Seiko SKX009 Vs. SPB317 Sunday Morning Showdown
It is safe to say that Seiko has made a push upmarket in recent times. While many of the brand’s watches certainly justify their new price point, for some enthusiasts, the higher RRPs take some getting used to. Daan has no such issues. He recently purchased a Seiko SPB317 for himself. Thomas, on the other hand, clings to his trusty old SKX009, a watch that cost about a third of the price of Daan's. In today's Sunday Morning Showdown, we pit an old, cheap, and cheerful Seiko diver against a new, fancy one.The watches may be technically incomparable, but the philosophy behind them is not. They represent different faces of our beloved Seiko. And that, we feel, is worth exploring in a Sund...
The New Piaget Polo 79: A Relaunch Of Yves Piaget's Polo Watch
The Piaget Polo is celebrating its 45th anniversary this year. However, while the Polo name has survived, I’ve felt that the recent models have had little in common with the first Piaget Polo from 1979. Whenever Piaget showed us a new Polo model, I thought (and probably shared my thoughts with everyone who didn't want to hear them) about those Polo models from the late 1970s and early 1980s. You know, the ones with the engraved horizontal lines - or “gadroons” - in the cases, dials, and bracelets. The only reminder of those in the modern Polo models is the texture of the dials. Well, that changes today with the Polo 79, marking the long-awaited return of the original Piaget...
New: Seiko 5 Sports Rally Divers SRPK65 And SRPK67
The Seiko 5 Sports line, especially when using the SKX case, has inspired hundreds of references over the past several years. Whether they’re inspired by manga, music, motorsport, or vintage watches, this line is like Japan’s version of Swatch. To be fair, many of the releases pass me by. However, two models inspired by the legendary Rally Divers made me sit up and take notice. After all, the originals are some of my favorite watches of all time.It’s truly wild how the Seiko 5 Sports “divers” have been used as a platform for just about every type of watch expression. Some bemoan this, and others rejoice. I simply see it as fun and a good thing that Seiko keeps g...
Hands-On: The New Grand Seiko SBGA497
Automatic Spring Drive technology turns 20 this year! That seems like a fair reason for celebration. Grand Seiko felt the same and introduced this SBGA497 to mark the occasion. We get a high-intensity titanium creation with a familiar case shape and dial texture. Both pay homage to important references in Spring Drive history.The SBGA497 is a limited edition of 1,500 pieces. If you want to make it yours, you will have to part ways with $6,800 at your nearest Grand Seiko boutique or authorized dealer. Before you make up your mind about that, join me for a closer look at Grand Seiko's birthday boy.But first, some Spring Drive historyOkay, first things first. The idea for a Spring Drive movemen...
Introducing: The Omega Seamaster Milano Cortina 2026
It feels like we’re still recovering from the 2024 Olympic Summer Games in Paris. But Omega, the official timekeeper of the Olympics since 1932, is already gearing up for the 2026 Olympic Winter Games in Cortina d’Ampezzo. The opening ceremony takes place one year from now, on the 6th of February 2026, at San Siro in Milan. In reality, the Games will take place in various cities all over northern Italy, but Cortina d’Ampezzo is the headliner. Marking the occasion, Omega took a staple from the past and turned it into a special edition for next year’s Winter Olympics. Take a look at the new Moonshine Gold Omega Seamaster 37mm Milano Cortina 2026.Image: Watches of Lancas...
Introducing: The Hamilton Chrono-Matic 50 Limited Edition
In 2019, Hamilton launched a limited-edition Chrono-Matic 50 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the legendary Calibre 11. Along with Breitling, Heuer, Dubois-Depraz, and Buren, Hamilton was one of the original partners in the development of the automatic Calibre 11 that debuted in 1969. The 2019 version of the Chrono-Matic 50 had a black dial, white sub-counters, and red accents based upon the highly collectible vintage Chronograph E from 1972. The new Chrono-Matic 50 has the same bold 48mm helmet-style case, but this time, the dial is blue, and the accents are orange. It’s also a limited edition of just 150 pieces.It’s not completely clear why this new version of the Hamilton ...
Introducing: The Credor Locomotive With A New Dial
One of last year’s biggest surprises was the reintroduction of the Credor Locomotive. The original watch from the 1970s was one of Gerald Genta’s lesser-known creations. As soon as you see it, though, you immediately recognize Genta’s characteristic design signature. Having said that, it’s a divisive design because of its quirky presence. I also had my initial reservations, but a hands-on experience completely changed my opinion. The limited-edition reissue of the Locomotive ended up on my list of last year’s best releases after that. Now Credor presents a follow-up that features a new dial and is a regular production model. It’s time to find out more!Init...
