Watches Blog Wrist Watch Reviews

Some brands dont like it when you talk about the price first, but it is the first thing people ask about when they see a watch. Before we go into that, lets have a closer look at this Chopard L.U.C All-in-One that was presented to us in Basel last March. Limited to 10 pieces only, so we might be a bit late but the Chopard website doesnt indicate this watch as Sold Out or words with equal meaning.There are no less than 14 indications featuring a tourbillon, a perpetual calendar, sunrise sunset times and astronomical orbital moon phase, with a 7-day power reserve. Boom There you have it, it becomes clear that the Chopard L.U.C All-in-One is a grand complication that can definitely be seen as [...]

A little while ago, in one of our Hot Take articles, we already introduced the new Hamilton Khaki Pilot Schott NYC watch to you.As soon as this watch was released, I knew I had to line one up to review. I caught my first glimpse of this model in September when I visited Hamilton, but I wasnt able to spend much time with it then. After the release, however, Hamilton kindly gave me one for a few days. Before I headed off to put the Hamilton Khaki Pilot Schott NYC through its paces, however, I got the chance to attend the launch event in New York.From New York to New JerseyThe launch of the Hamilton Khaki Pilot Schott NYC happened in New York City. During the day, however, we took a trip to New [...]

Almost ten years after Omega introduced the Co-Axial Speedmaster 57, the brand comes back with an updated, slimmed-down model. The outgoing one had an automatic movement. This update, however, features a hand-wound caliber. In addition to the updated matte black sandwich dial with faux-patina details, the watch is now available in three additional colors. Lets take a quick look at what Omega has exactly done here.The new Speedmaster 57 is still a very recognizable watch, very much inspired by the CK2915. The case, although smaller in size, stays pretty much the same shape-wise, with a steel bezel and straight lugs. The dial still features a small seconds sub-dial at 9 oclock and a chronograp [...]

As devastating bush fires continue to rage in Australia, local online magazine Time+Tide Watches is mobilizing a group of concerned companies from around the industry for a very good cause.You love koalas, right? Sure you do. Everybody does. Well, the koalas and their fellow Australians are facing one of the worst bush fire crises in memory, and they need your help. Time+Tide Watches is launching the Watch Act World Watch Auction in support of the brave humans fighting the relentless fires that are sweeping the country.Unique PiecesThe name Watch Act is an official bush fire threat level that has no doubt worn out its welcome over the past months. Eleven days after putting the word out for [...]

Omega shipped us this gold Seamaster Diver 300M Chronograph after my colleague Jorg decided he wanted to write a hands-on article on this beast.Upon receiving it, he quickly called me and said, You need to see and try this. Not entirely sure what my feelings would be on a 44mm diver chronograph in gold, I went to our office and for the first time put the Seamaster Diver 300M Chronograph on my wrist. The end of the story is, that I didnt give it back to him for at least a week. What an incredible piece I find it quite interesting to think that this watch has remained under the radar for me all that time. It isnt exactly a new watch, as Omega introduced its chronograph models of the Seamaster [...]

Watch brands collaborating with jewelers isnt something new and often it is not really worth giving it much coverage. Not wanting to sound negative here, but in a lot of cases, it is just limited to the name of the retailer on the dial or in the case back of an existing watch model. For Steltman jewelers, one of the most prestigious retailers in The Netherlands for watches and jewelry, I am happy to make an exception because of their collaboration watch with Jaeger-LeCoultre.MondriaanThis year marks the 100th anniversary of both Steltman as well as the art movement De Stijl (the style). One of the members of this art movement, was Piet Mondriaan (1872 1944). His Composition with Large Red P [...]

Owners and their watches, providing an insight in what moved them to buy a certain watch or in this case, a Speedmaster. Once every while we like to feature a readers story on their Speedmaster(s). This week we have the story of Iain and his wife Jackie and how they came to purchase their Omega Speedmaster watches.Iain tells the tale of their two Speedies in todays Speedy Tuesday feature on Fratello Watches.Jackies Speedmaster StoryJackies story on her Speedmaster all started with this new job. In 2016 Jackie started working with children who have special educational needs. One of the harder parts of the job involves dealing with the children when they suffer from epileptic seizures. Part of [...]

