Becoming a 'gold standard' in the world of watches is something that only a few models will ever achieve. In a twist of irony have many of them accomplished this by being made not from this precious metal. However, that doesn't mean that even those don't look good in gold. Over the years have these four models proved their staying power and became the ones to which all the others are measured.

By its very nature, fads come and go and the watch industry is has seen its fair share of them. However, the two-tone watch is one that has transcended trend-status to become a bona fide classic style. From old-world heritage brands to cutting-edge niche brands, just about every watchmaker has dipped their toes into the two-tone look—and sometimes in surprising ways. Here are four examples of current luxury watches taking on the classic two-tone colorway.

Black is a color that is nearly always appropriate to wear. Also in watchmaking does it have a dominant position, especially when it comes to dials and straps. Black cases were for a long time a rarity. At the beginning of the last century, some brands, like Cartier, for example, experimented with bakelite cases. These watches were scarce then, and even more so now. Later on, new technologies such as PVD-coatings made it that more watches with black cases entered the market. Today there are several materials which a brand can utilize to create a black watch case. Next to the traditional PVD-coating, are there now coatings made from 'Diamond-Like Carbon,' which are more resistant to wear. Next to coatings did also a whole new generation of materials emerged. Ceramic was one of the first to make its entrance, but now even carbon, in various forms, is being used to craft watch cases. Their popularity is increasing, and for a good reason, because no matter what black-colored material is selected, it often results in watches that are true dark delights!

When it comes to watches, we tend to focus on the movement and its complications. While this is indeed often the reason why we buy a particular watch, a good bracelet, when it is of course fitted with one, can also have a substantial impact on how we enjoy it in day to day life. It should not only firmly yet comfortably secure the watch on our wrist, but it should also match its style. Designing and creating such a bracelet is not an easy task, yet these four brands nailed it.

The Tonneau is one of Cartier's oldest wrist-watch designs that are still in production today. It was launched in 1906, two years after the legendary Santos was introduced. Unlike the Santos, has the Tonneau spend most of its career outside of the limelight. In its early years, it was made in small numbers, often on request and as of 1998, it was part of the legendary CPCP-collection, which La Maison discontinued in 2008.

In a relatively short period of time, Cartier has put itself forward as one of the experts when it comes to skeleton watches. Thanks to an innovative approach to this craft, the brand has been able to embed it in its DNA. One of the ways that they have been able to do this is by connecting it to another hallmark of them; the Roman numerals. By crafting the bridges in their shape, and organizing the different parts of the movement below them, a very expressive watch is created in the process, especially when this movement is fitted in the case of the Santos de Cartier.

Last night all of Hollywood came together for the 2019 edition of the Academy Awards, better known as the Oscars. It was a memorable edition in which style and elegance ruled, and many of today's most talented actors could pick up one of those desirable statues.

With the introduction of the new Santos de Cartier, in 2018, it was to be expected that the collection would soon be expanded beyond the time-only and skeleton versions it was launched in. It is not surprising that Cartier picked for this extension a chronograph, as this is still one of the most popular complications. However, the way that they went about to integrate this in Santos is surprising!

With reduced sizes, blankets of diamonds, and fresh marketing language that drops gender categories, it is clear that big watch brands have their eye on women’s wrists. It was difficult to pick just a few from the wide assortment, but here are some of our favorite ladies watches from SIHH 2019.

With the fourth day, the SIHH is slowly winding down, but goes out with a bang! This is the only day that the fair is open to the public and a lot of people joined journalists and retailers from around the world to admire all the great watches. For us, it is the time to have our last appointments and do the final photoshoots, and once again we were delighted by what we got to see!

With SIHH only a short week away some trends can already be established from the pre-releases of the brands participating. One of them is the continuation of a phenomenon that we have seen develop over the last few years; the rise of watches with a blue dial. In fact, we are getting to the point that we can hardly call it a trend anymore, but more the new normal as blue seems to be here to stay in full force. These blue dial beauties will hit the boutiques in 2019!

The eyes of the world where once again on Hollywood, as the 76th edition of the Golden Globe Awards took place. There was fierce competition, as the quality of the nominated films and performances was very high. On the red carpet, there was also quite some competition on who dressed the most memorable. Many of Hollywood's finest knew perfectly to amplify their personal style with a dashing outfit. And of course, no outfit would be complete without a watch to match!

They keep on coming! Cartier just announced four amazing limited editions that will join their collection in 2019. They not only highlight La Maison's exceptional finesse when it comes to the shape of watch cases but also their heritage as one of the world's leading jewelers is perfectly showcased.

Not quite round and not quite rectangular, the cushion-shaped watch is like the little black dress of timepieces—it’s universally flattering on any wrist. Whether you prefer sporty, casual, or dressy, here are four cushion watches to cozy up to this season.

When 2019 has barely started, SIHH is scheduled to open its doors. From January 14th to 18th the exhibiting brands will delight us with the most mesmerizing new creations. Traditionally many of those brands also launch a few new watches before the show. While impressive, they usually keep the real fireworks until the fair itself. Given the very high level of the watches that they have already introduced, 2019 is bound to going to be an amazing year in watches!

Spoiled by a long summer, most people living in the northern hemisphere now have to deal with lower temperatures, and in some cases even snow. This sets the scenery for the upcoming holidays, and with that also for these watches, which go very well with a bit of winter wonderland!