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Watches – News, Reviews, Brands and Releases
Recently, at Fratello HQ, we re-lit the flame of an age-old question: should/could you aspire to be a one-watch guy/gal? Well, some of us agreed, and some disagreed that it is even possible. When entertaining the notion of scrapping the collection, pawning everything off, and choosing the one, we suggested possible candidates. Somehow unavoidably, a number of Rolex watches popped up in our discussion. And it's not hard to imagine why. The brand has built an impressive reputation. Its high-quality luxury timepieces are not only versatile but also reasonably sized for both men and women. But this left me wondering: is Rolex the only way to go? Or is it the easiest?You could look at a Rolex Sub [...]
Earlier this year, Seiko announced a new spring drive movement intended to mark a new beginning for the brand. And with this new Spring Drive caliber is a great way to celebrate their 60th anniversary. Time to have a closer look at the Spring Drive 9RA5.Grand Seiko was born from a simple and ambitious aim, simply to create the best watches possible. With a small selection of Seiko's top watchmakers put to work in the late 50s, the first Grand Seiko was launched in December 1960. With numerology being very important, in Japan, the number 60 marks a moment of new energy and rebirth.Grand Seiko 60th AnniversaryAmong a selection of special edition watches celebrating this milestone, the brands m [...]
The Paneristi Vancouver Get ToGether reports (2 parts) can be found here and here at Paneristi.com.Nice to see so much variation: [...]
Oris has a good habit of bringing limited editions in their Aquis line to contribute to ocean conservation. This week we received a question from Apostolos, I guess one of our readers in Greece.You Asked Us: Will the dial of my Oris Aquis Clipperton fade in bright sunlight?Heres the original text of Apostolos question:Subject: WATCH DIALS AND SUN EXPOSUREHello,I recently bought an Oris Aquis Clipperton. Its graded blue dial is a real joy. The question is, is it ok to use in direct sunlight regularly, or it will soon fade and lose its fantastic contrast?Thank you,ApostolosMr. Ulrich Herzog explaining Oris contributions to Ocean conservationOris Contribution to Ocean ConservationAlready in 201 [...]
In 2021, Omega updated the iconic Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch with the caliber 3861 movement. A very good reason to update our Speedmaster Buyers Guide as well!This guide dates all the way back to 2014, and since then, a lot happened. Not only did we have our own way with Omega and the two Speedmaster Speedy Tuesday watches (in 2017 and 2018), Omega also introduced a number of interesting Speedmaster watches to the collection. What about the Speedmaster Calibre 321 from 2020, or the new Moonwatch Master Chronometer models in gold? Time for us to update this Speedmaster Buyers Guide.In this Speedmaster Buyers Guide, we give you an overview of the most important references of the Speedm [...]
In 1920, Cartier released a bell-shaped watch called Cloche de Cartier. It was original yet a bit quirky. The Cartier Priv collection is growing with new models inspired by this asymmetrical watch.?The Priv collection is a line that draws attention to the Cartiers much-vaunted past. Last year the French Maison presented the Tank Asym trique, today we can get acquainted with the renewed Cloche de Cartier.The StoryCartier is a brand well-known for weird shapes. As we can see, this collection is very specific but intensely characterful as a result. As a luxury market lover, I am full of admiration for brands that make bold moves such as this. The Priv line is neither easily digestible nor pa [...]
Brycen is swimming against the stream with the 26mm LeCoultre Baron on his wrist. If you dont care what other people think about your wristwatch of choice, a modestly-sized watch can bring unexpected gratification. I know how Brycen feels. My Mido Radiotime is only 23mm wide, but I wear it more proudly than I wear my Rolex GMT-Master 1675. As much as I like the GMT-Master, there are so many people out there that love it as well. Not only does that make prices for the GMT-Master go higher, but it also makes sporting it a bit of a status game which spoils watch collecting for me. I find wearing a small and often impossible-to-recognize, whatever-style-you-like watch the highest level of watch [...]
Ever since the Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon came out (in 2013), Ive known I would need to acquire it at some point. I am not talking about one of the recent variations, but the original one. The OG of Dark Sides. Heres my love letter to that watch.This might come a bit unexpected, because my focus is collecting Omega Speedmaster Professional watches, or at least models that are in the line of Moonwatch descendants. And yes, I do have a Mark II, Speedmaster 125, Speedmaster LCD, Speedmaster X-33, etc. that are already the odd ones in my theme. When Omega introduced the Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon in 2013, with its case diameter of 44.25mm, I was smitten by it. The all-black ceramic [...]
Steve S shows his 5970 in white gold on the Paneristi Forum.Congrats on the watch Steve! [...]
Theres nothing like news on a Friday and today some colorful, and attractive, information hit our mailboxes with the introduction of the Breitling Navitimer Swissair Edition.? In stainless steel and 43mm (as a Navitimer should be sized), Breitling tells us that this watch is the first to come of within a capsule collection of models that will harken back to the golden age of civilian airline travel in the 60s and 70s.? The watches will feature the names of historic airline brands and the colors that they used.? Honestly, I think its a relevant idea for the brand, especially since Breitling has earned its reputation as a pilots watch.? It doesnt hurt that the first release looks so damn good [...]
For this article, I picked 5 Rolex watches without box and papers. I am a collector and like to have my watches full set or at least as complete as possible. But what if you just want to buy a watch to wear? It saves you from storing boxes in your attic, safeguarding certificates and warranty cards, it is only you and the watch.It might be just a false assumption that everyone is a watch enthusiast or collector like ourselves here. You just might want to wear a watch and thats it. It is also how it often used to be in the past. When someone bought a watch in the 1980s, or even before, very often the box at least was left behind at the retailer. Just put the watch on your wrist, take your pap [...]