Patek Philippe Silently Discontinues The Nautilus 5712/1A
Watch models and variations come and go. Most go under the radar, slipping into oblivion without anyone paying them much mind. Others walk off stage to great fanfare. The Patek Philippe Nautilus 5712/1A sits somewhere in the middle. Patek Philippe did not officially announce it or share anything regarding the discontinuation. Still, we feel it is a significant one that we would like to briefly cover here at Fratello.Fratello's Lex discovered that the 5712/1A was missing from the website quite some time ago. We finally opted to cover it here, if not as big news, then perhaps as a small ode to the odd Nautilus.Image: The Watch ClubPatek Philippe Nautilus 5712/1A HistoryAlthough Patek Philippe ...
A. Lange & Sohne Grand Lange 1 Lumen | Fratellowatches.com
This year’s presentation of the new A. Lange & Sohne timepieces in Geneva was very interesting. Seven new timepieces have been introduced, including an A. Lange & Sohne Grande Complication. However, one of the watches that surprised me most is this Grand Lange 1 “Lumen” or reference 117.035.My initial thought was: “this is not a Lange”. Yes, it has the typical Lange 1 case and dial lay-out, but the use of luminous material (hence the name “Lumen”) for the Roman numerals, hour markers, hands and the power reserve indicator (“Auf & Ab”) set me on the wrong path at first.Normally, I associate these heavily lumed timepieces to spo...
Arnold & Son Double Balance GMT Review By Bexsonn
Every since we’ve met with Arnold & Son in Basel last year, we can’t wait to see more of this beautiful brand with English roots. Their head of movement development Mr Chaulmontet demonstrated their new timepieces with such a sincere passion and enthusiasm that we are looking forward to the upcoming Baselworld exibition. Our friend and fellow blogger Christopher Beccan of Bexsonn.com did a wonderful job in reviewing the Arnold & Son Double Balance GMT timepiece from the Instrument Collection.Shown below is the photo we took ourselves from this very same Arnold & Son Double Balance GMT or DBG GMT last year. A stunning timepiece with two visible balance wheels through a...
Christie's Online Auction of Rare Omega Watches
Only a few months ago, Christie’s had their Omega Speedmaster 50 Auction held in New York City with a 100% selling rate. This time, Christie’s is having an online auction (that still runs for almost 3 more days) with some incredibly nice Omega watches. Not only Speedmaster pieces, also Seamaster and Constellation pieces for example. There are 26 lots in total, that you can find here, I am not sure why all of them are considered to be rare Omega watches, as some of them can be fairly easy found on eBay and Chrono24. However, some of them are very interesting and in some cases even unique, definitely worth a look.Although one of them is even a flown Speedmaster, a X-33 model?previo...
Cartier Releases Two New 'Drive de Cartier' Models
Last year, Cartier launched the first three models of their Drive de Cartier' collection. Never before the brand released a new time piece that was, from a design and advertising point of view, so targeted to men as the ‘Drive de Cartier’ collection. In general, the response was very positive. ?The ‘Drive de Cartier’?was picked up pretty soon after it was released, especially the time only' model.During the last SIHH, two more models are added to the ‘Drive de Cartier' collection. They probably appeal to a part of the Cartier clientele, on which the previous three models might have been lost: that of the classic Cartier connoisseur.Purists will be pleased that C...
IWC Pilot's Watch Mark XVIII Edition HODINKEE
Our friends over at Hodinkee have something cool to offer today: an?IWC Pilot's Watch Mark XVIII Edition HODINKEE. A limited edition timepiece that IWC did together with the team at Hodinkee, based on the famous Pilot’s watches from 1948 and onwards. Inspired by the old, but definitely using some pretty cool innovation: a case made of Ceratanium, an alloy that is as light as titanium and as scratch-resistant as ceramic.IWC Pilot's Watch Mark XVIII Edition HODINKEELimited to 500 pieces only, this IWC Mark XVIII Edition “Hodinkee” will tick a lot of boxes for collectors of cool watches. What about a 39mm case (not too big, not too small), a dial without a date aperture and th...
