Genteel Handmade's Exclusive Straps Honoring Aritst Mark Rothko
When NOMOS Glashutte released the Autobahn Director’s Cut back in October, the trio of models was presented on bracelets that were as limited as the watch heads themselves. The practice of limited edition bracelets and brands isn’t new, per se. It is, however, rather uncommon, and my excitement was building for more of the same. Imagine my interest, then, when our good friends at Genteel Handmade announced a project in a similar vein. It’s a run of limited straps produced in honor of legendary American artist Mark Rothko.The Rothko collection takes clear inspiration from the artist’s remarkable paintings. And, in the spirit of harmonious exclusivity, these straps are ...
Black Badger And Arcanaut Watches Into The Den We Dive
After five days 145km north of the Arctic Circle with Fortis, you might be forgiven for thinking the first thing Dave and I would want to do was to scurry home and put our warmest socks on. However, when in the land of Abba, there are certain things one must do. One of those things, despite Dave’s advancing lurgy, is to visit James Thompson, AKA Black Badger. We were lucky enough to visit his den and catch up with the man/beast himself, as well as Anders Brandt of Arcanaut, a brand he co-owns with James himself.For long-time fans of watchmaking, the Black Badger will need no introduction. For neophytes, however, allow me to furnish you with some background. While everything that glitte...
New: Zodiac Super Sea Wolf Left Hand Drive Pro Diver GMT
Here we have a brand-new Zodiac destro GMT. When I say destro GMT, I am pretty sure you will think of one specific oddball watch release from this year. Now, though, there is another that is pretty much the polar opposite in execution. Meet the menacing-looking Zodiac Super Sea Wolf Left Hand Drive Pro Diver GMT.Zodiac will release only 282 of these in cooperation with American adventure retailer Huckberry. For all you European watch aficionados, there is a small pre-launch of 25 pieces being sold in Scotland and another 25 in Italy.Zodiac’s destro GMTI should probably refer to this new Zodiac destro GMT by its proper name, the Super Sea Wolf Left Hand Drive Pro Diver GMT. But since th...
Discussing The Oris Divers Sixty-Five Fratello Limited Edition
I'm pretty sure you haven't missed the release of the second Fratello Oris collaboration. The new Oris Divers Sixty-Five Fratello Limited Edition is a watch that we're very proud of and that shows our love for vintage watches in a highly detailed way. The new watch is an homage that does justice to the Oris Star dive watch from 1968. But the new Divers Sixty-Five Fratello LE is also a contemporary creation with a timeless character, a very versatile timepiece, and a true strap monster. Sinara and Lex discover and discuss the watch's many faces.Bringing the Oris Divers Sixty-Five Fratello Limited Edition to life?was a passionate process. It also took time. Getting the details right is not an ...
Fratello Favorites: Best Watches Of 2022 Dave's Picks
It feels like just yesterday that we were ushering in 2022, and now we’re looking ahead to 2023 in a matter of weeks - time flies! It may be a cliche, but it’s oh-so-true. This year, we saw countless new watches launched, and there have been highs and lows. It’s now my job to sift through them and sort the wheat from the chaff. It’s tough picking what I think are the best watches released in 2022, partly because of the sheer number and because there have been some genuinely standout launches.Thinking out loud, I guess I should set some rules to facilitate this process. Therefore, I will eschew bias and rule out our beautiful Fratello limited editions. I could quickly ...
Prepare For Brown Dials In 2024
With the end of the year rapidly approaching, it’s time to look back at some of the remarkable things that happened in 2023. Additionally, it’s fun to look forward to the year ahead. One of the recurring topics of conversation is the dial color of the year. Without a doubt, the dial color of 2023 was ice blue. But what about next year’s color of choice? I have a feeling that it will be a glorious year of dark brown dials. But in good watchmaking (or perhaps marketing) tradition, never call a dial “brown.” Keep your eyes open for chocolate, coffee, mahogany, tobacco, chestnut, and mocha dials in 2024.To quote the famous Coco Chanel, “The best color in the w...
