Review – Dissecting the Laurent Ferrier Montre Ecole in Steel to Understand the Meaning of Haute-Horlogerie

This article first started its life as a classical review, as we like to do here, on Monochrome. However, as I was drawing it in my mind, I quickly understood that the Laurent Ferrier Montre Ecole was a perfect piece to do something slightly different, to write an article with a different structure. In fact, we often have questions about how high-end watches can cost such incredibly high prices. Well, today, by properly dissecting this Montre Ecole, I’ll tend to explain why a 3-hand watch in stainless steel can be priced CHF 35,000 – and indeed, it’s all about the smallest details…

8 years ago

Introducing – Ulysse Nardin Marine Chronometer Annual Calendar Monaco Edition

At the SIHH 2017, Ulysse Nardin introduced a watch that perfectly sums up what it stands for: a combination of marine roots with a cleverly designed movement, with simplification in mind. This watch was the Ulysse Nardin Marine Annual Calendar Chronometer. This year, in celebration of 9 years of loyal support for the prestigious Monaco Yacht Show, the brand introduces a dedicated limited edition based on this desirable watch, with a new style – and also a more attractive price.

8 years ago

HANDS-ON: Not your typical sports chrono – the IWC Da Vinci Chronograph Edition “Laureus Sport for Good Foundation”

When IWC made the revamped Da Vinci collection their main focus at SIHH 2017, it’s fair to say that there was a little bit of confusion – if not downright consternation – among the watch-loving faithful. Coming off two straight years of strong, masculine product – the Portugieser and the Pilot’s – the dressy Da Vinci was a definite change of pace with it’s feminine demeanour and fancy articulated lugs. If you’re on the fence about the Da Vinci collection as a whole, have a look at this limited-edition Chronograph Edition “Laureus Sport For Good Foundation”. Even though the words ‘chronograph’ and ‘sport’ are in the (rather wordy) model name, this is far from your typical sports chrono. In fact, it’s pretty much the opposite. Refined, elegant and devastatingly handsome, the 42mm-wide by 14.5mm-thick steel case is all polished curves, notably on the lugs and the flyback chronograph’s rounded pushers. The dial is a real beauty: a rich starburst blue that’s a trademark of IWC’s Laureus editions, with applied silver Arabic numerals, matching hands and the odd red detail. The chronograph features stacked hours and minutes totalisers at 12, and running seconds at six, a pleasingly symmetrical design somewhat marred…

The post HANDS-ON: Not your typical sports chrono – the IWC Da Vinci Chronograph Edition “Laureus Sport for Good Foundation” appeared first on Time and Tide Watches.

8 years ago

SPOTTED! BY AG: Dispatch 12, September 2017

This month was full of milestones, travel and precious metals. Not only did it mark one full year of #SpottedByAG, but we also officially warmed our (not-so-new) Time+Tide HQ (a tad overdue – we know). It started with a trip over to the windy city, Wellington – where I had the pleasure of meeting some of the Red Bar NZ crew, followed by a tour of the local boutique (Partridges), who kindly hosted brunch. The first watch I noticed as I sat down was an Omega Speedmaster ‘Snoopy’, on the wrist of member Mike (@Nzer.Mike). Given the limited production, you don’t see these too often, so they’re somewhat of a rare bird. I also sized up another Omega Speedmaster, albeit a little older, with some eye-catching patina. It turned out to be from 1973, and was in fantastic condition. It’s owner, Cole (@Cole_Sharpp), treated himself later that morning to a new Tudor Black Bay Steel (which I take no responsibility for). I must say, for the dozen or so guys who turned up, the crew really brought the heat. A big thank you to Jarrod and Pat from Red Bar NZ, and Andrew from Partridge Jewellers, for the hospitality. Not…

The post SPOTTED! BY AG: Dispatch 12, September 2017 appeared first on Time and Tide Watches.

8 years ago

Review – The Vacheron Constantin Overseas Automatic 4500V

Some categories in the watch world are more difficult than others. The “Luxury Sports-Watch” certainly is amongst the toughest ones. Narrow, precisely defined, requiring the highest standards of quality, luxury, and mechanics, driven by a few, very strong icons… Entering it is complex. Renewing one of its members is close from a dead-end. This is however what Vacheron Constantin achieved with the new Overseas collection, introduced in 2016, and today we look at the “standard” offer, the Overseas Automatic 4500V.

8 years ago