Category: Novelty

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

Introducing New “Cocktail” Seiko Presage Inspired by Tokyo’s Best Cocktails

At Baselworld 2017, Seiko introduced a new line in the Presage collection, the “Cocktail” watches – colourful, elegant timepieces inspired by the glamorous world of the cocktail bar. Comprising no less than 8 models, this series of Presage watches have been praised for its audacious look and for the perfect combination of mechanical pleasure with highly decent prices. Today, Seiko enriches the collection with four new models (two new dials, with two different movements) that have been inspired by the work of a past winner of the International Bar Association World Championships. Here are the Seiko Presage “Cocktail” Starlight and Sakura Hubuki with references SSA361, 363 and SRPC01, 03.

8 years ago

Introducing the Bell & Ross BR-X1 White Hawk Collection

If Bell & Ross is known for their aviation- and military-oriented pieces (which has been demonstrated again several times this year with for instance the Vintage BR V1-92 Military or the BR03-92 Horograph and BR03-92 Horolum), the brand also has different inspirations (racing cars for instance, with the Renault F1 partnership) or experimental watches (such as the surprising BR-X2 Tourbillon). Part of this “experimental” collection is a watch that we’ve seen, reviewed and appreciated here on Monochrome, the BR-X1. For the end of this year, the model is back with a new colour scheme and new materials, with the Bell & Ross BR-X1 White Hawk Collection.

8 years ago

Industry News – US-Brand Timex Goes Back to Mechanical After 35 Years of Quartz, with a $200 Hand-Wound Watch

For most of the youngsters, Timex is synonymous of accessible, fashion-oriented quartz watches. However, if we look back in time, Timex actually played a major role in the history of the American mechanical watch. Timex was one of the most, if not the most prominent US-based manufacture, until the early 1980s when the company made a drastic strategic move. Yet, times are changing, and without saying that Timex is about to go back to its glorious past position, it is to be noted that the US-based brand returns to mechanical, with the Timex Vintage Marlin, a hand-wound watch priced under $200. A lot to love, and also not to love… You’ll see!

8 years ago

Hands-On – Anonimo Nautilo Bianco, the Dive Watch Dressed in White for Winter

Anonimo might not be the largest watch brand we know, the least we can say is that they had quite a productive year: a complete facelift of the Nautilo, some sailing editions, some colourful versions of their dive watch, some new “bronze” watches and finally, new editions of the signature military chronographs. Why such a profusion of novelties? Simply because the brand is celebrating its 20th anniversary. And because the year isn’t finished yet, here are some new pieces, the “dressed in white” Anonimo Nautilo Bianco.

8 years ago

Happy Birthday Jack Heuer! TAG Heuer Celebrates With 85th Anniversary Edition Of The Heuer Autavia (Hands-On)

This year, Jack Heuer, Honorary President of Tag Heuer and watch industry royalty, is celebrating his 85th birthday. To mark the occasion, Tag Heuer will unveil a limited edition of the iconic Heuer chronograph – the Autavia – specially designed by Mr. Heuer himself. In total 1,932 pieces will be produced – in reference to Mr. Heuer’s birth year – with piece number 1 to be offered as part of the exceptional timepieces at the auction “Heuer Parade” organised by Phillips on the 11th of November in Geneva. Read on for all the details.

8 years ago

Hands-On – The Geo. Graham Orrery – A Star Gazing Invitation from Graham

You probably know Graham for their bold Chronofighter, a polarizing stopwatch with its signature left-hand side lever to actuate the chronograph, but you would be wrong to think that was the only face of the brand. A part of their collection is a tribute to one of the first modern planetariums made by George Graham, the great British clockmaker and maker of scientific instruments. We go hands-on with the entrancing Geo. Graham Orrery.

8 years ago

Live From QP – New Versions of the Schwarz Etienne La Chaux-de-Fonds Tourbillon Petite Seconde Retrograde

Today is the official opening of the London-based watch show, Salon QP. This means novelties from some of the 50 watch brands exposing there. First one to shoot is Schwarz Etienne, which unveils some new versions of its fascinating La Chaux-de-fonds Tourbillon Petite Seconde Retrograde – one steel with blue Lapis Lazuli stone dial edition and one white gold with blue Opal stone dial. Luxurious dials, nice finishing and complex movement… Overview!

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