Watches Blog Wrist Watch Reviews

We are often asked which Speedmaster models have been worn on the Moon. Somehow, people think the caliber 861 Speedmaster Professional (145.022) was one of them, but this isnt correct.In 1962, NASA astronaut Walter Wally Schirra wore his Omega Speedmaster CK2998 in space. As a result, the 2012 introduction of the First Omega in Space watch(es) was based on the case of the original CK2998. However, Schirras watch was privately owned and had nothing to do with the chronographs officially selected?by NASA. It wasnt until 1964 that NASA requested brands to provide a quote for a wristwatch with a chronograph function. Only four brands responded to that request: Omega, Rolex, Longines-Wittnauer, a [...]

Re-releasing a watch inspired by an iconic model from your catalog is something brands are not afraid of doing nowadays. However, only a few brands are brave enough to delve deeper into the oddball and rare releases from their past. This is exactly what Zenith has done with the Chronomaster Revival Poker Chip. It hearkens back to 1969 when the brand released the El Primero G383, which was given the nickname Poker Chip due to its dial design. Very much of the era, the psychedelic patterns are undeniably eye-catching. Now, the modern revival, created by Zenith and SJX watches, brings back the watch with a stealthy appearance and plenty of lume!Weve often sung the praises of vintage and modern [...]

Chopard Superfast Chrono Porsche 919 Black EditionWe are a very lucky group of guys as we get invitations to a variety of events organized by brands. Just recently our very own Bert published a report about his visit to the Passione Caracciola experience with IWC and now here is my report?on a different yet somewhat similar event; the 24-hour race at Le Mans. If you are a petrol head, and I have to say I am a bit, it cannot get any better than Le Mans. You do not feel this until you are there though. That experience is something I have trouble to explain even though I feel that I have a good command of the English language. It's a two day circus filled with A-list celebrities, parties, fans? [...]

In 2008, Rolex introduced a new Submariner in all white gold (with blue dial and bezel), ref. 116619. This year, Rolex introduced the gold/steel (Rolesor) model of the Submariner in both black and blue dial versions at BaselWorld 2009. These are respectively the ref. 116613LN and ref.116613LB models (Ariel of aBlogToRead.com did nice coverage on them).When the GMT-Master 116713 and 116710 were introduced a few years ago, I remember a sudden short price drop of its predecessors (ref.16710/16713). Perhaps this is the time to keep an eye on the current/former models of the Rolesor Submariner models (ref.16613).Since a few weeks, I am wearing a Submariner 16613. Once in a while, there is this op [...]

Designed in partnership with the expressive Franck Muller Design Team, assembled in the French Jura mountains, powered by a? Japanese Miyota. This entry-level mechanical skeleton watch goes on Kickstarter for a?bargain price. I was never a fan of skeleton watches. But the universe conspired and a skeleton watch happened to drop into my hands. Now, I can't help but feel that all watches in the world should have see-through dials. Laying your eyes on a swinging rotor or the rapidly ticking escapement in the case of the Yonger Bresson Le Singulier, is truly magical.Yonger BressonI tipped my hat to the Yonger Bresson Le Singulier as soon as it hit my mailbox, as we do not see the skeleton concep [...]

It is Speedy Tuesday After a few weeks of recurring vintage Speedmaster topics, it is time for a modern classic. The OMEGA Speedmaster Professional X-33. Introduced in 1998 and also already in use during the Space Shuttle STS-89 mission of that year.Today we have a Speedmaster Professional X-33 reference 3990.50, also known as the 1st Generation X-33. In 2001, OMEGA introduced an updated version (reference 3991.50). This updated version had a different finish on the bezel. Also, because the 1st Generation models could have some issues with their pushers, they did an update with regards to the construction. The 1st Gen X-33 also had a unidirectional bezel where the 2nd Generation X-33 had a b [...]

