Novelty Archives - Page 413 of 487

Hands-on – Favre-Leuba Raider Sea King – A Subtler Take On The Brand’s Design

Since its re-introduction in 2017, Favre-Leuba brought several interesting purpose-built instrument-watches on the market – for instance, the Bivouac 9000 with a mechanical altimeter or the Bathy 120 MemoDepth with a mechanical depth gauge. Yet, at 48mm in diameter, we can’t say that these watches were the easiest ones on the wrist, at least for a daily use. Combining the cool and original design of the collection with a more restrained attire, here is the new Favre-Leuba Raider Sea King 41mm.

Hands-on – The New Rolex Oyster Perpetual 39 Ref. 114300 with a White Dial

When launched at Baselworld 2015, the Rolex Oyster Perpetual 39 ref. 114300 made no debate: it was a winning recipe. Simple, clean, utterly Rolex yet with a twist (thanks to the four inaugural coloured dials), perfectly proportioned, manufactured according to Rolex high-standards and best of all, rather accessible. While quiet for 3 years, this model made a very discreet comeback at Baselworld 2018, with the introduction of a new model with white dial – and in a way, it could be an alternative to our long-desired “Polar Explorer” (see our Rolex 2018 predictions here).

Introducing – Jaeger-LeCoultre Polaris Geographic WT – A New World-Time Limited Edition

At the SIHH 2018, Jaeger-LeCoultre re-introduced one of its most emblematic collections, the Polaris. Slightly vintage-inspired, superbly executed (the case is superb), utterly JLC in the style but with a sportier look, it has been quite a success. Already comprising multiple models, including a 3-hander, a time-and-date, a chronograph, a chronograph-world-time and, of course, an alarm version (the Memovox), today Jaeger-LeCoultre adds a world-time-only edition to the Collection, with the new Polaris Geographic WT – a limited edition, boutique exclusive.

Introducing – A. Lange & Söhne Saxonia Annual Calendar U.S. Boutique Edition

While usually rather conservative in the design, A. Lange & Söhne can sometimes go a little bit more creative when it comes to limited editions or boutique exclusive watches – think, for instance, about the 1815 Chrono Boutique Edition or the Terra-Brown Saxonia. Today, the brand is unveiling a new version of the Saxonia Annual Calendar, a watch usually very discreet, which for the occasion gains in style with a new dial and a surprising strap. Meet the new A. Lange & Söhne Saxonia Annual Calendar U.S. Boutique Edition.

Hands-on – Omega Seamaster Diver 300M Master Chronometer – Omega’s New Entry-Level Dive Watch

Twenty-five years ago, in 1993, Omega launched a model that would become a classic among classics, a springboard into the world of luxury watches and cinematic fame after being worn by Pierce Brosnan in Goldeneye (1995): the Seamaster Professional 300M. If the look of the new model launched at Baselworld 2018 feels rather conservative, the evolution is simply impressive and concerns every single part of the watch. And believe me, the new Omega Seamaster Diver 300M Master Chronometer gives you a lot of bang for your buck.

Women’s Watch Wednesday – Bvlgari Diva Finissima Minute Repeater – Another Striking Thinness World Record

Bvlgari is on a roll setting record after horological record in the ultra-thin category. Who can forget the succession of impressive victories obtained by the 2014 Octo Finissmo Tourbillon, the 2016 Octo Finissimo Minute Repeater, the 2017 Octo Finissimo Automatic and this year’s Octo Finisimmo Automatic Tourbillon? Just when you thought that the brand might be running out of steam in the ultra-lean complication department, Bvlgari pulls another rabbit out of the hat with its beautiful chiming masterpiece for women: the Diva Finissima Minute Repeater. As the world slimmest women’s minute repeater watch, the Diva Finissima incarnates Bvlgari’s passion for Swiss mechanical pyrotechnics and its irresistible Italian design flair.

Hands-on – Le Rhone Hedonia Grand Moon Phase

If there is no real practical use to it, the moon phase display makes for a fascinating spectacle and a poetic addition to a watch. If this traditional complication is usually tucked inside a small window, the Le Rhone Hedonia Grand Moon Phase instantly grabs your attention with a unique, oversized moon phase indication that takes up the entire dial. For reference purposes, the moon disc is 28 mm in diameter and the moon 9.9 mm. Not only does its size impress but also its execution, with a strikingly realistic moon representation.

Hands-on – Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Day Date 70s – a Groovy Trip Down Memory Lane

The 1950s and 1960s have been all the rage on the watchmaking scene of late inspiring models that satisfy our nostalgia for the past beating with contemporary movements. Vintage mania is at all-time high and the 1970s are inching their way onto the style radar with proposals like this groovy Blancpain Bathyscaphe Day Date 70s oozing a cool 1970s vibe. MONOCHROME fell in love with this watch and it made our Top 10 ranking of the best dive watches of Baselworld 2018. Featuring a day and date window like its forebear, the watch is a limited edition of just 500 pieces and will hit the note with vintage hunters – so track down some bell-bottoms and a tie-dye shirt and get ready to hit Studio 54 with a watch straight back from the 1970s.

Hands-on – Claude Meylan Légende 69 (and yes, with a Vintage Valjoux 69 Movement)

A visit at “Les Ateliers” (editor’s note, the place where most independent watchmakers exhibit) at Baselworld 2018 can sometimes bring very nice surprises – especially if you have a love for old-school chronograph watches. The Claude Meylan Légende 69 is a clean, simple, elegant time-stopper. As its name suggests, it is powered by a vintage Valjoux 69 chronograph movement, entirely refurbished and redecorated by Claude Meylan, an independent watchmaker based in the Vallée de Joux, specialized in crafting skeletonized watches.

Hands-on – The Surprising 36mm Oris Big Crown Pointer Date in Bronze

It’s no secret that smaller case sizes are back in a big way, which is something we’re pretty pleased about here at MONOCHROME. A particular favourite is the new Oris Big Crown Pointer Date Bronze (also available in steel), which was introduced at Baselworld last month and boasts a gorgeous bronze case that measures just 36mm. This model came as somewhat of a surprise to us and so we were quite keen to see how this smaller diameter would wear on the wrist. Suffice to say we were not disappointed.

Watch Dandy

Category: Novelty