Fratello Collector's Week Celebrating The Watch Collecting World
There is no theme of discussion quite as recurring as that of collecting watches here at Fratello HQ. Whether we're pondering how to expand or pare back our collections, talking straps, industry news, or discussing the more metaphysical aspects of our common passion, it all stems from the overarching theme of collecting. That’s why we couldn’t be more excited to kick off and welcome you all to Fratello Collector’s Week 2022! The next seven days are about celebrating watch collecting and watch collectors alike. Whether you’ve just begun your journey, you just bought your first luxury watch, or you’re already tens of hundreds of watches into building your collecti...
The Vacheron Constantin Overseas "Panda" Chronograph
I don’t get the logic behind introducing watches so close to Watches & Wonders - especially when you’re a brand participating in the show. However, Vacheron Constantin decided to do so anyway, with this new Overseas Chronograph 5500V/110A-B686 with a panda dial. And to be honest, if this is a preview of what Vacheron Constantin will release this year, I think we’re in for a real treat.Vacheron Constantin Overseas Chronograph PandaThe Overseas collection has been around for many years (since 1977 if we count the “222” model as an Overseas). The chronograph complication, however, was only introduced to this model in 1999. And now, Vacheron Constantin introduce...
Louis Erard Excellence Petite Seconde In 3 New Colors
These days, when you hear of a brand releasing watches in “new colors,” you probably think of the classic rainbow of bright hues that dropped with the Oyster Perpetual that countless other brands followed. Thankfully, Louis Erard is not so content to follow in other brands’ footsteps. With the launch of its new Excellence Petite Seconde models, we see three luxurious new colors that are not your average primary affair.After the original Silver and Terracotta Petite Seconde models, Louis Erard introduced a bit of jazziness with exotic dials. Malachite, Aventurine, and Lapis Lazuli distinguished three Petite Seconde models from their forebears. While the new colors we see to...
The New Accutron Astronaut And Bulova Lunar Pilot Models
Dear Fratelli, despite what Bulova may have led you to believe in the marketing campaign for these watches, today and indeed every Tuesday is a Speedy Tuesday. Nevertheless, we are still interested in the three new timepieces that these two brands are releasing today. The first is the modern remake of the famous 1968 T version of the Accutron Astronaut. Bulova has also announced two new versions of its Lunar Pilot chronograph. All three models have been recreated to match the looks of the original timepieces. The two Bulova models even share the original size as well. It’s time to check out these three new watches from Bulova and Accutron.Let me start by saying that it still feels a bi...
The New MB&F LM2 In Palladium Is An Aquamarine Grail
While I’ve long had an affinity for niche horology, plenty of people out there are just entering the deep rabbit hole of Swiss independents. From ADs to auction houses, the appreciation for halo brands like MB&F, Greubel Forsey, and De Bethune is rising rapidly, and I am rejoicing. Just like the traditional brands, MB&F has an evolved range, and ten years after its inception, the MB&F LM2 has now become an aquamarine grail. This is a new palladium version of the well-known Legacy Machine 2, but how is it a collab? Well, let's backtrack to the story of the brand.Collaboration is a founding principle of MB&F - that stands for Max Busser and Friends, you see? In the case (...
Bremont Gets A $59M Investment For British Watchmaking
A billionaire walks into a store and walks out with a few items. He ends up loving them so much that he offers to fund the business. This may sound like a plot in a feel-good movie, except it’s not a movie at all. It is, in fact, how the story went, according to high-profile American investor Bill Ackman.Ackman has purchased a substantial minority stake in British watchmaker Bremont after buying several watches at its brand boutique in Mayfair London. In an interview with the Financial Times, Ackman recalls sending the founders a handwritten note that read, I admire your company, I love watches and I would love to learn more. The investment reportedly comes from Ackman's personal funds...
Fratello On Air: Balazs And Mike Talk Doxa
Fratello On Air comes at you with another brand-focused episode. This week, we're talking about Doxa, and the picks are a bit less diver-centric than you might think. Have a listen and hear about watches that, surprisingly, don't have a dive bezel....
