Category: Novelty

TAG Heuer with a Very Cool “France Edition” of the Monaco Calibre 11

What we have here is nothing especially new or highly innovative… However, it certainly is one very cool edition of one of the most iconic racing chronographs ever: the TAG Heuer Monaco Calibre 11 – you know, the watch worn by the “King of Cool”, Steve McQueen, in movie Le Mans. Made especially for the French market (without a single reference to France in its design), very limited in production, and with a dial that recalls a certain “Dark Lord”, here is the TAG Heuer Monaco Calibre 11 France Edition.

8 years ago

Hands-On – Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute to Piet Mondriaan for De Stijl & Steltman 100th Anniversary

The Reverso certainly is the most iconic watch of Jaeger-LeCoultre. Of course, most of us know its long and rich history, with its roots linked to British polo players asking for a protected watch and its subsequent creation in 1931. There’s one thing that this particular construction allowed: personalisation. Today, the back of this classical Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso is a field of expression to celebrate a double centenary: the birth 100 years ago of Dutch art school De Stijl (think Piet Mondriaan) and of Dutch retailer Steltman. Here is the specifically-adorned Reverso Tribute to Piet Mondriaan.

8 years ago

Introducing – Laurent Ferrier Galet Square Porcelain Limited Edition

Since its inception in 2010, the brand Laurent Ferrier and its signature watch, the Galet, have always been favourites of ours, here at Monochrome. The reasons for that are simple: the design, the elegance, the execution and mainly, the beauty of the movements. Over the years, the collection has seen some evolutions, the most significant …

8 years ago

Introducing – Greubel Forsey QP à Equation now with Rhodium-Coloured Gold Dial

After exploring the tourbillon, by improving it on all aspects (by adding inclination to the cage, by having not one but two or even four of them or by changing the usual one-minute rotation to a faster 24-second cycle), it was time for Greubel Forsey to focus their mechanical creativity on something different… The choice was made to give a new vision of one of the most traditional complications, the Perpetual Calendar. Launched 2015, the Greubel Forsey QP à Equation now receives a new Rhodium-Coloured Gold Dial.

8 years ago

Value Proposition – The Paulin Watches Commuter Automatic (Designed and Assembled… In Glasgow)

As already explained to you, from time to time, we, posh watch-lovers and journalists, have to look at the other side of the watchmaking spectre. Of course, high-end, hand-decorated watches will remain our most important focus, but we shouldn’t forget that accessibility is key for many collectors. This is why, when there’s an affordable project that we love, we’re happy to share it with you… and this Paulin Commuter Automatic, a watch from Glasgow, Scotland, with an original and inspired design (and of course mechanical movement), is today under our scope.

8 years ago

Review – The Superb Vacheron Constantin Historiques Triple Calendrier 1942 in Steel

In a piece of news that dropped on our computers a couple of weeks ago, Vacheron Constantin announced several new “Historiques” watches. As a reminder, this collection comprises the deliberately “vintage-inspired” models of the brand, including the American 1921 or the Chronograph Cornes de Vaches. With the Vacheron Constantin Historiques Triple Calendrier 1942, saying that we’ve been impressed is quite of a euphemism. Beautifully designed, balanced, with heritage and pedigree, and all of that in an “accessible” (relatively speaking) steel case. It is now time to experience this Triple Calendrier 1942 in the metal.

8 years ago

Introducing – Oris’ In-House 10-Day Artelier Calibre 111 Now with a Blue Dial

When Oris launched its own, in-house developed and produced movement, back in 2014 (at that time the Calibre 110, without date), this sounded like an impressive step for the brand, more used to accessible sports-watches and out-sourced automatic movements. Indeed, with no-less than 10 days of power-reserve and some technically advanced features, it was quite an achievement. This hand-wound in-house Calibre is now fully integrated into the collections and has seen several evolutions (calibre 111, 112 and 113). Today, the Oris Artelier Calibre 111 changes style, by receiving a striking blue dial.

8 years ago

Hands-On – F.P. Journe and Holland & Holland Chronometre Watch With Unique Damascus Steel Dial

Just a few days ago in London, Swiss watchmaker F.P. Journe, in collaboration with British gun-maker Holland & Holland, unveiled two new limited edition timepieces. The independent watchmaker is known for marching to the beat of his own drum, and these new pieces are no exception. In an unexpected twist, they feature stunning Damascus steel dials, crafted from the barrels of two antique Holland & Holland shotguns, dating from 1868 and 1882 respectively. Read on for all the details.

8 years ago

Back to Basics for Bell & Ross with the Vintage BR V1-92 Military

Back at Baselworld 2017, Bell & Ross pleased collectors by launching a new “Vintage” collection, which had quite some arguments: smaller in diameter, with slimmer cases, an overall redesigned shape, some cool details… A winning combination for many B&R lovers. Among the 3 watches presented (3-hand, 3-hand with rotatable bezel and chronograph), the model that probably stroke me most was the simpler HMS version, a no-nonsense utilitarian, small and reasonably priced watch. This Bell & Ross Vintage BR V1-92 today receives its “Military” badges, in a new (and super-cool) version.

8 years ago