Watches Blog Wrist Watch Reviews

Yesterday I was at Gerards place and he asked me if Speedmasters always were chronographs. I didnt have to think long and said that I cant remember seeing them. Then he showed me this Omega brochure from 1991 with a Speedmaster on the cover which wasnt a chronograph. The referencenumber is definately Speedmaster, since it is in the 3000-series. The case-shape showed some similairities as well (notice the outside of the lugs). But thats it.No Speedmaster on the dial as well, but I was told that the caseback had Speedmaster engraved.Click here for the thread over at the Speedmaster Forum at The Speedmaster Club [...]

The boys are back in town after a desperately long hiatus. Weve plugged in the fridge and switched on the freezer Balazs and I are back and this week we have our top Olympic moments and some awesome vintage Omega purchases to share with you.We decided to choose our bronze, silver, and gold performers/moments from the Olympics this year, to round off what turned out to be a pretty darn exciting edition of the greatest sporting carnival of all. Normally, I dont reveal much about the show in my notes, but for posterity, I thought it best that I note down the picks for all those that dont have time to listen to the pod but might like to offer their own suggestions in the comments below.BalazsBro [...]

The most important introduction by Oris last year was the introduction of their own in-house produced Calibre 400. By doing so, the brand made a move that watch enthusiasts widely applauded. Over the last couple of months, we have seen Oris equip more and more watches with the in-house caliber. The newest introduction powered by Calibre 400 is the Oris AquisPro Date. With this new introduction, Oris has made their ProDiver part of the successful Aquis series, equipped it with an in-house movement and impressive stealthy appearance. Time to find out more.It was only last October that Oris introduced their Calibre 400. It seems like it was longer ago. But in this case, it is a good thing as we [...]

When you own a Panerai, it is a simple job to get a decent custom made strap for it. When you own an IWC Ingenieur (ref.3227), it is a bit harderthe IWC soft strap of the AMG version will fit perfectly, but IWC doesnt make a leather strap for this model.Jacob from Spain creates leather straps for all types and makes of watches. Including a strap for the IWC Ingenieur. I heard about it via e-mail, when a reader of this blog noticed that Jacob was making these straps and did know that I own a 3227 as well ?? The writer of the mail also sent me a link to a short review of the Jacob strap for the IWC Ingenieur on Watch Talk Forums (click here).Before I clicked, I wondered if Jacob had made a sol [...]

The Rolex Explorer II gets a lot of attention lately on the Rolex Forum, I found out that there isnt much out there concerning its history. My attempt to do so, can be read over at MotoringExposure. My automotive counterpart, where I am the editor for the Wednesday Watch blog.Explorer II, ref.1655 dial. Photo courtesy of my friend SubGMT.Explorer II, ref.16570 with tritium dial. Photo courtesy of XoFF.Click here to read about the Rolex Explorer II history and possible future, and let me know what you think by leaving a comment. [...]

Apollo 11 40th AnniversaryLast week, we had the Speedmaster Professional Apollo-Soyuz with meteorite dial, submitted to us by Darren Townend. Darren has submitted this week's Speedmaster as well: The Speedmaster Professional Apollo 11 40th Anniversary edition in platinum. This Speedmaster weighs a whopping 248 grams!Speedmaster Professional 311.90.42.30.01.001Most of the Speedy Pro 40th Anniversary models we get to see is the stainless steel version with the silver medallion on the seconds counter. This limited edition of 69 pieces in platinum looks quite similar, but has a solid gold medallion at 9 o'clock and a wonderfully engraved case back as well. The case back has a gold medallion of t [...]

Welcome back to This Week in Watches for May 23, 2020: the essential edition. Many of our readers either have a long weekend due to Memorial Day or are coming off of a bridge day from last week. We wont make you think too hard during your time off with these three-handers.Timex Milano XLIf we talk?essential, three-hands, a bracelet, a date function, 50 meters of water resistance and quartz define our needs. But why not throw in a little retro style to create an inexpensive looker? Well, thats precisely what Timex has done with its new Milano XL collection. The nice thing is that XL only means 38mm on this 1970s-inspired c-cased watch. Its available in three different colors which include sta [...]