Tudor Black Bay 54 Vs. Longines Legend Diver 39mm
Welcome to another installment of Sunday Morning Showdown! We are stretching last week's theme a little bit further this week. We remain in the realms of vintage-inspired divers. This time, it is the Tudor Black Bay 54 versus the 2023 version of the Longines Legend Diver. What bonds these watches? Well, apart from the clear vintage vibes, both also received a downsizing treatment this year.So the question for you, dear Fratelli, is who makes the better downsized retro diver? Thomas will take the Tudor's corner, while RJ will defend the Longines. In the end, of course, the winner is up to you. Have a look at the arguments, and don’t forget to cast your votes. If you care to elaborate in...
Introducing: The New Rado Anatom
Today, we’ll look at the new Rado Anatom series, a fresh take on watches that debuted in 1983. Yes, it’s hard to believe that was 40 years ago, but here we are, looking back on that somewhat futuristic period. Four versions come to us with automatic movements and a case design that should suit most wrists.When I first began collecting vintage watches roughly 10 years ago, my sights were set on pieces from the 1960s. Since then, I’ve picked up watches from other eras, but I’ve largely neglected the ’80s. Yes, that was the decade of my childhood, but I haven’t quite found the desire to return yet (unless it means watching my Orioles and Tigers win the World ...
All The Omega Speedmaster Models From 2024 In One Overview
I think it's safe to say we don't expect any more Omega Speedmaster models this year. Just last week, Omega introduced the Speedmaster Pilot Flight Qualified after teasing us with a similar model for US military pilots only. But this year’s releases had already started coming in January when Omega introduced the newly updated Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon Apollo 8 featuring the much-discussed rocket hand.In this article, I will provide a brief overview of all Omega Speedmaster models introduced in 2024.January: Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon Apollo 8On Tuesday, January 16th, Omega held a Speedmaster event for our readers in Biel, Switzerland. During this event, the brand also in...
Fratello On Air: Questionable Vintage Watches
Welcome back to another episode of?Fratello On Air. In this episode, we stray from our original topic and discuss questionable vintage watches. Lately, too many questionable watches have received universal praise from “noted experts.” We get on the topic after approximately 15 minutes....
The Best Watches Of 2024: Daan's Picks
Last weekend, Thomas kicked off this year-end series about our “best” watches of 2024. I’m glad I’m the second one in line because that means there are still many watches to choose from. Some of Thomas’s picks were quite complicated and on the more expensive side of the spectrum. My picks are all under $10,000, except for one, which, unfortunately, is my overall favorite. All right, let’s dive in.In preparation for this article, I made a long list of my favorite watches of 2024. I indeed ended up with quite a long list because there were many great releases this year. As Thomas already said, it’s hard to make a list of the “best” watches....
Muhle Glashutte Celebrates 30 Years With A New Teutonia
Muhle Glashutte is a German watch brand with a deep fan base. The company is known for its robust and affordable watches. While the original brand began in 1869, the modern incarnation was resurrected in 1994. Today, we’ll highlight the sixth generation of the family now working with the company. We’ll also mention the final 30th-anniversary piece, the Teutonia IV Big Date Edition 1994.I’ve followed Muhle Glashutte for many years and have been impressed by the brand’s commitment to making highly functional and attractive watches. Best of all, the offerings are affordable and often outpace the competition regarding specifications. Now, 30 years since the brand’s ...
Omega Speedmaster Quartz LCD Restoration
Speedmaster RestorationIt is Speedy Tuesday! Remember our feature on the Speedmaster Quartz LCD of one of our readers? Click here to read it in case you missed it or want to refresh your memory.This week, we feature this Speedmaster restoration project of one of our readers. A Speedmaster Quartz LCD ref. 186.0004 that dates back to 1977. It is actually a shout-out for help, read on…Last week, we received pictures of this round Speedmaster Quartz LCD of one of our readers. The Speedmaster Quartz LCD was available in two flavours in the 1970s, a square shaped model and a round model. Both feature the quartz Omega caliber 1620 movement.Perhaps – if you are a Speedmaster connoisseur ...
Hands-On IWC Ingenieur Reference 3239 Review
The IWC Ingenieur reference 3239 that I review here was introduced in 2013, IWC’s year of the Ingenieur. You have to know that ?IWC is restyling an entire collection, every year, to keep it fresh and up-to-date. So in 2013, IWC introduced a number of new Ingenieur models. From a simple straight-forward stainless steel model to a carbon version and a platinum model with perpetual calendar.Well, if you are a long time reader of Fratello Watches, you probably know that I have a preference for so-called ‘purist’ watches. I have and have had my share of Gerald Genta designed timepieces, including an IWC Ingenieur of a previous collection. I decided to trade that Ingenieur for an...
