Vacheron Constantin Historiques Cornes de vache 1955 Steel - Hands-On, Specs & Price
What you’re about to see might just be a simple change of material, but it is nevertheless great news – not only because the watch looks superb, not only because the price is significantly lower but also because it is a great strategic choice. When it was introduced back in 2015, the Vacheron Constantin Historiques Cornes de Vache 1955 was an immediate success. Available in platinum or in pink gold until now, today it makes its debut in the hottest of all materials: Steel!Steel… It is surprising to see how ambivalent this material is. For most watches, steel is the sensible, rational choice of material; it is much more accessible than any other material, it is solid, it is resistant to external aggressions, and it is easy to machine and finish. In short, a no-nonsense choice driven by pragmatism. But that’s for the masses… When it comes to high-end watches, steel is the exception. When it comes to non-sports watches, Patek Philippe, Vacheron Constantin or

The Piaget Altiplano Ultimate Concept Wins the GPHG 2020
Despite the challenges the industry had to face this year, it needed a celebration and some joy. So here we are, as the 2020 edition of the GPHG, known as the “Oscars of the watchmaking industry”, has come to a close and the prize for the best watch of the year, also known as the Aiguille d'Or, has been awarded. As often with the Grand Prix, the focus has been on creativity, innovation and high-end watchmaking. Without surprise, the best watch of 2020 is the Piaget Altiplano Ultimate Concept, the world’s thinnest mechanical watch ever made (at 2mm). A well-deserved prize, if you ask us, considering the impressive technical achievement.?GPHG 2020 – Quick TakeFor many years, the Grand Prix tends to reward ultra-complex watches that celebrate Haute Horlogerie and innovative watchmaking. The 2020 edition of the GPHG? is no exception, as this year, one of the most impressive technical achievements of the last decade has been rewarded with the Aiguille d’Or. As

Buying Guide - Best of Dress Watches of 2021 by MONOCHROME
Since the end of 2021 is fast approaching and following our recent buying guides, we continue to look at the best watches introduced this year in most categories. After the best chronographs, our favourite watches by independent watchmakers or the top dive watches, it’s time for us to go elegant and dressy. But, MONOCHROME being MONOCHROME, we had to do it with a twist. Elegant doesn’t necessarily mean formal or classic. Long gone is the time when the dress watch was only defined by the Calatrava. Watchmakers have understood that elegance can be combined with boldness and originality. And here are our favourite elegant dress watches of the year, and all have something pretty unique to showcase.Editor’s note: this list reflects the preferences of MONCHROME’s editorial team and results from an internal vote. This list is, of course, non-exhaustive and remains subjective. If there are other time-only, elegant dress watches launched in 2021 that made an impression o

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

Paint it black - the new Xetum Tyndall PVD - Monochrome Watches
Black watches are more then ever before a fashionable thing. Black luxury sports watches, like this unique set of dive watches from Richard Mille, are already well accepted. Lately we also see black dress watches like this Girard-Perregaux Tourbillon Bi-Axial or this unique Piaget Altiplano for Only Watch.?Xetum is now painting it black and they do it in style. The Tyndall is one of Xetum’s watch models and we reviewed it for you here. A lovely and very affordable timepiece and now it comes in a black jacket. With a black leather strap and a black rotor and a black deployant clasp. A complete black Tyndall that looks absolutely very fine. Ad - Scroll to continue with article The Tyndall comes in a matte black PDV coated case. The black dial with white indexes, numerals and writing has an almost instrument-style contrast, that looks very practical. In the f