Watches Blog Wrist Watch Reviews

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 [...]

Omega Speedmaster Reduced White DialThe Omega Speedmaster Reduced was once the watch for the fellow who wanted an automatic version of the Moonwatch, or simply wanted to have a smaller timepiece than a 42mm giant chronograph. This particular model was introduced in 1988 and came in several different versions.Best known version is probably the black dial model, often being held for a Moonwatch (but it is not, read our Speedmaster Reduced versus Moonwatch here). Omega also used the Speedmaster Reduced for their bright coloured racing series (Schumacher had one). However, one of our readers owns a rare white dial version. Now you will come across a white dial version in a bi-color Speedmaster R [...]

Michael Clerizo, friend of the show for a long time now, already had written a beautiful book called Masters of Contemporary Watchmaking. Clerizo (Wallstreet Journal contributor) just finished another great book another masterpiece called George Daniels, A Master Watchmaker His Art.Many of you will know George Daniels for his (important) work on the Co-Axial escapement. One of the or perhaps the most important inventions in watchmaking which has been adopted by OMEGA since 1999. However, Daniels already came up with the first co-axial escapement in 1975. After having having it tried and tested in a pocket watch first, he also applied his invention into wristwatches. By coincidence, he a [...]

The word icon is thrown around way too often for comfort, in my opinion. But, like it or not, every brand has them within its history. The definition of the word a person or thing regarded as a representative symbol lessens its grandiosity and clearly makes it the perfect descriptive term for the TAG Heuer Carrera, a model which has, alongside other iconic pieces from the brand (such as the Monaco) defined the companys character for decades. Now its time for the latest chapter of this icons history to be written with the release of the TAG Heuer Carrera Sport Chronograph 44 mm Calibre Heuer 02 Automatic Watch.Updating icons is a tricky task. You cannot deviate too much from the script. This [...]

Stop the presses Bvlgari has something to sayAlthough Ive always wanted to say that, I really wish it wasnt under these circumstances. Minutes ago, the news that Bvlgari will not be attending Baselworld 2020 broke. As one of the most exciting and forward-thinking brands of the past decade, Bvlgaris absence is a real blow to a fair already reeling from a mass exodus.A decision for nowBvlgari has made one thing very clear: This is not yet a decision to end the brands relationship with Baselworld going forward. It is simply a decision for now. Given the roaring success of LVMHs watch week and the positive reception to Bvlgaris latest releases (such as the Bvlgari Octo Finissimo Minute Repeater [...]

My longtime watchfriend Bas van Dorp informed me that he just ordered the Stowa Airman. Stowa was also present on the Watch 2008 event in Maastricht, but I must admit that I skipped this brand because I dont like their bauhaus style watches. They remind me too much of Nomos. And I prefer Nomos if Id wanted a Bauhaus style wrist watch.Stowa is a brand founded in 1927, by Walter Storz. After their factory was destroyed in Word War II (February 1945), Herr Storz immediately started building a new factory in Pforzheim. During the war, there were only five companies that made official/original pilot watches. These were IWC, Lange S???hne, Laco, Wempe and Stowa.Just like the other brands, Stowa i [...]

Grand Seikos journey began in the 1950s. The best and brightest watchmakers working for the brand banded together with a lofty goal: They set out to create the companys finest watch yet. In December 1960 the inaugural Grand Seiko hit the market. It was the first installment of a story that has now reached its sixtieth year. Leading the celebrations is the Grand Seiko SBGH281.To celebrate this milestone, Grand Seiko is releasing four new models. Were going to take a look at the three watches released for men in this article, and follow-up with the ladies piece next week (so check back for that update also). These watches dont just mark this significant birthday, but also look towards the bran [...]

Sometime during the late 1990s, when I got into watches, Breguet was a brand that I positioned next to Patek Philippe, A. Lange Sohne, Vacheron Constantin, and Audemars Piguet. To me, it was clear this was a high-end brand. It seemed the pinnacle of watchmaking, with an amazing history. Today I share my experiences and thoughts on the Breguet Classique 5157.Now, more than 20 years later, I still think of Breguet to be top-notch when it comes to watchmaking. I only pity that this manufacture has not been able to get the right amount of exposure like Audemars Piguet, Patek Philippe, Vacheron Constantin, and A. Lange Sohne do. Is Breguet too humble perhaps?Breguet Classique 5157 Extra-ThinFor [...]

The Christie's Geneva watch department has maintained a great reputation and stayed coherent while adapting quickly to market demand. We see almost no modern watches left in their recent catalogs and the quality of vintage watches being offered is excellent.Christies GenevaThis auction house has a rich history and continues to overshadow its British competitor Sotheby's in the watch category. I say British' because they were both founded in London, but, yes, ownership has changed since.The watch department remains a small portion of this auction giant's business, with art being a much larger earner of course. Just to put things in perspective: let us estimate that, in a year, Christie's sell [...]

The Hamilton Khaki Field Titanium Automatic Far Cry 6 Limited Edition watch offers a watch for video game and watch enthusiasts alike. I'm sure that anyone that enjoys the kind of gaming experience that the beloved Far Cry series provides has found themselves wishing they could jump into this world and take part in the adventures themselves. Immersion is a key aspect of video games. It's the feeling of losing yourself in a world created by the developers, and something that is made possible by a combination of next-level visuals, a well-written script, immersive sound effects, and relatable characters. Those familiar with the Far Cry universe will almost certainly know this feeling. With thi [...]

