rating:(5 / 5 stars)]
