Putting The Spotlight On The Best Modern Alpina Watches
Alpina has been on a roll lately. The Swiss watchmaker has been busy updating its collection with some great new models. While most of you will probably know the brand’s sports pieces, we have also seen some great watches inspired by its past, which goes back more than a century. Indeed, Alpina is a brand with multiple great stories to tell. It’s time to put the spotlight on the five best watches from the collection that show the great diversity Alpina offers these days. And keep an eye out for something new on Fratello later this week!If you ask most watch fans about Alpina, they’ll probably tell you about its sports watches. The brand has created a large collection of the...
Introducing: The Piaget Polo Flying Tourbillon Moonphase
We’re just barely a month into 2025, and Piaget is already rolling out the big guns. The new Polo Flying Tourbillon Moonphase is a modern, sporty piece with movement typically reserved for a dress watch. Because of its exotic nature, this release won’t be for everyone, but it’s always fun to have a look!The current Piaget Polo?debuted in 2016, and while it only shows traces of the 1979 original, which also has a lined dial motif, the lineup has aged well. Over nearly a decade, Piaget has added numerous material and complication options. Now a new Polo Flying Tourbillon Moonphase is joining the collection and using one of the brand’s most prestigious movements.The Piag...
Montblanc Timepieces The New Vintage Pulsographe
Just recently, Montblanc held a watch event in The Hague, The Netherlands. Just a week after the SIHH2011 exhibition in Geneva, Montblanc showed us some of their new models. As established as this company from Hamburg is with regards to writing instruments, their timepieces did not get much attention from collectors until Montblanc took over the Minerva factory. With Montblanc’s Villeret and Rieussec collection, they stole the hearts of many collectors of haute horlogerie timepieces. I examined their collection carefully, and picked a favorite that I could see myself wearing at some point in the future. The new Vintage Pulsographe.The Vintage Pulsographe with its black dial and rose go...
Speedy Tuesday Speedmaster Broad Arrow 178.0022
Speedy Tuesday is here! One of the Speedmasters that I didn’t discuss on Speedy Tuesday before is the Broad Arrow Automatic. OMEGA introduced this Speedmaster Broad Arrow in 2001, based on the Speedmaster Professional case dimensions, but with an automatic movement.This automatic movement has been topic of several ‘heated’ discussions in those early years. What was the case? The Frederic Piguet based caliber 3303 movement had some issues with the chronograph function. A number of cases are known where the chrono hands didn’t reset properly to zero or just stopped functioning. The late Chuck Maddox was on top of it with his OMEGA caliber 33xx failure blog posts.It seem...
Jaeger-LeCoultre Grande Reverso 1931 Seconde Centrale
Somehow, this Grande Reverso wasn’t shown during the presentation of Jaeger-LeCoultre this year in Geneva. However, it was on display in the lobby of the Jaeger-LeCoultre booth so we asked if we could see it up close.The little sign on the plate next to the watch said that it was inspired by the Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso model from 1935, with a central second hand, but yet it is called the Jaeger-LeCoultre Grande Reverso 1931. In any case, this vintage looking and inspired watch is a beautiful piece that really does have that appeal of a vintage watch.Jaeger-LeCoultre Grande Reverso 1931 Seconde CentraleThe Tribute to 1931 model (that we reviewed here) received some follow-up models wit...
The difference between a tourbillon and a carrousel
What is the difference between a tourbillon and a carrousel? Gain exclusive insights into the workshop of the oldest watch brand in the world! Blancpain is unique in the world of watchmaking as it is the only house which has mastered the art of placing a carrousel in a wristwatch. Carrousels were originally conceived to defy gravity and the associated rate errors when the watch is in a vertical position. In this way, carrousels are like tourbillons. But watch connoisseurs often get confused in trying to understand how carrousels and tourbillons are different from each other. Fortunately, Blancpain has created two watches that are perfect vehicles for understanding the similarities and differ...
Maen Hudson 38 Automatic is 52Mondayz week #6 watch
What a nice size for vintage-inspired sports watches. And what a pleasant size to wear anyhow. The Maen Hudson 38 Automatic is my 52Mondayz watch for week #6.Maen Hudson 38 AutomaticWe know Maen, or MAEN as they tend to write it themselves, from their dress watches. In June of last year, we wrote a review on their second model, the Brooklyn 39. You’ll find it here. And in December last year, we did a preview of the automatic version (yet to be released) as well here.The Maen Hudson 38 Automatic on stainless steel braceletThe Maen Hudson 38 Automatic will be funded using Kickstarter (end of April).Same approach, new directionHowever were we surprised to learn that Maen took such a diffe...
