Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Ultra Thin Jubilee Reviewed
One of the cool things of being a watch blogger is that you get to try some really nice watches. One of the watch we had in our possession for a while was this Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Ultra Thin Jubilee in platinum. That’s right, platinum. In hommage to 180 years of watchmaking from this company from Le Sentier, they created this ultra thin Master in platinum. The watch is just 4.05mm thick but even more astonishing is the Jaeger-LeCoultre caliber 849 movement that is just 1.85mm thick.This Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Ultra Thin Jubilee watch only has an hour hand and a minute hand otherwise the movement would probably became too ‘bulky’ for its 4.05mm thick case. The caliber 8...
Speedy Tuesday Omega Spacemaster Z-33 Review
Let’s be honest, after the 1980s?of the last century, in the ‘real watch world’ there are only very few quartz watches considered as serious products. had its Oysterquartz models from 1977 till the early 2000s, not specially intended for professional use, and Breitling always had their?Chronospace and Aerospace models which were aimed at airline pilots. That was pretty much it.Except some Casio-like digital Speedmasters (some even signed Professional) that were introduced in 1977, for Omega it started to get serious in 1998 with the introduction of the Omega Speedmaster Professional X-33, nicked the ‘Marswatch’. The earlier tuning fork movement Speedsonic line ...
Christie's Speedmaster 50 Auction Report
Yesterday evening, Christie’s held their Speedmaster 50 Auction in New York. Although no-one of our team could be there on location, we did get some help from Sacha Davidoff for this report. He is one of the founders and owners of the Roy & Sacha Davidoff boutique, the place?for vintage watches in Geneva. He was in New York to witness the auction and spoke to one of the guys who submitted a substantial amount of watches for the auction, Riccardo Bernard.Christie’s Speedmaster 50 Auction lots on display in New York City.Sacha Davidoff: “Riccardo Bernard is the major contributor, in terms of the Christie’s Speedmaster 50 auction collection. He is a collector with an...
Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Calendar Unique In Its Kind
When Jaeger-LeCoultre released their Master Calendar in 2013, I wasn’t sure what to think about it, since there is so much competition in this section. Most of these calendar watches have the same dial layout, with a day and month aperture just below ’12’ and a moon phase above ‘6’, set on a light coloured dial. Jaeger-LeCoultre's version did not really add anything, to what was on the market already, besides the beautiful manufacture caliber of course. This year however, Jaeger-LeCoultre announced another version of their Master Calendar but now with a stunning new eye-catching dial, and unique at the same time.Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Calendar with Meteorite di...
Hands-On With The Limited Edition Grand Seiko Hi-Beat 36000 GMT SBGJ021
Almost identical to the Grand Seiko that won the?Petite Aiguille award in the Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Genve in 2014, Seiko now introduces the Grand Seiko Hi-Beat SBGJ021 with a special dial and oscillating weight. The design of this Grand Seiko is based on the 1967 Grand Seiko 44GS. Let’s have a look at this limited edition Grand Seiko Hi-Beat 36000 GMT SBGJ021 up close.Grand Seiko Hi-Beat SBGJ021This is that typical example of a watch you need to see in the flesh to really appreciate it. When I first saw the press release, I didn’t pay too much attention as the dial and rotor appeared to be a bit gimmicky. However, when the kind people of Seiko Netherlands offered the watch ...
Blancpain Ocean Commitment explained during Night at the Museum.
A photo report of Blancpain’s Night at the Museum event in LondonBlancpain has donated to different ocean preserving projects for years and years already. Since 2014 however, Blancpain officially committed themselves to protect the world's oceans. This resulted in the ‘Blancpain Ocean Commitment‘.#gallery-1 {margin: auto;}#gallery-1 .gallery-item {float: left;margin-top: 10px;text-align: center;width: 50%;}#gallery-1 img {border: 2px solid #cfcfcf;}#gallery-1 .gallery-caption {margin-left: 0;}/* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */Increasing public awarenessBlancpain intends to increase public awareness through funding of ocean exploration, and through relate...
Fromanteel Presents: Your Most Reliable Traveling Companion
The Fromanteel Pendulum Traveler is the newest and most sophisticated member of Fromanteel's Automatic Pendulum series. The watch, a strong combination of Swiss Made quality and understated design, is a reliable companion for travelers of all kind.The Pendulum Traveler is currently for sale via a special pre-order campaign. During this campaign, for a limited time only, you can order the Traveler at a specially reduced and affordable price. Need some more information? Find it here.Stylish and PowerfulFrom the open case on the back of the timepiece to the touches of Fromanteel Yellow on the GMT hand and crown; the Pendulum Traveler is both stylish and powerful. Behind the transparent glass on...
