The Super-Openworked Artime ART01 Tourbillon Makes A Bold Statement
It’s tempting to delve into the detailed backgrounds of the individuals behind this independent creation, the Artime ART01 Tourbillon. Each name, obscure to the general public, speaks volumes to watch professionals and enthusiasts with a deeper knowledge of who’s who. Initially, I felt it imperative to provide profiles for each of them when tasked with writing this story. However, such information is readily available on Artime’s dedicated website and other internet resources, including reviews of the timepiece. To save you time, we’ll discuss the creators of the inaugural Artime ART01 Tourbillon as the watch prompts us to do so. And what an extraordinary watch it is.The ART01 is the inaugural creation of Artime Creations SA, conceived to showcase “the proven skills of its founders in the complete design of Haute Horlogerie creations.” The founders - Stephane Maturel, Fabrice Deschanel, Emmanuel Jutier, Manuel Thomas, Didier Bretin, and Claude Emmene

Historical Perspective - The Doxa Sub 300, The Dive Watch Personified - Monochrome Watches
Back in Baselworld 2016, Doxa introduced its 50th Anniversary Sub model, a great dive watch with unquestionable pedigree. We will discover why this dive watch is so important by looking back at an early Doxa Sub 300, belonging to one of the preeminent Doxa collectors – and a great friend of Monochrome and me, personally – Mr. Marco Thier. By examining the story behind its creation, I hope to shed the light on the importance of the Doxa Sub in the history and the evolutionary course of the dive watch in general.When discussing iconic dive watches, there are plenty of models that come in mind and almost anyone has his own list to exhibit. Leaving aside personal preferences for a moment, there are some models that defined the concept of dive watch (or were so radical that virtually changed the game). Quite simply, they encompassed the proper formula of technical and design elements, which made them primus inter pares in this segment of the industry. Besides the heavyweights, u

First Look: The New Hublot Big Bang Unico Saxem Green
In recent years, using coloured cases and transparency has become a prevalent trend in the luxury watch industry. However, Hublot stands out as the undisputed leader when creating an entire timepiece in vivid colours and transparent materials.?One striking example is the lemon-yellow Big Bang Tourbillon Neon Yellow, unveiled by Hublot in 2023. This exceptional timepiece was crafted using a material developed by Hublot’s R&D department, known as SAXEM – Sapphire Aluminium Oxide and Rare Earth Mineral – produced by blending aluminium oxide, the fundamental component of sapphire, with rare-earth elements such as thulium, holmium, and chromium. This material debuted in 2019 and the latest addition to the series is this Big Bang Unico Saxem Green.?The polished sapphire case of the Big Bang Unico Saxem Green has a 42mm diameter and a thickness of 14.5mm, featuring an exhibition caseback and bezel crafted from this innovative and durable material. Complementing the overa

Hands-on - Patek Philippe 5230 World Time, the evolution of an icon (live pics, specs & price) - Monochrome Watches
World Timers are among Patek Philippe's most popular complications, with a history spanning over almost 80 years (thanks to the collaboration with Cottier). A cult status confirmed at Phillips May 2016 auction, when a rare Patek 2523/1 from 1954 achieved US$ 2.5 million. At Baselworld 2016, Patek Philippe introduced two new models featuring this practical function, the 5930 World Time Chronograph and the 5230, replacing the now iconic reference 5130. Monochrome takes a closer look at this new take on an icon.The story of Patek Philippe World Timers is indissolubly linked to Louis Cottier. The son of a watchmaker, Cottier earned horological fame for developing mechanisms indicating the time for our 24 time zones on a single dial. From the 1930s onward, Cottier manufactured such watches for prestigious clients among which Patek Philippe, Vacheron Constantin, or Agassiz. In 1950, he created the first World Timer with 2 crowns, allowing to change the reference city when travelling. This

Roger Dubuis Excalibur Spider Pirelli Single Flying Tourbillon (Specs & Price)
What happens when legends collide? Especially when those legends are in different fields. Last year, Roger Dubuis, Lamborghini and Pirelli joined forces, and their unique partnership created the racing-inspired Excalibur Spider Pirelli Double Flying Tourbillon. The skeleton timepiece was not only a technically impressive watch with twin tourbillons front and centre, it also sported a rubber strap created from a Pirelli tyre that was actually used in a professional race. The watch helped connect the Roger Dubuis brand with high-performance motorsports and provided both racing fans and watch enthusiasts with an exciting and exclusive product. Roger Dubuis and Pirelli are back again this year with a new Excalibur Spider Pirelli, but this time with just one single flying tourbillon.Immediately after the Monaco F1 Grand Prix earlier in May, Roger Dubuis introduced the second season of the Excalibur Spider Pirelli with a digital launch. The strap, once again created from a race-driven Pirell