The Meraud Antigua With A NOS Landeron 248 Movement
What can you do these days to stand out from all the other vintage-inspired watch brands out there? Well, first of all, you can develop a watch with a design that’s 100% spot on. Then you can fit it with an actual vintage movement instead of one of the movements that everybody else uses. That’s easier said than done, of course, but it’s exactly what Stijn Busschaert from the Belgian coast has done for the Meraud Antigua Chronograph that he’s introducing today. The watch is a maritime racing chronograph with a great summer vibe and a Landeron 248 movement, both taken straight from the ’60s.Watch collector and enthusiast Stijn Busschaert started the Meraud brand i...
New: Formex Worn & Wound Essence Sector 39 Chronometer
If you follow my writing, you know that I am a bit of a Formex admirer. The Swiss brand offers specifications and value for money that are second to none. So when Formex teams up with a watch medium like Worn & Wound to create something special for enthusiasts, I pay attention. I was, however, completely unprepared for what these collaborators had concocted.Join me to have a look at the Formex Worn & Wound Essence Sector 39 Chronometer.Imagine that you're in an alternate universeThe premise of this collaboration is an imaginary trip to an alternate universe. Formex and Worn & Wound took inspiration from sci-fi films like Gattaca and Blade Runner. Essentially, the idea is that, in...
A Look At The Patek Philippe Price Increases for 2024
On February 1st, as usual, Patek Philippe communicated the new list prices to its authorized dealers. We also got the yearly list of discontinued models, which, not shockingly, includes more Nautilus references. On top of that, Patek Philippe decided to discontinue the popular Aquanaut Travel Time in stainless steel (ref. 5164A). While price increases are a fact of life, what do we think of the discontinuation of more Nautilus and Aquanaut models? Furthermore, what can we expect from Patek Philippe in 2024? It’s time to put some thoughts on paper.Just like so many other brands, Patek Philippe increased its prices this year. This practice is nothing new, of course. We reported on the pr...
Introducing: The Urwerk UR-100 LS LightSpeed
We know Urwerk as a laboratory for very high-end, off-the-beaten-path creations. The latest release from the Genevan brand does not disappoint in either respect. This is the Urwerk UR-100 LS with a rather exotic new complication for those who think beyond our little blue marble. This watch indicates the time required for a sunbeam to reach each of the eight planets in our solar system.If that is not enough, the watch displays the time on Earth via satellite hours - you know, just to keep the space theme consistent. In that sense, this new complication suits the UR-100 platform to a tee. Let's have a closer look!Time via satelliteOf course, the first job of your Urwerk timepiece is to tell yo...
Seiko Presage SPB437 Nausica? Of The Valley Of The Wind
To be completely honest with you, when Nacho sent me the press materials for this new Seiko release, I had never heard of Nausica? of the Valley of the Wind. Actually, I’m not very familiar with any of Studio Ghibli’s creations. I figured it would be an insult to write anything about it without knowing what I was talking about, so I decided to watch the movie as it was available on Netflix. That experience didn’t turn me into a fan of the genre. However, I do get that this kind of cinema is quite powerful and could draw you in completely. That’s why, for its Japanese Craftsmanship series, Seiko decided to create the Presage SPB437, a limited-edition watch inspired by ...
New: The Alpina Fratello Alpiner Extreme Regulator
If a dog is a man's best friend, can a watch be his second-best friend? What boxes would this watch need to tick? Well, let's not idolize material goods quite to that degree. But still, having a watch that can confidently accompany you through everything life throws your way can certainly create a deep appreciation and strong connection with it.We have been looking for a watch that can accompany the owner during daily activities, whether at home, at the office, or while out walking your best friend. But this watch should also be suitable for a ski trip or riding your mountain bike through the mud. In other words, we wanted to find a GADA (go anywhere, do anything) watch that suits those with...
Fratello's Top 5 Vintage Omega Seamaster Dive Watches
Another Friday, another list! This week, we look at the brilliant and rich history of Omega Seamaster dive watches. The lineage started in 1957 with the introduction of the first Seamaster 300, which was part of Omega’s famous trilogy along with the first Speedmaster and Railmaster models. After that, the brand released many iconic dive watches that have become fan favorites. For this list, we picked our top five that show the great history of Omega’s dedicated series of Seamaster dive watches. Let’s find out what they are!Before we get into our list, though, let’s define what we mean by “vintage Seamaster dive watches.” As I explained in the intro, it all...
