Favre Leuba is known for its rugged functional watches. The brand’s unique mountaineering credentials owe much to the Bivouac collection. Back in the 1960s, the watch was one of the first to be fitted with a mechanical altimeter. In 1975, Japanese alpinist Junko Tabel, the first women to summit Everest, did so with a Bivouac […]
The Luxury Sports Watch category is dominated by iconic classics such as the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak and the Patek Philippe Nautilus – two watches that defined the genre back in the 1970s. It is also one of the most successful categories these days, with these two models being almost impossible to find at retailers. […]
Judging by the relentless stream of Grand Seiko press releases, it’s patently clear that this Japanese brand is dead set on conquering Western markets. And although Grand Seiko is the higher-range offering of Seiko, it’s not all dead serious content. The latest Grand Seiko unites two Japanese icons to celebrate their respective anniversaries in a […]
Alpina expands its 1970s-inspired Startimer Heritage Pilot family with a chronograph. Not just any chronograph, mind you, but a monopusher chronograph based on a movement by La Joux-Perret, not something you would expect to find on a watch retailing for just over EUR 3,000. Presented in three different colourways, the watch has a commanding presence […]
About a year ago, Zenith Watches teamed up with Bamford Watch Department to present the Chronomaster El Primero Solar Blue for MR PORTER. The success of this limited edition has encouraged the manufacture and the watch customiser to join forces once again. Meet the Chronomaster El Primero Radar, an unusual, bold and modern take on […]
1969 was a prolific year for the watch industry. We could talk about the Moon Landing or the introduction of several iconic timepieces. But when it comes to innovation and pure watchmaking, 1969 should be remembered mainly for the introduction of the first automatic chronograph movements. Among them were the El Primero and the Chronomatic/Calibre […]
While Seiko’s influence on the automatic chronograph doesn’t need to be demonstrated anymore, as it was one of the three manufacturers to simultaneously launch such an innovative movement back in 1969, the brand’s history in terms of chronographs is slightly older than this milestone and the calibre 6139. It actually dates back to 1964 with […]
It’s becoming more and more frequent for watch brands to create special, exclusive editions for bona fide collectors. A collector’s club based in Silicon Valley is the latest recipient of a customised Zenith watch for its members. With such a high concentration of IT companies and the looming presence of Apple, it would be fair […]
The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak, and its full ceramic Perpetual Calendar versions – full black and now white too – have been some of the most sought-after modern watches for some years now. You understand why when you handle these watches… The full ceramic case and bracelet are nothing but superbly executed. To add to […]
Parmigiani Fleurier is traditionally quite conservative when it comes to the materials of its designs and its watch cases. The brand usually sticks to platinum, gold or steel to craft its watches. Yet, earlier this year, the brand introduced its Kalpagraphe in a matte titanium version, offering a sleek monochromatic look. This chronograph watch is now presented in a black ADLC-steel limited edition, the Parmigiani Fleurier Kalpagraphe Noir. This new version is launched together with the Kalpagraphe Blanc, a pink gold feminine model with a subtle white sapphire dial.