Yesterday, I received the book Vintage Panerai, written by Ralf Ehlers and Volker Wiegmann. Vintage Panerai describes the history of some historic Panerais, including information on their original German and Italian owners. The book contains a lot of detailed information on the swimmers equipment, assignments and background of the owners. Including lots of pictures. Ralf Ehlers and Volger Wiegmann did a pretty good job on this original concept If you are into Panerai watches and interested in more than just the watches you probably are going to like this!You can order your copy via https://www.vintage-panerai.de/.It is a small sized book (21x21cm), written in three languages and over 220 pag [...]

The year 2021 was an amazing one for IWC, thanks to so many great Pilot watch releases and the brands innovative way to show its new watches to the world. By using large containers located in several cities around the globe with live connections to Schaffhausen, it gives those viewing the watches the chance to directly ask questions about the new IWC Pilot's watch collection. But the brand has a long-standing history and reputation when it comes to its pilot's watches. In fact, IWC has been designing and manufacturing them since 1936.IWC delivered the 55mm pilot watch ref. IW431 to the German Luftwaffe in 1940 and the Pilot's Mark 11 to the British Royal Air Force in 1948. You will find that [...]

When youre not spending your own money, or, in this case, spending money that doesnt exist, youre less inhibited by the value of the cash. If I had 10,000 to splurge, I would firmly have one eye on trying to have some money left over. However, in this case, I am ready to spend, spend, spend So, with this fictitious 10,000 burning a heavy hole in my pocket, what three watches would I buy to create one wholesome watch collection?Its always quite a fun game to play, spending money you dont have. I find myself doing so regularly, and not just on watches. I enjoy browsing the seven-figure property market from time to time. Theres me, counting the pennies in my piggy bank while questioning the arc [...]

I wont lie to you, I love gold. Therefore, the new Rolex GMT-Master II Everose was a pleasant surprise for us. I will get back to the bi-color version later of course, but first lets have a look at the Rolex GMT-Master II Everose reference 126715CHNR.You know the watch for sure, the Rolex GMT-Master II with ceramic bezel. There was a yellow gold version already of this model, but now Rolex decided to bring the color of brown back to the watch. I released a very brief and silent sigh when I saw that they did not care to give it a brown dial (like it used to be with some of the vintage models), but upon further inspection the black dial isnt bad. At all.Rolex GMT-Master II EveroseWeve talked a [...]

There are always watches that are high on your wish-list while knowing you probably will never actually own one. Simply because its (far) out of budget or because they are only produced in limited numbers and hard to acquire. And sometimes its even both. But that doesnt mean you cant enjoy it in some way which is exactly what happened when we had the A. Lange S?hne 1815 Tourbillon with enamel dial for a few days.First of all, its a Lange. Not that this is a reason to buy one right away but simply put I am biassed when it comes to this brand. The designs and an incredible level of detail always impress me. And the same goes for this 1815 which impresses more the closer we look at it. But bef [...]

Konnichiwa, horologically enthused perusers!? Its This Week in Watches for June 23, 2019!So, Ive roughly counted it and Ive done something like 30 flights over the last 60 days.? Im kind of happy to be back at home while I write this despite returning to heat that just doesnt belong in a country that finds air conditioning unhealthy.? What the hell is up with that backwoods medical witchery?? Freeze me out and turn me blue!? This week was eventful as I had the opportunity to take in the Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean Ultra Deep press release.? It was fantastic and my transit was easy thanks to the good folks at Omega and the gem that is London City airport.? Ill come back in a future article o [...]

What makes an icon? What is the magic formula for a classic? And perhaps even more importantly, what, exactly, is in a name? These are questions that watch designers, manufacturers, and marketers have been asking for decades. Unfortunately, they are questions for which they are no clear-cut answers, even for the Zenith El Primero.In the end, the success of a watch, especially a famous one, may just come down to a balancing act. How well a brand balances its history with its future, and its own vision with its customers desires, could determine everything. Today, Id like to take a look at the Zenith El Primero Espada. A now mostly forgotten piece of recent Zenith history, its an anomaly in th [...]

