Watches Blog Wrist Watch Reviews

So, this should be easy as I'm on home turf (home snow?) so to speak, even if my bio reveals my embarrassing secret. Yes, I am the only Norwegian who doesn't ski, neither cross country nor slalom. And no, I dont even own a snowboard. The closest I get to winter sports is sledding with the kids, which is actually quite a dangerous pursuit.?So what better than some ARCTICWHITE gear to camouflage me from the laughter of my mates as I sneak off to the city? While they're drunk at the Apr�� s Ski, I've snuck off to a coffee shop. You'll find me enjoying a strong macchiato with my writer's laptop, so sue me. However, I do enjoy the crisp polar white of a sports watch dial. Maybe even matched with [...]

Welcome back to Wrist Game or Crying Shame, where you get to act like Caesar in Gladiator and choose the fate of an embattled subject. Today, we will look at the Omega Speedmaster 60th Anniversary edition. But first?-If we take last week's results as a guide, you are all ice cold I say that because the Rolex Explorer II 16570 Polar cruised to a 72% Wrist Game win. It seems that a price encroaching on $10,000 isn't too rich for your blood. Today, let's see if you're willing to vote in favor of something more limited in nature but currently less popular. Enter the Omega Speedmaster 60th Anniversary edition.Another Limited Edition SpeedmasterI know, I know?-. Limited edition Speedmasters must b [...]

Pitching this series of stories to our Managing Editor came naturally to me, as I am contrarian by nature. I'm not saying that I feel in any way better or more worthy than rappers or rock stars. And I dont know if I am correct or just old, but surely, social media shouldn't dictate our taste in watches, right? This is probably a dumb rather than rhetorical question, as some influencers are rich for a reason. Consider this series, The Unusual Suspects, my attempt to shed some light on some unsung heroes hidden in plain sight. And the Patek Philippe Calatrava Pilot Travel Time ref. 7234G-001 is a perfect example of what youll find once you look outside of Instagram.In my role as a watch journa [...]

Maurice Lacroix Pontos S Diver PT6248I rarely write about Maurice Lacroix watches on Fratellowatches and I actually don't know why. Back in 2008, I asked What to think of Maurice Lacroix? and it received quite a few interesting responses.Anyway, just recently I've become quite intrigued by their Pontos collection. Although I have a weak spot for some of their complicated watches for a long time (especially their Masterpiece Collection, the Moonphase model) I started to like their Pontos collection.Polished Facet On The LugsI am a sucker for chronograph watches, and the Pontos collection has a number of very cool watches with this type of complication. However, some days ago I received their [...]

We've seen more gold Speedmasters in recent years than ever before. The recent introductions of the Speedmaster Apollo 11 Moonshine, Apollo 17 in yellow gold, and the new Moonwatch models in white gold and Sedna gold, for example, have brought a lot of color to the SpeedyTuesday news feed on Instagram. But what about a platinum Speedmaster?This precious material has been used for the Speedmaster since 1994, but only in very small quantities. How come? It is not so much the fact that processing this rather gummy material is challenging, and therefore expensive, but because the demand is just low. Many of you prefer white gold over platinum (for a considerably friendlier price), with almost t [...]

Or should I say, Paneristi-case? Jerrel showed us his Panerai collection at P-Day 3 in Frankfurt. Not only his watches were incredible, but the way he presented them to fellow Panerai collectors was incredible as well. He made this case by himself, complete with Panerai crown-guard system lock and a nice (working) Panerai clock on top of the case. Also pay attention to the buckles on this case, Pre-Vendome stiloPicture was made by someone on the Paneristi forum, I think it was Yogi, I am not sure though. [...]

John Holbrook mailed me that he had written some articles that might interest us (poster and readers of Fratello -)). The first one is an article about watch polishing with the help of this magical stuff from Cape Cod.You can find the review hereJohn also writes for watch magazines in the US. He did a review of a nice Panerai for InSync here (it is a PDF!). And for Chronos, you can find a complete Holbrook report if you click right here. The Holbrook report contains a lot of different watches. Different brands and styles, certainly worth checking out!Have fun! [...]

