independent watchmaking Archives - Page 150 of 158

“The Monochrome Video Week” – URWERK, Celebrating 20 Years of Visionary Watchmaking

1997: Martin Frei and Felix Baumgartner launch Urwerk and their first model, the UR 101, freely inspired by the 17th century Campanus brothers’ night clock (one of the things you might not know about URWERK). 2016: the brand will soon celebrate its 20th anniversary. 20 year of unchained creations, of unusual display of the time, of bold and creative watchmaking, with however a great respect to traditions and haute-horlogerie (and again something that you might not know about the brand). Today is thus the perfect moment for us to sit down with Felix Baumgartner, co-founder of URWERK, and to see how this bold and unchained independent watchmaker started, how they found inspiration for their first creations and how the brand evolved over the years to become the great brand we know today.

Atelier de Chronométrie Introduces the AdC #2 and #3, Powered by Remade Vintage Omega Movements

Atelier de Chronométrie’s first wristwatch, now known as the AdC #1, was modelled on Omega chronometer watches of the mid 20th century, even being equipped with a completely revamped Omega calibre 266. Now the Spanish watchmaker has introduced AdC #2 and #3, both similarly inspired by vintage watches of the same era but distinctly different in […]

Introducing the Molnar Fabry White Lotus Split-Seconds, Powered by a Highly Finished 1930s Calibre

Founded by a pair of young watchmakers, Molnar Fabry specialises in heavily decorated, customised watches. Named after founders Michal Molnar and Igor Fabry, the firm is based in Slovakia and produced only a dozen or so watches a year. Trained as jewellers, the initially focused on gem-set watches, but have since completed a diverse range of complicated timepieces, […]

Introducing the 15.48, an Italian Jumping Hours Driver’s Watch in Carbon Composite

Lightweight and unusual in form, the 15.48 jump hours is inspired by automobile technology, featuring a carbon composite case and vertical time display via a sapphire crystal prism. Established by four friends on January 29, 2015 at 3:48pm, or 1548hrs, the company is named after the time of its founding. Headquartered in Pavia, a town in northern Italy […]

Philippe Dufour Simplicity Sells for US$258k – For the Second Time in Two Days

Yesterday Christie’s sold a Philippe Dufour Simplicity, a 37mm in white gold, for HK$1.98m, or about US$256,000, all fees included. Today Phillips just accomplished the same for its pink gold 37mm specimen that sold for HK$2m, about US$258,000. Moments later a white gold 34mm Simplicity in the same Phillips sale sold moments later for HK$1.75m, or […]

Value Proposition: Hawker Harrier II – The Pegasus Concept watch, a flight above the rest

What we look for in a watch nowadays is not quite what it used to be. As you know, at Monochrome we do have a liking for different ways to indicate time. The simple art of telling the time has evolved into something almost magical, with each watch telling its own story and history. The Hawker Harrier II brings to life something that is only dreamt of – a Pegasus inspired pilots watch.

MeisterSinger Presents The “Peter Henlein” Edition, with Circularis Calibre, Gold Case… And A Gorgeous Antique-style Dial

Some rules are made to be broken. When you think MeisterSinger, you usually have in mind accessible watches (yet with automatic movements) and single-hand displays. Well, if that second rule is somehow a motto for the brand, the first one will be transgressed today… and we’re not complaining, as what you’ll see is a proper good looking watch. Here is the MeisterSinger Peter Henlein Edition, with proprietary Circularis Calibre, a gold case, a 5 digit price tag, a super-restricted limitation, and that crazy looking antique dial.

Introducing the HYT Skull Axl Rose Designed by Guns N’ Roses’ Frontman

One of the founders of rock band Guns N’ Roses, Axl Rose added his creative touch to the HYT Skull Bad Boy, giving it a blue and black palette. It’s vivid and larger than life, a wristwatch appropriate for a 30-year veteran of rock and roll. The prominent skull on the front is made of modern Damascus […]

British Brand Garrick introduces the Portsmouth with Proprietary Movement made with Andreas Strehler

The world sets its time by Greenwich. Before Switzerland established its supremacy over the watchmaking domain, British masters laid the groundwork for modern mechanical movements. Now a new generation of English watchmakers are emerging to not only celebrate but also successfully revive this once proud tradition. Among them, Garrick, founded just 3 years ago. Now, following the success of the Shaftesbury, Norfolk and Hoxton, the brand unveils the Portsmouth boasting an exclusive new movement.

A Detailed Look at the Fabergé Visionnaire DTZ and its Masterful Agenhor Movement

Fabergé was arguably the greatest jeweller of the 19th century, surpassing even Cartier and Boucheron. Famed for the fabled Imperial Easter Eggs made for Russia’s rulers, Fabergé objects were impossibly lavish and distinctive. But the firm’s fortune waned after the 1917 revolution, resulting in the name changing hands several times in the 20th century, appearing on products as […]

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