Watches Blog Wrist Watch Reviews

Its This Week in Watches for September 7, 2019.Bonjour, collectionneur de montres!? This Week in Watches is back with another action-packed look at what went down over the past 7 days or so.? We actually have a lot to cover here, so Ill skip my rant and get right down to itMING 17.06 WatchesMING sent us word of two new watches that will become available for order on the 19th of September via their official site.? Both watches are 38mm (43.9 lug to lug) stainless pieces powered by an ETA 2824-2 automatic thats been modified for two crown positions and adjusted to five positions.? Both are water resistant to 100 meters and feature a new case where the bezel is affixed to the case by screws, th [...]

Today, in celebration of the 25th anniversary of Chopard Manufacture, the brand introduces the L.U.C. Quattro Spirit 25. This new limited piece in ethical gold also marks the first jumping-hour movement from the manufacture.Last year, during Geneva Watch Days, we had the opportunity to visit the Chopard headquarters. Things were relatively quiet for obvious reasons, but we did have an opportunity to visit an in-house museum filled with both vintage pieces and the newest models. It was an eye-opener for me and I gained a real appreciation for Chopard. Specifically, I spent a lot of time looking at modern L.U.C. pieces. These are from the Chopard Manufacture and represent the best of what the [...]

Grand Seiko further expands its Evolution 9 Collection with the release of two new chronograph GMT watches. On top of that, one of the two watches celebrates the 15th anniversary of Grand Seiko Spring Drive chronographs. These new Grand Seiko SBGC249 and SBGC251 Chronograph GMT models are part of a greater drop for the Evolution 9 Collection along with two other GMT watches and a new diver. Between these two models, we see a new case design, a new(er) movement, and a colorful limited-edition release. Lets find out more about these new Grand Seiko Chronograph GMT watches.Grand Seiko has put great emphasis on the Evolution 9 Collection, which represents the future of the brand. The five releas [...]

Last weekend was an important one for watch collectors and enthusiasts. Perhaps also for investors, I might add.?Weve seen (or heard about) some of the results of the Rolex 6062 (5mio USD) and Rolex Daytona 6263 3.7mio USD) for example. You can debate the hot air in these prices, but someone paid these amounts so it is as real as it gets. But what about the Omega Speedmaster watches we wrote about recently, that were auctioned through?Antiquorum and Christies. I am talking about the skeleton Speedmaster in gold and the two gold 1980 Speedmaster Professional Apollo XI pieces.Auction ResultsLets start with the piece that was skeletonized by no-one else than Armin Strom: the Speedmaster?Jubilee [...]

The year 2022 will be the 65th anniversary of the Omega Speedmaster and the 10th anniversary of Speedy Tuesday. I can't believe it was already 10 years ago that I coined the term Speedy Tuesday, and even more, I cant believe what has happened since. But let's save that story for next year. Today, Id like to share our best-read Speedmaster articles of 2021!Today is the last Speedy Tuesday of 2021, and what better way to close this year than with an overview of the seven best-read Speedmaster articles on Fratello. Although we did not see any Speedmaster limited edition watches this year (unfortunately), Omega did release some very interesting new variations. But most importantly, 2021 was the [...]

I just received this email from Rambler, about a new forum on watches. Visit www.wristwatchforums.com and check their Omega, Rolex and Panerai forum! [...]

When you think of a mechanical watch with an alarm, it is very likely you are thinking about the Jaeger-LeCoultre Memovox.The Memovox has been around for 70 years now, and Jaeger-LeCoultre used this complication in many movements and watches. One of my favorites was the Master Compressor Memovox. Quite a bold watch for its time, but I like it. It is discontinued for quite some years now, so no need to ponder about it for too long. Today, Jaeger-LeCoultre is introducing their new Polaris Mariner Memovox.Polaris Mariner MemovoxI hate to say it, but its been a long time since?Jaeger-LeCoultre brought out a proper sporty watch. Not since the Master Compressor have I seen anything in that vein th [...]