Ulysse Nardin has developed a charmingly lateral position with the top-tier Swiss manufacturers. This is, without a doubt, a brand with a strong history, but its one thats certainly not stuck in the past. With a strong focus on outr designs and high-tech horology, Ulysse Nardin watches are not for everyone. And in my opinion, this is all for the best.The world would be a dull place if every brand riffed on its past glories, and Ulysse Nardin is a forward-thinking brand with a vision. This past month, this became even more exciting, as Kering let go of its two watch brands. Both Girard-Perregaux and Ulysse Nardin were bought out by management, with Patrick Pruniaux of GP leading both down an [...]

Today Oris has updated one of its more technically advanced mechanical dive watches, the watch with a hole, the Aquis Depth Gauge. The second generation of the impressive tool watch features three critical improvements over its predecessor.Mechanical depth gauges are not that commonplace in most modern divers' equipment bag. Partly because the advanced digital dive computers monitor this for them and because they're just so few and far between. That said, many divers like to take a mechanical backup watch with them, so having a mechanical depth gauge to boot is certainly a helpful addition.Into the deepThe mechanical depth gauge mechanism is actually quite simple in its science, but the exec [...]

The Bronzo Returns could be the title of a Marvel or DC Comics episode. But were talking watches here. In 2011, Panerai introduced the first Bronzo to us, the reference PAM00382. Only 1000 pieces were produced?and all sold within a blink of the eye. Paneristi who were able to buy one, were (are) very happy. In 2013, Panerai did one more with the PAM 507. This year, Panerai introduces another bronzo. The PAM 671 Luminor Submersible 1950, with a blue glossy dial and P.9010 calibre movement.Panerai PAM 671 Luminor Submersible 1950 BronzoToday, the PAM00382 is offered on the pre-owned market between 28.000 and 35.000 Euro. The same goes for the PAM 507 (which featured a power reserve indicator). [...]

When I started collecting wrist watches, I never considered Oris as a serious option. They made nice mechanical watches, had nice designs, but brands that do doubl??? or plaque gold cases were off-limit. I also wasnt very convinced about the quality of the watches.Perhaps I didnt do Oris any justice, because afterall, this brand exists since 1904 and have this only mechanical movements philosophy. Anyway, I skipped Oris and rather went with brands like Omega (when they were still very affordable).Since a few years, you cant deny the fact that Oris upscaled in terms of quality and image. Their collection became a bit more of this time and became a serious entry-level watch, where perhaps a b [...]

Its early Thursday morning and my alarm clock goes off. This is not something that happens a lot on weekdays, there must be something special going on. My agenda tells me I have to be at Schiphol Airport in two hours.After working my way through a rainy rush hour, I arrive at KLM Jet Center. This place looks like a remote business area, not what youd be expecting when you are travelling to Switzerland. Shortly after I find myself in a lounge, overlooking a large terrain with several jets.It is here that I meet my fellow travellers for today, and hardly 15 minutes later we take off in the Cartier Jet, heading towards the Cartier Manufacture in La Chaux-de-Fonds.Cartier Manufacture VisitShortl [...]

Officine Panerai Radiomir PAM00627I recently visited the Panerai manufacture in Neuchatel. You can read about my Panerai manufacture visit in this article.?It changed my view on Officine Panerai quite drastically. No longer I see them as manufacturer of large watches that happen to look good (slightly?exaggerated statement), as Ive witnessed how much effort they actually put in RD and testing activities in their manufacture in Neuchatel. With that in mind, lets have a look at the Panerai Radiomir PAM00627 that was introduced last January during the SIHH in Geneva.Radiomir vs LuminorIf you ask me the first thing that comes to mind when I hear the brand name, I say Luminor. For me, thats the e [...]

Hi and hello, sports fans Welcome to the Omega Speedmaster World Cup With all eight groups published and the voting in full swing, it's time for a quick round-up of how your favorite Speedies are progressing (or not) so far Over the past four weeks, we've launched two four-watch groups every weekend. Our selected limited edition Omega Speedmasters have been duking it out, tooth and nail. With the next pair of quarter-finals due to come this weekend, I thought I'd give you a quick round-up of what's been happening (check out QF1 and QF2 here). If you don't like the way the vote is going, you still have time to change it Vote yourself Share these posts with your friends and family Wave your Sp [...]

