Category: Novelty

Review – The Rolex GMT-Master II 126711 CHNR – “Root Beer” 2.0

If you love authentic tool watches, then you were probably pretty happy with Rolex this year. With all the hype surrounding the unveiling of the highly anticipated Rolex GMT Master II “Pepsi” 126710 BLRO in steel, however, you may have missed that the company also introduced two other GMT Master II models at Baselworld. Both feature the brand’s proprietary 18ct Everose gold – the first time it’s ever been used in this range – and both channel the spirit of a rather quirky model from the 1960’s, affectionately referred to as the “Root Beer” GMT. Today we’re going hands-on with the two-tone/Rolesor version – the GMT-Master II 126711 CHNR – to see how it matches up against its legendary ancestor.

8 years ago

Value Proposition – The Maen Hudson 38 Automatic – an Affordable, Vintage-Inspired Sub-Like Diver

While here, at MONOCHROME, our main focus is still luxury and high-end watches, Kickstarter doesn’t stop to surprise us. In all honesty, ninety percent (if not more) of the projects are not on par with our expectations. Yet, from time to time, one stands out of the crowd thanks to its originality or its quality-price ratio. The new Maen Hudson 38 Automatic, a nicely designed, affordable, vintage-inspired Sub-like dive watch, is just that: a no-frills sports watch with reassuring style and impressive retail price – and it is now officially launched on Kickstarter.

8 years ago

Women’s Watch Wednesday – A. Lange & Söhne Saxonia Thin Copper-Blue Dial

Anyone truly familiar with German watch brand A. Lange & Sohne can be considered an insider. Established in 1845 in the Saxony region of Germany, this Dresden brand was expropriated after World War II and nearly experienced extinction. However, after the Wall came down and Germany was reunified, Walter Lange, great-grandson of founder Ferdinand Adolph Lange had the vision to start the brand new in the early 1990’s.

8 years ago

Hands-on – TAG Heuer Carrera Heuer 02 GMT Chronograph – Travelling in the Fast Lane

The Carrera, a pillar of TAG Heuer’s identity, turns 55 this year and is feted with a rush of Carrera models, including this racy 45mm Carrera Chronograph GMT fitted with the souped-up in-house Heuer 02 movement. Displaying the 3-6-9 chronograph configuration of the original Carrera, TAG Heuer steams ahead and embraces a contemporary skeletonised look to ensure the Carrera stays in the fast lane.

8 years ago

Hands-on – Bovet “Monsieur Bovet” – Wristwatch, Pocket Watch and Desk Clock in One

There is something special about the Bovet Monsieur… This subtly sophisticated watch is imbued with a sense of nostalgia for a bygone elegance. Its classical lines are clearly inspired by pocket watches. And it is no coincidence that this versatile watch incorporates Bovet’s patented Amadeo convertible case concept. Not one watch, but four watches at once. Here is our take on the new Bovet “Monsieur Bovet”

8 years ago

Hands-on – Breguet Marine 5517 – A Trilogy of 3-Handers With a More Contemporary Design Ethos

Breguet’s Marine family of maritime-inspired luxury sports watches welcomes three new members to the nautical club. Less conservative and grandiose than Breguet’s usual fare, the three models of the Marine 5517 – in 18k white gold, 18k rose gold and titanium cases – come with a splash of contemporary styling. A traditional three-hand watch with date functions, the 5571 trilogy plays with juxtaposing shapes, textures and materials to appeal to a broader public.

8 years ago

Value Proposition – Hanhart Pioneer One, a No-Frills Vintage Pilot Watch

Founded in 1882, Hanhart can look back on a long watchmaking tradition. The brand is known for crafting robust and functional watches, and, in particular by vintage fans for its pilot watches/chronographs from the 1930s to 1950s. The Pioneer collection was launched in 2011 with this long-lasting tradition in mind. The historical inspiration for this line comes more specifically from a model from the 50s, the 417 ES Flyback (Cal. 42). The Black Forest manufacturer now launches the Pioneer One, a stylish yet affordable time-only pilot watch with vintage charm.

8 years ago

Introducing – Staudt Praeludium Chronograph – Dutch Elegance

2 years ago, a young Dutchman named Yvo Staud jumped into a watchmaking adventure – even though he had a completely different career before that. The first watch he designed and created was named the Praeludium Hand-Wound, an elegant, “Portuguese-like” time-only timepiece, which name refers to classical music (you’ll understand why later). After this inaugural piece and its automatic variant, its now time for Staud to look at another type of function, yet true to the original design of the brand, with the new Staudt Praeludium Chronograph.

8 years ago

Hands-on – The Contemporary Glashütte Original Senator Excellence Perpetual Calendar Limited Edition

For the last few years, German watch manufacturer, Glashütte Original, has been on a mission to appeal to a younger, hipper audience, and it seems to be working. Best known for its restrained, classic aesthetic (very stereotypical German, in other words), the brand has made a concerted effort to inject some colour and personality into its various line-ups. Some of my recent favourites include the Sixties Iconic Square collection, with five distinctively colourful dials, the sporty-looking Senator Chronograph Panorama Date in steel and the recent modern, yet classic, additions to the Senator Excellence collection. Now, there’s another new model to add to that list; the Glashütte Original Senator Excellence Perpetual Calendar Limited Edition.

8 years ago