Watches Blog Wrist Watch Reviews

Not too long ago I did a review of this years Panerai Luminor Submersible Titanio (PAM 615?for the reference coders) and now I am back with this much talked about Panerai Luminor Submersible Carbotech (PAM 616). When they showed it to us in Geneva during the SIHH, I took note of a lot of ooohs and aaahs from colleagues around me that have a thing going on for Panerai watches. I am not a Paneristi, but I did understand what the fuzz was about.Panerai Luminor Submersible 1950 Carbotech PAM 616 on the wristPAM 616 ReviewCarbotech CaseDuring the SIHH, I wrote the following about the Carbotech case material:In order to produce the Carbotech case, Panerai had to bind the long thin sheets of carbon [...]

Pioneering Swiss watchmaking for 150 years. According to the official TAG Heuer website that is, because there is some discussion around the pioneering part. Their latest in-house manufactured caliber 1887 movement seems to be based on a Seiko movement. Nothing necessarily wrong with that,???? however, TAG Heuers press release stated that this caliber 1887 is a designed 100% in-house movement. Even according to TAG Heuers CEO J. Babin, it is clearly not designed in-house, as the CEO himself is posting messages on several TAG Heuer forums to give an explanation to all TAG Heuer fans. His post on WatchUseek starts like this: Hi, Im J.C. Babin the CEO of TAG Heuer, and YES, the new Caliber 1887 [...]

Last year Omega introduced their new Seamaster Diver 300M watch. A watch that has been in the collection since 1993 and was due for a big update. A new movement, new case size, and a new dial for example, while maintaining the look feel of one of their best selling watches. 2019 just started, and Omega throws in another variation of this new Seamaster Diver 300M.Seamaster Diver 300M In Ceramic and TitaniumWe have been informing you about the steel, gold steel and titanium/tantalum/Sedna gold versions of this new Seamaster Diver 300M, but today Omega surprised us with a model made of one black ceramic and titanium. With a size larger than the regular model (41mm), this 43.5mm is bigger and [...]

The Speedmaster is and will always be associated with the Apollo program and Moonlanding forever, but that was not what Omega had in mind when they introduced it in 1957. This chronograph was made to measure intervals by scientists, engineers, athletes, but also by racecar drivers. The Speedmaster was the first watch ever to have a tachymeter scale outside the dial, on a bezel. In the very first advertisements of the Speedmaster, we find two men sitting in a sports car, implying they're using the chronograph to time laps or measure average speed using the tachymeter scale.Omega Speedmaster advertisementThe Omega Speedmaster Racing StoryFor those who don't know, the tachymeter helps you calcu [...]

Whether you like Patek Philippe and its watches or not, I think there's one thing we can all agree on: the brand is up there at the very top of watchmaking artistry. Today, the Genevan manufacture presents a world debut of six models from the current collection as part of its 2021 rare handcrafts exhibition. Each watch features artistic decorations such as manual engraving, grand feu cloisonn enamel, grand feu champlev enamel, grand feu flinqu enamel, manual guilloch , and gem-setting. Of these six, I wanted to take a look at one in particular, the Ref. 5374G-001 minute repeater with a perpetual calendar.Why this one in particular? Well, not only is it my favorite of the collection but lo [...]

I was not raised Catholic, and Im not one today. You wouldnt know that, however, from the guilt that I carry. There are things that Ive done that simply cant be undone, and there are watches Ive worn that surely cant be unworn. There are also some pitiful habits I have that make me feel like less than a devoted watch guy. Today, in this article, its time to come clean, and confess my dirty little horological secrets. Forgive me, Fratelli, for I (feel like I) have sinned.Was that opening paragraph slightly melodramatic? Of course, it was, but its midnight, and Ive got to start this somehow. Nevertheless, this idea has been brewing for weeks, while the seed of guilt that inspired it has been g [...]

