Watches Blog Wrist Watch Reviews

The Rolex GMT-Master (II) finally stepped out of the shadow of its diving brother, the Submariner. With the introduction of the ceramic Pepsi and Batman (on Jubilee) recently, the hype is real. Long waiting lists and market prices far over retail result in disappointed customers, but that doesnt seem to slow down the demand. On the contrary.I can imagine why the Rolex GMT-Master II is so much in demand. It is a great daily companion, with the added value of an extra timezone. I had my share of GMT-Master watches, including a few vintage 1675s and a GMT-Master II 16710. When I was ready to purchase a GMT-Master II Ceramic or Batman in 2017, I was confronted with the above-mentioned demand for [...]

In this video, Michael Stockton and Balazs Ferenczi go hands-on with the Breitling Co-Pilot AVI Ref. 765 watch a re-edition for the fans of this iconic 1953 chronograph.Earlier this year, we reported about this release from Breitling (in this article by Rob Nudds). Mike bought one of the 1953 pieces a while ago, and together with Balazs, talks about this chronograph on video.Breitling AVI Ref. 765The Breitling AVI Ref. 765 was introduced before the world went into this lockdown situation. It is almost hard to believe our guys were still traveling every week, while today, all of us work from home or meet up at Fratellos HQ when it is allowed. A few weeks ago, when it was still OK to travel fr [...]

We introduced to you the Longines Spirit collection last June, an important new collection for the brand from Saint-Imier. Today, we go hands-on with the three-handed Longines Spirit L3.810.4.53.0.If youd like some more background information on the Longines Spirit collection, please click here for a recap. This review is about the watch itself, how it looks on the wrist, and basically what youll get for your hard-earned money. Without further ado, lets have a closer look at the Flieger from Saint-Imier.Longines Spirit L3.810.4.53.0The new Longines Spirit collection consists of a number of variations. Besides a Longines Spirit version with a chronograph, the three-hander comes in both 40mm a [...]

We tend to tell romanticized stories of brave men and women in survival situations. As watch-lovers, we find ourselves drawn to the wrists of these heroes and heroines. A watch worn during an adventure can take on a character of its own. And for those of us that cant get enough of these little tickers, they can make or break the story of survival itself.How many of you have pointed at your Omega Speedmaster, explaining to the non-watch aficionado that it went to the Moon? Or how the Speedy helped bring the Apollo 13 astronauts back to Earth? Maybe you drone on about the Rolex DEEP-SEA Sea-Dweller diving the depths of the Mariana Trench? Perhaps you prefer to talk about the Smiths Explorer su [...]

Today on TBT we'll talk about a watch that's become a real easy go to piece one that looks good with just about everything because it looks so good the Hamilton 600 diver. Hamilton is a brand I like to feature because of its historic link to Lancaster, Pennsylvania: a place where I've spent a lot of time. However, it's not just the American tie but it's also the fact that the brand made some really nice watches that exercised a high level of constraint in their execution as well as what I'd call quiet confidence. Hamilton was such a powerhouse at one time in the United States that even though they were flagging by the late 60's and the onset of the quartz/Japanese invasion, they still d [...]

Panerai is introducing two new Luminor Marina references, in 42mm and 44mm, with a new silver coloured dial and with a stainless steel bracelet.Today, Officine Panerai breaks the news with two new references for their Luminor Marina collection. The PAM00977 with a modest 42mm diameter case and the PAM00978 with the more traditional 44mm diameter case. Both watches have the manufactures caliber?P. 9010 movement. Where the SIHH show in Geneva last January was all about the Submersible, it seems that Panerai is now slowly adding some new Luminor watches to their collection as well. It is interesting to see that brands are releasing more novelties through-out the year, instead of showing it all [...]

Hello neighbors, welcome back to This Week in Watches for April 13, 2019.Did you miss last week's episode of This Week in Watches?? Well, I missed me too, but as much as I love jawing at you fine folks, there was simply nothing to talk about last weekend.? Plus, I was still feeling good about myself for playing a dirty April Fools trick on you about the demise of the steel Submariner.? It was clickbait for sure yes, I am guilty because something like 200,000 of you poured onto the site to read about the death of a watch you can't buy anyhow!? Well, don't worry, the Submariner and the rest of the enigmatic group of Rolex steel sports watches are still around.? They're ready to jump onto t [...]

