independent watchmaking Archives - Page 129 of 158

Hands-on – HYT H2O: Going with the Flow

Two limited editions of the HYT H²O – one in a black DLC-coated case with bright green fluid, the other in a silver case with blue fluid – were unveiled during the 2018 SIHH watch salon. Exposed under a large sapphire crystal dome, the H²O models – an evolution of the HYT H2 – reveal the flow of time from every possible angle. With its original fluidic indication for the hours – which undergoes a fascinating retrograde phase – and a jumping minute hand, the novelty here is the refreshing design of the H²O. The dial, which has undergone a significant decluttering session, and the integrated strap conspire to make the watch more attractive, more streamlined and eminently wearable.

Introducing – URWERK UR-105 CT Kryptonite

At URWERK, there are recurring themes. The first and main one is that unique display, based on the satellite wandering-hours indication, which has defined most of the brand’s watches for now over 20 years. Another one is the combination of black case and bright coloured indexes. With the brand’s latest creation, the URWERK UR-105 CT Kryptonite (a variation around an already existing watch, the Streamliner), Luminosity is at centre stage.

In-Depth – Singer Reimagined Track 1 Geneva Edition

When you think about it, there aren’t many differences between one racing chronograph and the next. Of course, designs can be different but the basics are there: 2 pushers, 3 registers, a fixed bezel with tachymeter scale, black or silver dials with coloured accents! All of these features feel so familiar that it quickly became the norm… but not for everyone! Some thought that a racing chronograph could be reinvented, reimagined and reshaped to offer something new, different and, in the end, highly desirable. This has a name: the Singer Reimagined Track 1, and today we take a closer look at the Geneva Edition and its superb pale yellow gold case.

Hands-on – The Tree Of Life From Kneijnsberg & van Eijk with a Unique Display of the Seasons

As certified watch geeks, we often spend more time obsessing over the precise measurement of time, as opposed to observing the wonder of its actual passing. It’s a fanciful notion, perhaps, romantic even, but one that we all experience from the day we’re born. To celebrate this special relationship between life and time, newcomer Kneijnsberg & van Eijk presents its first watch, the Tree of Life. We spent some hands-on time with this whimsical beauty, discovering a new appreciation for the changing of the seasons and the passage of time.

Hands-on – Schwarz Etienne Roma GMT – Clean Lines and Fine Mechanics

It is not the first time we talk about Schwarz Etienne on MONOCHROME. This independent brand, based in La Chaux-de-Fonds, shows an impressive level of integration – especially given its rather modest size. It is one of the few brands to develop and manufacture its in-house movements and parts, including the hairspring. Today, we take a look at one of the classic yet highly pleasant watches of the Roma collection, the Schwarz Etienne Roma GMT.

Hands-on – Czapek Place Vendôme Tourbillon Suspendu GMT, now with “Acanthus Leaves” Engraved on Case

While the recently revived brand Czapek continues its development with the introduction of a highly interesting chronograph, the Faubourg de Cracovie, one watch in the collection – actually, the flagship model – shouldn’t be forgotten: the Czapek Place Vendome Tourbillon Suspendu “Ici et Ailleurs” GMT (quite a complex name indeed). Already an exclusive watch in its inaugural shape, it now becomes even more exclusive with the possibility to have engraved cases, making each watch unique.

Hands-on – H. Moser & Cie Pioneer Centre Seconds Cosmic Green

Moser is probably not the first brand you would turn to for a sports watch, but there was a gap in the collection for something more robust, more masculine, more casual and more suitable for everyday wear and tear. Moser’s answer is the stainless steel 3-hand Pioneer Centre Seconds, the brand’s entry-level ‘sports’ watch, which is revisited with a cool Cosmic Green fumé dial. At 42.8mm in diameter and 15mm thick, it is the largest Moser on the block and features luminescence, 120m water-resistance and an efficient automatic movement with a 3-day power reserve.

Introducing – Laurent Ferrier Galet Micro-Rotor “Montre Ecole” British Racing Green

As we’ve already told you several times – and we even discussed this topic in a cool video here – watchmaking is not the only passion of Laurent Ferrier. He loves cars too. So much that he even raced at the 24h of Le Mans and finished 3rd in 1979. No surprise then to see some of his watches infused with motorsport inspiration. Celebrating the London Craft Week 2018, the brand introduces the Galet Micro-Rotor “Montre Ecole” with a great British Racing Green dial.

Hands-on – LAURENT FERRIER x URWERK LR-UR 2 – Going for an Encore of the Arpal One

Following the intense teamwork and understanding that developed between Laurent Ferrier and Urwerk’s dynamic duo – Martin Frei and Felix Baumgartner – to create the Arpal One timepiece for the Only Watch Auction of 2017, the sale of the watch left them with an empty nest syndrome. To counter the blues they were experiencing, they decided to go for an encore and have created four signed watches named LR-UR 2, which, like the Arpal One, will “be sold for the benefit of medical research”. While the shape of the case and the movement are the same as the Arpal 1, the material of the case and finishes are light years apart. The only problem with these four watches is that their parents don’t want to give them a name because they “merely represent the lap of honour of an outstanding team.”

Hands-on – Manufacture Royale ADN Spirit – Bold and Sculptural

With the ADN Spirit watch, Manufacture Royale rewrites its genetic codes. ADN, the French for DNA, is the name given to a new family of contemporary timepieces providing their own off-beat take on mechanical watchmaking. Boasting bold, sculptural shapes and architectural movements, the collection ventures into more aggressively modern territory. The first thing that catches …

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Category: independent watchmaking