Yesterday, A. Lange Sohne celebrated the 20th anniversary of their Lange 1 watch. What better way to come up with a stunning version of their classic Lange 1, with a one-minute tourbillon, a beautiful black enamelled dial (and silver applied sub dial for the seconds) in a classic 38.5mm platinum case?Lange 1 Tourbillon HandwerkskunstUnder laud applause Langes Anthony de Haas presented the Lange 1 Tourbillon Handwerkskunst to the crowd (who went wild). Due to the poor light conditions of the otherwise beautiful place in Dresden, it was almost impossible to take a proper photo of the new Lange 1 Tourbillon Handwerkskunst without using any specific equipment.Only 20 pieces are being produced [...]

When Rolex introduced the Submariner LV in 2003, it raised many eyebrows. The Rolex Submariner is one of the most iconic watches in the world. Meaning dont touch it and yet Rolex did.The Rolex Submariner is one of the divers with the longest uninterrupted production up to today. This watch speaks to ones imagination and it developed itself from being a professional tool watch to a luxury item. In 2003, the Rolex Submariner celebrated its 50th anniversary.That was reason enough for Rolex to do something completely wild. And so, the idea of giving it a green bezel emerged. This Rolex Submariner 16610 received an LV indication, 16610LV, where LV stands for lunette verte. Rolex created larger ho [...]

The last time I bought a Rolex Submariner is already a few years ago. The then-current Submariner watch, reference 114060, has recently been replaced by the 124060.Now, I dont feel the urge to replace it with the new reference or add it, but it is about time that this article is amended with the latest references. Back in 2017, when I bought the watch, authorized dealers didnt have the watch in stock. The situation didnt exactly improve since then. Stainless steel Rolex sports models are hot, its especially the Submariner that can count on a huge fanbase, worldwide.The design of the Submariner 114060, and now 124060, is unmistakably Rolex, despite the size and use of modern materials such as [...]

The secret to wearing a watch the price of a Porsche 911 is to just do it. It's really that simple. That's because in the case of the Roger Dubuis Excalibur Eon Gold, people will notice your exuberant watch, but they may not recognize it. A gold Rolex is as conspicuous as the Porsche, but no matter how extravagant the Excalibur with its flying tourbillon might be, it won't attract the (negative) attention a gold watch with a Cyclops most unfortunately does nowadays. You might even say that if your everyday playground is in the upper echelons, the Excalibur Eon Gold is a safe choice. This is how I experienced wearing it as a daily beater for a week.What I like best about the Roger Dubuis Exca [...]

When we started the competition, we had 96 watches; now, were down to four. The remaining writers are now into their second head-to-head match-up. The winner moves on to the final; the loser goes home. At this point, its simply the best of the best. Your favorite four watches battle it out for eternal glory. Who will be crowned the winner of March Mania? Its up to you to help decide who will be the King!Were at the sharp end now. We have four heavyweights left in our March Mania competition. The semi-final stage starts now All four of our contestants can see the finish line where eternal glory awaits. Tomas and Bert clash in the second of our semi-finals. Its Lange on Lange. Blood on blood. [...]

Blue is a dial colour that Vacheron Constantin always associated with steel watches, as it has this cold look to it. At least, according to their Style Heritage Director,?Christian Selmoni. Thats what he told the crowd in a short but interesting panel talk with Laurent Perves (Chief Marketing Officer Vacheron Constantin), Patrick Graf (Chief Commercial Officer Bucherer) and Ben Clymer (CEO Hodinkee). Patrick Graf was delighted to introduce their latest Blue Editions cooperation, this time with Vacheron Constantin. In total, Bucherer did 21 collaborations with 13 different watch manufacturers. We covered previous editions here and here, for example.Vacheron Constantin Bucherer Blue EditionsO [...]