Oris Aquis Great Barrier Reef III 52Mondayz, week #51-2019
In 2013, Oris released the Aquis Depth Gauge spawning a new collection of modern dive watches. This deep diver had a unique mechanical depth gauge highlighting Oris’ ambition to create practical applications rather than superfluous complications. Without further ado, let’s dive into my first 52Mondayz column below.Oris Aquis CollectionThe Aquis was made a bonafide collection when the core design cues of the Depth Gauge were later separated into time-only, chronograph and many special edition watches. A subtle facelift in 2017 introduced even more angular design cues cementing the Aquis as Oris’ best selling model across all regions. The Aquis had always escaped me though. A...
IWC Silver Spitfire Longest Flight Amsterdam Stopover
A trip around the world which started on August the 5th in Goodwood, UK, would end at the same airfield exactly 4 months later. With their goal in sight, the two pilots and their Silver Spitfire, however, first touched down in The Netherlands to pay homage to the country the Spitfire dwelled in most of its life.We witnessed the IWC Silver Spitfire Longest Flight Amsterdam Stopover event at Lelystad Airport on December 4th, 2019.#gallery-1 {margin: auto;}#gallery-1 .gallery-item {float: left;margin-top: 10px;text-align: center;width: 50%;}#gallery-1 img {border: 2px solid #cfcfcf;}#gallery-1 .gallery-caption {margin-left: 0;}/* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */Steve Boultbee...
Frederique Constant Introduces: Dark Grey Classic Worldtimer
After the first Frederique Constant Worldtimer launch in 2012, the watch stood proudly as one of the brand's best-selling Manufacture watches. Since then, the Worldtimer has come in a range of 11 models featuring a wide colour palette.In 2019, yet another colour variation of this elegant and sophisticated traveling watch is unveiled: a dark grey design of the world map finely etched onto to the dial and the twenty-four cities on its outer rim make one wish for globe-trotting. The date by hand at 6 o'clock makes the perfect addition to the Worldtimer function and further enhances the aesthetic of the watch. The indexes on each hour add to the dial's readability, offering additional comfort wh...
Wrist Game or Crying Shame: Omega Dynamic Chronograph
Wrist Game or Crying Shame is here with a look at yet another Omega. This time, we put the Omega Dynamic III to the test. But first…It was tough sledding for last week’s TAG Heuer Kirium Formula 1. The neo-vintage ana-digi chronograph took a vintage Mike Tyson style beating with 73% voting this one to the scrap pile. The comments were absolutely savage and many of you recalled the days of fragrances such as Drakkar Noir and Davidoff (no, not those guys) Cool Water. I’m going to go out on a limb and guess that today’s Omega Dynamic III will fare much better. Whether it wins the Fratelli’s favor, will be up to you.The Omega Dynamic IIIThe Omega Dynamic series of w...
Hands-On With Two Norqain Freedom 60 39mm Watches
Norqain does not waste any time when it comes to releasing new watches. The fruits of the Kenissi relationship have resulted in a string of interesting new releases powered by Norqain’s proprietary movements. I had a chance to go hands-on with the Norqain Freedom 60 39mm watches. The recently introduced Norqain Caliber NN20 powers both three-handers. Let’s find out what works better, bronze or steel?For a brand that has only been around for only two years, Norqain has been taking big steps. And I have to say I like that. I had my first taste of Norqain this summer when I reviewed the Norqain Freedom 60 Chronograph. And as I explained in my review, I like that watch quite a bit. A...
Grand Seiko Deep Dive: Exploring the New 9SA5 Watch Movement
When it comes to Grand Seiko's headline release of the 2020 calendar, there's a lot to discuss. Caliber 9SA5 is an entirely new movement released in time to mark the commencement of Grand Seiko's second 60-year cycle. It hammers home the point (as if anyone had forgotten) that the Grand Seiko mission statement is, and always has been, that the best can always be bettered.For six decades, the Japanese juggernaut has stuck to its founding principles. In the hearts and minds of Grand Seiko's chief engineers and designers, even the idea of excellence can stagnate if allowed to stand still. As such, they set about designing a brand new caliber from the ground up. And rather than save time, money,...
