Hands-On With The Swatch PAY!
Swatch always brings back sweet memories. Back in the late 1980s and early 1990s, a lot of kids in school had them, in all sorts of colors. Over the last 20 years, the watch landscape has changed drastically and Swatch is not as disruptive as it used to be. Will the Swatch PAY! change that?Swatch PAY! was introduced last year. In November the introductions took place in The Netherlands and Germany. As we’re big Swatch fans, we joined the Swatch PAY introduction in Amsterdam, which is closest to our headquarters. Together with ABN AMRO Bank - the first to support Swatch PAY! - the watch was explained and presented by Swatch Creative Director Carlo Giodanetti.Swatch’s Renee Souer (...
Yema Fans Project Needs You!
An idea that wouldn't be possible a few decades ago. But with the speed and creativity of today's market, it was only a matter of time before a brand allowed its followers to design a new watch.? I'm not saying it hasn't happened before. More and more brands are receptive to collaborative projects. You needn’t look far to find examples of brands working with companies, military factions, and high-rolling individuals to create a special range of watches. But it is still rare to see an established brand opening itself up to the masses. That's exactly what Yema is doing. The brand is asking the general public to submit design ideas for its next model. This kind of idea will not sit well w...
Wrist Game Or Crying Shame: Tudor Black Bay Smiley Face
Welcome back to Wrist Game or Crying Shame and this week we take a look at a familiar face in the Tudor Black Bay. As you’ll see, this one differs from the current model. But first…Last week, I dug deep and brought you the last version of the Minerva Pythagore and it came in 18K rose gold. Even at $8,700, you guys gave this rare bird a 79% Wrist Game win. But let me tell you, it wasn’t worth writing such an article. Do you know why? Well, I had to put up with moaning from Robert-Jan for several days afterward because he went on and on about how these were so poorly finished. Good grief! Well, RJ won’t have anything to complain about with today’s movement. WeR...
Hands-On Panerai Luminor Tourbillon GMT PAM00768 Watch Review
First things first. This Panerai Luminor Tourbillon GMT PAM00768 is not a new watch. The “Lo Scienzato” (the scientist) collection has existed since 2010. It pays tribute to the Tuscan genius Galileo Galilei.In 2019, Panerai introduced this Luminor Tourbillon GMT PAM00768. It is a bold watch, with its 47mm case diameter and skeletonized dial and tourbillon complication. Most of the time, I am not particularly interested in reviewing watches that are priced out of the ballpark. I like to review what is on my own horizon or radar, and what I can feasibly afford. A $145,000, watch is definitely not within my budget for watches. But, sometimes, when a watch is very special or has a c...
#TBT The Gallet Multichron Yachting Is Pure Vintage Class
Beware: the Gallet Multichron Yachting is hard to get in a decent condition, and it is equally as hard not to fall in love with. Shortly after arrival, I realized that it’s actually one of the most beautiful vintage dual-register chronographs that have ever passed through my hands.With hundreds of vintage watches having crossed my path over the years, I have definitely developed a personal style. I know exactly what I like and I know exactly what’s a no-go for me. Well, I don’t want to sound posh, but I’ve gotten to the stage where it is really challenging to be struck by a vintage watch in the sub-$10K range. Yes, I like vintage watches, and I add a new one here and ...
Don't Need Money: How To Start Collecting Watches On A Budget
From an outside perspective, watch collecting is often seen as an exclusive past-time for the wealthy. But as soon as you take a closer look, you begin to see that there is another side to it. It is one that is much more humble and down-to-earth - people who enjoy a Seiko diver, Vostok Amphibia, or a digital Casio watch as intensely as some might enjoy a , Omega, or Patek. This is where I made my start. A time in my life when the watch budget was non-existent, as a university student living in the city of Munster in North-Western Germany. Considering my limited means at the time, I still look back fondly on those first steps into the world of watches and what they taught me. And looking at t...
Strap Check: Vietnam-Era Camo Ripstop On A Speedmaster
Welcome to Strap Check, a new column on Fratello where our editors showcase their favorite watch/strap combinations. We all know the feeling. When you've been wearing a watch for weeks on the same strap, there comes a time when the excitement starts to fade a little bit. Maybe that's the time when you start lookingbut looking for what? A brand new watch? Sometimes the answer lies not in the watch, but the strap on which you wear it! From the classic to the unique. From cheap NATOs to bespoke leather and special bracelets. This is where we get excited about perfect combinations that make you feel like you've got a brand new watch on your wrist. So tune in every week for a new combination. Ar...
