Watches Blog Wrist Watch Reviews

I am a huge fan of watch winders. The practical ones that is, the ones that dont take up too much space and do the job right. Now, I have written on winders before (a 2009 watch winder review and one in 2005) and always wrote that you should be on the look-out for a programmed or programmable winder. This means that the winder will work a few programs in such a way that your watch gets enough excercise to keep on running. Although I cant imagine that you are still able to overwind your watch, a running watch is still better than a watch that stands still. This probably has something to do with the synthetic oil that thickens a bit after a long period of non-wear.Anyway, the Leather One Watch [...]

Welcome to Strap Check, a column on Fratello where our editors showcase their favorite watch/strap combinations. We all know the feeling. When youve been wearing a watch for weeks on the same strap, there comes a time when the excitement starts to fade a little bit. Maybe thats the time when you start looking. But looking for what? A brand new watch? Sometimes the answer lies not in the watch, but the strap on which you wear it From the classic to the unique. From cheap NATOs to bespoke leather and special bracelets. This is where we get excited about perfect combinations that make you feel like youve got a brand new watch on your wrist. So tune in every week for a new Strap Check. Are you i [...]

When writing my first photo book article, it brought up some of the things I have learned over time. It also shows some specific topics related to watch photography which I find fascinating. So after mentioning lume photos, there is another topic which is about the details. Though the years I've created many watch macro photos that reveal details that can be hard to see with the naked eye.Watch macro photos simply reveal the true beauty of a watch, or, occasionally, the not so perfect craftsmanship. Thankfully that rarely happens but through the years only a few blemishes have crossed my lens. When this is something you don't want to find on a new watch, vintage watches are something differe [...]

This classic is considered to be the mother of all modern wristwatches, and every collector at least needs to have one or have tried it.The Datejust was actually my first Rolex. I got it in 2002 when I finished university and went straight for the Datejust in 36mm with a white gold fluted bezel and Jubilee bracelet. It is basically one of the Rolex watches I respect most and this year we see an updated version of that classic. Lets forget about the Sea-Dweller in gold steel for a moment (that Michael covered here) or the new Rolex GMT-Master II Batman with Jubilee that I wrote about earlier yesterday. The Datejust release is less controversial, very safe even, and thats what I feel Rolex is [...]

New releases from Patek Philippe dont always feel this new. We are used to seeing minor updates to a collection that often feels more entrenched than established. But that is fair enough. When you can arguably claim to be the G.O.A.T. why mess with a winning formula? However, with the release of the Patek Philippe Ref. 6007A-001 Calatrava watch in steel, the Genevan manufacture has shown its aware of how much times are changing.For the past five years, Patek Philippe has been working on a new manufacture in Geneva. The Plan-les-Ouates site was signed off in 2014 to aid Patek Philippes desire to internalize as many aspects of production as possible. Some interpreted the manufactures construct [...]

A few weeks ago, when I was visiting my friend Gerard over at Horloge Platform Nederland, he showed me this incredible beauty of the 1950s, a Vacheron Constantin ref.4591. It reminded me of scenes from The Godfather when the Corleones hang around with Moe Greene in a Las Vegas casino. Somehow, 1950 watches do that to me, I might be the only one though.So, what it so special about this watch? The main thing is the shape of the crystal, which is quite difficult to photograph I assume. But as you can see on the picture above, there is a small folding line from 3 oclock to 9 oclock. Although it is a relatively small watch (25mm wide, 8.5mm thick and a length of 38.5mm, including the lugs), it wi [...]

In this 12-minute video, I discuss the new Omega Speedmaster? Silver Snoopy Award, but also show the previous Snoopy Award watches from 2003 and 2015. Also, the Apollo 13 25th anniversary edition gets a mention, as that one was really the first to commemorate this special Apollo mission in 1970.The comments and feedback on the new Omega Speedmaster Silver Snoopy Award have been pretty amazing (see our initial review here). As such, its time for us to talk you through all Speedmaster Snoopy watches that have been out there since 2003.Omega Speedmaster Snoopy EditionsAfter seeing the new Speedmaster Snoopy in the flesh, it immediately became my favorite of the three. Based on the comments on o [...]

