Category: Luxury Watches

Elegant Yet Accessible – Frederique Constant Classic Manufacture with Black Dial

Sports watches have a certain appeal, a definitive coolness that makes them desirable. Yet, there’s a moment in your life, or simply your environment, where such a timepiece is not relevant anymore. At a certain point, every gentleman needs an elegant and dress watch. If the envy or the need are here, this is not always the case for the money… This is why we wanted to show the Frederique Constant Classic Manufacture with Black Dial. Extremely elegant, refined, mechanically interesting and yet, rather accessible.

9 years ago

Hands-On – The 2017 Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra Master Chronometer 41mm

Since its inception in 2003, the Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra has been a cornerstone collection for Omega. Indeed, it is both an entry-level watch, yet including most of the recent technologies, and an all-rounder, being sporty, but not a sports watch. It is also a watch focused on the essential and a nice representation of what Omega stands for. At Baselworld 2017, this now-classic daily-beater receives a visually discreet facelift, linked to mechanical improvements, just to keep it perfectly up-to-date. Here is the 2017 Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra Master Chronometer.

9 years ago

Hands-On – The IWC Portofino Hand-Wound Moon Phase, A Classic Modernized

Over the last few years, IWC has been steadily re-positioning its various collections in a decidedly upward direction. Most notably, the Portugieser has moved up a few rungs on the price list, whilst the Portifino now occupies the space this move created. Although at first this may not seem like great news for your wallet, it has resulted in the introduction of several interesting and attractive pieces into the Portofino range, including this gorgeous IWC Portofino Hand-Wound Moon Phase. Today, we go hands on to find out what all the fuss is about.

9 years ago

Introducing – Oris Big Crown Limited Edition PA Charles de Gaulle (the Aircraft-Carrier, not the President…)

A bit of French pride for today… Indeed, as some of you might know, I’m French and what Oris is releasing today is somehow resonating in me. Based on the military roots of the brand, which is represented by the Oris Big Crown collection, the brand is introducing a limited edition made to honor the crew of the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle, the French Navy’s flagship. This is why I’m proud to show you the new Oris Big Crown Limited Edition PA Charles de Gaulle (the Aircraft-Carrier, not the President…)

9 years ago

H. Moser & Cie Introduces The Pioneer Perpetual Calendar – A Steel, Sporty, Entry-Level QP (Review)

In shared thinking, the perpetual calendar has to be, in certain proportions, one of the most classic looking watch. It is widely accepted that the QP is one of the historical complications and for this reason, playing on traditions and century-old heritage, a perpetual calendar is classic. However, not for some brand, who have decided that a QP can be different. Why not? Why not enjoying a sports watch with a complex movement? This is what H. Moser & Cie might have in mind, by introducing the sporty, steel and (sort of) accessible Pioneer Perpetual Calendar.

9 years ago

Classic with a Twist – The new 39mm Jaquet Droz Grande Seconde Off-Centered

A classic with a twist… Much to our satisfaction, we have been seeing smaller watches re-emerge over the past few years. Case in point, the Jaquet Droz Grande Seconde off-centered is now available with a 39mm case, in place of the usual 43mm versions, maybe too large to be called dress watches. Things change. We go hands on with this chic timepiece.

9 years ago

Watches and Formula 1 – Episode 5 – The French Connection, Renault Sport F1 x Bell & Ross

Renault came into Formula 1 with a bang, which is to be taken quite literally. At a time where the rulebook seemed virtually limitless, the French manufacturer brought turbocharging into the mix. Fueled by an insatiable hunger for power, combined with ground effects aerodynamics and just about the most daring drivers Formula 1 has ever seen, the constructor pioneered its way to the top! Since 2016 they are back as a constructor and partnered with Bell & Ross, which seems like a very French match. Today we unravel the history of Renault in Formula 1 and why the connection to Bell & Ross is a very logical one.

9 years ago

REVIEW – Ulysse Nardin Classic Dual Time Boutique Edition with Enamel Dial

Recently I had to the good fortune to travel with Ulysse Nardin to Bermuda, to get a taste of the Americas Cup and get to know the folks of the Artemis Racing Team – who are sponsored by the Le Locle-based watch brand. During that trip I borrowed the Ulysse Nardin Classic Dual Time Boutique Edition, and over the course of the days there, I found out what a great watch this is. Refined, yet bold, chic, yet rugged, and actually perfect for any occasion. Here’s our review of the Ulysse Nardin Classic Dual Time Boutique Edition, with new enamel dial and very cool strap.

9 years ago

Hands-On – Elegant and Balanced, The Drive De Cartier Moon Phases

At the SIHH 2017, Cartier introduced a watch that I considered a hit (this remains of course very personal), the Drive de Cartier Extra Flat. Slim, refined, elegant, perfectly proportioned, featuring a nice engine… Well, in fact, this watch might be problematic for some. Obvious reason: its price, as only available in gold. Then, it might be too clean, too simple for some. In addition to the existing models (time-and-date and dual-time), Cartier introduced a Moon Phases version of the Drive, with quite some arguments to fell satisfied.

9 years ago

Street art hits the wrist – Manufacture Royale ADN Street Art Collection (Photos, Specs and Price)

After colourful street artist collaborations coming from Richard Mille and TAG Heuer, now the independent high-end brand Manufacture Royale has added something colourful to the collection. The Manufacture Royale ADN Street Art Collection stands out with its unique architecture, like the rest of the ADN collection, and now adds a dose of colours, ‘dressing up’ its movement. A result of its graphic design process, and water printing, each one of these bold timepieces is unique.

9 years ago