We’ve been following the Toolwatch guys since their early start and they did a great job in creating a ‘tool’ to measure the accuracy of your watch. First via their website, but now there’s also the Toolwatch app available in the Apple Store and Play Store (Google).Checking the accuracy of your watchFor most of you watch enthusiasts out there, accuracy is an important aspec

Seiko's persistent devotion in the 1970s to chase precision down to just a few seconds a year is pretty fascinating. Meet the Seiko Superior 9983-7000. Making new friends is a part of the watch collecting passion that I truly enjoy. When I get a message from a fellow collector in Slovakia, the small country where I live, the joy is even greater. That's how I met Michal too. He dropped me a line a

Our 9th episode of Fratello on Air is about the 5 best watches from 2019 according to Michael Stockton and Robert-Jan Broer.After the mandatory wristcheck (see below), Michael and RJ discuss their best 5 watches of 2019. Watches that have been introduced in 2019 and that made a lasting impression on them. Also in this episode, an interview with Lebois & Co founder Tom van Wijlick. We talk abou

The Anomaly 01 was born from the desire of three enthusiasts to offer a quality watch at a fair price, while observing “total transparency on origin” (TTO). The 01 is a mechanical spectacle. It’s the result of community voting on the brand’s website, a decision made by the creators, who wanted to work directly with their customers. The result is a timepiece with strong DNA,

Welcome back to Wrist Game or Crying Shame. This week we put on our fancy duds with a look at the Cartier Tank Basculante 2390. But first…It turns out that the once unpopular Omega Dynamic Chronograph is a rip-snorting cultish success these days. Despite its initial sales flop, a full 69% of you favored this low calorie Omega. If those 800 or so positive voters had only bought one of these w

As soon as I saw the Tudor Royal, I thought “OysterQuartz”. ’s quartz watch with an integrated bracelet produced from 1977 (a very good year) till 2003.And before you ask, I think that’s a good thing. Watches with integrated bracelets are hotter than ever? - except for the 1970s - and I have a weak spot for the OysterQuartz. In the early 2000s, I had a OysterQuartz Datejus

Blue dials have been incredibly popular in our industry since mechanical watchmaking burst into life once more in the late ’80s and early ’90s. Today, we take a closer, side-by-side look at two blue dialed variants of watches we’ve covered separately earlier this year in their more muted skins. And I need your help deciding which one wears it better. Allow me to welcome to the st

Shiny, tiny, and colorful light bulbs contribute big time to a Christmas mood. It’s one of the many reasons I wear my Tourist Everlight often in the winter. After a long search, I managed to gather all models of the world's first electrically lit watch from 1957.As merry and bright as Christmas can be, it has also another face. Some people enjoy it, and some do not. I don't know what part of

Do you know Toby Young's book How To Lose Friends And Alienate People? And if you don't, you might have seen the movie with the same title, starring Simon Pegg as Toby and Megan Fox as the woman he so desperately wants. Toby is the most obnoxious man ever. He's rude and vulgar and rubs everyone the wrong way. And you know, sometimes watch brands act just like Toby. So, what do watch brands do to t

As the year comes to an end, some of our editors will be highlighting their favorite watches released this year. I think you'll agree that narrowing it down to just five watches is no easy feat, especially as this year saw so many special releases from big and small brands alike. From an update to the Omega Speedmaster and new Explorer models, to classics like the Patek Philippe Nautilus receivin

You cannot make this up: Seven Dials is an area in the vibrant district of Covent Garden in London. Mr Jones Watches has just relocated its brand store to this aptly named, fashionable destination right in the heart of England’s capital. This move marks a new chapter for the British cult brand after 15 years in business. The store now opens daily to offer you an unforgettable discovery of it

When writing about a timepiece made by Herms, it is legit to ask yourself fashion-related questions. At the same time, the French maison’s recently released pieces rise way above the level of fashion watches. The Herms H08 Blue Edition is a timepiece with a fascinating color scheme. It pairs blue PVD-coated titanium with black ceramic, and a touch of archetypical Herms orange is also pres

What a year 2022 has been. After waking up from the two-year hibernation that COVID put us into, we kicked back into gear this year. And by we, I don't only mean me or us at Fratello but the industry in general. There were Watches and Wonders, Geneva Watch Days, and many events hosted by brands to showcase their latest releases. I’ve picked my five most memorable timepieces from 2022. These

The Dirty Dozen is a series of - you guessed it - twelve watches produced for the British MOD at the end of WWII. These watches obviously carry great historical significance. So much so, in fact, that I think they should be treated and collected with some reservation and humility. These are no status symbols or fashion statements. These are a silent nod to the brave people who gave their lives for

It’s not just watches themselves that can be polarizing. Watch stores can be as well. I recently went to the opening event of the new (and world's biggest) IWC boutique on Amsterdam's P.C. Hooftstraat, and before arriving there, I counted numerous mono-brand stores with the logos of competitors. There are also a couple of multi-brand stores around, but the current trend in watch retail is mo

The time of year is upon us once again. Yes, it’s time to pick the best watches of 2023 - or, at least, my favorites. It seems like only yesterday that I was putting my 2022 list together. But another 365 days have passed, and many more watches have been released. Narrowing it down is never easy, especially with so many memorable introductions. These days, we truly are spoiled for choice. Re

Lists - don't you love em? Well, I do. Unlike Lex, our resident Grinch, I love a good list. That should come as no surprise, though, as I am Fratello’s in-house list fanatic. It was interesting to read that Lex likes to look forward to what’s to come rather than looking back at what has been. If there is one thing I’ve learned this year, it’s not to live in the future but t

Sometimes the little chores in life feel like herculean tasks, don’t they? I'm not just talking about lubricating that squeaky hinge on the front door; I'm also referring to taking your beloved watch to a watchmaker for some love and attention. I know what I'm talking about. Not only does the hinge of my front door sound like an evil witch on acid whenever I go out and come back home, but I

It’s Speedy Tuesday! When you buy a new Omega Speedmaster (Professional), you can either choose between a stainless steel bracelet or a leather strap. However, there are many more ways to wear your Speedmaster in a cool way. From simple NATO straps to high-end alligator straps or even using a NASA-like velcro strap. In this article we show you how you can wear your Speedmaster. The straps ca

A Grand Seiko is still quite uncommon in this part of the world. A pity actually, as they have wonderful timepieces in their collection that can easily compete with some Swiss and German counterparts. Although I am not particularly a fan of quartz watches, with a few exceptions, I was offered to have a go with this Grand Seiko SBGV009 that has a quartz (caliber 9F82) movement.I asked Seiko how com