New: Zenith Chronomaster Revival A3818 "Cover Girl Carbon"
It’s no secret that I adore the classic Zenith El Primero A384 and all of its vintage and modern descendants. One of the most famous is the brilliant El Primero A3818 “Cover Girl” that graced the cover of Manfred Rossler’s popular Zenith book from 2009. The vintage blue-dial A3818 is an absolute beauty and has become a much-desired classic. In 2020, Zenith and Revolution brought back the Cover Girl in steel to much critical acclaim. Two years later, the collaborators joined forces again to release a titanium version of the A3818. Now, three years after that release, the final chapter of the Cover Girl trilogy is here with the Zenith Revolution Chronomaster Revival A38...
Introducing: The New Artem Loop-less?? HydroFlex?? Straps
Over the past few years, I’ve had the opportunity to sample most of the straps in the Artem catalog, and it's always good stuff coming from the guys Down Under. The Adelaide, Australia-based brand makes luxury rubber straps with a sailcloth finish in various colors. Alongside traditional straps is the brand's signature Loop-less?? design without keepers, providing a tidy appearance. Today, Artem announces a new line of straps, the Loop-less?? HydroFlex??. Spoiler alert - these might be the most comfortable yet!As someone who dabbles mostly in vintage, I don’t necessarily keep track of the luxury strap market. Vintage watches usually live out their peaceful retirement on leather s...
#TBT Vintage Omega Seamaster 120 166.0073
Along with New York, London, Tokyo, Hong Kong and Singapore, Frankfurt stakes its claim as one of the world's banking centers. With this distinction comes a large pocket of substantial wealth, which naturally makes luxury goods such as watches quite popular. As one who spends a lot of time in Frankfurt, I can tell you that it's a strange city as far as watches. Yes, there are a lot of high-end watch shops and brand-specific boutiques. However, aside from the recent influx of these single brand stores, I've generally found the others to lag behind other large cities in carrying new releases. Perhaps these shops have voluminous black books with waiting lists for the newest pieces or the lack, ...
Parmigiani Senfine On Its Way To 90 Days of Power Reserve
The name Senfine is perhaps giving too much hope, meaning “eternally” in Esperanto, but this concept watch by Parmigiani is already showing some promising results when it comes to power reserve. Where your average mechanical watch has probably a power reserve of somewhere between 40 hours and 10-days (there are some exceptions, like the Rebellion T-1000), Parmigiani strives to get the power reserve for their Senfine up to 90 days. Without using barrels the size of a hockey puck of course. However,??Parmigiani isn’t there yet…As written above, the Parmigiani Senfine is still in a development stage and will be at least until 2018. Ever since 2008, Parmigiani is working ...
Aquadive Bathyscaphe 100 Bronze A Hands On Review
This is the first time I have an Aquadive Bathyscaphe 100 Bronze in my hands and I have to say it is a big watch. Even so big, that when I took off my Omega Speedmaster Mark III to strap this on I was taken aback by its size.Aquadive Bathyscaphe 100 BronzeIn pictures it looked much smaller, but the size is not an issue at all. After a few minutes I realized that regardless of its measurements, the watch is extremely comfortable. It came on an?olive green NATO?(which works well with the bronze case) and the watch is?super balanced on it. It did not feel top-heavy at all. I also noticed how sharp the look of the watch is. It really feels like a true diving instrument. The weight, the quality, ...
#TBT Breitling Sprint 2010, A Value Play on the Vintage Scene
If you're at all active on Instagram, then you've likely noticed some things going on around the Breitling brand. First, a couple Saturdays ago, there was the #LegendaryFuture event where Breitling collectors posted pictures with their favorite chronographs from the brand. Alongside this, Breitling showed hints of an upcoming line on their feed. Then, last week, events in Asia debuted the new Breitling Navitimer 8 series. We'll get a chance in a week's time to see these pieces in Europe when Breitling continues its roadshow combining a museum-like display with the new pieces. For now, though, we'll continue to examine the brand's heritage in our recurring #TBT series. Today's episode focuses...