It might not be the first thing that comes to mind when buying a pre-owned or vintage Speedmaster, but what kind of accuracy should you expect from a pre-loved timepiece? Most of the buyers and collectors are more concerned about the watchs aesthetics than the technical condition of the watch, it seems. Lets have a closer look at the accuracy of the Speedmaster and what falls within acceptable parameters.In my opinion, patina has become a bit of a buzzword. Sometimes, it is as if it is the only thing that matters when it comes to buying a pre-owned or vintage Speedmaster. Sure, it is important how a watch looks, but theres more to it than the yellow or green color of hour markers. Ive made t [...]

Omega celebrates one of man's proudest achievements with the release of the Steel Speedmaster Apollo 11 50th Anniversary.In what must qualify as the most hotly anticipated new watch release of 2019, we have the Steel Speedmaster Apollo 11 50th Anniversary limited edition from Omega.? Whether you're an Omega fan, a space geek, or a history buff in general, 2019 was bound to be a big year.? Amongst Speedmaster lovers, the chatter about what could be considered as one of Omega's most important commemoratives began well over a year ago.? And now that day is finally here with the new ref. 310.20.42.50.01.001.? We're excited to show you some live pics that we were fortunate enough to take during t [...]

This year marks the 65th anniversary of the Speedmaster, and Omega started the celebrations by showing us a beautiful Calibre 321 in Canopus (white) gold. However, even though we think it is a beautiful watch, its only available for the very lucky few due to its 80,000 price tag. But that doesnt mean that there isnt an alternative available.In this video, RJ talks about two alternative choices that feature the same Broad Arrow hands. The Speedmaster ref.3594.50 and the Speedmaster 57 60th-anniversary edition. One is based on the 42mm Moonwatch case and the other has the same straight-lug case with a diameter of 38.6mm like the Calibre 321 in Canopus gold.Speedmaster Calibre 321 in Canopus go [...]

On the 10th of August, I wrote this post about the (new) Rolex Milgauss ref.116400, almost a year after its introduction during Basel 2007 (which I covered here). The post wasnt very positive, because it seemed to me that the Milgauss wasnt the immediate hit Rolex had hoped for. However, fast forward to 2009, it seems that the hype regains a bit. The availability of the Milgauss improved (you can even find the green sapphire version quite easily) and the prices dropped to an interesting level.My watch friend John Chan has traded his Date-Just for a Milgauss (black dial) and after trying his and one at the airport, the watch doesnt let me go. Last week, I ran into JK, owner of JKWatchStore.nl [...]

Earlier this year, Cartier introduced a new watch for men, Calibre de Cartier. A few years ago, Cartier introduced the Santos 100 to fulfil the demand for a more masculine watch, the Calibre de Cartier is their next-gen masculine watch with in-house movement. And perhaps this new model does the trick even better!I tried on the Calibre de Cartier during one of their events and I must say that I was quite impressed by the look and feel of this watch and perhaps just as important, the price tag. A list price of just below 5K Euro makes this watch an interesting competitor for the usual suspects as a stainless steel Rolex, in-house Panerai or IWC. However, what does it mean to be a Cartier man? [...]

When Omega introduced the Speedmaster 60th Anniversary in 2017, it was a big thing It was a tribute to the original Speedmaster reference CK2915, but with the calibre 1861 movement. Then, in 2020, Omega introduced the 105.003 tribute with its calibre 321. How do these two watches compare? Is it worth going after a Speedmaster 60th anniversary, or do you want to save up a bit more for the Speedmaster Calibre 321?After publishing our video where I compare the Speedmaster Calibre 321 with the Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch Master Chronometer, I received some requests to have a look at the Speedmaster 60th anniversary as well. And then, last week in the SpeedyTuesday Facebook group, someone [...]

