Watches Blog Wrist Watch Reviews

Italian fashion brand Gucci celebrates its 100th year of existence in 2021. To celebrate the centenary, the brand has created a collection of high-end watches. Or rather, the brand announced over 30 high-end timepieces in four different collections. The most eye-catching for watch enthusiasts is, without a doubt, the Gucci 25H collection. For the collection, Gucci combines an in-house developed family of movements with design looks clearly inspired by the growing popularity of luxury sports watches. Lets have a look at these new Gucci watches.In all honestly, I did miss the announcement of the Centenary models back in April. With all the Watches Wonders craziness going on, these new watches [...]

Sustainable is a hot word right now. For better or worse, every industry (including petroleum) is bandying about the s word in hopes to jump on the bandwagon and attract as many customers as possible. But some companies are being environmentally conscious for sustainabilitys sake (though increased sales dont hurt). Oris is one such company. And, as the modern saying goes, they were doing it before it was cool.Visit the Oris website (on phone or computer) and youll see a page layout unlike that of any other watch company. At the top, theres a slideshow banner displaying the newest releases and promotional videos. Directly beneath that is a selection of self-produced articles about Oris. Almos [...]

We bring you a look at the updated TAG Heuer Carrera Calibre 16, a slightly changed chronograph that should continue to appeal to fans everywhere.Although its not breaking news, we recently received additional information on changes to the TAG Heuer Carrera Calibre 16.? Due to the popularity of this model, the changes are definitely more evolutionary than revolutionary as TAG would be foolish to toy with success. Still, I think the changes are for the better.A Basis of Comparison TAG Heuer Carrera Calibre 16In order to provide you with some background on what has changed (the new model is above), lets see where weve been with the TAG Heuer Carrera Calibre 16.? I was cruising through TAGs si [...]

Fratello Watches has a strong focus on vintage watches. Ever since 2004 weve been covering vintage watches once in a while, but since 2015 we have a steady feature on them with our TBT articles. We think it is about time to list the best read TBT articles so far.Top 10 Best Read TBT ArticlesYou will find Seiko to dominate this list, but youre probably not surprised about that. Seiko watches are interesting, most of the time affordable and have a lot to offer. The other brands will not be a surprise as well. Some of the smaller brands that weve covered in our TBT feature did not make it to the Top 10, but are certainly not less interesting. Unknown makes them perhaps a bit unloved. With o [...]

Welcome back to Wrist Game or Crying Shame, where your votes are counted immediately no matter where you are This week, we visit a florist while taking a look at the Oris Chronoris while being a tourist. Some of that is true, but firstLast week, I showed you a lightweight Hamilton Khaki Pioneer Aluminum with an anodized blue finish. You were anything but sad as you voted this interesting and highly recyclable automatic to a 63% Wrist Game victory. This week, well also bring up a watch that may have slipped your mind. After all, 2005 was a long time ago and well before people started getting together at drinking establishments to show off their watches. Its the Oris Chronoris 2005 Replica E [...]

Its time for our annual overview of Top 10 Rolex watches according to our readers. Based on the reads per article, we created an overview of the Top 10 Rolex watches that you like best. We have been publishing this overview of the Top 10 Rolex watches for a few years now, and we keep it up-to-date based on your reading behavior.In Fratellos 17 years of existence, we have covered Rolex very frequently. Not only because we like their watches a lot, but also because we know that you do. Did you know for example, that the demand for Rolex watches is unmatched on websites like Chrono24? In recent years, the demand for Rolex has increased to an amazing extent while the production numbers are suppo [...]

Although Zenith still produces watches way beyond my comfort zone, Im glad they remember and honor their past as well. In most of the currently available model lines (DEFY, Chronomaster, Elite, and Pilot), conservative models can be found. I see the Zenith DEFY Classic 41 mm as one of them.Im a great fan of most integrated bracelet(*) watch models. So yes, I like the Patek Philippe Nautilus, the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak, the IWC Ingenieur, and the Vacheron Constantin 222 and Overseas. I like the Girard Perregaux Laureato, and I could have liked the Piaget Polo S if its bracelet, quality-wise, hadnt been such a disaster. Ultimately, I have to admit that it even might be possible that Im goin [...]