I am delighted to be sharing my research on a newly discovered and unique Omega coming up for auction at Antiquorum in Geneva. You can see the full catalog here. But first, I will go back through a bit of history to put things in context.When we think of Omega watches, each of us will likely have an image of a particular watch pop into our minds. In my case, it's usually a Speedmaster. However, among its peers of the biggest brands at the top of the Swiss watchmaking industry, Omega is one of the most varied. Historically speaking, it might even be the broadest. It has covered more categories, made more references and calibers, and ventured into more prototypes than many of its peers.A uniqu [...]

You merely look after it for the next generation. With this slogan, Patek Philippe seduces you to take the plunge on one of their magnificent watches. It creates some kind of justification to spend a tremendous amount of money on one time piece that could have bought you half a dozen other Swiss quality watches.One of my favorites is the Patek Philippe Nautilus (ref.5711/1A) in its purest form: stainless steel and with hours, minutes and date only. However, Patek Philippe also manufacturers the 5712/1A, which is basically the same watch in terms of design or look feel, but it features a moon phase, date and power reserve indicator. These complications make it the ultimate luxury sports watc [...]

Every year, we see watches not getting the attention we think they deserve. In 2021 again, some watches were underrated. But what does that mean underrated, underestimated, or undervalued? These words all seem to indicate that a watch is not appreciated highly enough. But in what sense? Are its technical specifications on a higher level than is generally believed. Is its price lower than the actual product is worth? Or could it be that people just dont value the watch due to its appearance?Looking at the reader numbers of the articles about the following watches, we could tell that these watches werent very much in demand this year. Lets start with what is, in general, a popular watch model, [...]

Shortly after the turn of the New Year, I invited our resident Formula One fanatic, Ben Hodges, into the smooth booth to record a TAG Heuer special. We focused on the brands most visible ambassador on Planet Earth right now the flying Dutchman, Max Verstappen.We discuss the controversial conclusion to the 2021 Formula One season that saw Sir Lewis Hamilton denied a record eighth drivers championship in almost unbelievable circumstances. Whether what came to pass should have happened in the first place is, by now, a moot point. The result is in the books and the Netherlands has its first World Champion in the sport.In addition to recapping the wild final lap that decided one of the most talke [...]

It will be difficult to not use the name Yacht-Master in this write-up. One glance at the midsize Omega Seamaster Professional Automatic Chronometer 300M Diver watch is enough to show you very clearly what I mean. Doesn't that bezel ring a bell? It does, doesn't it? The edgy shape of the uni-directional white gold bezel is distinctly Seamaster and the same goes for the wave pattern on the deep black dial. This dressy Seamaster is quite the sophisticated yachtsman. Or noble diver, if you prefer.With its 36.25a11.5mm white gold case, the midsize Omega Seamaster Professional Automatic Chronometer 300M Diver watch (ref. 2652.50.91) is a very versatile creature. Because of its modest size, it sli [...]

We like to talk to watch collectors and enthusiasts about their watches, and as you know, weve got a small thing for Speedmasters here as well. Were happy to publish your story about your Speedmaster, the connection you have with the watch, or simply why you love it. Whether you have one Speedmaster or 100, youre all welcome to share your stories with us and the Speedy Tuesday community.Wed like to introduce Aashdin Billimoria from Bombay, a watch collector, author, and archivist for over 30 years. Hes currently working on a book on vintage watches, but today, we talk to him about his Omega Speedmaster Professional 145.022-76. Aashdin started collecting watches at the age of nine. His father [...]

Welcome back to our Watch On Your Wrist? Instagram extravaganza for the last time in 2020 We will soon find out who will be the lucky winner of this years contest!In case we need to bring you up to speed, this is what happened so far:Every week, we selected four images. You could vote in the article for your favorite image. The winner moved on to the semi-final round (held every fifth week between the previous four weekly winners). The winner of each semi-final went straight into the final.The previous Semi-Finals were one, two, three, four, and five.Over the course of the contest, we have collected over 80 images from Instagram from different users. We checked who tagged our account or used [...]