The SIHH 2014 started today and we had appointments with a number of brands already, including Piaget. We wrote about the new Piaget Altiplano 900P before (here), but didnt see it in the flesh yet. The groups of people present during the presentations are quite big ( 30 persons), so there is little room to do some quiet photography work. In any case, we hereby show you some live pictures of this ultra-thin 38mm timepiece.Piaget has a long history of creating and producing ultra-thin watches, it has become their signature actually. Their famous caliber 9P from 1957 only measured 2mm (manual winding). Their calibre 12P from 1960 only measured 2,3mm, for a self-winding watch. From the 35 mechan [...]

A classic watch question almost; the Rolex Submariner vs Omega Seamaster. If we got a Euro for every time we were asked this question, we would have both in the meanwhile. Last week we received it again, for this You Asked Us feature here on Fratello. We thought it would be about time to answer this question in public, as it is probably interesting to many other watch enthusiasts as well (according to our mailboxes).The question we received was relatively short. Nguyen asked us: Please help me decide between buying a Rolex Submariner and an Omega Seamaster. What are the pros and cons of these watches and which one do you prefer?.You Asked Us: Rolex Submariner vs Omega SeamasterThe Rolex Subm [...]

This is 52Mondayz week 51. The penultimate week of the year already One way or the other, towards the end of the year I tend to wear more gold watches than in any other period. To get smoothly used to the change in material, I started this year with a Rolex Day-Date in 18-carat white gold.Rolex Day-Date in white gold on President braceletThe Rolex Day-Date Im wearing this week was supplied new in the US in 2001. It bears the reference 18239, which tells us its a Day-Date with a fluted bezel, made of 18-carat white gold.Double Quick-set Caliber 3155The reference number indicates as well that the movement used in this watch,?Rolex caliber 3155, has a double-quick-set feature. I.e. the day and [...]

Namaste, downward dogs, its time for This Week in Watches.Welcome to This Week in Watches for August 3, 2019.? I cant really complain about the heat this week because, lo and behold, things have moderated.? I cant talk about the new Corvette anymore because this is a watch site and I played that card last weekend.? So, I should probably just talk about watches.? Youve now come to know this paragraph as the rant portion, but theres no pain in my game this week.? You see, I currently have four watches in for review (one is the Orient Kamasu we published this past week) and guess what?? Theyre all?really good and that made me realize, despite all the collective moaning that goes on, were living [...]

This is the second installment of the Pre-Owned Picks series. In this weekly Pre-Owned Picks series, a Fratello editor will select some watches from the pre-owned market and explain why it is an exciting offer (or watch).As you could read in our first Pre-Owned Picks article in collaboration with Chrono24, the pre-owned market is enormous. And logically, it is only going to grow as more people will buy and sell their watches. Every week we will select a few pre-owned watches from their offers and discuss them here. Basically, for this weeks episode, I picked a few watches that are either always on my radar or watches that are on my wishlist. Without further ado, lets have a look at this week [...]

By now, you may have noticed I have a strong affection for Oris watches. For me, it kicked off with the Divers Sixty-Five that I purchased in 2015. For Oris, this vintage-inspired model was a crucible for the revitalization of the brand. From there, Oris has gone strength-to-strength. By releasing a myriad of limited-edition models, chronograph options, and recently the third bronze Carl Brashear edition with Calibre 401, Oris has certainly kept us on our toes. Today, Oris unveils a trio of bronze watches with surprising Cotton Candy color codes for its latest trick.The new Divers Sixty-Five Cotton Candy receives a complete Bronze treatment on the bezel, case, and bracelet. However, most app [...]

We take a look at the new, limited edition Longines Heritage Military 1938.It was truly a month ago that we were right here talking about the newest addition to the Longines Heritage collection with the sector-dialed Classic model.? That 38.5mm model proved to be a popular watch with our readers and the comments were quite favorable.? I had the chance to pen that article and I walked away suitably impressed with the fact that the watch lacked any extraneous writing on its dial about the movement, etc and declared it a positive change in direction for the brand that once adorned every vintage-inspired model with both a date window and an automatic movement.? Todays model is one such example a [...]

My First Encounter with a Gold Omega Speedmaster Professional Apollo XIWhen I bought my first Speedmaster in October 1999, it didn't take long to get in touch with other Speedmaster enthusiasts. One of them referred me to a watch maker that was close in my area that was more or less specialized in Speedmaster watches. I got in touch with him and the first time we met he was wearing this crazy gold Speedmaster Professional with burgundy bezel and engraved caseback filled with red lacquer. At the time, I didn't know about this specific model but I knew it was something special. Apparently, I had the honor to come across the gold Omega Speedmaster Professional Apollo XI numbered edition, refere [...]

Right before the Christmas madness will break loose, Oris introduces to you their new Artelier Date Diamonds models in 33mm. A mid-sized case watch for women whereas the watch was previously only available in a small 28mm. This Artelier Date with 12 brilliant-cut diamonds on the dial might be a great gift (for your wife, girlfriend, or yourself of course!) for Christmas.Oris Artelier Date DiamondsStarting at 1800 Swiss Francs for the version on a leather strap and 2000 Swiss Francs for the one with the stainless steel bracelet, this 33mm stainless steel watch competes with a number of other ladies watches out there. Whats especially nice, is that Oris made sure to fit a see-through case back [...]

When I finally got my shot at writing about watches for aBlogtoWatch way back in 2015, I was set an initial task that would serve as my probation: three articles to be turned around in a week. If they were up-to-scratch, I would become a member of the team. Given the years Id invested in earning that opportunity, the pressure I felt was immense. No surprises, then, that the subjects of those three trial articles have remained in mind ever since. One of them, The Zenith Academy Georges Favre-Jacot 18k Gold watch recently popped up on Zeitauktion and brought memories of that experience flooding back.I fancy myself a pressure performer. In any sporting contest, while never the superstar, I alwa [...]