Watches Blog Wrist Watch Reviews

During the SIHH 2010, Officine Panerai introduced the PAM339, a Radiomir Composite Marina Militare 8 Giorni (=days) in 47mm. A watch that reverts to historical models using state-of-the-art techniques for manufacturing watch cases. The composite material is a result of ceramization of aluminium and is harder and lighter than steel or titanium for instance. As you can see in the picture below, the matt brown of the watch case is in tune with the brown of the sandwich dial and strap in vintage leather. Panerai definitely knows how to please its following of enthusiasts.The movement of the new Radiomir Composite Marina Militare PAM00339 is caliber P2002/7, an in-house handwound movement develop [...]

rOmega has released Apollo XI editions of the Speedmaster since 1969. The first was the famous gold Speedmaster Professional with a burgundy bezel, a massive gold dial with onyx markers, and a gold bracelet. Only 1,014 of these watches were produced. Of them, a number were presented to the Apollo astronauts, President Nixon, and a few more important people who played a role in NASAs space program.Again in 1980, Omega introduced a gold Speedmaster Professional Apollo XI. There were 320 numbered pieces in total, 20 of which were white gold. However, you could say that Omega made these Apollo XI limited editions a recurring event starting in 1989. That year marked the 20th anniversary of the Mo [...]

I had this Breitling Navitimer92 on a blue monday. Admitted, a stainless steel / gold combination with a blue leather shark strap wasnt probably the best choice I had made in a long time. After a week I flipped it (and advertizing with that type of watch is good for a few anecdotes itself) for another watch. Although I was pretty sure I was very Navitimer-ish, this 92 model in gold/steel didnt do the trick. Should have gotten the regular Old Navitimer or the vintage ref.806 model instead. Chances are big I still would have it in my collection.Long gone but not forgotten is a Navitimer ancestor, the Breitling Aviastar. This watch was only in production from late 1996 till 1998 and actually a [...]

As a bit of a follow-up to an article I published at the start of the year, lets look at some of the vintage watches Ive added this year. For good or for bad, this isnt a complete picture. However, it is fairly representative of where my interests currently lie.Like many collectors, I go through phases. I have my rabid period where Im always on the hunt for various vintage watches. I have quiet times when, if I am looking for anything, its very specific. Those quiet times, by the way, are the WORST because this is usually when I get a message from someone I know who is ready to sell something epic. Woe is me, right? As I said, this isnt everything that Ive added in 2021 because there have be [...]

Were back and on time with Wrist Game or Crying Shame. This week, we offer a look at the charming Vacheron Constantin Chronograph 47101. Lets see if you have the courage to go out on your own or if those influencers will pull you back into the fold. Before we get to thatLast week, I served up a dinner plate full of IWC with the Portuguese Vintage. An astounding 69% of you arrived hungry and ready to dine on this massive manual wind throwback and sent it on to a great Wrist Game win. I enjoy seeing IWC up to some positive behavior, so well done on that. This week, we touch on another brand that escapes fawning praise from the collective doofuses that make up the hip crowd on social media. I [...]

Field watches are often overlooked timepieces in todays world of luxury watches. They are far from a luxury statement, and thats exactly how they should stay. There is something really honest about field watches, defined as simple military watches that should do one thing and one thing only tell accurate time. In the field of battle, keeping exact time was truly a matter of life and death. As a result, field watches are very simple timepieces with their own style and stories. They are stories untainted by extravagant prices and the urge to wear a statement of wealth. No, field watches are about as honest and straight-up as it gets. Time to look at some of the best field watches out there.Whe [...]

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 [...]

Hamilton, part of the Swatch Group, is making waves in the industry for quite some time now.To start with, they appear on movies probably as often as Omega does. This might sound like a bold statement from me, and it is absolutely not backed by any data from the brand. Though if you think if some of the bigger box-office movies of the last 10 years or so Hamilton was part of many of them. Think of the Men In Black franchise for example, or Interstellar. But also in Ocean's Eleven, The Commuter, The Shape Of Water, The Italian Job, Quantum of Solace, The Terminal, the list goes on and on. What Hamilton is also great at, is coming out of re-editions that are just superb. Like the Hamilton Intr [...]

The Captain Cook collection has been a tremendous success and is, quite simply, responsible for putting Rado back on the map for many enthusiasts. And Im including myself in that category. So lets take a closer look at the new green version of this 1962 classic to see if we can figure out why.Back in 2017, Rado surprised me and probably all of us by reintroducing the Captain Cook range. I always associated Rado with the ceramic watches that I saw so often back in the 1990s on the wrists of neighbors, friends of my parents, at the tennis club, and so on. The only Rado in the collection that appealed to me was the Diastar. But, that changed in 2017. The Captain Cook was introduced, and it insp [...]

England's Auld Enemy has gone. They've checked out. They've been dismissed in a cruel fashion. Yes, Scotland, as harsh as it seems for a team that laid it all on the line, is out of the European Championship. The Scots were a compelling competitor, led by their inspiring captain Andy Robertson, but a couple of flat performances (interjected by a towering effort against England) have put paid to their hopes of a somewhat Grecian run to the cup. But with one rival gone, another ancient foe steps into the frayAs it happens, we have a very tasty last sixteen tie lined up for tomorrow evening. That's right, England will play Germany in the last sixteen, in what promises to be an absolute roller c [...]

