In-Depth: The New Girard-Perregaux Neo Constant Escapement (Incl. Video)
Girard-Perregaux brings back a captivating concept, which was, to many, one of the most interesting technical developments in modern watchmaking: the Girard-Perregaux Constant Escapement. This novel escapement is one of the most sophisticated answers to a crucial question for watchmakers: how to handle the waning driving force supplied by barrels? The first-generation Constant Escapement was a technical marvel which received much praise from insiders and collectors. It now comes in a new form integrating both aesthetic and technical evolutions. Meet the Girard-Perregaux Neo Constant Escapement.The Constant Escapement: Concept & HistoryConstant force is a holy grail of watchmaking and chronometry. In a mechanical watch, the energy is stored by the mainspring inside the barrel. The energy is released via the gear train that drives the hands. The speed at which the gears rotate is controlled by the regulator that comprises the escapement and the oscillator. The escapement transfers en

Baselworld Will Be Back in 2022... But It Will Be Very Different - Monochrome Watches
What has just been announced by the MCH Group, the company behind the Basel watch fair, came as a surprise. We thought and even announced that Baselworld had gone, replaced by another show called Hour Universe. Baselworld was held for the last time in 2019. Seriously hit by the coronavirus pandemic and the departure of most of the large exhibiting brands, the organisation cancelled the 2020 and 2021 editions. However, the MCH Group has just officially announced that the show will be back with its historical name but makes clear that Baselworld 2022, expected in March/April next year, won’t be the same as past editions of the fair.?As Michel Loris-Melikoff, Managing Director of the show, explains, “the Baselworld brand must remain, but it must fundamentally change“. On both statements, we couldn’t agree more. While we’re quite happy to see the return of the emblematic watch fair, it has to change drastically… In fact, it is forced to change since most

Introducing The Yema Superman 500 Dato Collection
The Yema Superman is undoubtedly one of the most emblematic watches ever produced by the French watchmaking industry, with a recognition that goes far beyond its country of origin. Launched in the early 1960s, it was a typical skin-diver watch, a serious instrument for recreational diving enthusiasts, back then, a flourishing market. After some years of absence, both the brand and the watch have been tastefully revived, with the Yema Superman developing into a proper collection comprising multiple styles and even complications (such as GMT models). Last year, the Jura-based brand introduced an upgraded edition named the Yema Superman 500. And now, it comes in two new versions with cool dial colours and a date. Born in 1963, the Superman is clearly Yema’s star watch. Introduced as a slightly simplified and more accessible alternative to the professionally oriented dive watches on the market (think , Blancpain or Omega), it quickly made an impression on the

The New Patek Philippe ref. 5200G - Gondolo 8 Days with Day & Date Indication - Monochrome Watches
Patek Philippe just introduced a new reference in their collection, which might easily become a future classic. The new ref. 5200G (the G refers to its white gold case) is part of the Gondolo collection and features an 8-Days manually wound movement with a day and date indicator. Albeit ref. 5200G is an entirely new model, it shares some similarities with two other Gondolo models, both the ref.5124 and the legendary ref.?5100 10-Day Power Reserve?Millennium Edition, nicknamed?“Manta Ray.”The Gondolo collection finds its inspiration in Art Deco and offers less common case shapes, like tonneau, rectangular, square and cushion shaped cases. Launched in 1993, this collection was named after the “Chronometro Gondolo” watches that Patek Philippe designed for the renowned Brazilian retailer Gondolo & Labouriau in the early 1900’s. Just look at the side of the new 5200G’s case and you’ll immediately recognize the Art Deco influences. Ad

Weekly Watch Photo - TAG Heuer Autavia - Monochrome Watches
Some years ago – in a period when TAG Heuer had advertisements with celebrities who know how to strap a watch on their wrist instead of holding them in their hands – they had a “Classics” collection comprising a variety of re-issues of important watches from the 1960’s and 1970’s. Today our Weekly Watch Photo is dedicated to one of these watches, which is also one of my all time favorites… the TAG Heuer Autavia.The Classics collection featured the first re-issues of the Monaco, but also featured the Monza (and the gorgeous Monza Calibre 36 with an El Primero movement), several Carrera models and the Autavia was the last model to become part of this collection. The first years these models came out with just “Heuer” on the dial, later “TAG” and the new logo were added. My first expensive watch was a vintage (and by that I mean it’s from the 1970’s and not a re-issue that is a few years old) Autavia, a rare one