Introducing the Omega Seamaster Olympic Games Gold Collection
The Olympic gold, silver and bronze. But Omega’s representation is of course gold, silver and pink gold where the pink gold is their own Sedna alloy and white gold the Canopus alloy. Canopus is a new introduction, an exclusive white gold alloy, which is 100% noble and distinctive for its high brilliance, whiteness and longevity.For the Olympics, Omega introduces to you these 39.5mm Seamaster Olympic Games Gold watches, all in precious metals. The watch is similar to the special Seamaster Edizione Venezia that we showed you here.Seamaster Olympic Gold CollectionA very classic looking Seamaster, which reminds us of the very early models of this collection that started in 1948. That’...
Catawiki Prestigious Watch Auction February 11th 2018
We are very proud to present the first monthly Catawiki Prestigious Watch Auction of 2018. Our top experts have carefully handpicked a selection of fine timepieces for this flagship auction that will start?Friday 2nd of February at 12am (CET)?and will run until?Sunday 11th of February at 8pm (CET). Included in this sale are some rare and complicated watches from highly regarded makers like?Audemars Piguet, Patek Philippe, and Vacheron Constantin. Tourbillions, Perpetual Calendars, Rattrapante Chronographs and other mechanical marvels will go under the virtual hammer here.??Please visit?Prestigious Watch Auction?and start bidding.Omega?De Ville Tourbillon Ref.?5133.30.00Up for auction is thi...
TAG Heuer celebrates 55 years of the Heuer Carrera
How Jack Heuer launched his first motorsport chronograph in 1963Its name alone conjures visions of racecars and rallies: the Heuer Carrera is more intimately associated with auto racing than any other wristwatch. Now this iconic chronograph celebrates its 55th birthday. We tell its story and the tales of the heroes and triumphs, emotions and dramas that accompanied this chronograph on the world's racetracks.The Mexican rally Carrera Panamericana inspired Jack Heuer to create the first motorsport chronograph: the Heuer Carrera.More information via?https://www.tagheuer.com/en/watches/tag-heuer-carreraThe 1960s How It All BeganJack Heuer in a photo from 1974The Heuer Carrera's story begins in 1...
Grand Seiko Introduces Four New Hand-Wound Elegance Models (Three Limited Editions)
Grand Seiko brightens up our morning by introducing no less than 4 new references in their Elegance collection. Not only do they come up with a new hand-wound movement (caliber 9S63), they also introduce you to their new 39mm case design.Let’s have a closer look.Grand Seiko Elegance Hand-WoundThis news hit us early this morning (4:20am local time). A new movement is a big thing, as always, and especially when it was already 8 years ago since the last hand-wound Grand Seiko movement was introduced. Today, Grand Seiko unveils their caliber 9S63 movement. A movement with a small seconds hand at 9 o’clock and a power reserve indicator at 3 o’clock. The new Grand Seiko Elegance ...
PAM01661 Panerai Luminor Marina Carbotech 44mm Blends Old And New
There are few brands that can lay claim to a following as fervent as the Paneristi. A group of watch lovers so passionate, they spawned their own, official model. As a publication with some experience of the same, we have to say this: Respect where respect is due. Panerai, after all these years, continues to keep an old design fresh. With the new PAM01661, Luminor Marina gets a taste of Carbotech.The Panerai Luminor Marina is a classic. No doubt about it. The Luminor range was created in 1950, but didn’t go on sale to the public until 1993. When it did, the Luminor Marina joined the collection and has been a fan favorite ever since. The fact that for so much of the brand’s histor...
Wrist Game or Crying Shame: Speedmaster 60th Anniversary
Welcome back to Wrist Game or Crying Shame, where you get to act like Caesar in Gladiator and choose the fate of an embattled subject. Today, we will look at the Omega Speedmaster 60th Anniversary edition. But firstIf we take last week's results as a guide, you are all ice cold! I say that because the Explorer II 16570 Polar cruised to a 72% Wrist Game win. It seems that a price encroaching on $10,000 isn't too rich for your blood. Today, let's see if you're willing to vote in favor of something more limited in nature but currently less popular. Enter the Omega Speedmaster 60th Anniversary edition.Another Limited Edition SpeedmasterI know, I know. Limited edition Speedmasters must be one of...