Fratello On Air is here with Balazs and Mike. This week, vintage Zenith is in focus as the duo roll through their favorite models out of Le Locle. Youll be surprised with this list because the El Primero doesnt factor so heavily.Zenith dates way back to 1865 with its founding in Le Locle, Switzerland. While we wont go back that far at all, we will look backward at some of our favorite models. Of course, Zenith makes some fantastic new models (ooh, we love that Chronomaster Original!), but bring two vintage nerds together and vintage is what you get!Handgelenks KontrolleAs always, Balazs and Mike kick off with a Handgelenks Kontrolle. Balazs is sporting his Casio G-Shock GW-B5600 with Bluetoo [...]
This week on Wrist Game or Crying Shame, I enjoy a neo-vintage Patek Philippe Gondolo 5014G. The question will be whether you feel the same or not. But firstLast week, I showed you the more recent Omega Seamaster Bullhead in white dial form and a healthy dose of red, white, and blue. Well, folks, I literally couldnt have scripted a more appropriate watch post election because this oddball finished with a Wrist Game win by wait for it four measly votes. Our Head of Operations, Daniel, is currently administering a recount. I expect results by 2022. Todays watch is bound to polarize, but I dont care. Lets talk about the Patek Philippe Gondolo 5014G.Patek PhilippeI absolutely need to level wit [...]
Fratello On Air is back with another brand-focused episode. We truly promise that were not on a Swatch Group parade, but we will hit our third marque within the portfolio. Hamilton is our topic today with Balazs and Mike on the erm mic. Enjoy it because the guys really enjoy this brand.Before we get to what was once Americas most famous watch brand, we talk a little bit of news. Mike brings up the latest MING 22.01 GMT and asks Balazs what he thinks about caller GMTs. In the end, both think this is a subject that receives more scrutiny than necessary. But its not Hamilton time yet, because next, its time for aHandgelenks KontrolleBalazs is on point with his Hamilton Intra-matic chronograph [...]
Welcome to Strap Check, a new column on Fratello where our editors showcase their favorite watch/strap combinations. We all know the feeling. When you've been wearing a watch for weeks on the same strap, there comes a time when the excitement starts to fade a little bit. Maybe that's the time when you start looking but looking for what? A brand new watch? Sometimes the answer lies not in the watch, but the strap on which you wear it From the classic to the unique. From cheap NATOs to bespoke leather and special bracelets. This is where we get excited about perfect combinations that make you feel like you've got a brand new watch on your wrist. So tune in every week for a new combination. Are [...]
In our Sunday Morning Showdown, two of our writers go head-to-head in an epic showdown for the ages. Strong opinions and hysterical hyperbole are welcome (so feel free to join in with the fun in the comments section below). And dont forget to let us know which watches youd like to see torn to shreds/effusively exalted next week. Well try and feature as many of our readers choices as we can. This week serves up a conundrum. With the prices between Seiko and Grand Seiko converging, our writers consider what this means for the options. Do you part with your cash for the highest-end Spring Drive diver from Seiko, or go in through the entry point with a similar Grand Seiko?Specifically, we are fo [...]
It's been a while since we reported about a Speedmaster sighting by a celebrity. In the past, we have seen Russel Crowe wearing one in many of his movies. He also had a Speedmaster in his private collection until recently. He auctioned numerous personal memorabilia away, including the watch, to-well, pay for his divorce. ?Ed O'Neill, the star of Modern Family, Married with Children and one of my favorite movies; The Adventures of Ford Fairlane also sports a Speedy regularly on and off screen. RJ also wrote a report about James Corden ditching is AP Royal Oak for an episode of Carpool Karaoke with Christmas Season favorite, Michael Bubl . I don't follow Corden closely so I'm not sure how ofte [...]
Bi-colour was a long time coming. Some say it still isnt here, but I beg to differ. The combination of stainless steel and a precious metal has been back in business for a few years (or was it here all the time?) and I am heavily in love with it.Actually, the first serious watch that I got 20 years ago was a bi-colour watch. Without any research on the internet or influenced by other enthusiasts, I picked this watch. Meaning that I just liked bi-colour already at that time. Now that I am past 40, I care little about the general consensus or what other people think of what I am wearing anyway. I can imagine that if you are in your early twenties, it is more important to care about whats accep [...]
When you receive an announcement about a new watch from A. Lange S?hne you know you can expect something stunning. It's not often you actually get to see the watch before the official launch, which is today in Dresden, but on this occasion we did. And amazing it is in all its facets. Lets have a look at the new limited edition A. Lange S?hne Datograph Up/Down Lumen.About the DatographFirst launched in 2012 as a refined version of the classic column-wheel chronograph, the Datograph has been created in different versions through the years. Starting out as the Lange chronograph with flyback it has been upgraded with different complications. Current models either feature a power reserve indica [...]
Introduced in 1993, the Omega Seamaster Diver 300M celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2018. Therefore, Omega will be introducing an updated version this BaselWorld 2018. The Seamaster Diver 300M, introduced as the 2531.80 for the automatic version and as 2541.80 for the quartz model (both models featured in the Pierce Brosnan James Bond movies), came a long way. Available in mid-sizes as well and in a couple of variations (black dial, Americas Cup, chronograph, GMT, etc.).The Seamaster 300M basically evolved with Omegas grow regarding movements and materials. Where the Seamaster 300M was always based on ETAs 2892-A2 movement, later on with Omegas Co-Axial escapement, you will now see that th [...]