One of the most common questions we receive on the Speedmaster concerns the Speedmaster Reduced models (reference 3510.50). What is exactly the difference between the regular Moonwatch and this Reduced version? In this article, we explain.Omega Speedmaster 3510.50Its Speedy Tuesday This weeks topic is about the Omega Speedmaster Reduced. A watch that has been increasing in popularity for a few years. This discontinued model Speedmaster is often mistaken for the popular Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch. If you are not that deep into Speedmasters and just like the look of the black dial with three-registers (at ?3, 6, and 9 oclock), sans date window, it is easy to fall into the trap that a l [...]

One of the most heard comments on the Omega Speedmaster Calibre 321 is that you could also opt for an original 1960s Speedmaster reference 105.003. That's the reference the 2020 Speedmaster Calibre 321 has been based on.Whether you prefer a vintage Speedmaster 105.003 over the new Speedmaster Calibre 321 reference 311.30.40.30.01.001, that's a different discussion. It is mainly a matter of preference and opinion on watch collecting buying. If you want the real thing, the Speedmaster Calibre 321 might not cut it for you. If you don't want the hassle of finding an original 105.003 that has not been tampered with or are afraid to damage it while wearing it, the new Speedmaster Calibre 321 migh [...]

Lugs One of the make-or-break elements of a watch. In the best scenario, lugs define a watch. In the worst of situations, they can ruin a watch. When I just got into watches, the latter played a more significant part in my opinion about a watch, or rather than recognizing great lugs. I used to see them as a natural part of a case design. But over time, I found a great appreciation for lugs and how important they are in the overall design of a watchs face.Though lugs have always played an essential part in the looks of a watch, their importance has also increased in other aspects. Nowadays, lugs are often a big part of the discussion of whether a watch works on the wrist of a wearer. It has b [...]

I love the visionary idea that Carlo Crocco had in the late 1970s to create a watch that combined different materials. With the Hublot Classic that came out in 1980, Crocco created a watch that combined a yellow gold case with a rubber strap. Back then, it was considered pure blasphemy. To combine a precious metal with the material generally associated with cheap quartz watches was unheard of. Four decades later, however, it is an often-seen combination of materials. Additionally, the Classic Fusion is still part of the current Hublot collection, and it is a great reminder of Croccos legacy. I had a chance to try the current 45mm green Classic Fusion in titanium and determine if his visionar [...]

Vacheron Constantin gets a little moonstruck with its latest addition to the limited Collection Excellence Platine with a Patrimony case and platinum dial.As part of the Fratello team, I am subject to many press releases from PR representatives and directly from brands. Often, there is a sense of deja vu. Either I am living in The Matrix, or the new watch is presented with such a minor change that it hardly constitutes a dedicated write-up. Such releases tend to feature in our weekly round-up that is This Week In Watches.Slipping through the cracksThe Watches and Wonders 2020 announcements certainly filled many spaces in that column, but somehow the new Patrimony Retrograde Date with Moon Ph [...]

In this Sunday morning column, two of our writers go head-to-head in an epic showdown for the ages. Strong opinions and hysterical hyperbole are welcome (so feel free to join in with the fun in the comments section below). And don't forget to let us know which watches you'd like to see torn to shreds/effusively exalted next week. We'll try and feature as many of our readers' choices as we can. This week sees a bona fide classic the Rolex Submariner take-on the young pretender, the Omega Seamaster Professional 300M. Who wins? You decideHere we are again. The best time of the week. Do you remember the days of waking up early on a Sunday morning to watch your favorite cartoon? That is what [...]

Sheesj. Adee Kaye watches creating an Invicta Lupah replica. Besides the shameless Invicta copy, they also make copies of Zeno, Breitling, IWC, Fortis, Alain Silberstein and moreCheck this link here for a nice overview on shameless watchproducers.This is not a Silberstein, it is an original Adee Kaye.They could at least have come up with a better name than something which sounds like Yipee Caye. [...]