Watches Blog Wrist Watch Reviews

Welcome back to Wrist Game or Crying Shame, the regular column that asks you to anoint a currently-available pre-owned watch as hot or not. This week were sticking to a classic. Watches from the Rolex 1601 family are a common sight on the pre-loved market. This ones a clean and crisp option at a good price. But before we get to it, lets recap last weeks resultHola, people. Mike is once again absent, so Im subbing in for him. This time our American dream is floating around on a cruise ship somewhere. I would tell you where, but due to the amount of Seikos that man carries on his person at any one time, theres a very real chance I might get him kidnapped. So while Mike enjoys his well-earned b [...]

Well, well, well. After a hiatus of almost exactly four months, WASP returns for the (very) long-awaited LIVE Episode 10. This was so important to Balazs and me that we even went down the route of decimal show numbers to ensure we kept our promise.And keep it we did (eventually) Now, for the first time in ages, the Fridge Freezer presenting duo have the chance to chat in person. The show was recorded in one take and is available in audio-only format too. You can find that on Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.In this show, we rattle through our favorite watches from Balazss private collection, mock my old-fashioned diameter preferences when it comes to Rolex, and discuss what those [...]

Seasons greetings, our dearest Fratelli As the year comes to an end, and the holiday season is well underway, we wanted to take this opportunity to share with you the watches that we will be wearing during the holidays. Whether its for Christmas Eve tonight, Christmas Day tomorrow, or any other festive year-end celebration, its a perfect time to strap on your most meaningful watch. The Fratello team comes together to share the stories of their picks for the holidays and share with you the reasons why these are the watches that made the list.This time of the year is very special. Some will spend time with family and loved ones and come together to celebrate and share some quality time, delici [...]

Ever since getting into the world of watches, I have always loved the discussions about watch design. The recurring topic is often progression. The arguments are as much about the lack thereof as they are about the ongoing quest for finding that new instant classic.? Creating something genuinely new that meets with immediate acceptance seems to be the hardest thing there is. Especially when it comes to case design. But the excitement of seeing something novel is excellent.The thing that has intrigued me most over the years is the shape of a watch case. It is often the most crucial element for an immediate yes or no. And a well-designed case can make a design become a proven classic. But the [...]

This year, Zenith dropped a modern update to the legendary El Primero Chronograph: the Chronomaster Sport. With such an iconic watch receiving an update, there was naturally a lot of coverage, and it was quite a marmite design. On the one hand, people loved the classic A338 blueprint brought in the modern age with a ceramic bezel and up-to-date aesthetic. However, the other hand had people less than enthralled that Zenith dared to touch the timeless A386. Some people felt it looked a particular little like a chronograph from a neighboring Swiss brand-The Chronomaster Sport: now in rose gold!Either way, the new Chronomaster Sport was sportier and cleaner, featuring updated aesthetics and impr [...]

In what can only be described as an off-cycle surprise, we're excited to report on the announcement of the Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean Ultra Deep Professional.It was only a couple weeks ago that we received an invite to a mysterious press release to be held on June 20th in London. Little information was given aside from the fact that the event would feature Victor Vescovo, who, among other interests, is an adventurer and undersea explorer (he's even completed the Explorer's Grand Slam). The invitation made mention of Vescovo's Five Deeps Expedition, a journey to the deepest spots within each of the five oceans and the fact that he actually set the record for deepest dive at 10,928 meters (3 [...]

Speedmaster MoonphaseIts Speedy Tuesday Our weekly recurring topic on the Speedmaster has become one of the most popular topics here on Fratellowatches.This week, we have quite an uncommon Speedmaster for you. Only the shape and reference number reveals that it belongs to the Speedmaster-family. This OMEGA Speedmaster ref.3330.20 (case number 375.0034) is a stainless steel / gold chronograph with a calendar and moonphase (click here for some other Speedmaster Moonphase articles).Introduced in 1990, this automatic OMEGA Speedmaster Moonphase 3330.20 comes with the OMEGA caliber 1150 movement. A movement based on the ETA/Valjoux 7750 caliber. Besides time and chronograph functionality, this wa [...]

