Category: Novelty

Panerai LAB-ID PAM700 – Pure Concentrate of Technology

A common cliché is to let engineering and innovation in the hands of Germans / Swiss and design to Italians. Justified or not, you probably heard that dozens of times. Yet, for once, we’ll let Italians their chance to show their skills in terms of innovation… And to be honest, they might have something here. Indeed, the new Panerai LAB-ID PAM700, presented at the SIHH 2017, is simply a concentrate of Panerai’s technology. 50 years warranty, self-lubricated parts, almost no jewels in the movement, carbon everywhere. See, Italians can also jump into technology.

9 years ago

Review – Brellum Duobox, A New Offer With Cool Retro Design & Excellent Value For Money

The Brellum Duobox is a no-nonsense chronograph with retro-inspired design, powered by the robust and reliable Valjoux 7750. Elegant, nicely executed and offering excellent value for money – it is most likely one of the most affordable chronographs powered by a 7750 (and the best is that this movement is COSC certified… and that is almost never true in the below 5k price bracket!). This sounded promising enough to meet Sébastien Muller, founder of the brand, and go hands-on with the Brellum Duobox.

9 years ago

First Look – Bulgari Octo Roma, When The Iconic Octogonal Watch Becomes Softer

Since over a decade now (designed by Bulgari’s Roman design department in 2004), the Octo has become the iconic watch collection of the brand, known for its delicate and precious jewellery creations but also now for some distinctive watchmaking products (see the Finissimo collection and you’ll understand…) Yet, as desirable this watch is, it is a razor-sharp design, with no fewer than 110 facets and a shape that can’t go unnoticed. This year, the brand gives an answer to those for whom the Octo is simply too bold, with a more delicate and softer creation, still impregnated with the Octagonal DNA, the Bulgari Octo Roma.

9 years ago

Pre-Baselworld 2017 – Introducing the Seiko Presage Enamel Collection (And The Comeback Of The Superb Presage Chronograph)

In 2016, Seiko positively surprised collectors with the international launch of the Presage collection, a lineup of only mechanical and classical watches, clearly intended to please watch enthusiasts usually more inclined to buy Swiss high-end pieces. In just a few months, Seiko Presage has taken center stage, being very well received. Also, at Baselworld 2016, Seiko presented the widely acclaimed and superb 60th anniversary chronograph with an enamel dial. Today, Seiko announces the launch of a new range, the Seiko Presage Enamel Collection, using the same high-end dials.

9 years ago

Manchester United Special Edition Chronographs Just Unveiled by TAG Heuer

The fact that the LVMH Watch Division, led by J.C. Biver, is quite inclined in sports partnerships is no secret. There are dozens of them. Today, the Group brings back on board one of their long-time partners, Manchester United. Indeed, the Football Club was partnering with sister-brand Hublot in the early 2010s, before moving to another Swiss brand. Well, the team is back in Biver’s portfolio, as a partnership was signed between TAG Heuer and Manchester United in 2016, TAG being official timekeeper. Both partners now just announce the creation of two TAG Heuer Manchester United Special Edition Chronographs, based on the Carrera Heuer-01 and the Formula 1.

9 years ago

Omega Introduces the Seamaster Planet Ocean 600m PyeongChang 2018 Limited Edition

In exactly one year from now, on February 9, 2018, the 2018 Winter Olympics will open their doors in PyeongChang, South Korea. As it is now common, the official timekeeper of the Olympics will again be Omega Watches. Indeed, the Biel-based brand has fulfilled the role on 27 occasions since 1932. And because it has now become a very common practice (see the 2016 Rio Editions, here and here, or the first PyeongChang Edition), Omega will have a dedicated watch to celebrate the event. With the colours of the South Korean flag as an inspiration, here is the Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean 600m PyeongChang 2018 Limited Edition.

9 years ago

In-Depth – The F.P. Journe Vagabondage III (And The History Of The Vagabondage Series)

François-Paul Journe has always been a bit apart in the watchmaking industry. Yet, most of his watches are easily recognizable and are imbued with a clear, distinctive DNA. However, a specific series of watches does not respect the rule; the Vagabondage watches. Entirely different case, entirely different displays, entirely different philosophy… 2017 marks the arrival of a third tortue-cased watch, the F.P. Journe Vagabondage III (which we already showed to you in video here). A splendid watch and the first-ever mechanical watch with digital jumping-seconds. And today, we take a closer look at it.

9 years ago

Hands-On – Vacheron Constantin Patrimony Moon Phase And Retrograde Date

This year was the year of the exceptional for Vacheron Constantin, a year of ultra-complex, ultra-rare and ultra-precious watches. The two main novelties were indeed the Celestia and the Symphonia. One is an astronomical watch with 23 complications, tourbillon and massive power reserve (6 barrels…!) The other one is no less than a Grande Sonnerie. Good for angels… However the brand also had some novelties for us, mere mortals. And one of them is this highly elegant and rather original Vacheron Constantin Patrimony Moon Phase And Retrograde Date.

9 years ago

Introducing the 2017 Updated Oris Aquis Date Collection (More Refined, Still Powerful)

Since its introduction, the Oris Aquis has always been the high-performance dive watch of the brand. Sturdy, robust, strong and powerful, this watch is all about performance and reliability. So to say, a real tool watch, which earned the status of icon in the Oris collection. Even if it remained modern, Oris has decided to bring a new take on the Aquis Date Collection, with subtle evolutions of most components, in order to bring modernity and extra-refinement to a still very toolish and professional-oriented watch. Here is the updated Oris Aquis Date Collection for 2017, more refined, still powerful.

9 years ago