Omega Speedmaster SchumacherIts Speedy Tuesday This weeks topic is the yellow Speedmaster Schumacher. Omega introduced the Speedmaster Schumacher? in 1996 and was in production till 1999.As you might know, the Speedmaster was originally introduced as a watch for race car drivers. Or wannabe race car drivers. The very first Speedmaster advertisements were also referring to this, as can be seen below:The Speedmaster Schumacher (case number ST175.0032 or ref.3810.12.40) was of course being introduced by their (then) ambassador, Michael Schumacher. His brother and also F1 car racer Ralf Schumacher was also an Omega ambassador at that time. Later on, Omega introduced another Speedmaster that [...]

This year for Panerai is all about the Submersible. The Radiomir and Luminor lines represent the heritage branch of the brand with a more subtle look and elegance. The Submersible family, however, goes back to the core of Panerai; diving.PAM00959These watches are more sporty, bulky and colorful than the aforementioned Radiomir and Luminor collections. Still making a sporty watch, especially if we are talking about a Panerai, does not necessarily mean +46mm monstrosities on the wrist. I know some of you guys dig those watches and I have nothing against Panerai at all. On the contrary, I used to own a Marina Militare a long time ago. Still, those sizes only look good for a very small percentag [...]

People love to see Top x lists, so we gathered the Top 10 best read articles in 2012 here on Fratellowatches. We also would like to take the opportunity to thank you for your interest in Fratellowatches in 2012. We had more visits than ever before We hope to take you aboard for 2013 as well and surprise you with some cool and interesting upcoming features!Number 1: Review of the Omega Speedmaster Caliber 9300This watch was introduced in 2011 and we received one from Omega to try test it later that year. It was and still is one of my most favorite modern timepieces. If I had one modern watch to pick in the 5000 6000 Euro price range, this would be it.Click here for the articleNumber 2. Role [...]

The 130 years old retailer from?Lucerne in Switzerland collaborated with 11 different watch manufacturers to come up with their special Bucherer Blue Editions watches. This IWC Portugieser Chronograph Classic Bucherer Blue Editions in red gold is their 18th watch in this collaboration series. Previously, we reported about the Tudor that Bucherer did for this Blue Editions series, you can read it here. That watch is now well sought after by fans of the brand. Will the same thing happen to this IWC Blue Edition? Lets zoom in a bit.IWC Portugieser Chronograph Classic Bucherer Blue EditionsWith a limited run of just 88 pieces, this IWC Portugieser Chronograph Classic Bucherer Blue Editions (it s [...]

Aluminium is not a typical material used in the watchmaking world, but Bvlgari is not a typical company. The Italian watch brand has carved a bit of a niche for releasing expertly engineered watches with a healthy dose of Italian style.When talking about Bvlgari, I'd forgive you for immediately thinking of the famous and successful Octo Finissimo. After all, this is the brand's flagship model family and the one that's famed for breaking all sorts of records in the watchmaking industry. That said, it's not the only watch of note made by the Italian brand. Enter the Bvlgari Aluminium.The Diagono lives onThe Bvlgari Aluminium is essentially a refresh of the old Bvlgari Diagono Aluminium family. [...]

The Omega Speedmaster Mark IIIt was at least ten years ago that I stumbled upon a very rudimentary website depicting a chronology of wild, boldly styled 1970's Omega chronographs and I enjoyed marveling at them, but one stuck out as especially notable: the Omega Speedmaster Mark II 145.014. Yes, amongst all of the crazy flying saucer-esque, deeply cased oddities, it was the Omega Speedmaster Mark II that caught my eye. However, priorities changed, time dragged on and I resisted buying one, or even seriously looking for one, for a long, long time. And then C I snapped one up and haven't regretted it since. Today's TBT takes a look at this revolutionary watch, briefly details its restoration, [...]