This customized Rolex is an initiative by Philipp Stahl (Steiner Maastricht) and Jerrel Manbodh (Manbodhwatches). It is a Jacques Piccard Edition called the Single Red DeepSea, and will be produced in only 86 pieces.This number stands for each year of the life of Jacques Piccard. Phlipp and Jerrel have an official approval by the son of Jacques Piccard, Bertrand. The Rolex DeepSea Sea-Dweller that has been used, underwent quite a metamorphose. A DLC coating, engraving on the caseback and a single red wording of DeepSea (referring to the red printed vintage Sea-Dwellers).The watch comes in a special box and with an additional NATO strap. This project has been a crown on the work of the creato [...]

2020 marks the 60th birth year of the first Grand Seiko watch. To begin a full year of celebrations of this important landmark, the independent brand spun off from Seiko is introducing four new limited-edition timepieces. The standout piece for ladies? Reference STGK015.While Rob has already covered the three men's models, my eye is on the women's watch from Grand Seiko, obvs This diamond-studded automatic watch is limited to 300 pieces. It is a very feminine extension to the brand's Elegance collection. At 27.8mm, the petite size offers a delicate presence on a lady's wrist. Together with the SBGH281, it's the his and hers of the celebratory pair.DialThe stainless steel STGK015 boasts a dia [...]

The 1950s and 1960s are periods with a lot of exploration. From the Moon to the depths of the sea with the Deep Sea Special project. Today we will go on exploration in the snow, ice, and high peaks with the Rolex Explorer.Watches with a good story always score. The Rolex Explorer is no exception. Launched in 1953, this was a true explorer and pioneer in the world of tool watches. While summiting Everest in 1953, Sir Edmund Hilary famously wore a Rolex Oyster Perpetual. It is said that this watch directly inspired the design and development of the Rolex Explorer.About the illustrationThe snow scooter featured in this image is based on the 1950s Polaris Sno-Travelera?an era-appropriate pairing [...]

We all know and adore the Omega Speedmaster the first watch on the Moon, official watch for NASA astronauts. The Breitling Navitimer has its own prestigious history and diehard fans as well. It is the embodiment of the quirky yet beloved slide rule bezel. These two watches are pinnacles of aviation horology. However, they arent the best. Oh no, if anything, they are only thematic stepping stones to the true king of flight watches: the Seiko Flightmaster. It is the best of Speedmaster and Navitimer, with a few quirks and special features of its own.First off, Id like to apologize to RJ for this article. From the website that brought you Speedy Tuesday, I bring you an article about why not to [...]

After many years, Ive found my birth year Speedmaster 145.022-76. Having a watch from your year of birth is something to which many enthusiasts aspire.In my opinion, the best thing is when your parents bought one in your birth year and looked after it for you. But I guess not everyone is so lucky (I wasn't). then you will need to find your own watch. This does mean that you can purchase the watch you really fancy, of course.This article is about my own quest for a birth year watch. One that took me about 15 years to find the perfect piece.Year of Birth 145.022-76Ever since I have been bitten by the Speedmaster bug, it was my goal to find a reference from my year of birth (1977). Already in 2 [...]

Welcome, one and all, to the first round proper of March Mania 2021, here on Fratello. Are you a watch maniac like we are? If so, you're sure to love our month-long feature. 96 watches reviewed last year line up for a battle royale like nothing that's gone before. We need your votes. We want your comments. Help us decide the champion and share in its glory Let the games commence?-In this first round proper, your task is a bit different from your task in the preliminaries. Below you will find the eight remaining timepieces of each of our Fratello competitors in four head-to-head contests of two timepieces. The seedings in the preliminaries dictate the match-ups. So it's number 1 vs. number 8, [...]