Hands-On Code 11.59 by Audemars Piguet Selfwinding Diamonds 15210OR
Audemars Piguet's Code 11.59 collection was unveiled in 2019 and marked the brand’s first important product launch in 20 years. Comprised of six models, 13 references, and three of in-house calibres, its distinctive 41mm case design was, as the brand pointed out, consciously thought for both men and women. Presented in January 2022, these two gem-set models blanketed with more than 1,000 brilliant-cut diamonds on the case are clearly earmarked for women and marked a first for the Code 11.59 collection.Diamond paved gold cases and dialsThe complex architecture of the 41mm case, with its octagonal middle case sandwiched between a thin bezel and round caseback, sparkles with the light of 473 brilliant-cut diamonds (~2.69 carats). The most salient feature of the case is the octagonal central container that pays homage to the iconic octagonal bezel of the Royal Oak. Viewed from the side, you can how the floating lugs are hollowed and welded to the bezel module. Every surface is paved

The New RJ Arraw Chronograph 45mm - The New Era of Romain Jerome - Monochrome Watches
It's official. Romain Jerome has been rebranded as RJ and made its debut at Baselworld 2018 with the new Arraw collection, its first line of men's and women's watches that will set the tone of things to come. A derivation of the Titanic DNA and Moon Dust models, the Arraw line is poised to become the building block for future developments and was assembled by the new RJ team in a record time of just two months. Having looked at the 45mm Arraw chronograph closely and strapped it on the wrist, the overall impression at MONOCHROME was that the watch is a less rambunctious, more contained and wearable offshoot of its predecessors.The foundationsFounded in 2004, Romain Jerome deployed successful shock and awe' tactics with its steampunk aesthetics and materials sourced from the oddest places on Earth including the hull of the rusting Titanic, fragments of Apollo 11, moon dust and even debris from the Eyjafjallajokull volcano in Iceland. Playing the millennial card to great advantage, Romain

Doxa SUB300 Sharkhunter Black Lung - the Second and Final Batch - Monochrome Watches
An icon among icons… This is how we would sum up the Doxa SUB300. Recently, the brand has revived its most legendary model in multiple editions, starting with an almost 1-to-1 re-edition for the 50th anniversary, followed by specific “Aqualung” branded models in orange, silver or black – the so-called “Sharkhunter”. However, there was one major problem with them: they were all highly limited and quickly sold out. Today, Doxa announces the second and final batch of 100 pieces for the SUB300 Sharkhunter Black Lung… So you’d better be fast!The Doxa SUB300The concept of dive watches, as a professional tool, only appeared in the early 1950s, with the launch of the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms?and the Submariner, both in 1953 and later followed by Omega with the Seamaster 300 and Seiko with the 62Mas in 1957. Doxa came on the market later though, although when it did, it was with a watch that would make quite an impression.Urs Eschle, one of the h

Panerai Luminor Due - From Divers Watch to Dress Watch - Monochrome Watches
When you think about Panerai, you think about the Italian Navy and about bold, sporty and thick watches. Ideal for diving, leisure and casual events. But for wearing with a business shirt and suit at work or a fancy party; you probably turned to other brands when you needed a dress watch. In May 2016 Panerai had some good news for Panerai aficionados: thinner and more elegant. These new models were shown to the Dutch press and retailers last Wednesday, so we finally had some hands-on time with the new models.?Officine Panerai: a brief introductionThe history of Panerai begins in Florence, where Giovanni Panerai opened the city's first watchmaker's shop in 1860. The company's history is forever linked to the Italian Navy, when Panerai became a supplier of precision navigation and time instruments to the Italian Navy for many years. Who does not know the Luminor and Radiomir watches, amongst others used by the Italian Navy’s commando frogmen? Ad - Scroll to continue with

Vacheron Constantin and the Geneva Seal - Monochrome Watches
In the world of watches and especially the world of Haute Horlogerie, there are several quality signs. The COSC chronometer test the most well known and many timepieces from many brands are certified by the?Official Swiss Chronometer Testing Institute. Another proof of quality, one that goes much further than ‘just’ the timepiece’s accuracy, is the Hallmark of Geneva or also referred to as Geneva Seal. As of June 2013 all Vacheron Constantin timepieces bearing this seal of quality will comply with the newest standards. In two videos Vacheron Constantin explains the Geneva Seal’s history and the impact on the production of watches of this Genevan brand.?The Geneva Seal was set up on November 6, 1886. This was done on request of the Societe des Horloger, who saw the international reputation of Genevan watches being compromised by both Swiss and foreign counterfeiters. The main task was to protect the reputation of the name “Geneva” which was inscribed