Watches Blog Wrist Watch Reviews

Lets see if the new Seamaster Aqua Terra 150M Worldtimer in Sedna Gold is something I can cosign.I'm not particularly a fan of gold watches. Unless they are white gold, that is. I have nothing against the alloy or anyone who wears a timepiece made of gold. I like the tone of rose gold, even yellow gold, and I also have some gold (plated) vintage watches. Mind you, I bought them for the importance of their movements or the model (like this Omega Moonphase Jumbo), not for their case color. Now white gold or platinum is a different story. Granted, they look like steel, and I guess this is why I like them. I think that gold does not go well with my skin tone. Or so I thought. Until I was offered [...]

Let me start by saying that it always amazes me that there is such a gap between results from auctions and from the normal marketplaces for watches. Todays Phillips auction results are no different, and you also need to deal with buyers premium and deal with taxes. The latter should be always dealt with if you buy abroad (or outside EU for EU residents for example). I will get back to the differences in prices later, lets have a look first at the Speedmaster watches that were part of todays Phillips auction in Hong Kong.The Hong Kong Watch Auction: SIXToday, there were 10 Omega Speedmasters?up for sale during the Phillips auction this morning (my local time). Phillips was so kind to send me [...]

So you've just bought your first luxury wristwatch. For the sake of argument, and being this is Fratello, let's make it one of the brand new Master Chronometer Omega Speedmaster Moonwatches. To a lower level of detail, let's say this is the Hesalite version with a matching steel bracelet. Quite a nice catch perhaps it was a gift to yourself for reaching a milestone or just something you always longed for. Maybe it was a strong interest in the space program that brought the Speedy to your attention.Whatever the occasion may be, you've handed down 6,100 to land the Master Chronometer Moonwatch with Hesalite and you're happy. But now you want to go deeper into this hobby and you're wondering ho [...]

We are celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Chronomatic. The watch portals and mostly watch enthusiasts such as Jeffrey Stein (@on_the_dash) have already summed up everything factual about the Caliber 11, its development, its originality and break-through meaning. So, I think we can allow ourselves to be a bit sentimental now, right?Breitling is my OmegaYou know that RJ sold a?car to get his first Speedmaster? Well, the time I?wanted my first Breitling I?didn't do that. Not that I?didn't want to, but I?didn't have a car or anything else I could sell for that matter. It was in 2002. I?came to the capital city of Slovakia as an 18-year-old student with just enough money to cover the rent fo [...]

In recent months, we get more questions about the 1990s Speedmaster Professional watches than ever. The ones with tritium dials and hands, that tend to age nicely and turn yellow.It is something Ive been saying all along the 1990s Moonwatch is the next best thing You can still find them with boxes and papers, and they do look awesome with the tritium on the markers and in the hands turning yellow. Even more interesting perhaps, are the versions with display backs. A hesalite crystal on the dial and a sapphire case back what a combo This article is originally from 2016 (go figure), but in light of the recent requests we received for more information about these watches, I decided to revise th [...]

Timekeeping has been an integral part of space exploration since long before the first manned rocket flight. To watch lovers, nothing better represents the union of time and space than the watches of the explorers who dared to set out into the great unknown. Until now, the focus both for the missions and watches was limited to Earths orbit and the Moon. But with missions to Mars on the horizon, watch companies are jockeying to become the brand for Mars that Omega has been for the Moon.Omega isnt sitting this one out either. If the Omega Speedmaster Professional was good enough for the Moon, it can go to Mars, right? Fortis believes its Official Cosmonauts Chronograph will win out. The brand [...]

The Rolex watch everyone has been waiting for is there, partly that is. This means that there is a Pepsi bezel for the new style GMT-Master II, it also means that Rolex decided to use it on a 18 carat white gold watch first. We sat down with Rolex in Baselworld and had a look at the new models and would like to start with this Rolex GMT-Master II 116719BLRO first.As you know we have a weak spot for the GMT-Master watches and covered them many times. An overview from the very first mid-1950s Rolex GMT-Master models to the latest models with Cerachrom bezel can be found here. After Rolex introduced the GMT-Master II 116710LN (Lunette Noir) in 2005 and last year the 116710BLNR (Bleu Noir), we c [...]

Introduced at the BaselWorld 2010 exhibition, the Tudor Heritage Chrono was the talk of the day for months to come. Authorized Rolex/Tudor dealers created waiting lists for people who desperately needed one. The vintage Tudor Monte Carlo Chronographs ref.7149, 7159/0, ref.7169/0 and the 7031/0, the original models on which the Heritage Chrono is based, skyrocketed to 10K Eur and over. I have written an in-dept and chronological story on the Tudor Monte Carlo a while ago already for MotoringExposure, click here to read it.The Heritage 70330N and the Monte Carlo ref. 7169/0, photo courtesy of Ryan5446A few months after the Heritage Chrono became available in stores in June, I see them popping [...]

