Hands-On - A. Lange & Sohne Datograph Lumen Up/Down (Live Pics, Specs & Price)
The A. Lange & Sohne Datograph needs little introduction. Presented in 1999 and updated in 2012, it is one of the most iconic chronographs on the market. The Dato features a flyback chronograph with a precisely jumping minutes counter, two sub-dials recognizable because of their unusual positioning, a quick-set oversized date and a power reserve indicator. Overall, the architecture and the finishing of its movement are a feast for the eyes. Any new model in the series always brings curiosity and excitement among A. Lange & Sohne fans (including team MONOCHROME) So, when we learnt that the Datograph Up/Down was getting the Lumen treatment, it naturally caught our attention.The “Lumen” touchA. Lange & Sohne watches are distinctively German, instantly recognizable for their functional and minimal design. Everything looks balanced, structured and crafted in the respect of a long-lasting watchmaking tradition. The Lumen series reinterprets this classic style with a t

Introducing The New Piaget Polo Perpetual Calendar Ultra-Thin
Piaget‘s watches across all the collections often embody bold and creative designs, admired by the public. Still, the brand’s watchmaking history is rooted in creating original and high-precision movements. Since 1874, the manufacture has been producing movements for its watches, and it has been a supplier of the most complex “engines” for many eminent watch brands in Switzerland. For connoisseurs and amateurs alike, Piaget is often synonymous with ultra-thin mechanical movements. The Piaget Polo collection started its life as a sporty alternative but recently moved into ultra-thin watchmaking with the Polo Skeleton. It is now joined by a new high-end model, the Piaget Polo Perpetual Calendar Ultra-Thin.?In 1979 Piaget introduced the Polo, a sporty-chic watch equipped with a 7P quartz calibre. The Polo was a must-have piece in the 1980s and has become the symbol of refined style, a subtle sense of beauty, and a luxurious lifestyle. The Polo collection evolved ov

The Top 10 Swiss Watch Brands in 2019 // Editorial
If the value of Swiss watch exports has slightly increased in 2019, the industry has been facing numerous challenges over the past years. Although high-end Swiss watches remain attractive, the low/mid-end segments have been under pressure as the smartwatch expansion seems to have come at the expense of the lower-priced Swiss timepieces.Most watch brands are traditionally secretive about their sales figures. Independents usually do not communicate numbers – with the notable exception of Audemars Piguet. Listed groups such as Swatch, Richemont or LVMH do not provide details by brand in their financial statements.Ever wondered just how big and popular some of the largest watch brands can get? MONOCHROME has listed the top 10 Swiss watch brands based on estimated 2019 sales. This article is based only on brands. As a comparison, the main actor of the Swiss watch industry is Swatch Group, with estimated sales of CHF 8,000 million in 2019 (8bn) –? spread over 15 watch brands and

The New Worldtimer Watches of Patek Philippe for 2022 - Monochrome Watches
With a history spanning over 80 years (and the famous Cottier watches), Worldtimers?are among?Patek Philippe's most popular complications. Patek was the brand to bring back this type of watches in 2000 with the launch of the 5110. The 5110 was replaced in 2006 by the 5130, itself replaced by the 5230 in 2016. On the occasion of Watches and Wonders 2022, the travel watch collection welcomes three new interpretations of existing models. The Blue Guilloche Platinum 5230P-001For the first time, Patek Philippe is interpreting the emblematic 5230 in a platinum case combined with a blue dial and strap. The dial center is adorned with a new circular hand-guilloche motif. Inside the watch is the fine and well-known Calibre 240HU (HU= Heure Universelle). This 27.50mm automatic movement features an off-center 22K gold micro-rotor, allowing a height below 3.9mm. It runs at 3Hz with 48 hours of power reserve. Ad - Scroll to continue with article

Oris Aquis GMT Date (Specs & Price)
The Oris stand was buzzing at Baselworld 2019. The brand's high-performance dive watches were the stars of the show with a surprising and very cool iteration of the Sixty-Five in a retro two-tone bronze and steel case and bracelet, and two Aquis limited edition models dedicated to ocean environmental projects, the Aquis Clean Ocean and the Aquis Great Barrier Reef III. ?Fleshing out the Aquis collection with a relevant and practical function for globetrotters, the brand presented its Aquis Diver GMT Date.?Diving into three different time-zonesThis is the first Aquis model fitted with a GMT complication. Assuming that most dive watches are bought for aesthetic reasons, and rarely get used beyond the odd dip in the pool, brands can get away with unusual combinations of complications that no professional diver would dream of using in the abyss. To date, the robust, water-resistant Aquis has received a host of additional functions, some of them like the chronograph and day/date models clea