#TBT A?Decent Angelus Chrono 12 With Caliber SF 250
To be precise, there might be an exciting story to tell, but it's gone forever and I will never learn more. When I saw this beaten but honest Angelus Chrono 12, I decided to give it a new chance at life. Now it's ready to start writing a new story…Some collectors see watches only as items and their context often has little importance. And there are also collectors like me for whom nothing can top an exciting watch story. To know exactly who wore a watch and what adventures it went through, that's something for which you usually need to pay some extra-fat cash. It's not only the excitement that comes with the story, it's also about the uniqueness it has. Regardless of whether it’s...
Hands-On With The Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical 42mm
Last week, I had the opportunity to test one of my favorite watches at the sub-$1,000 price point. I'm talking, of course, about the brilliant contemporary classic that is the Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical. However, something was a little bit different. Instead of the usual Khaki Field 38mm size, the watches placed before me were larger. A whole four millimeters larger, to be precise. Now, as far as I'm concerned, Hamilton already found the perfect formula with this watch, so how does its bigger counterpart fare? As you can see, nothing much changes in terms of design, and the proportions are well-maintained. But it's not only what's written down on paper that matters. So, grab yourself a ...
How Furlan Marri Changed My Mind On Meca-Quartz
I will happily stand up and admit to being a snob. A bonafide watch snob, spitting out the word “quartz” with disdain or a quiet whisper. Even if, that is, my love of watches started through fashion watches, with Emporio Armani and Guess in an unholy mix with mechanical vintage. If you read my Seiko Diver Journey story, you'll know that it all changed with a pre-owned Oris. Maybe it was out of fear, or the disrespectful trolls on the forums, but I resolutely bundled up my last four quartz watches and auctioned them off for pennies. And then an illicit affair with Furlan Marri changed me.Why have I changed my mind, and how could a meca-quartz hypebeast do it? Last week, I had my l...
Lapinist Display Case Backs For Vintage Grand Seiko Watches
We have a pretty dedicated and vocal collection of vintage Grand Seiko fans among the Fratelli. Many of the Fratello team are also Grand Seiko fans. The Japanese brand has a deep and fascinating back catalog with some absolutely stunning models. In 1962, designer Taro Tanaka unveiled his Grammar of Design, a set of principles that defined the brand's approach to watch design for years to come.It all boiled down to four basic commandments, but there are two that are most important for the purpose of this article: Firstly, all metallic surfaces and angles had to be flat, sharp, and geometrically perfect to reflect light best. Second, no visual distortion was allowed from any angle, and all cas...
What If: Omega Swatch MoonSwatch Speedy Tuesday
Love or hate it, the MoonSwatch certainly stirred things up this year. Here at Fratello, most of us are fans of the watch, and nearly everyone was able to get one (or several) from the Swatch boutiques. But I’m wondering what the next step for Swatch will be. Will we see more collaborations with other brands, or will we see a few new variations of the MoonSwatch?Creating new MoonSwatchesI don't believe that the latter will happen. Likewise, I’m not a fan of the idea of Swatch doing a similar collaboration with another brand or model. I've seen the Swatch-made prototypes of a Seamaster 300M and a Blancpain in bioceramic, but to me, neither really came across as a Swatch. Instead, ...
The Best Chronographs Of 2022
Choosing the five best chronographs? Is that even possible? If you had asked me that at the beginning of the year, I would’ve said you were crazy. But as the months progressed, we saw some downright amazing chronographs that stood out immediately. In a category of watches that are notoriously hard to develop, we have seen some absolute stunners in 2022. And as the year comes to an end, we talked about the best and most stunning chronograph releases of the past 12 months. As it turns out, five releases rose above the rest. These are our top five chronographs of 2022.Admittedly, back in August, I compiled a list of 10 chronographs that came out in 2022. It’s always fun to see how m...
Patek Philippe Calatrava 5212A-001 An Owner's Review
What would you consider the most unique watch from any given brand? In the case of Patek Philippe, a watch brand that needs no introduction, I would perhaps consider the Calatrava Weekly Calendar 5212A-001 the leading contender. Released in 2019, it was a brand-new execution by the legendary Geneva-based watch brand. While referred to as a Calatrava, it is quite atypical of Patek’s flagship line. Here is my experience as someone lucky enough to wear one regularly.This watch is a weekly calendar, which has the weeks as well as corresponding months on the two outermost sectors of the dial. A year can have up to 53 weeks, which means that the red-tipped, hammer-shaped hand has 53 position...