Category: Dress Watches

Hands-On – H. Moser & Cie. Endeavour Centre Seconds Automatic – When Simplicity Becomes Essential

As we already showed several times here, on Monochrome, the Schaffhausen-based manufacture H. Moser & Cie. (also known as the Robin Hood of watchmaking… Those who know will understand, otherwise read this) is all about simplicity and purity of their watches, by removing even the logo on the dial and any kind of markers. But simplicity can also come from a display and functionality, and in this case, this word is nothing pejorative and I would even refer to essential… Something that the new H. Moser Cie. Endeavour Centre Seconds Automatic, presented at Baselworld 2017, defines quite well.

9 years ago

Hands-On – Glashütte Original Senator Excellence Perpetual Calendar (and my unexpected love for the sporty steel version)

While some brands came with over 100 novelties at Baselworld 2017, the Saxonian brand Glashütte Original only introduced 2 new masculine watches during the show. And to be honest, why doing more when you offer new products of such quality. Together with the surprisingly sporty Steel Senator Chronograph Panorama Date, Glashütte Original also introduced an elegant, refined and complex Perpetual Calendar version of the precise Senator Excellence. Elegant and refined? Not only, as I surprised myself to have a crush on an unexpected sporty steel version of this QP watch, not the kind of combination that you imagined from GO…

9 years ago

Hands-On – Chopard L.U.C XPS Twist Qualité Fleurier Fairmined – Original, Luxurious and… Ethical

The classic elegance of L.U.C Chopard, with a contemporary twist and a hint of fair trade… because yes, watchmaking can also take care of social development and environmental protection. Meet the Chopard L.U.C XPS Twist Qualité Fleurier Fairmined, a slender limited edition timepiece resonating a unique perception of elegance, powered by a superb micro-rotor movement and crafted in ethical pink gold.

9 years ago

Hands-On – Junghans Form A (Defining Bauhaus and Minimalism)

If looking for “the total package” in terms of heritage, well designed, mechanical watches at an affordable sticker price, you simply shouldn’t overlook Junghans. We’ve seen in the past that the brand is capable of offering watches with a very strong design following its own identity to the letter, with basic but reliable movements that won’t cost you an arm and a leg. Always leaning on automotive inspiration or following the Bauhaus movement, Junghans brings the Form A (for Automatic) to Baselworld 2017.

9 years ago

Hands-On – Kari Voutilainen Vingt-8 ISO with a different way to read time

Over the years we got to know Kari Voutilainen as the humble Finnish watchmaker, who creates the most exquisite hand-finished timepieces. In the entire world of watchmaking there are only few who deliver such a level of “finesse”. Kari Voutilainen’s latest timepiece is not simply a design feat, and also not a special model made in collaboration with a master craftsman (like for instance this one made in collaboration with the legendary Japanese lacquer studio Unryuan). What we have here is Kari Voutilainen’s signature timepiece, the Vingt-8, with a unique way to indicate time. It’s called the Vingt-8 ISO and the entire idea behind it is rather unique, and is mean to create a more intimate and reflective relationship with your watch… (yes, we’ll explain it)

9 years ago

Introducing – Vacheron Constantin Malte Tourbillon – Now With Slate Dial, Still With Exceptional Level of Finishing

The Malte always had a special position in the Vacheron Constantin collection, as using something that tends to disappear nowadays: a shaped case. Indeed, the Malte relies on a certain Art-Deco flair, on a voluntarily outdated style that gives the watch all its charm. But this timepiece is not just a pretty face, as inside the case is an exquisitely finished (to say the least) tourbillon movement. And as of now, its 18k pink gold case can be combined to a dark grey dial, for a warmer look. Here is the Vacheron Constantin Malte Tourbillon Pink Gold Slate Dial.

9 years ago

Value Proposition – Vario Retro Eclipse Watch

Kickstarter has brought us many watches in every possible design, but having an authentic retro style watch available for watch collectors, is something we look at with interest, here at Monochrome. Vario has developed the VH31 Eclipse, and 6T33 Eclipse watches, and the attention to retro detailing is rather pleasing. From the fibers of the strap to the simplicity of the dial, Vario is bringing the 1970’s back with a vengeance. The first NATO Eclipse Watch has been reinvented for watch lovers everywhere, and although the NATO strap is still available for an additional fee, the new design packs a punch if you are a fan of retro style and design.

9 years ago

Baselworld 2017 – Recreating The First Grand Seiko (SBGW251 – SBGW252 – SBGW253) Plus A Modern Reissue (SBGR305)

Seiko, for a long time, has been away from the trend of vintage and reissues. This was simply not their thing, the brand simply emphasized on evolution and modern designs. Yet, since a few years now, and mainly with the arrival of the Presage collection, the Japanese brand now looks at its rich history. For Baselworld 2017, the focus will be on the recreation of the first Grand Seiko, launched for Japan only in 1960 (while the international launch of Grand Seiko took place in 2010), with three limited editions (SBGW251 – SBGW252 – SBGW253). And for those who prefer present days, there will also be a modern reissue, the SBGR305.

9 years ago

Baselworld 2017 – The Urban Jurgensen 1140 now in Platinum with Blue Guilloche Dial

Urban Jurgensen is doing its bit to contribute to global warming this year, with this super–hot, blue dialled limited edition in platinum – Designing an elegant three-hander, stripped of all frills and superfluous details, is not an easy task, which makes the Urban Jurgensen reference 1140 all the more remarkable. Testament to the brand’s uncompromising craftsmanship and horological credentials, it is now produced in a magnificent blue-dialled version, paired with a platinum case. For the Monochrome team, it was love at first sight! A good reason to have a closer look at this quintessential dress watch born from a unique perception of elegance.

9 years ago

Baselworld 2017 – Jaquet Droz Grande Seconde Moon (Hands-On)

For Baselworld 2017, Jaquet Droz integrates what certainly is the most poetical complication in their very poetical watch, unique in its display, the Grande Seconde. Based on the now iconic 8-shaped dials, with a second larger than the rest of the time, what the brand has done is a perfect example of integration. Indeed, this moon-phase feels like it has always been part of the concept, as natural evolution of the watch… Here is the new Jaquet Droz Grande Seconde Moon. And you already know that it is a perfectly achieved watch by just reading this introduction.

9 years ago