Ah, the delights of Watches Wonders, low on pandemic measures but big on revenge spending. Even while much of the world is still struggling with the pandemic aftermath, events are back. And sadly, while Europe is not peaceful as it used to be, isn't this just the right time to daydream? Vacheron Constantin shows us that this is a very real possibility, even a rule.And Vacheron Constantin is never short on material to feed your inner daydreaming child, or rather, watch-obsessive. My wife seems to think there is a deep correlation between the two, and frankly, I see her point. Vacheron Constantin shows the best of what the brand is good at, from the minimalist lux of the Patrimony to beguilin [...]

2020 marks the 60th anniversary of Grand Seiko. The brand that we love so much here on Fratello. Earlier this year, we already showed you the Grand Seiko SBGH281 in this article. Grand Seiko sent us the watch for a closer look, so without further ado.As you probably know (because of this article), I am a sucker for the 44GS style case. For me, it embodies Grand Seikos specific design choices. It shows that a brand can have a modern watch, inspired by its heritage (1967) without becoming boring. Nobody ever accused Grand Seiko of lacking inspiration when it comes to the 44GS style case. I love all the little facets on the lugs and the wide case band on the 44GS style case. This Grand Seiko SB [...]

In Round 2 of The Fast And The Fratelli, two writers go head-to-head with their qualifying racing chronos Here are Gerard and Balazs a.k.a. the father and son at Fratello with their first-round winners for your consideration.How come we now see the Omega Speedmaster Speedy Tuesday Ultraman competing with the Seiko Prospex Speedtimer SRQ037J1? That cause lies in the first round, where the Omega Speedmaster Ultraman made a clear win over a Zenith Chronomaster El Primero Revival A385. It was a 72 over 28% win. With 54 over 46%, the Seiko Prospex Speedtimer was less overwhelming but still a clear winner over the Tissot Heritage 1973. And so, here they are The Omega and the Seiko roar at the [...]

One of the benefits of having the Speedy Tuesday feature is that you often run into interesting people with interesting stories. Last week I was in Tokyo and met a guy who picked up his Speedmaster Speedy Tuesday in the Omega Boutique in Ginza (and I joined him) and had a wonderful time with him discussing watches and Tokyo related things. One of the guys that joined us in Tokyo for our Grand Seiko readers journey was a Speedmaster fan himself as well, and we had interesting discussions on the importance of details on these vintage watches. For this weeks Speedy Tuesday however, we have collector Mark Sinclair talking about his Omega Speedmaster 50th Anniversary Patch reference?311.30.42.30. [...]

In a no less dramatic way than the Formula 1 season, The Fast And The Fratelli came to an end last week. Our mission was to find the best racing chronograph of the last decade. We saw many contenders, including some true legends compete for the crown. However, in the end, the Fratello love for the Omega Speedmaster came through, and the Calibre 321 took the win over the Zenith El Primero A386 Revival at the last moment. The Zenith, a no less impressive contender and worthy opponent, did its best. But in the end, without the need of intervention from the Fratello Inspection Authority (FIA) and after an impressive bit of driving, it succumbed to the Speedy's veteran racing skills.No less fraug [...]

Yesterday (January 30), tennis player Novak Djokovic won the Australian Open against Rafael Nadal (Richard Mille ambassador). It has been a battle that lasted five sets and almost 6 hours. When he finally lifted the trophy, watch spotters immediately recognized the timepiece on the wrist of this Audemars Piguet ambassador. The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Diver, ref.15703ST. A perfect fit for a sportsman.Weve written a review about this exact same Diver a while ago (click here for our share of fun with the Diver 15703ST and a VW Phaeton) and we think it is the best looking Offshore that AP has to offer. Clean design, perfect size (42mm in diameter) and very versatile, especially when w [...]

