Code 11.59 by Audemars Piguet Smoked Dial & Two-Tone Case Hands-On
One year ago, Audemars Piguet launched what is probably its most important watch in the last 25 years: the two other major launches were the 1972 Royal Oak and the 1993 Royal Oak Offshore. An entirely new collection, a watch that we described as “the discreet Audemars Piguet, made for accomplished collectors” in our review, a watch with important new movements… and a watch that also generated frenzied discussions! Maybe Code 11.59 wasn’t bold enough. Maybe it was too discreet. Certainly, it has been misunderstood. A week ago, Audemars Piguet revealed a spiced-up, bolder take on the watch with new smoked lacquered dials and two-tone cases.The inaugural version of the Code 11.59 by Audemars Piguet, with a monochromatic lacquered dial with a polished surface.While we’ve already introduced this new sub-collection of no fewer than 10 references, we had the opportunity to have a hands-on session with most of the models. As you know, press images rarely do justic

Girard-Perregaux Laureato Absolute Light Sapphire // Hands-On, Price
For once, a watch is given a name that makes sense! The Laureato Absolute is a study in light: thanks to the titanium structural elements of the case, the Girard-Perregaux Laureato Absolute Light is lightweight, and thanks to its sapphire crystal case, light penetrates and illuminates the skeletonised movement. A limited-edition of 88 pieces, this latest iteration transforms the technical components of the movement into design elements. Although we’ve already seen something similar in the form of?2019 GP Laureato Skeleton Earth to Sky Edition, a skeletonised model with the same calibre 1800, this new model notches up the light factor even further.Brief background of the LaureatoLike many brands, Girard-Perregaux is exploring the world of high-tech materials to give a fresh face and attitude to its core and ever-growing Laureato collection. When it was first introduced in 1975, the Laureato was positioned as the brand's take on the luxury sports watch, a new genre that had just hi

The 3 Best Watches of the LVMH Watch Week // Buying Guide
Earlier this week, French luxury powerhouse LVMH staged its first Watch Week in Dubai to showcase the novelties of its four brands, Bvlgari, Hublot, Zenith and TAG Heuer (even though the latter had no new watches on display), which we’ve covered on MONOCHROME. But to end this rather intense week, let’s take a look at the three best watches that were introduced at the LVMH Watch Week in Dubai – at least, in our opinion.Bvlgari Octo Finissimo Automatic Satin-Polished in SteelAs you know, we love the Octo Finissimo at MONOCHROME. It’s bold, modern, refined, complex in shape and it features a fascinating ultra-thin movement – Calibre BVL138 with micro-rotor –? just 2.23mm thick, making it a contender for the thinnest time-only watch on the market today. For the LVMH Watch Week, Bvlgari brings a new version of its highly acclaimed watch in steel… Well, you could argue that this watch already existed.? True, but the new version gets rid of the sandbl

Weekly Watch Photo - Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Minute Repeater 1833 - Monochrome Watches
Our own contributor Time2tic got some time with a magnificent Jaeger-LeCoultre and shot two gorgeous photos of one of the most desirable timepieces from from this brand: the Jaeger-Lecoultre Master Minute Repeater 1833 in rose gold, a limited edition of 175 pieces.One cannot forget a large rose gold watch on the wrist. The weight of the precious metal and its warmth are constant subtle reminders that the incredible watch is there, hiding under the sleeve of the shirt. This particular watch is both an amazing squeletton watch and a minute repeater, and there are only very few models from even fewer brands, which can compete. Ad - Scroll to continue with article If you add to this already pretty face a patented solution of welding the gongs of the minute repeater mechanism to the back of the sapphire glass you obtain one of the most innovative minute repeater of t

Watches and Formula 1 - Episode 2 - Ferrari and Hublot - Monochrome Watches
Without a doubt, the biggest name in Formula 1 certainly is Ferrari. It is the only brand still running since the formation of the Official Formula 1 Championship in 1950. The have competed in every single race (except the very first one) and in every single season of the championship, with some of the biggest, most illustrious names behind the wheel. Partner it up with a bold, relatively young Swiss watchmaking brand like Hublot and you have a strong, flamboyant bond! Here is our second installment of Watches and Formula 1, with Ferrari and Hublot.One way or another, you cannot ignore their part in the success of Formula 1 and I everyone has to acknowledge the pedigree of the brand and it's racing team – and everything they did for the sport of motor racing. The most important part is to understand just what Ferrari (the car maker) and the Scuderia Ferrari (the racing team) have achieved over the years, and that is A LOT! Ad - Scroll to continue with article