Fratello On Air returns after a one-week hiatus with Part Two of the new-watch rundown. Balazs and Mike continue to roll through some of the more notable releases from the past month or so.Who doesnt like a new watch? Well, if youre like us, the seasons introductions mark an exciting period. Therefore, it was notable enough to mark the occasion with two episodes. Make sure to catch the first one if you havent already!Mission to the MoonHandgelenks KontrolleAfter a bit of chit-chat about travel, fitness, and normal life, the duo moves into the Handgelenks Kontrolle. Balazs is sporting a brand-new watch with the Nivada Grenchen Datomaster Mecaquartz. Mike has received his MoonSwatch Mission to [...]

Today Breitling has released the new, bigger brother to its popular Chronomat. The new Super Chronomat is the boldest and, perhaps most ambitious, addition to the Swiss brands sports chronograph collection.?Breitling says that the Super Chronomat is the ultimate choice for those who want a timepiece mastering the balance between sturdy and stylish. Marketing spiel aside, Im inclined to agree, as my initial impression is that they look incredibly sturdy, and theyre also rather stylish to boot. Of course, Id expect nothing less from a Breitling just look at that stunning Four Year Calendar model!The Frecce Tricolori watch that Breitling created for the hotshots of the Italian Air Forces aeroba [...]

One of our first appointments during Baselworld 2018 was with Jean-Christophe Babin, CEO of Bulgari. Besides an appointment to learn about the new models for 2018 (which we will publish within short as well), we had this interview to learn about Bulgari more in general and Mr. Babin specifically.Before we took off, we were happy to learn that Mr. Babin was well aware of our magazine, and complimented us on our achievements. Always a good start. Of course, we did some homework, and after a bit of waiting, we were allowed to shoot our questions. Here we go!Jean-Christophe Babin InterviewGerard Nijenbrinks: When you started in 2013 with Bulgari, what were the first things you thought needed to [...]

Rolex has a strange power over people. Despite my industry experience, I am not an exception to that rule. In fact, perhaps it is exactly because of that experience that I allow myself to submit to its power. Ive not always been this way. Ive been through phases during which I flat-out rejected the very suggestion that I might ever own a Rolex, let alone wear one out of choice. Those days are gone. And now, as of two weeks ago, a new era has begun. I bought a Rolex. It was a pre-owned Rolex Oysterdate Precision 6694. Nothing odd about that, I hear you say. But what would you think if I told you I hadnt spent a moments thought on this model until five minutes before I pulled the trigger? Insa [...]

When a brand states that it is independent, it's challenging for buyers to make a distinction. To the end consumer, a nice watch is a nice watch. Whether its financed by an umbrella corporation or benefactor, to us, a timepiece is a product of design and watchmaking. However, when it comes to Oris, the independent nature of the brand seeps through to the fresh, innovative, and occasionally bonkers watch concepts. Today's release combines those three sentiments the Oris Aquis Sun Wukong Artist Edition. I delve into what makes this new Sun Wukong limited edition such a left-field curveball from the team in Holstein.I always get excited whenever Oris brings out a new Aquis limited edition. For [...]

A few Tuesdays ago, Omega introduced its new Moonwatch Master Chronometer. The drop included the Speedmaster Canopus 310.60.42.50.02.001. 18-karat white gold is not new to Omegas Speedmaster, but this specific Canopus alloy is. In this article, I take a closer look at the Speedmaster Canopus and explain why its my favorite new Moonwatch Master Chronometer.I showed a picture of the new Speedmaster Canopus side-by-side with my Speedmaster Moonshine on IG and in the SpeedyTuesday Facebook group. People immediately tend to make their favorite known (a common thing that happens when a picture shows two watches) or ask how one compares to the other. It also makes me think, which one do I like bes [...]

This week has seen some very interesting emails pop through into the Fratello inbox. A new watch that gets me hot under the collar, a Speedmaster with genuine space-flown provenance, and brands adopting new technology to help beat the forgers and fraudsters.Zenith Defy Skeleton CarbonThis edition is named The Party In My Pants Edition'. Why? Well, as the name of this edition suggests, there's a party in my pants, and this watch is the sole reason. To my friends, it's no secret that I am a fan of what Zenith has been doing recently, especially the Defy range. From the moment the brand relaunched the Defy series back in 2017, I've was hooked. The combination of the angular case shape and the s [...]

On July 21st, 1969, the Omega Speedmaster became the Moonwatch. Before that, it was just the chronograph that astronauts used onboard the spacecraft and during their spacewalks.It ascended to the legendary status it holds today after rigorous testing. Understanding exactly what the Speedmaster went through to reach this level is fascinating. We reported the testing procedures in how the Speedmaster became the Moonwatch. If youd like to read about the failed competition, you can do so here.This article contains a lot of reference numbers. Dont let that confuse you. But if you have any questions, or need further clarification on anything, just ask us in the comments section below.Edwin Buzz Al [...]

This week, Balazs takes the reigns and welcomes the fastest Canadian swimmer of all time, Olympic medalist Brent Hayden, to the smooth booth.In a wide-ranging chat, Brent and Balazs explore the mental pressures endured by professional athletes. They track the human side of the sport, and they delve deeply into a couple of unexpectedly personal issues that place our watch collecting hobby in sharper context.This is the longest WASP episode ever, and it really makes use of every second. This is why we created this podcast to mold a perfect fusion of our love of sports and watches. Brent Hayden is not only a pro athlete. Hes an inspiration to those around him. He is also a genuine watch nut, ha [...]

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 [...]