Accessories Assemble! Art Of Horology
You can’t beat a good t-shirt. The ability to turn your torso into a walking billboard is one of life’s simple pleasures. In the past, watchmaking t-shirts were pretty hard to come by. Thankfully, there are a few companies dedicated to changing that. One that deserves your attention is Art of Horology, a Britain-based husband and wife duo taking the watch world by storm.The primary fare of The Art of Horology is high-quality art prints. The clothing line generally takes a popular model already available as a print and replicates it so it can be worn. But the most recent release from this talented pair is something different. Not only different but also very special for Fratello f...
Watch Strap Review 49 Geckota Straps by WatchGecko
If you reside in the UK, chances are you already know about WatchGecko. And if you’ve heard of WatchGecko, you’ve likely come across Geckota too. WatchGecko is a site dedicated to everything watches. This includes news and videos but, more prominently, accessories under the brand name Geckota.Although I thoroughly enjoy their YouTube content, the one thing that keeps pulling me back to their site their insane selection of straps. Today, we will take a closer look at some of those from Geckota’s massive lineup.WatchGecko/GeckotaTim from WatchGecko and I have been talking for quite some time now. Not necessarily about this article but just watches in general. Me doing a piece...
Hands-on review of the Laco Munchen Limited Edition Chronograph
We were pleased to get our hands on one of just 200 pieces of the Laco Munchen Pilot Chronograph. With an authentic instrument look, Laco pays tribute to the historical observation watches from the 1940s. It is, pleasingly, a watch with the classic Laco Flieger appearance and with the bonus functionality of a chronograph.Laco introduced this exclusive chronograph model at end of 2020. It was initially made available to the brand’s existing customers during a special pre-sale period. Watches ordered during this period were entitled to a free overhaul service within five years of purchasing. I haven’t seen this kind of premium before, but I think it is a really nice gesture to make...
The Watches From Independent Brands That Our Fratello Editors Love MING, Czapek, H. Moser & Cie. And More...
You guys seem to enjoy our list articles, so we thought it would be interesting to do another one. But instead of one writer explaining his favorites, we teamed up and created a Fratello editorial team selection. This time it’s all about our favorite watches from independent brands. Our editors got one choice and one choice only. Let's see what they'd spend their money onI love lists, I love compiling them, and I love reading them. And not just when it comes to watches. Especially when it comes to my second passion in life: music. Musical lists are a great way to find new artists, discover new styles and stumble upon your favorite songs. It is also why I love compiling these lists with...
Oris Is One Watch Away From Being The Best
What is the quintessential watch? What is the watch even non-watch nerds recognize? ? Maybe. The Crown certainly has been king for a long time. But times change, dynasties crumble, and every age has its end. It may be too early for most to see, but is departing from what it once was for (possibly) better shores. No longer a watch for the professional, intrepid citizen, ’s absence is leaving a huge void. Well, Oris has been quietly working to become the next “watch”, and the brand is just one watch away from ascending the throne. is an idea more than a watch. This is true more so now than it has ever been. The Crown’s association with success and prestige has led to a...
Buying Guide: The Best Zenith Watches From The 2000s
We like to talk about vintage watches a lot within the Fratello team. Though most of what we write about is largely focused on the most recent releases and developments, for many of us, a lot of the fun can be found in the sometimes weird and often wonderful world of vintage watches. It’s a world full of history, remarkable watches, incredible stories, and quirky details. It inspired us to come up with a series of articles focusing on the best watches per decade from a select group of brands. Some of them are priceless, some of them are still affordable. In this installment, we will take a look at the best Zenith watches from the 2000s.By the turn of the millennium, Switzerland had pro...
Chronographs: The Greatest Subcategory Of Horology
Have you ever wondered why chronographs are so hugely popular, despite featuring a complication that so many owners hardly ever use? I’ve spoken to countless chronograph owners who told me that they never use the function, while many of those who do misemploy the chronograph seconds hand as a running seconds hand. To stay completely inclusive (yes, I see you back there, raising your hand!), the odd chronograph wearer who does use their chronograph for timing purposes does so while possessing alternative timing devices.Furthermore, owners of chronographs face the burden of higher servicing costs, and their watches suffer increased susceptibility to water penetration due to more case ope...