Karina and RJ talk about the Grand Seiko SBGJ201, also known as the Mt. Iwate, due to the structure of the dial. A beautiful stainless steel 44GS case style Grand Seiko, with Hi-Beat GMT movement.The Grand Seiko SBGJ201 Mt. Iwate was not his first choice, as the Snowflake (reference SBGA211) also made quite the impression. The Snowflake turned out to be one of the best-selling Grand Seiko models. In this video, we talk about what made me pick the Mt. Iwate over the Snowflake.Grand Seiko SBGJ201Grand Seikos reference SBGJ201 has a diameter of 40mm and a thickness of 14mm. The relative thickness is partly due to the GMT complication on the movement. Inside, is caliber 9S86, a Hi-Beat automatic [...]

Inspired by a posting in one of Facebooks many wrist watch related groups, this week Ill wear an Alain Silberstein Krono Bauhaus 2.Alain Silberstein Forerunner of avant garde watch makingIn the nineties of the last century, Alain Silberstein (1950, Paris) was THE forerunner of avant garde' watch making. And he still is an influential watchmaker in terms of original designs. Many of todays unconventional watch designers, like for instance Max B1sser, love the inspiration?by Alain Silberstein. MBF even presented collaborations with him, the first one being the LM1 Silberstein in 2009.Primary colours and geometric shapesSilbersteins watches can easily be determined by the use of three bright p [...]

It's not often that we talk about a platinum watch here on Fratello. One of the last reviews I did on a platinum watch was on the Vacheron Constantin Historiques Americain 1921. That was an impressive and hefty watch. This time, it gets even heavier, as the platinum Day-Date 40 reference 228236 comes on the President bracelet.If you're a Fratello regular, you might know that I have a weak spot for Rolex's flagship. Despite the current situation regarding the availability of watches from this Genevan brand, Rolex remains a brand that speaks to one's imagination. Just as importantly, Rolex is a brand that manufactures incredibly good watches from a quality standpoint.Rolex Day-Date in Platinum [...]

Hey there team, it's time for a little bit of Wrist Game or Crying Shame. This week, we travel back to the days before 007 donned an Omega. Appropriately enough, this week's watch is the Omega Seamaster Pre Bond Automatic. Whether or not this one leaves you either shaken or stirred remains to be seen. But first?-Last week, I took you on a trip down memory lane to El Paso, Texas with a story on the Panerai Luminor Marina PVD Destro. This limited-edition model from 2008 wasn't minty fresh, but that didn't stop it from bringing home a refreshing 59% Wrist Game win. I'm starting to get the feeling that Panerai is making a comebackC and I like it Today's Omega Seamaster Pre Bond Automatic tones i [...]

Sometimes, when I forget about my monthly paycheck, I think about very exclusive watches. When these thoughts are in my head for too long, I sometimes even visit The PuristS website.The indepth articles and reviews on this site are great and make you want to forget about your monthly paycheck for a long long time (at least I do) This article for example, about Daniel Roths 8-day tourbillon, is a very nice read! [...]

In the words of the almighty Chuck D of Public Enemy, Dont believe the hype, its a sequel. As an equal, can I get this through to you. The words are just as powerful in the context of todays world of watches. I am well aware that debunking hype is actually preaching to the choir here at Fratello. But we sometimes have to deal with the effects of hype, even in the world of vintage watches. Luckily, there are still so many great watches with equally amazing stories that are not affected by their show-off factor and social media craze. During my 12-month journey writing Fratellos Buying Guides, I found that sometimes its hard to deny hype. As the series draws to a close, Id love to share some t [...]

I remember that in the 1990s, parents of my friends and even some of their grand parents at that time, were wearing Rado watches. The shiny black ceramic timepieces that looked stylish a bit BO style and were impossible to get scratched. Most of them were quartz watches though, so I quickly lost interest in them as I merely saw them more or less as a lifestyle or design product.Now to be honest, Rado has not been on our radar for a while, except during BaselWorld 2013 when we took the orange Rado HyperChrome Court Collection watch for our Last Queens Day article. This Rado HyperChrome Court Collection combines the typical Rado style of ceramic cases (and bracelets) and mechanical movements [...]