Morning Chess

Perfume Pyramid

Longevity

Sillage

When To Wear

Pros & Cons

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Reviews

1. W

   Wren Popescu Like January 10, 2026

   A decant of Morning Chess sat in my box for weeks before I finally wore it. As it settles, Patchouli and Black Amber come through and give it real depth. The very first sniff is crisp Bergamot, very much my kind of start. Performance is consistent: comfortable sillage and several hours of wear on my skin. I reach for it often and always enjoy the wear.
2. A

   Amara Ivanova Like April 29, 2026

   A decant of Morning Chess sat in my box for weeks before I finally wore it. The drydown leans on Patchouli plus Black Amber and that is exactly where it feels most comfortable. The base rests on Patchouli and Black Amber — warm, grounded and easy to live with. I get about four to six hours before it turns into a skin scent. A very likeable composition that is easy to appreciate.
3. B

   Beau Fischer Love May 8, 2026

   I have owned Morning Chess for a while now and my opinion has only gotten stronger. The heart is the best part for me: Leather and Galbanum feel carefully balanced. The drydown leans on Patchouli plus Black Amber and that is exactly where it feels most comfortable. Projection stays close for the first hour, then becomes a soft, pleasant aura. Easily one of my favourite finds this season.
4. T

   Tess Brandt Love May 12, 2026

   Vilhelm Parfumerie knows how to compose, and Morning Chess (2015) is proof. The heart is the best part for me: Leather and Galbanum feel carefully balanced. Give it a little time and Leather with Galbanum comes forward — smooth and well done. In cooler weather it sits closer to the skin, which I actually prefer here. This has earned a permanent spot in my rotation.
5. R

   Ravi Sinclair Ok May 13, 2026

   Everyone keeps talking about Morning Chess, so I finally gave it a proper test. Right away I get mostly Bergamot, fresh and very easy to wear. Give it a little time and Leather with Galbanum comes forward — smooth and well done. Projection stays close for the first hour, then becomes a soft, pleasant aura. I enjoy it when I wear it, yet I rarely think of reaching for it.
6. C

   Celeste Hansen Like May 23, 2026

   A decant of Morning Chess sat in my box for weeks before I finally wore it. The drydown leans on Patchouli plus Black Amber and that is exactly where it feels most comfortable. The very first sniff is crisp Bergamot, very much my kind of start. It is not the loudest scent I own, but the balance suits it well. I reach for it often and always enjoy the wear.
7. E

   Elif Oliveira Like June 13, 2026

   I picked up Morning Chess (2015) mostly on a whim, and it turned out to be a pleasant surprise. Give it a little time and Leather with Galbanum comes forward — smooth and well done. Right away I get mostly Bergamot, fresh and very easy to wear. The drydown lingers pleasantly, and I do not need to reapply at lunch. I reach for it often and always enjoy the wear.
8. M

   Mina Lima Like June 19, 2026

   Everyone keeps talking about Morning Chess, so I finally gave it a proper test. Right away I get mostly Bergamot, fresh and very easy to wear. The opening is built around Bergamot — bright and immediately recognizable. Performance is consistent: comfortable sillage and several hours of wear on my skin. A very likeable composition that is easy to appreciate.
9. L

   Lila Novak Like July 10, 2026

   My first Vilhelm Parfumerie experience was this one, Morning Chess (2015). The drydown leans on Patchouli plus Black Amber and that is exactly where it feels most comfortable. The very first sniff is crisp Bergamot, very much my kind of start. The drydown lingers pleasantly, and I do not need to reapply at lunch. A solid addition for anyone who enjoys this style.
10. B

    Beau Kaur Like July 13, 2026

    For a 2015 release, Morning Chess deserves more attention than it gets. The very first sniff is crisp Bergamot, very much my kind of start. The opening is built around Bergamot — bright and immediately recognizable. Projection stays close for the first hour, then becomes a soft, pleasant aura. Well done — recommended if the notes appeal to you.
11. N

    Nina Cruz Love July 15, 2026

    I picked up Morning Chess (2015) mostly on a whim, and it turned out to be a pleasant surprise. After about twenty minutes the heart settles into Leather with Galbanum, which is where the fragrance really shines. The heart is the best part for me: Leather and Galbanum feel carefully balanced. Projection stays close for the first hour, then becomes a soft, pleasant aura. This one gets my highest praise — beautiful from start to finish.
12. A

    Anouk Vance Like July 19, 2026

    I keep reaching for Morning Chess more than I expected to. After about twenty minutes the heart settles into Leather with Galbanum, which is where the fragrance really shines. The heart is the best part for me: Leather and Galbanum feel carefully balanced. Longevity is moderate and the trail is noticeable without being loud. Well done — recommended if the notes appeal to you.
13. M

    Marco Sandoval Love July 26, 2026

    A couple of wears in, Morning Chess has really grown on me. The base rests on Patchouli and Black Amber — warm, grounded and easy to live with. The very first sniff is crisp Bergamot, very much my kind of start. On my skin the performance is reliable, not a beast but far from weak. Easily one of my favourite finds this season.
14. E

    Elias Chen Like July 27, 2026

    I needed a full wearing before I made my mind up about Morning Chess. The drydown leans on Patchouli plus Black Amber and that is exactly where it feels most comfortable. Give it a little time and Leather with Galbanum comes forward — smooth and well done. It performs better in warmer weather — in the heat it opens up nicely. I reach for it often and always enjoy the wear.
15. Y

    Yuki Dupont Love August 2, 2026

    I needed a full wearing before I made my mind up about Morning Chess. The base rests on Patchouli and Black Amber — warm, grounded and easy to live with. The heart is the best part for me: Leather and Galbanum feel carefully balanced. Performance is consistent: comfortable sillage and several hours of wear on my skin. Easily one of my favourite finds this season.
16. L

    Luca Dubois Like 2 weeks ago

    A friend passed me a decant of Morning Chess (2015) and I wasn’t prepared for it. Give it a little time and Leather with Galbanum comes forward — smooth and well done. As it settles, Patchouli and Black Amber come through and give it real depth. On my skin the performance is reliable, not a beast but far from weak. I can see this getting a lot of wear in my collection.
17. I

    Isla Nowak Love 1 week ago

    I needed a full wearing before I made my mind up about Morning Chess. Right away I get mostly Bergamot, fresh and very easy to wear. The base rests on Patchouli and Black Amber — warm, grounded and easy to live with. After a few hours it becomes a soft skin scent with a lovely trail. I would happily buy a full bottle.