Compiling a list of the best modern luxury sports watches is like walking into a death trap. Can you actually come out alive? This is one of those lists that pretty much every watch enthusiast has an opinion on. But we like a good challenge here at Fratello. So I put on my armor and walked straight in. The mission? To come out on the other side, having found my Top-5 of modern luxury sports watches. A Top-5 that is irrefutably inspired by G rald Gentas design legacy. But instead by the spirit of his designs rather than a variation on his designs. So without further ado, lets get out the swords and daggers!Modern luxury sports watches are as relevant as ever. And by that I mean, alternatives [...]

Not too long ago on this blog I put forth a healthy dose of skepticism (Feb 26:???? New Detail Emerges on the Concord C1 QuantumGravity) as to the potential of the unconventional and nonconforming Concord C1 QuantumGravity watch.???? I further questioned the QuantumGravitys ability to live up to expectations that were being set by an effusive and over-the-top marketing campaign in the lead up to Baselworld 2009.Now after seeing some live photos and now live video of this watch, I confess that I am even more intrigued by it, but in a good way.???? The Concord C1 QuantumGravity is growing on me!???? What can I say it seems that my dismay was not with the watch itself but its verbose and unecc [...]

The Grand Seiko Snowflake is a huge success, and it seems to be the collectors darling for a while now. But theres a new hero since this year, the Grand Seiko SBGA407 Skyflake.Of course, Skyflake is not the official name for this Grand Seiko, but enthusiasts used their creativity to come up with something in line with the original Snowflake. When I was in the market for a Grand Seiko watch, I decided against the Snowflake, for two reasons: the use of titanium and the case shape. I wrote about this struggle in this lengthy article. Instead, I went with the stainless steel Grand Seiko GMT Mt. Iwate with 44GS inspired case and hi-beat movement. Up to this day, I dont regret my decision. But I a [...]

Purists take cover. The Bvlgari Octo Finissimo Automatic in polished ceramic cares not for your feelings. It is here to be heard, so theres no point ignoring what it has to say.External ceramic components used to raise eyebrows. These days, any brand?not exploring the possibilities of this fascinating material could be accused of sticking its head in the sand. Sure, it is highly unlikely that ceramic, however versatile and beautiful it is, will ever take the place of steel (or even titanium) as the ideal watch case material, but it certainly has a lot going for it in both the aesthetic and technical fields.A storm is comingThe Bvlgari Octo Finissimo Automatic is one of the greatest watches r [...]

Under the haze of dusk, Oris snuck in a Divers Sixty-Five in October. No fanfare or press release that usually accompanies a new configuration. Instead, just a quiet assurance that this watch was available by listing it on the website. But don't think this smooth criminal will get away with its stealthy strike. The sunset gradient brown dial has rekindled my interest in the Sixty-Five range, and I'm here to tell you why.Before I backtrack, let me jump straight to the action. New for 2020 is the 40mm Divers Sixty-Five with what Oris calls the Brown dial. For me, this sells it short as the gradient from the black aluminum bezel to the golden center takes you on a journey of color. It reminds m [...]

In the land of the rising sun, the love runs strong, and the heart ticks away the moments worth remembering. These Japanese watches are prime eligible bachelor(-ette?)s looking for their ideal wearer to pick them up and while away the hours in sweet adoration. Today, its the elegant Grand Seiko SLGA007, the jazzy Kurono Tokyo Chronograph 2, and the shamefully easy Casio MQ24-7B2. Theyre all fun, in their own way. Its just up to you to which watch youll say, ����ˤ��ϡ��Ĵ줭�Ǥ� (Konnichiwa, daisuki desu Hello, I love you).We here at Fratello have been showing Japanese watches a lot of love lately, to which I say, Kanpai From a flurry of articles about different elements in the G-Shock line, to Jorgs [...]

