Category: independent watchmaking

Review – Grönefeld 1941 Remontoire with Bespoke Dial – Best Men’s Watch at GPHG 2016

My wrist is a lucky one as I get to test a lot of seriously brilliant wrist watches. Whether it’s the understated Galet Square Tourbillon Double Spiral from Laurent Ferrier, the magnificent Datograph from A. Lange & Söhne, the ultra-thin and über-clean Piaget Altiplano in white gold, or even the € 60.000 Euro impressive Grand Seiko Spring Drive 8-Days, I get to test (and enjoy) some of the most spectacular timepieces of our time. When I got the call from my fellow countrymen Bart and Tim Grönefeld, that they finally secured a 1941 Remontoire for me to test, I was delighted and excited. Here are my thoughts on the Grönefeld 1941 Remontoire that now also comes with bespoke dials featuring guilloche and translucent enamel.

8 years ago

Introducing – Atelier de Chronométrie AdC #5 – 1940s Style and Mechanics Brought Back in Hand-Made Timepieces

If there’s one thing I love about my job is to discover new watch brands. I’m always stunned by the level of creativity infused by independent watchmakers, from the Sci-Fi creations of Urwerk or the ultra-classic propositions of Laurent Ferrier (who can do nice things together…) One brand we recently discovered at MONOCHROME cumulates quite some intriguing specificities. It isn’t Swiss, it makes things in an ultra-traditional way, whether for the design or the manufacturing process, and it’s all about one-off pieces. This brand is Atelier de Chronométrie and their latest creation is the AdC #5, which brings back to present times the superb 1940s design and mechanics

8 years ago

Introducing – GoS Sarek Midnight Blue, Known Watch, New Dial (And what a dial…)

A unique piece is something few people can afford, but a lot of us dream about. Whether it might be a record-smashing Patek Phillipe for Only-Watch or simply your custom ordered life-long desired piece; there is a massive appeal in knowing you are the only one in the world with the said watch. But there is also another option: artisanal watches where REALLY no two watches are alike despite being part of a certain theme or a limited production run. And the new GoS Sarek Midnight Blue is one in the latter category; it’s a watch that despite the fact that they will build more than 1, you’ll still have a stand-out, unique piece on your wrist!

8 years ago

Women’s Watch Wednesday – A Lady’s Perspective on a Configured Armin Strom Manual

Earlier this year, when Armin Strom presented its “Watch Configurator” to the world, the brand was a leader in the concept. Select your component colours, select the case and colours, select the strap and stitching, so on and so forth until you have a “uniquely yours “watch… not something the luxury watch world is too familiar with. So, when I decided I wanted to wear and review an Armin Strom watch, I knew I wanted something with some amount of configuration to it. The solution is a bold yet beautiful and powerful statement for women: Armin Strom’s Cameleon Manual Watch.

8 years ago

Hands-On – The Garrick S1 Prototype With Skeletonized Dial, Offering A Window Into British Watchmaking

For the last few years, we’ve been hearing about the so-called “resurgence” of British watchmaking. Run by passionate Brits with a strong streak of defiance, these small independent brands are (very) slowly but surely gaining a foothold in the market and proving they have what it takes to stick around for a while. One such brand, which we’ve written about several times before on MONOCHROME, is Garrick (you can find all past coverage here.) Today, we’re taking a closer look at the S1, the latest model from the brand, or rather a prototype of it. 

8 years ago

In-Depth – The MING 19.01 With Exclusive Movement By Schwarz Etienne (With Live Photos)

A few months ago, we introduced you to a brand new, Malaysian-based brand called MING and their debut timepiece, the MING 17.01. Designed by famed watch photographer Ming Thein, this break-out watch sold out almost immediately (thanks in no small part to its US$900 price tag.) Impressively, just a few months later, Ming and his team have already unveiled their second watch; the MING 19.01. With a radical design, a Swiss Made movement and an extra zero on the price tag, this new timepiece has definitely gotten the watch world talking. Read on for all the details.

8 years ago

Hands-On With The New MB&F Legacy Machine Split-Escapement

Last month, we introduced you to the stunning new MB&F Legacy Machine Split-Escapement. A successor of sorts to the highly popular Legacy Machine 1, which was officially retired by MB&F earlier this year after six years of faithful service, the Legacy Machine SE serves as yet another reminder that even when Geneva’s top Creative Lab is trying to be conservative, they’re still full of surprises. Luckily for us, MB&F were exhibiting at SalonQP last week, giving us the opportunity to spend a bit of hands-on time with this incredible new timepiece.

8 years ago

HYT Unveils a Third Alinghi Edition – Time for H1 to Celebrate the Yacht Racing Team

No need to present HYT and their fluidic watches anymore. They are unique, bold and mechanically fascinating. What is probably less known is the link between the watchmaker and the sea… Indeed, HYT has just unveiled a third limited watch in the frame of their partnership with Alinghi Yacht Racing Team. After the H4 and the H2, HYT has elected its signature H1 model to celebrate the iconic Swiss Sailing Team founded by Ernesto Bertarelli, the first European Syndicate to win the America’s cup.

8 years ago

Hands-On – The Alfred by Urban Jürgensen, The Steel Entry-Level to In-House Beauty

Recently, we showed you Urban Jürgensen’s real entry-level watch, a steel version of the Big 8 (priced at €12k), yet full of high-end details (crazy guilloche dial, superb hands, hand-finished case) but powered by an externally-sourced automatic movement. Now, if you want to enter into the beauty of exclusive calibres, no need to go crazy expensive and to go gold anymore. Urban Jürgensen has a new watch, the Alfred, which features, inside its steel case, the Maison’s P4 movement. It’s much more accessible, it is still superbly executed and it is sold online only.

8 years ago