Watches NEWS
Opinion - What We Expect From The Successor to the Patek Nautilus 5711
It all started as a rumour, back in January 2021. We heard that Patek Philippe was about to discontinue its most emblematic sports watch, the time-and-date Nautilus 5711 (which is, coincidentally, one of the most sought-after watches on the pre-owned market). And the rumour was indeed true, as Thierry Stern announced stopping the production of the model introduced in 2006, the blue dial 5711/1A-001. But afterwards, two things happened. First, the brand released a one-year-only farewell edition, the Olive Green Nautilus 5711. And, of course, there has been the Tiffany Blue 5711, made in 170 pieces only. And now, we know that the Nautilus 5711 is definitely gone and discontinued. This can’t be the end of the story for the time-and-date Patek Philippe Nautilus. Will there be a watch to keep the legend alive…? We believe so, and here’s what we’d like to see in the new Patek Philippe Nautilus – let’s call it 6711 for now.?The way Patek Philippe and its Pr
Chopard L.U.C XP II Sarto Kiton - Hands-On, Price
Chopard has partnered with the famous luxury Neapolitan tailor Kiton to create a limited edition of its ultra-thin L.U.C XP II models. The partnership between a watchmaker and a tailor is not as far-fetched as it sounds; both rely on highly skilled artisans, both have a profound respect for tradition, and both pursue refined finishes, comfort and longevity in their products. For the new L.U.C XP II Sarto Kiton dress watches, the dial is attired with a traditional houndstooth pattern, and the strap is made from cashmere.Sartorial elegancePartnerships between watchmakers and luxury fashion brands are on the rise. ?We've seen partnerships between watchmakers and shoemakers (Jaeger-LeCoultre and Christian Louboutin or Hublot and Berluti), watchmakers and tailors (Hublot and Sartoria Rubinacci) and even watchmakers and top-of-the-line jean makers (Oris Momotaro). Ad - Scroll to continue with article
Industry News: Swatch Group 2023 Results Show Growth, Positive Outlook for 2024
Following the announcement in July 2023 of its half-year results showing an impressive growth of 18% in sales, Swatch Group has just issued its key figures for the entire year 2023. The Biel-based conglomerate, owner of brands such as Omega, Longines, Tissot or Breguet, reports sales up by 12.6% at constant exchange rates, or 5.2% at current rates to CHF 7,888 million. Despite a slightly slower pace during the fourth quarter of the year, which might indicate a switch in the overall state of the business and industry, the Group remains positive in its 2024 outlook and expects “excellent growth prospects” for the year to come.?While not reaching the pre-pandemic sales levels – the Group reported sales of CHF 8,475 million in 2018 – Swatch Group can report strong sales in 2023 with close to CHF 8 billion turnover. That being said, the group also indicated a huge exchange rate impact and a challenging currency environment, with a hugely negative currency impact that
Hands-On - Oris Divers Sixty-Five Steel and Bronze (40mm and 36mm) Specs & Price
Oris expands its highly successful retro Divers Sixty-Five family with the incorporation of two models with a bronze ring hugging the rotating bezel. Exuding strong vintage appeal with the two-tone black and warm golden and bronze touches, it is patently clear that Oris has been listening to its customers and has tapped directly into the trend for smaller unisex case sizes (36mm) and the ongoing fascination with bronze. Presented in 40mm and 36mm diameters, the new Oris Divers Sixty-Five models won't sink you financially and retail for under CHF 2,000 for the models on a leather or NATO strap.Evolution, not revolutionLaunched in 2015, the Divers Sixty-Five was Oris' interpretation of a retro dive watch. Inspired by an Oris diver of 1965, the faithful vintage aesthetics of the model won immediate favour and were also an eye-opener for many watch enthusiasts who couldn't get over the excellent price/quality ratio.?Although some quibbled with its water-resistance threshold of just 100 met
Louis Moinet Metropolis - Hands-On Review (Specs & Price)
What makes the beauty of an object? Its design… Right, that was an easy answer. But if look closely, what is hidden behind the word “design”? Like in architecture, watchmaking uses shapes, proportions, perspectives, empty and?full parts, layers and steps, in order to create a three dimensional object. This is what Louis Moinet tends to do with their new watch, the?Metropolis. More contemporary, more sculptural, still with a?proprietary?movement of great quality but with a more aggressive price policy. The industry evolves and micro-brands, even the high-end ones, have to take the train on time. And that Metropolis is an interesting move.When you look at the Louis Moinet offerings, you immediately spot two important characteristics. First, their watches are bold, highly designed, very unique in terms of style and very strong. We all know that provocation and differentiation are salvation for micro-brands, yet, if they?want to develop, brands have to talk to wider audie