Why we didnt feature U-Boat beforeIf you are not from The Netherlands, Belgium or Luxembourg, you can skip this small introduction for sure. However, if you want to know why we didnt feature more U-Boat in the past, keep on reading.Earlier this year, I was on a short trip to London and U-Boat UK invited me over to meet with them. I have to be honest with you and say that U-Boat wasnt exactly on my radar for a long time. The reason for this is that they were marketed in The Netherlands (where we are based) in a terrible manner approximately 10 years ago. However, I decided to go to see the people at U-Boat in London and to my surprise they acknowledged the fact these early days werent the bes [...]

The inspiration for this article stems from a Fratello on Air podcast episode in May. In the episode, Fratello editors Mike, Jorg, and Balazs discussed watch cultures around the globe. While we are an international team at Fratello, we can only speculate on watch cultures based on our own experience. I set out to deliver the cold, hard facts that somehow reinforce the assumptions made as part of the episode. Using statistics, we will define the most popular watch brand and model around the globe. Before we start, take a guess on which watch brand stands above the rest, and let us know your thoughts in the comments.The data we will look at today was graciously provided by Chrono24s extensive [...]

Anyone who is part of the watch community will probably agree that watch spotting can be a really satisfying activity. I sometimes entertain myself by checking out the wrists of others on the tram or plane sitting next to me. You usually have a preconceived idea of what a Rolex wearer or an Omega guy looks like. These are perfect occasions to assure your theory about them. Not to mention, when you see a special piece, a limited edition or a cool vintage watch. All of a sudden, the guy who occupies the whole armrest next to you earns your respect. Watch spotting has another way too; watching movies and TV. Today's Full HD TVs allow you not only to see the watch crystal clear but also to pause [...]

Welcome to an entirely different side of Grand Seiko. Weve seen some rather exotic limited edition models over the past several years, but the Kodo Constant-force Tourbillon has to be the most audacious. This watch is really something, but sadly it is for those with incredibly deep pockets. Still, its fun to dream!The Grand Seiko Kodo Constant-force Tourbillon comes to us at Watches Wonders 2022. It is not the only limited-edition model from Grand Seiko, but it is the most exclusive. Only 20 of these amazing watches will be produced and they will cost wait for it 370,000 So, park your Bugatti, and lets see what all the fuss is aboutThe Grand Seiko Kodo Constant-force TourbillonThe Kodo Cons [...]

Welcome back to our Watch On Your Wrist? Instagram extravaganza Tag your watch snaps with fratellowatches to be in with a chance to win!Every week, we select four images. You can vote in the article for your favorite image. The winner moves on to the semi-final round (held every fifth week between the previous four weekly winners). Win that and youre into the final, which will be held at the end of the year. There will be five finalists in 2020 and ten from next year on.Basically, if you like winning things and there will be a prize for the champion of 2020 this year represents your best shot. So get snapping, get tagging, and get sharing. And dont forget to vote (once) for yourself Obvious [...]

Your weekly installment of Fratello On Air is here. This time, Balazs and Mike handle a reader question about a few rather different chronographs.We love a good reader question, and this week, our faithful listener John sent us a great one Firstly, thanks, John John works at a hospital and were thankful for the efforts hes putting in during these trying times. Were glad that our podcast helps just a little during those tough days.Handgelenks KontrolleBefore getting to our reader question, though, we talk a bit about bicycles and then get into our Handgelenks Kontrolle. Mike is still in love with his 90s Rolex Datejust 16200, which shows few signs of leaving his wrist. Balazs is wearing a tru [...]

This year, it is 80 years ago that Omega became the official timekeeper at the Olympic Games in Los Angeles in 1932. During these 80 years, Omega has been the official timekeeper 25 times.The Games will start at the 27th of July and will go on for 17 days. Over 10,000 of athletes and officials from over 200 countries are participating in the Olympic Games in London. Omega's count down clock has been put in place in March last year and is rapidly approaching the start of the Games.Watch enthusiasts over the world are probably most familiar with the special edition watches that Omega has been introducing over the last few years. However, for the 2012 London Games, Omega did something really sp [...]