Roll up, roll up, weve got some tasty Grand Seiko news for all lovers of Japanese watchmaking today Our good friends at Hodinkee have just announced their latest limited edition model. It is, as of 10 am EDT today, available in the Hodinkee shop. Given how quickly these models sell out, you might want to hop over there and grab one before reading this article as only 500 pieces will be made. But if youre happy to hold fire for a few minutes more, allow me to introduce to you the ?Grand Seiko Automatic GMT SBGM239 Limited Edition For HODINKEE.Fans of Grand Seiko may be family with the brands raft of attractive GMT models, available in a variety of configurations. A great many GMT models from [...]

Chronomat is derived from? CHRONOgraph for MAThematicians and came to life in 1941. It was one of the first watches with a slide-rule (patented by Breitling in 1940) and this watch was delivered to the market in 1942. The Breitling Chronomat has a long history, which can be found in this article on WatchUseek?and is definitely worth reading if youre into vintage Breitling Chronomat watches. In our Breitling expert interviews with Fred and Rene about Breitling, you can also find some interesting stories about some early Chronomat models.I am not sure if the person who is interested in the Breitling Chronomat B01 Chronograph 44 that we have on Fratello today is the typical collector who is int [...]

Omegas Speedmaster family comes in many different variations, but always with that special Moonwatch DNA. In the 1990s and early 2000s, one of the popular Speedmaster models were the Speedmaster Automatic Reduced watches. One of our friends, Andreas S. Gregoriades sent us photos of this wonderful Omega Speedmaster Day-Date Mk40 Triple Calendar watch.Omega Speedmaster Day-Date Mk40There were a number of Speedmaster Reduced models (click here to read our Speedmaster Pro Moonwatch versus Speedmaster Reduced article), but these Triple Calendar models were to me the most exciting variations. This particular Omega Speedmaster Day-Date has reference 3520.50 and was introduced in approximately 199 [...]

Its Speedy Tuesday Just a few days before BaselWorld will start and Omega unveil the new Speedmaster Professional 45th anniversary Apollo 11 limited edition. At least that it was we suspect they will be doing besides demonstrating the new Omega Seamaster Master Co-Axial Chronometer. Just before doing so, we would like to grab your attention for the discontinued* Omega Speedmaster Professional X-33 3290.50 (or 3990.50 for the version with kevlar strap only).This Speedmaster Professional (it really is part of the Professional collection, like the LCD quartz models from the late 1970s) was developed by Omega using the input of NASA astronauts and pilots with regards to useful functionality for [...]

When the Grand Seiko White Birch SLGH005 watch was first introduced in early March, I was overwhelmed by the pictures and video we received from Grand Seiko. I couldn't wait to go hands-on with this watch, but, unfortunately, it took a bit longer than expected. But now it is here, and I will tell you what has transpired between the Grand Seiko White Birch SLGH005 and me.I really thought that this watch would be a no-brainer. In fact, I thought I could just order it unseen. I was wooed by the press material and images on Instagram. Simply put, it looked perfect. Well, for once, I am glad I wasn't too trigger-happy. Upon receipt, it was proven once again that sometimes you need to see the watc [...]

The new Submersible QuarantaQuattro Bianco PAM01226 brings back memories of the first Panerai watch that pulled me into the brand. It must have been sometime in the summer of 2004, and I was visiting Antwerp with my then-girlfriend (now-wife). As I always do when traveling, I also stopped by a few jewelry stores in the area to check out some watches. One of them was a Panerai dealer, and I noticed a model in the window that immediately caught my interest. It was a white-dialed Panerai PAM00113 on a tan leather strap.At that point, I had never owned a watch from Panerai. However, I really liked the PAM00113s large case, big numerals, and, at that time, uncommon white dial. I had seen and trie [...]