You like the idea of it, its shape, and the overall aesthetic. Youve done a little bit of research, and decided that you want a Royal Oak or even a Nautilus but that goes without saying. Both Audemars Piguet and Patek Philippe have calculated a price for these watches, which can be found in their respective catalogs.? With your eye on the price tag, youve saved up and grown your savings to match the magic number. Alas, to no avail Your AD says he can't help you. But not to worry, there are many alternatives that cater to your specific needs, as long as you don't mind another name on the dial. To guide you through an alternative watch world, we put together a list of shadow warriors: a battal [...]

Ive never been a big fan of TAG Heuer, but I do like their classics. Like this one below, the Monaco (also known as the Steve McQueen model):Photo by -AndrewIn this thread at TimeZone they are showing off their Heuer Monaco watches. If you are interested, take a look.For the real Steve McQueen (and/or Heuer) fans, there is a clothing line by this brand called Vintage 55 dedicated to Steve McQueen. In a local shop (Oger) here in The Netherlands they sell Vintage 55 Steve McQueen clothing (including the Heuer badge -)). [...]

There are case backs that are nothing more than the back of a case. And then we have case backs with beautifully crafted artworks from which you cannot tear your gaze.? ?Don't get me wrong, I have nothing against a plain flat steel case back decorated with a decent Heuer, Breitling, or Tissot logo. Even naked case backs have their own charm. But once you've seen a mass of case back steel converted into rich shapes formed into sculptural elements, a fully plain case-back might strike you as a missed opportunity. Let's forget the notoriously known Omega or Rolex case backs for a while and lets set the stage for some more interesting ideas that deserve the spotlight. 1 You-name-it engraved or e [...]

We seem to love giving nicknames to watches and color schemes where possible. I mean, it makes sense it's easier to remember the Rolex Pepsi GMT rather than Rolex GMT-Master II 126710BLRO. Some of the nicknames make sense and are logical. Other's are a bit tenuous at best. One such nickname which perfectly fits the use is the classic panda dials. These dials became incredibly popular during the late 1950s and 1960s, and their popularity hasn't waned since.I don't feel it really needs too much explaining. A white (or perhaps off-white) dial with black subdials. It's quite an obvious homage to the most famous of all panda bears, the giant panda. Over the years, this dial setup has become iconi [...]

The Rolex Daytona Rainbow in Everose gold (reference 116595RBOW) is one of those watches that leaves me as puzzled today as it did when it was introduced last March. Although a lot of the attention of this years Rolex releases went to their GMT Pepsi, the Deepsea?Sea-Dweller and GMT?bi-colour models, their extravagant Daytona Rainbow Everose 116595RBOW was talked about a lot as well.Rolex Daytona Rainbow Everose 116595RBOWIn 2012, Rolex introduced their Daytona Rainbow in yellow gold (116598RBOW) and white gold (116599RBOW). Extremely rare pieces that demonstrated the skills of Rolex craftsmanship for setting stones in watches. These watches are hardly seen, as they are only produced in very [...]

Already last May, Omega announced its partnership to the 36th edition of the Americas Cup in 2021. It was celebrated with a beautiful Seamaster Planet Ocean watch. Today, another Americas Cup edition is being introduced: the Seamaster 300M Diver Americas Cup.Omega has been involved in this prestigious race since 1995 and I wrote a lengthy article on last years edition here. Our contributor Paul Dezentj wrote a very cool article on Omega and the America's Cup in our Seamaster 300M Magazine. This magazine is available for (free) download here.For today, I just want to focus on the Omega Seamaster Diver 300M Chronograph Americas Cup watch, as it deserves this.Omega Seamaster Diver 300M America [...]

To show that Bvlgari has definitely made its way into Haute Horlogerie and to connect that fact to its beginnings as a jeweler, the brand has launched two new members of its Sinfonia Della Meccanica. The Bvlgari Octo Roma Blue Carillon Tourbillon is a blue version of the watch that was first released last year in black. And the Bvlgari Octo Roma Emerald Grande Sonnerie houses the brand's most complicated minute-repeater movement yet. Welcome to a concert by the Bvlgari Symphony Orchestra Letting you experience the beats of a mechanical watch movement through the music created by multiple hammers and gongs!Very few of us might actually end up with one of these on the wrist. That may be becaus [...]