Watches are so versatile. From dress watch to tool watch, the opportunities to pick the one that fits you best?are endless. Personally, I tend to buy larger watches, usually chronographs with dark colored dials. That's my thing. That's why I was really looking forward to this piece that I had the pleasure of wearing for a few weeks. It is so out of the ordinary for me with its colors, but because of the timeless design it felt like a friend you have not seen in a while whom you finally reconnect. I truly enjoyed every second it spent on my wrist. I wear it as I type the article now but in a few days I will have to kiss good-bye to this Omega Seamaster Diver 300M ETNZ.Omega Seamaster 300M Bac [...]

Speedmaster 311.30.42.30.01.004Remember our post about the Speedmaster Racing a few weeks ago? Well, theres more to it During our appointment with Jean Claude Monachon (Head of Product Development) of OMEGA weve heard the true story about the OMEGA Speedmaster Professional 311.30.42.30.01.004 Racing that was introduced during Baselworld 2013.Tintin Destination MoonTintin Destination Moon (or Objectif Lune) is the 16th comic album of Herg s Tintin series. It was written 19 years before the Moonlanding (Apollo 11 in 1969) and 8 years before the first manned space flight (Yuri Gagarin). The story about Tintin, Haddock and professor Calculus continues in the next album, Explorers on the Moon (1 [...]

Welcome back to Wrist Game or Crying Shame and this week lets look at the racy TAG Heuer Kirium F1. Lets see if you fancy this once futuristic chronograph. But firstLast week, I served up a cold frothy glass of root beer Rolex style. I chose the newest two-tone Rolex GMT-Master II with a bicolor bezel. You folks were thirsty and ably chugged down this Rolex with a 71% Wrist Game bottoms up This week, we stay a bit flashy, but head back to the early 2000s with a watch well, the line anyhow that was once quite popular. Were choosing the most unique model in the lineup, though, with the TAG Heuer Kirium F1.The TAG Heuer Kirium Formula 1Noted TAG Heuer site calibre11.com tells us that the Kiri [...]

This year, Omega not only introduced the 60th anniversary Trilogy and the Speedy Tuesday, they also brought us the Seamaster Aqua Terra 2017 models. Not too long ago, we published an article on the 15th anniversary of the Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra (you can find it here), showing you an overview of these models since the start.Every year, the number of new references that Omega introduces in Basel is just mind-boggling. I wouldnt mind if they would take it a notch down, but I guess that theres a market for each and anyone of them. Most people think I am a Speedmaster-guy, which is surely true, but I also have a weak spot for the Constellation and some of the Seamaster models. Owning and havi [...]

In today's installment of TBT, we'll talk about what I think is, hands down, one of the most perfect chronographs ever created, the Breitling 765 AOPA. In case you're in denial, have been reading elsewhere or are blinded by the fact that the brand's current offerings are far different (read: much larger) than its historic lineup, vintage Breitling offers a true treasure trove of goodies for the vintage chronograph collector. Well over a year ago, I compiled a lengthy interview with a couple Breitling experts and it ultimately covered but a fraction of the incredible models once offered by the aerospace-focused maker. Since that time, the brand has gained more and more respect amongst hardco [...]

Photographer Mike Mellia visited the special exhibit at the Rolex Service Center in NYC, showcasing the history of the Deepsea watches. From the very first giant domed 1960s model up to the latest version that James Cameron wore on his Deepsea Challenge mission.In addition to showcasing these historical watches, Rolex has recreated these watches for the exhibition as large-scale models showing cross sections of the inner case mechanisms.Mike Mellia took some pictures exclusively for Fratellowatches ?? Thanks Mike!Make sure to visit his official website as well, lots of cool photography. Click: www.mikemellia.com [...]

Temperatures drop, daylight hours get shorter, leaves turn yellow, then red, then brown and drop down from the trees. Fall is officially here, but Omega is already thinking ahead to the even colder season coming up immediately after and the de facto winter spectacle which it will bring. I'm talking, of course, about the Olympic Winter Games set to take place in Beijing next year. An event that inspires Omega's latest release, the Seamaster Aqua Terra Beijing 2022.An Olympic timekeeping championWe know that Omega plays a key role in all Olympic events. The brand has held the title of official timekeeper since the 1930s, and in today's modern world that holds more meaning than ever before. Wit [...]