THE STuHRLING REGATTA 842: A DEEP UNDERSTANDING OF WHAT DRIVES DIVE WATCH AFICIONADOS
If you’re visiting Stuhrling‘s Brooklyn-based headquarters, odds are you’re there to talk watches. And if you’re there to talk watches, sooner or later the conversation?will?turn to dive watches a brand staple.Like most every brand’s dive watches, Stuhrling's flagship Regatta 842 features design cues that bring to mind.? At the same time, the brand's founder Henry Fischer has no problem telling you that, though Stuhrling?didn’t introduce the core dive watch design to the world, they?did?introduce the world to a dive watch for serious dive fans to add to their collections, without having to sell off the rest of their watches (or body parts).TAKING IT FORW...
5524R Patek Philippe Calatrava Pilot Travel Time In Detail
When Patek Philippe introduced the 5524(G) during Baselworld 2015 it was the talk of the show. Yes, it’s old news in 2018 but it's something we could not neglect mentioning when talking about the new 5524R-001. The famous Geneva manufacture had a number of amazing years: Patek Philippe celebrated their 175th anniversary in 2014 with a very (and I mean very) strong lineup. 5270G or 5951P come to mind when I think of that year. One would think, as it normally is in any industry, that after such a strong year the next one would be a decline but not at Patek Philippe. While the 2015 line-up was not as strong as the previous years it did introduce us the 5524. The biggest issue many had wit...
Omega Speedmaster Professional 145.0808 (1987) With A Mexican Holzer Bracelet
While most Speedmaster collectors are very focused on the 1960s and 1970s, I’d say that the 1980s and 1990s are also interesting for a number of reasons. To start with the 1990s, these watches are often very complete (meaning boxes, warranty card, booklets etc.) and those with a tritium dial (up till 1997) have the tendency to get this beautiful yellow-ish coloured?hour markers and the same applies for the lume?on the hands. On top, you will find that the 1990s models have this very handsome looking bracelet with reference 1479 (also till 1996) with a strong tapering towards the clasp. The 1980s also has a number of interesting models, and I am going to explain one of them for today...
Wrist Game or Crying Shame: IWC Ingenieur SL Jumbo
Welcome back to Wrist Game or Crying Shame, the online fun fest that allows you, the reader to decide whether a given watch has been naughty or nice.? This week, we take a look at an original 70's IWC Ingenieur SL Jumbo.? Let's see if it's too round to get down the chimney in your house right before the holidays! But before we beginSigh.? Just when I think I'm trying to do something creative and bring you a real surprise, you shoot me down.? Last week, I tried to make things colorful during this oft-gloomy time of year with the tri-colored Day-Date Tridor.? That 12,950 Euro watch went down in a ball of fanciful flames as it lost support with a 55/45% loss in favor of the Crying Shame team.?...
Seiko Prospex SPB105J1 'Dark Green Sunset'
The Seiko Prospex reference SPB105J1 Dark Green Sunset is more than a special edition of the Seiko MM200 diver.It’s no secret that we are fans of Seiko at Fratello. I am no exception to this although my love for the brand has not been without hitting a few speed bumps along the way. But just like other Fratello members, I also have great respect for what the Japanese brand brings to the world of watches. But maybe it’s good to explain a bit more about why my love for the brand has been one with ups and downs but has seen a lot of ups lately with the release of some very well designed and produced watches. This Seiko SPB105J1 ‘Dark Green Sunset’ perfectly shows why my ...
Pre-Owned Picks Cool Chronograph Watches From Chrono24
It's no secret - we love a chronograph or two here at Fratello. There's the obvious Moonwatch, but Navitimers and Daytonas get some attention too. But there are plenty of cool chronographs outside of the trifecta of iconic two pusher timers. Today's Pre-Owned Picks selects chronographs worth a punt on the largest online watch marketplace. All watches are offered with original box and papers.All these watches were selected carefully by me without any influence from Chrono24. I chose the topic and found suitable wristwatches that related to the topic. I only request the high-resolution photos from Chrono24 without the watermark. As these are only my suggestions, it is worth always carrying out...