You Asked Us: G-Shock Square Which One To Choose?
Many of you will know that we, the authors at Fratello, are privately active on several social media channels. For instance, we love to take part in discussions and share our suspected knowledge in Facebook groups. Besides our effusive interest in horology in general, we have our personal specific fields of interest. And so it comes that you’ll often find us dwelling at specialized groups which reflect our personal preference or specialism.It will be no surprise that you’ll find me in Facebook groups like ‘Omega Mania’ and ‘#speedytuesday’. However, there’s another, probably lesser known, field I’m interested in. And that is Casio G-Shock Squar...
#TBT Longines Conquest 1972 Munich
Longines Conquest 1972 is a truly symbolic watch that stands out on so many levels.Oversized pre-1950s Longines dials have always fascinated me with their simple beauty. They might seem generic to an indifferent eye, but a trained collector can recognize them in a heartbeat. However, I’m not quite as enthusiastic about the bulky and over-stylized indexes that you can find on some mid-fifties Longines models. Namely on the Longines Conquest, that in 1954 started a new model naming product strategy.My conquest conquered meTo keep the story short, let's fast forward two decades ahead when Longines introduced the Conquest 1972 Munich. It was a watch to celebrate their achievement in becomi...
Hot Take: Orient King Diver 70th Anniversary
We take a glimpse at the newly announced Orient King Diver 70th Anniversary models.We’ve been doing our best to review a healthy mix of both new and vintage Orient models here on Fratello. As we’ve mentioned, we find the brand’s watches worthy of consideration if you’re in search of value and a lengthy spec sheet. We’ve also detailed the company’s somewhat confusing marketing strategy and the fact that there’s not yet a truly global product offering. But today’s subjects are exciting as the new Orient King Diver 70th Anniversary pieces will be sold globally. Of course, there will be JDM and “rest of world” offerings.The Original Wee...
Bell & Ross BR-V2-94 Aeronavale Bronze Watch Steals The Limelight
I have a weird relationship with Bell & Ross, and thanks to the release of the Bell & Ross BR-V2-94 Aeronavale Bronze, it’s about to get a whole lot weirder.There is something I need to get this off my chest. I don’t see the point in buying a Bell & Ross unless it’s square. That’s a fair enough opinion, right? It makes perfect sense, doesn’t it? The brand is all about the cockpit instruments, isn’t it? Well, yeah. It’s a fair enough opinion. But it’s also the first part of an enormous contradiction I’ve been trying to hide from the world for two years now.I own a Bell & Ross WWI Guynemer special edition. And I want to own ...
RZE Resolute Titanium Field Watch Is More Than An Ultra-Tough Tool
We love tool watches on Fratello. A huge number of our articles are dedicated to dive and sports watches that are capable of accompanying us on our daily adventures. Many of those watches are made from stainless steel, but we also love titanium as a material for tool timepieces. Within our team, we have several titanium fanatics. I’ve never been one of them. For years, I sat squarely on the fence. I love the color. I love the feel of it against my skin. And yet, I was never convinced by the weight. Thankfully, I was intrigued enough by the ambitious case shape of the RZE Resolute to shelve my misgivings and give this one a whirl…Forget about the case material for a second. What I...
Episode 35: Fratello On Air Black Badger Unleashed (Podcast)
Hanging out with friends is fun. Hanging out with friends on a Podcast when the friend in question happens to be James Thompson, AKA Black Badger? That’s a whole lotta awesome. Join us, as we pollute your airwaves with some top quality jive, touching on lume, Fordite, and our shared sporting tragedies…The Black Badger brand is one of the best-known non-watch brands in the watch industry. James has been beavering (or badgering?) away up in Gothenberg for the past couple of decades since he fled his native Canada because he may or may not have been being pursued by the KGB (listen to the podcast if you want to find out why that seems possible/likely):...
Five Uni-Compax Chronograph Watches Under $5000
For those of you that read my story on five of the best uni-compax watches for under $1000 last week, you know they're my weak spot. I've got a fair few watches, but all had three hands before those two registers hooked me. After a year, I find myself with six uni-compax watches in my box, from big pilot's chronograph to small meca-quartz delights.I will happily concede the fact that I don't actually time much with my chronographs, but still. There is an allure to this complication that too many of us take for granted, and that not too many decades ago made it a vital tool. Timing the lunar mission re-entry rockets is still the ace to beat all should you get even the slightest doubt. And isn...