Wrist Game or Crying Shame is here and youll soon see that we arent afraid to plumb the depths to find inexpensive and intriguing watches. Lets see if todays TAG Heuer Formula 1 Professional represents a good catch. But firstLast week, I discussed the JLC Geophysic 1958 and my trying experience at the local AD. Despite that sad happening, the watch itself rose above for a convincing 83% Wrist Game win. It just goes to show that while most of us hated taking physics in school, the word itself doesnt scare us so much. This week, well be discussing the TAG Heuer Formula 1 Professional.The TAG Heuer Formula 1 ProfessionalThese days, its quite hard to believe that TAG Heuer was once in desperate [...]

Omega Speedmaster Mark IIIts Speedy Tuesday Once in a while we ask someone to contribute to Speedy Tuesday. Today I am honored that my long time friend Ruckdee was willing to do a write-up on how he got his Omega Speedmaster Professional Mark II. It isnt a story about the watch, but a story about things that matter in life and sure, the watch plays an important role here.My Speedmaster Professional Mark II by RuckdeeSeeing RJ's recent call for a Speedmaster Mark II, I feel I should contribute with a small story of my own.?It may be more about the journey than the watch itself, so please bear with me. If you are a son and you are not speaking to your father or mother, I highly recommend you [...]

Welcome, one and all, to the preliminary round of March Mania 2021, here on Fratello. Are you a watch maniac like we are? If so, youre sure to love our month-long feature. 96 watches reviewed last year line up for a battle royale like nothing thats gone before. We need your votes. We want your comments. Help us decide the champion and share in its glory Let the games commenceIn this round, your task is simple: vote for your favorite watch. Below you will find a selection of 12 timepieces that we covered here on Fratello throughout 2020. Why not refresh your memory by clicking the links and reading those eruditely penned odes to wrist-wear? Once youve made your selection, vote using the poll [...]

On today's installment of TBT we'll take a look at a highly polarizing watch, the Rolex GMT Master 16753. It's a Rolex that evokes serious 1970's and 80's imagery with its color scheme and two-tone metal combination, but it has somehow remained relevant to collectors. You could easily chalk admiration for the watch up to being a vintage Rolex, but I don't think it's that simple. Let's take a closer look.If you're a vintage watch admirer, you're certainly familiar with the Rolex GMT Master. Introduced in 1954 and designed in conjunction with Pan-Am for its pilots, it's a legend amongst sports/tool watches. Amongst our team, there are several of us who own or have owned vintage stainless mode [...]

Somewhere in 2014, Balazs wrote an article on two possible sleeper watches. His explanation back then: A sleeper is a watch that has no significantly high price tag today but is likely to gain value or become more sought-after in a few (more) years time. This could be because of historical significance, because it was produced in a smaller number or maybe because like everything in life fashion changes. Five years ago nobody would care about a 1980s Casio or Seiko quartz watch, nowadays thousands of trendy teenagers rummaging throughout their dads drawers in hope of a working example that they can wear with their skinny jeans, knitted hats and flannel shirts.Omega Seamaster 300M 2531.80Out [...]

Porsche Designs Chronograph 911 GT3 can be configured in many details to perfectly match an owners car. Every watch is an individual piece made to order, and it is exclusively available to owners of a Porsche 911 GT3.In the past, when there have been discussions on the relevance of a luxury watch, one argument was that you can wear a watch in a bar to underline your personality. Your precious car parked anywhere outside just didnt have any effect while you were inside. With Porsche Designs Chronograph 911 GT3 this changes because your watch shows which car you drive!This watch has some characteristics which distinguish it from other Porsche Design models, and you can only buy it if you are a [...]

