Recap: The Best Chronographs of Watches and Wonders 2024
An absolute must for any respectable watchmaker, the chronograph complication was once again well-represented at the 2024 edition of Watches and Wonders… To say the least, as we’ve seen some fascinating new models. What struck us most was the fact that many of these chronograph watches came with more than just a start-stop-reset function. Flyback, mono-pusher, split-seconds, high-frequency… Here are 6 of the most important new chronographs launched during this year’s Geneva fair.?A. Lange & Sohne Datograph Up/Down Blue DialFirst released in 1999, the Datograph by A. Lange & Sohne is one of the most important watches in the chronograph category. With a couple of other models, it started the trend for in-house, high-end chronograph movements. To celebrate its 25th anniversary this year, ALS releases a limited edition of the second generation Datograph, the Up/Down version, in white gold with a handsome blue dial. Apart from this new combination of material

SIHH 2019 - IWC Pilots Watch Automatic TOP GUN IW326901 (Specs & Price)
If you've seen the 1986 blockbuster Top Gun, you're familiar with the Naval Fighter Weapons School for elite pilots, established in Southern California in 1969. IWC has paid homage to?Top Gun since 2007 and is releasing its latest three-hand automatic in the series with a new movement and a matte black ceramic case. Launched simultaneously with the new Pilot's Watch Automatic Spitfire, the TOP GUN model also shares the Spitfire's IWC 32110 automatic calibre, although the case is 2mm larger than the 39mm Spitfire and has a more modern aesthetic.The dial is reminiscent of IWC's Big Pilot's watch series, and the black ceramic case is stealthy and contemporary. Built with pilots in mind, the matte finish prevents reflections and ceramic is more durable than steel, while the black dial with large Arabic numerals offers maximum legibility. It's fair to say that the majority of buyers will never be ejected from a fighter jet, but the Pilot's Watch Automatic TOP GUN is also at home in the driv

Video: The Racing Pedigree of the Laurent Ferrier Sport Auto
The Laurent Ferrier Sport Auto isn’t the brand’s first attempt to enter the highly competitive luxury sports watch market. Three years ago, LF presented a watch with typical features of the category: an integrated design, a combination of robustness and superior mechanics combined with a rather personal touch to make this Grand Sport unique in the sports watch field. Yet, the production was highly confidential, and the price was equally exclusive because the watch was equipped with a complex tourbillon movement. Last year, Laurent Ferrier presented the Sport Auto, a watch that symbolises far more than just a new model in the collection; it’s a watch that results from a long-time friendship, born on the race track and infused with a passion for motorsport. This story, as well as the entire creation process behind the Laurent Ferrier Sport Auto, is the topic of our latest in-depth movie (posted above). Behind the Laurent Ferrier Sport Auto is a st

John Calvins Austerity and the Birth of the Swiss Watch Industry - Monochrome Watches
The Protestant Reformation, inaugurated by Martin Luther's posting of his 95 theses in opposition to the Roman Catholic Church, began a wave of reform that swept across Europe and into the New World of the Americas. In Switzerland, John Calvin became a leader of the movement, reforming not only Church doctrine, but also the city of Geneva. Who knew that his puritanical sway over the city would be the catalyst for the Swiss Watch Industry?The Reformation cry, “Sola Fide (Faith Alone) and Sola Scriptura (Scripture Alone)”, Calvin took in a literal fashion by imposing anti-sumptuary laws in Geneva. In 1541, he banned the wearing of jewelry. No longer could the shops display enticing gold and diamonds, and the jewelers found themselves in a quandary. Refugees from France and Italy came to the rescue, teaching the jewelers how to make watches. Calvin deemed the watch to be a practical instrument, and so allowed its production and sale and unwittingly created a loophole. This all

The New And Awesome TAG Heuer Carrera Glassbox Chronograph In Gold
The buzz surrounding TAG Heuer’s celebration of the 60th anniversary of the iconic Carrera chronograph was hard to miss this year. The brand marked this significant milestone by introducing several timepieces to the collection, much to the delight of enthusiasts. Earlier in the year, we were happy to unveil the Carrera Glassbox references and the 60th Anniversary Edition Panda. Now, it’s time to introduce the captivating gold version, a timepiece that embodies the cherished features of the Carrera Glassbox while exuding style with its yellow gold case and dial.While some may question the suitability of gold for a sports watch, it’s worth remembering that winners receive gold medals. Jack Heuer designed the Carrera for race car drivers, and he had a tradition of gifting gold-cased Carreras to the fastest individuals on Earth, including Ferrari drivers and the remarkable Ronnie Peterson, a Swedish racing legend. In 1972, Jack Heuer presented Ronnie Peterson with the 18k