Masterclass by A. Lange & Söhne x Monochrome
On October 12 A. Lange & Söhne and yours truly will organize a Masterclass (in the Netherlands). We’re looking forward to an evening with the folks of this beautiful German watch brand, showcasing and explaining everything about their brand, their history, and of course their watches. Would you like to join us? Always wanted to talk with Lange’s top watchmakers? Well, this is your chance! We reserved a few seats (literary a few) and you can have the chance to attend. Fill out the form below, and maybe you will be one of few persons who can attend this event.
Enamel is enjoying something of a renaissance in watch manufacturing. Many companies – from Seiko to Patek – are increasingly turning to the nearly forgotten art to decorate their dials. While it’s a slow and sometimes unforgiving process, the reward for mastering the technique is a uniquely alluring dial with a hue that will never fade. One company that has mastered the craft is Breguet – the gurus of guilloche also produce watches with some of the finest enamel dials in the industry. In fact, just this year they updated two of their classically styled pieces – the elegant Classique 7147, which we looked at earlier this year, and this more complex Classique 7787. Breguet has exchanged these models’ traditionally engine-turned dials for a pair of pearly whites. Both watches share the same style of grand feu enamelled dial, with Breguet numerals, whimsical star minute track, and stylised fleur-de-lis hour markers. However, there are a few extra details on the 7787, starting with a power reserve indicator that sweeps across the dial between three and six o’clock. Next is the smiling cutout at 12 o’clock, which displays the age and phases of the moon – with its stars and man on the moon set in…
It’s been a tough year for the luxury watch industry, and though things seem to be picking up now, the mood at SIHH in January could be described as reserved at best. One of the shining lights in a muted firmament was Jaeger-LeCoultre. Specifically, their newest Master Control release was a trilogy of watches celebrating the line’s 25th anniversary. Offered in date, chronograph and dual time configurations, these three watches shared JLC’s highly regarded movements, simple steel cases and vintage-inspired sector dials that transformed them from conservative classics into conversation starters. However, these watches didn’t just impress because of their style but also because of their refreshingly sensible price points. Other brands would do well to follow JLC’s sterling example. Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Control Australian pricing Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Control Date, $8300 Master Chronograph, $11,700, Master Geographic $13,900.
While it’s unarguable that Switzerland has a hegemony on the luxury watch industry, their German neighbours have an equally long and proven track record when it comes to fine watchmaking. We’re willing to bet you’re familiar with Glashütte locals Nomos and A.Lange & Söhne, but there’s a lot more to Deutsche Uhren, such as these wunderbar watches… Archimede Pilot 42 Bronze While the German watchmaking town of Glashütte will pop up more than once on this list, we’re going to kick off with the Pforzheim-based firm of Archimede. Known for their high-quality cases and Pilot’s-style watches, all of which is on show in this stylish and affordable bronze Flieger. €756, ex VAT Mühle Glashütte S.A.R. Rescue Timer We told you Glashütte would show up on this list. And while Mühle Glashütte have quite a broad catalogue, we’re suckers for their S.A.R. Rescue Timer. $A2995 Defakto Eins Inkognito Defakto is one of the Ickler family of brands (Archimede being the most well known), and their watches are defined by minimal style. This Eins Inkognito is so minimal they even left one of the hands off. €613, ex VAT Sinn U1 If you’re into serious tool watches, you’re probably familiar with Sinn, who…