..is that you can settle for a new strap while saving up for another model While browsing straps at TimeConnection, Elliots shop, I found multiple interesting straps. One of them though, is a strap I would never buy because of the material it is made of. I dont mind wearing croco, calf, shark, snake and stingray straps, but a strap made out of elephant goes a bit too far for me..Would you wear one? [...]

New watches: who doesnt love them? As fans, the latest releases keep us interested and thirsty for more. Weve never had so much to choose from, but have we finally reached the point of too much of a good thing? Lets discuss.Ah, the good old days It wasnt so long ago when most watch brands released their newest wares on an annual basis. Baselworld and SIHH were the in-person forums where all was shown and shown all at once Attending these shows and providing coverage on all the new watches was a test in stamina and memory. As a reader, it probably felt like pure overload. After all the dust settled, though, people could sift through the news from these shows at their leisure for, literally, a [...]

Oris pays tribute to a living legend, James Morrison with a new time-only wristwatch. No, not that James Morrison, who serenades BBC Radio 2 listeners. Instead, the Australian jazz trumpeter and multi-instrumentalist who at only 57, has amassed respect and adulation from contemporary and big band jazz fans alike.Starting with the Andy Sheppard watch in 1996, Oris have a track record of jazz inspired watches in their classic Artelier range. Oris Chairman, Ulrich Herzog, has a deep love of jazz and Oris have previously sponsored the London Jazz Festival. Jazz standard composer, Thelonious Monks syncopated rhythm style influenced his namesake watch that had offset indices on the dial. This watc [...]

The Omega Constellation Double Eagle model has been the biggest change of the Constellation line since 1982. Before that, only the 1952-1969 era counts. In the 70s there was no real clear and defined Constellation design. The Manhattan series, which seems to be some kind of??code name for the post-1982 Constellation models, didnt change much until 1995. Most post-Constellation series were referred to as Constellation95 models. Not too long ago, Omega did some restyling and admitted to the big bold hype of most other brands out there. Although it is hard to think of it as a hype anymore. Big watches are here to stay, maybe next to smaller watches again.. but definately no hype (or fad)..A Ti [...]

Rolex Daytona History. The Daytona is without a doubt one of the most sought-after timepieces in the world. Being it new or vintage, this sports chronograph from Rolex can always count on a lot of interest from watch enthusiasts. Over at Watchonista, they decided to build an ultimate guide on this iconic Rolex chronograph. With the help of collectors, enthusiasts, editors and auction houses, Watchonista created an interesting time-line overview on the Daytona as well as a complete reference guide.Rolex Daytona HistoryThe Rolex Daytona history is being discussed by?Vincent Daveau, journalist and watch writer, in a 7 part article on Watchonista. Also, it contains interviews with Christies Inte [...]

The days of Maurice Lacroix being an entry level brand is long gone (click here), especially since the introduction of the Masterpiece collection. During BaselWorld 2010, that is going to be held from March 18 till March 25, Maurice Lacroix will be introducing a number of interesting models.Most interesting are the two different Phases de Lune timepieces, since a moon phase is a complication that speaks to everyones imagination. The Phases de Lune are from different Maurice Lacroix collections, namely that of the Pontos and the Les Classiques.First, the Les Classiques Phases de Lune Automatique. A classic shaped moonphase timepiece, with a day and month indicator near 12 oclock, and a very s [...]

The Group Stage is in the books. Its time for the head-to-head contests to begin. Over the next two weeks, we will run two quarter-final match-ups each weekendaone on Saturday; one on Sunday. Our intrepid warriors made it through blood baths of their own making, but now they need your help to fight another day. Only one man can progress from each quarter-final to the next stage. The choice of who receives that honor rests with you. Let battle commenceNow its serious. The men have now been sorted from the boys. For this third quarter-final, the champion of Group E takes on the winner of Group F. But first, lets have a look at statistics. Almost 2,400 votes were cast in Group E. 45% of those w [...]