Montblanc has some interesting watches for you in store this year. One of them is the Timewalker Manufacture Chronograph. In this article, we will give you a first look and some of our thoughts. Starting at just below 5000 Euro for an in-house chronograph (up to 5290 depending on the strap / bracelet combination), it could become a very serious option for those who love chronos with a manufacture movement.TimeWalker Manufacture Chronograph Panda DialDuring the presentation, Montblanc actually referred to this watch as Paul Newman style themselves (sigh), but if you can look past that statement, theres actually a cool watch being offered here. It is powered by a three register chronograph mov [...]

It is Moonwatch Weekend here on Fratello, and at several other places, as it was exactly 50 years ago that Armstrong and Aldrin set foot on the Moon. Accompanied by the Speedmaster Professional.We usually try to keep our Moonwatch enthusiast for a Tuesday, but we feel were allowed to do so this weekend as well.From the authors of the book Moonwatch Only, you will now also find this smaller hardcover book called A Moon Watch Story. It is not an addition to Moonwatch Only (we reviewed the 2nd edition here), but an alternative for those who dont want to shill out 250 (or more, since it is officially out of print and prices rapidly increased for a copy on eBay and elsewhere). And although I whol [...]

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 [...]

Pulsographs or pulsometers could be found not only in chronographs but also on classy three-handers. So lets dive into some of the best vintage pulsation watches on the market.Most vintage watches have a rate of five beats per second or 18,000 beats per hour. When you consider that, it seems amazing that a physical object can operate for such a long period of time. 18,000 beats per hour equate to 432,000 beats per day, and a gob-smacking 157,680,000 per year. Thats nearly 160 million opportunities for something to go wrong. And yet they beat on. Well-made movements continue to function for decades after the balance wheel was set on its way. And since these mechanical marvels are working so h [...]

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 [...]

If the concept of owning a mechanically-groundbreaking watch resonates with you, Vacheron Constantin's new releases will be your thing. The Traditionnelle Tourbillions fit neatly into this storied Swiss brands catalog while evolving the modern idea of ?Haute Horlogerie?for women.2020 has been a good year for womens watches. It started with Bvlgaris Serpenti, released during the LVMH Watch Week in Dubai. That watch was fitted with the world's smallest tourbillon. Following its release, I had high hopes. The mold was breaking. Brands were becoming more experimental. At last, they were taking risks with womens timepieces. I had hoped that this year, we might finally catch a glimpse of what ladi [...]

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 [...]

We take a long look at the Breitling Superocean Heritage 57 where Ill attempt to convince you that its worth a try.We dont deserve the Breitling Superocean Heritage 57. Were mean, quick to judge, and pretty set in our ways about most things and that includes watches. We complain about watch prices, moan about in-house versus sourced movements without understanding the benefits. Really, just give us a black dial, wrap it in a 40mm stainless case, and maybe include a dive bezel. Artificially limit production and ensure the social media sages pair it with Goyard, LV, Hermes, Gucci, or some bespoke useless slippers and, voil��, you have the best watch on the planet.Consequently, its because of th [...]

Three recent auctions show exactly why the Speedmaster X-33 matters, yet it is still relatively unloved by many Speedmaster enthusiasts.The good thing about this? For starters, you can find a great bargain on the Speedmaster X-33. A watch with proven and significant space history, but under-appreciated because of the quartz crystal and digital display. Second, the Speedmaster X-33 has some cool functions on board that have been developed together with pilots and astronauts. First together with NASA, later on, with the X-33 Skywalker version, with the European Space Agency (ESA). Below, an early prototype of the Speedmaster X-33. Very early prototypes had Flightmaster printed on the sapphire. [...]

If youre looking for a great story, check the attic. Zenith knows this all too well as the story of the revival of the famous El Primero movement revolves around the attic of their Zenith Manufacture building. In 1975, now Zenith legend Charles Vermot hid all the technical plans and tools necessary to produce every component of the famous El Primero movement.? Among them, a box of prototype dials for the El Primero A386 that were never used in production. Until now, with the introduction of the Zenith Chronomaster Revival A386 Manufacture Edition.It has been great to see that Zenith has been gracing us with a string of excellent releases lately. The most loved ones amongst watch enthusiasts [...]

Last year, Seiko introduced the Grand Seiko Spring Drive 8-Day Power Reserve SBGD001 during BaselWorld, but did not show it to everyone. It was on display, but available to a few markets only. This year, we came prepared and asked them to take it out of the display for us to take some decent photos and fiddle around with it for a while. Nothing much changed about this piece for this year, but as Grand Seiko became a separate entity (and organization), they also changed the dials on existing models. Including on this flagship' Eight-Day Power Reserve in platinum. It is now being referred to as SBGD201 and swapped Seiko' on the dial for Grand Seiko'.This watch has been developed and manufactur [...]

A bit of pre-Baselworld 2014 news on this Speedy Tuesday Although Omega already gave a few hints on their official Facebook page not too long ago (and enthusiasts immediately guessed it right), today came the announcement of the new Speedmaster Mark II (327.10.43.50) re-edition that Omega plans to introduce during Baselworld 2014. We are looking forward to it!As you can see, the new Speedmaster Mark II comes in two flavors, one with a racing dial and one with a white luminous dial. Just like the two versions that were introduced in 1969. In essence, the Mark II was a newer version of the famous Speedmaster Professional with its hand-wound caliber 861. The same movement, but with a more moder [...]