Among many novelties, Rolex revealed a few ladies releases for 2021. The new Day-Date 36 and the new Datejust 28 are hardly surprising, considering how important these two models are for the Swiss brand, but perhaps their manner of execution is. Moreover, I feel these gem-set, flashy designs feel more like something from 2001 rather than 2021. On the other hand, arent trends about circulation? Lets find out!Like all Rolex watches, the Day-Date 36 with the Oyster case is here to stand out. The coral-colored-diamond concept is certainly something to behold.The 36mm Oyster case features a sporty design fettled by 254 brilliant-cut diamonds. Made from yellow gold, the watch highlights eccentric [...]

Yesterday, I finally watched volume 2 of Kill Bill. The first part was great in my opinion, and the second part is nice, but not great. In fact, the only reason to see it is to finally witness how Bill is being Killed.Anyway (to keep it on-topic), in part two I noticed this Rolex Daytona she (Uma Thurman) uses to check her predictor-stick. At first I thought it was cool that she has such a nice masculine watch. Later on, when I examined the still images on my PC, it was clearly a fake Daytona. What a bummer. [...]

You'd have a hard time convincing me in March that we would see any more watch releases. With fairs postponing to next year, or cancelling, how would brands react to an unfamiliar release schedule? Even the Grande Maisons such as Rolex and Patek, set our expectations very low and swore off 2020 unveilings. But the story of this year, in general, is of remarkable resiliency in the face of adversity.As it transpires, 2020 has been a tremendous year for new watch announcements. Just flick through our help page for all new watches, and you will witness a wide variety of price points, innovation and fascinating designs. We are aware that many digital outlets are vying for your eyeballs these days [...]

Trust me when I say that a lot of timepieces go through my hands on a weekly basis. And as soon as this watch landed on my desk it had my attention. While saying that, it is worth noting that to me, like many others, Montblanc is a brand of top quality writing instruments. It can be hard for me to see the watches without the pens cropping up in my minds eye. However, the Montblanc Geosphere 1858 did not suffer from the same fate. From the first moment, it had my complete and, for once, undivided attention.As you might expect given the creative aspect of my day job, I also have an interest in design. Actually, before I ended up working in real-estate (back in the day), I spent some time at th [...]

Welcome to the third and final Wild Card round. Yes, this competition has spiraled into something much WILDER than we could ever have imagined, but weve got to roll with the punches and listen to the community. With the shadowy Kraken Kartel pulling the strings from 30,000 leagues beneath the sea, the Fratello Summer Splash has all the creative license it needs to grow in any way its participants demand. And so now we present the remainder of the Fratellis picks. I hope you enjoy sifting through them and picking your favorite as much as I did assembling the list.As with the previous two Wild Card rounds, the top two will go through to the Wild Card Decider, which will be published following [...]

We spend a lot of time talking about the Bvlgari Octo Finissimo on Fratello (because we love that line dearly), but the Octo Roma line has a lot to offer also. In fact, while the Finissimo is truly groundbreaking, its unerring thinness can, for some, be a dealbreaker. The Octo Roma takes the gloriously architectural lines of its slimmer (and squarer) brother and delivers them with the kind of elegant machismo we might expect of the horological embodiment of the worlds most famous and enduring empire.Rome wasnt built in a day, or so the saying goes. When it comes to a watchmaking corollary, the establishment of Bvlgaris reputation could hardly be more perfect. These things take time. Even tho [...]

Perhaps the most recognizable luxury watchmaking brand in Japan has just passed its 60th anniversary. Since its inception, Grand Seiko has been a pioneer in the fields of technology and aesthetics. There are few brands whose component finishing is as well-regarded as the masters of GS. And now, to mark a very important birthday in Japanese culture, Grand Seiko is debuting a rush of novelties.It can be hard to put into words the extreme admiration a watch lover can feel for their favorite brand. To verbalize what is often a completely visceral emotion can make a man or woman sound mad. But for many of us, it is totally understandable. Fans of Grand Seiko will surely be pleased to see that thi [...]