Even before I traveled deep into the lands of horology, spotting fake Rolex watches by their ticking sound and jerky jumping seconds hand was one of life's Universal Truths. This is so ingrained that holding a Rolex up to your ear seemed the default quality check when checking the thrift store shelf for epic finds. Unfortunately for the lesser-learned bargain hunters out there, the complexity of modern-day fakery has moved up a notch. This means unknown dangers for the bargain hunters, all the way up to million-dollar Paul Newman Daytonas. The busting of this myth also takes a lateral turn, as we look at the excellent value of the cool quartz references produced by Rolex. Yes, they are real, [...]

After several years of not meeting with Bell Ross, we sat down with the brand at Baselworld 2019 and we found a winner in the new Bell Ross Bellytanker Bronze chronograph.I could say Bellytanker all day long its simply that fun.? That being said, the word belly just doesnt come to the forefront of watch-related names, but here we are with the Bell Ross Bellytanker Bronze chronograph and in our brief time with it, we came away impressed.The New Bell Ross Bellytanker BronzeThe Bellytanker name used in the?Bell Ross Bellytanker Bronze stems from emergency fuel tanks hanging from the bottoms of older fighter planes.? As BRs website also tells us, the name is also used synonymously for salt [...]

When you are a watch collector, and especially one of chronographs, owning a watch with a Zenith El Primero movement is probably on your list (if not already in your box). If it is, you and I are kindred spirits. The El Primero is a legend of the industry. Since its launch more than 50 years ago now, it has never been held in anything but the highest esteem. It is one of the most elegant and expertly conceived calibers in history. Perhaps the toughest question for watch collectors hoping to add this icon to their stable is exactly which one to choose? By the looks of this new Chronomaster Revival Safari reference 97.T384.400/57.C856, this could be the one. But is it?I love a green dial on wa [...]

When you find yourself searching for a vintage Omega Speedmaster, we are pretty sure you are open to all the help you can use. The world of vintage (Speedmaster) watches can be a snakepit, and wed like you to survive and find yourself buying a good watch in the end.Enjoying your vintage Speedmaster is partly based on being convinced you find yourself a proper one. When you have doubts about the hands, the dial, the case, or perhaps even the movement, it takes away part of the fun.?When you know something is not correct about a watch, it is up to up to decide if you still want to pursue it or leave it alone. It is therefore important to know what to look for, which details matter, and how to [...]

So heres a somewhat romantic notion: pilots, God love them, are all obsessed with expensive luxury watches. So much so, in fact, that an entire category of watches is named after them. Except thats not really true is it? Lets submit ourselves for a quick reality check so we can take this worthwhile question from the mailbag and chuck it in the trash where it belongs.Modern-day pilots do not exclusively wear pilots watches. Pilots are, aside from incredibly important pillars of any society that embraces air travel, humans. They are people. They wear whatever the heck they please. And no, Im not being facetious this is true. The vast majority of planes have control panels crammed full of usefu [...]

Some watches are just more memorable than others. The brand puts them onto the market, creating a massive buzz for some reason. So far, so good. Then, after the initial reactions, they stay in the public consciousness and never leave. When Hamilton released the Khaki Field Mechanical, this is precisely what happened. To say that it received critical acclaim from the media would be an understatement. The Khaki Field was praised by almost every media outlet that featured it. It was only logical for Hamilton to strike while the iron was hot. Many newer, different variations of the Khaki Field Mechanical have come, but none have had more impact than the bronze version.I felt it was logical to co [...]

And were back with another episode of Wrist Game or Crying Shame, the weekly go or no go article where you choose whether to launch. This week, we take a look at a modern rendition of the Speedmaster Mark II. But firstThe old saying of size doesnt matter rang true regarding last weeks Rolex Air-King for 3,950. Despite its un-kingly diameter of 34mm and lofty price tag of 3,950, condition counted. And your votes counted as well as you crowned it with a 57% Wrist Game win. But what happens when a king abdicates its throne? Who shall be the successor? Todays watch isnt so much of a follow-up, but more like an addendum. Enter the Omega Speedmaster Mark II.The Speedmaster Mark IIIf youre a fan of [...]