1997, 21 years after the introduction of the Patek Philippe Nautilus stainless steel sports watch, Patek Philippe introduced a new watch aimed at a younger clientele: the Aquanaut. Now, in 2016, almost 20 years later, they?introduce a new variation on the Patek Philippe?Aquanaut?Travel Time, a watch that was introduced in 2011: It is the reference 5164R, where the R stands for rose gold.Ive always been a fan of the Patek Philippe Nautilus 3700/1A and 5711/1A and prefer them as clean as possible (no complications), as it was meant to be in my opinion. That is a bit different with the Aquanaut. Perhaps I am a bit too much of a purist when it comes to watches, but the Aquanaut always was the ne [...]

We like to talk about vintage watches a lot within the Fratello team. While the daily routine is largely focused on the most recent developments in the world of watches, the most fun for many of us lies in the world of vintage watches. It's a world full of history, remarkable watches, incredible stories, and quirky details. It inspired us to come up with a series of articles focusing on the best watches per decade from a select group of brands. Some of them priceless, some of them still affordable. In this installment, we will take a look at the best Omega watches from the 1970s.In the 1960s, we witnessed developments that challenged the status quo of watch design forever. The sheer amount o [...]

At this years Watches Wonders, TAG Heuer introduced quite a few new watches that focus on the brands future. But for the fans of the rich history of TAG Heuer, the brand releases the new Monaco Gulf Special Edition. Its the first time the brand has equipped the Monaco Gulf Edition with its in-house automatic Calibre Heuer 02. The integration of the famous orange and blue Gulf colors is also now more sophisticated than ever. These changes result in a timepiece that is a new, refreshing take on an iconic design of the past.Every time TAG Heuer releases a new version of its icons, the watch community pays great attention. Especially when its a special edition of the classic chronograph that pa [...]

Recently we received an invitation to head to Milton Keynes in the United Kingdom to visit one of the top performing F1 racing teams. Being a returning fan of the F1 this was like being a kid in a candy store. Too bad there was a strict no photography policy at Red Bull Racing but we quickly learned why this was fully understandable.Starting off in the workshop we get a rough presentation of Red Bull Racing, its history and their way of doing things. Although we learn that there are roughly 800 people working there, it feels like a small family. Not just a job but a way of life as they call it themselves. Crazy to realize it takes that many people to race two cars around a circuit. Having go [...]

I guess it is safe to say that we are all awaiting for the James Bond Spectre movie to be released later this year. As you know, Omega has been their ambassador since 1995 (Golden Eye) with their Seamaster 300M watch. In Casino Royale and Quantum of Solace, the Seamaster Planet Ocean took over the role of the Seamaster 300M and in Skyfall, Bond?started to wear the?Seamaster Aqua Terra next to the Planet Ocean.It was expected that Omega would release another James Bond limited edition for the James Bond Spectre movie, as theyve done so in the past. Although I expect James Bond to wear both an Aqua Terra and a Planet Ocean or perhaps a Seamaster 300 as well? in the Spectre movie, let first h [...]

Panerai News From The SIHH 2013Panerai was giving quite a performance during the SIHH 2013 One of the watches from the new collection that struck me most, was the Panerai Luminor 1950 Regatta 3 Days Chrono Flyback Titanio, or just PAM00526.Normally, I am more in favour of their Historic collection, where the focus is more on the hand-wound Luminor models. The classics, so to speak. However, this new Regatta Chrono Flyback PAM00526 in titanium is from Panerais Comtemporary collection. This collection is influenced by historical designs as well, but with automatic winding movements.This PAM00526 is something that really got to me, due to the Regatta complication (more later), due to its large [...]

In this Sunday morning column, two of our writers go head-to-head in an epic showdown for the ages. Strong opinions and hysterical hyperbole are welcome (so feel free to join in with the fun in the comments section below). And don't forget to let us know which watches you'd like to see torn to shreds/effusively exalted next week. We'll try and feature as many of our readers' choices as we can. After last weeks divisive debutant, the Tudor P01, we have a couple of controversial models from Omega and Rolex. This week, the Yacht-Master stares down the Aqua Terra in one of the loveliest (or should that be lubbliest?) showdowns in memory.Wow, that was close. The polarizing Tudor Black Bay P01 dul [...]