Deader Than The Dodo: Are Dress Watches A Thing Of The Past?
The COVID-19 pandemic transformed casual Friday into casual every day. Sounds good, sounds comfy. But to be honest, wearing sweatpants 24/7 isn't as nice as it seems. That's because feeling good all too often goes hand in hand with looking good. Baggy gray cotton is just not very flattering. And that will affect your mood. Every once in a while you need to dress up, make an effort, think carefully about what you're going to wear, and feel good. There's fun in combining different colors, materials, and even styles to express yourself. And a nice dress watch is the icing on the cake. Or is it? A dressy outfit is no longer crowned by a dress watch. Elegant timepieces have been replaced by sport...
Introducing: The Monta Skyquest Opalin Limited-Edition GMT
Today, we’re pleased to announce a new limited-edition watch from Monta. The Skyquest Opalin goes on sale today and picks up where the last generation Skyquest ended. Let’s take a quick look.At the tail end of 2022, I went hands-on with the second-generation Monta Skyquest and was impressed with just about everything on the watch. While some bemoan the use of the Sellita SW330 “caller” GMT automatic, I could honestly care less. I like using a 24-hour bezel and it just so happens that Monta makes a great one. The watch I reviewed featured a black dial with “gilt” features including the hands and bezel numerals. Today’s Skyquest Opalin follows a very s...
Fratello's Top 5 Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Models Ever
This week’s Top 5 article has been giving me a bit of a headache. I consider myself a bit of a purist when it comes to watches, so to me, there’s basically only one essential Audemars Piguet Royal Oak - the “Jumbo.” And I could go the easy route and just list all the references for the Jumbos that AP has produced, starting with reference 5402 in the image above.But that would sell Audemars Piguet’s most famous watch short, in my opinion. There is a world of Royal Oaks besides the “Jumbo” (or “Extra-Thin”) for sure, like the Royal Oak Chronograph and the 1993 Royal Oak Chronograph “The Beast.” Let’s kick it off with the &...
New Piaget Polo Perpetual Calendar Ultra-Thin
Piaget has announced a Pre Watches & Wonders Novelty with no holds barred. The Swiss watchmaker has bestowed for the first time a mechanical perpetual calendar on the iconic Polo collection. Continuing the legacy of ultra-slim movements, the newest Piaget Polo boasts a 4mm-thin 1255P caliber to power a triple calendar correct until the year 2100 and a moonphase indication. The high-mechanical timepiece aims to blend horological extravagance on a dark emerald-green dial with everyday wearability for the style-forward folks.The storied pastSince its debut in 1979, the Piaget Polo has been synonymous with the ultimate definition of luxury chic. The brand is all too willing to remind us that...
Straight-End FKM Rubber Straps From Delugs
I should come out and say this right from the get-go: I'm a bracelet guy, especially when it comes to divers or sports watches. If a watch has an adequate and well-fitting bracelet, then that's how my watch will stay for most of its time on my wrist. However, there are occasions when even I like to cut loose and switch it up. Having a few good rubber straps to call on can offer great versatility or even breathe fresh life into an otherwise stale watch.Chances are you've heard the name Delugs. What started in Singapore with a small catalog of leather straps, all made to order, evolved into one of the more recognized brands in this arena. The brand offers a wide range of high-quality straps in...
Watch Box Stories: Christopher's Cartier, Omegas, And Swatch
We kicked off our Watch Box Stories series with an article from Philip Blumer, and here’s the second entry from Christopher from Germany. He is a long-time Fratello reader and guest at our events who will share the contents of his watch box - or roll, to be precise.After we share all the stories, we will raffle off a Peli case and a few other accessories among the contributors. So far, I've seen some very interesting contributions, and I am excited to share them here on Fratello in the coming days and weeks. Without further ado, here's Christopher's story about what’s in his watch box.A reader's collection - ChristopherBy definition, this is a watch roll rather than a box, but it...
Meet The Seiko SSH127 Astron GPS Solar 5X53 Dual-Time
It seems like Seiko has a thing for black this year. I’ve already covered releases of a black Speedtimer, Alpinist, and Turtle Origin, and Thomas covered the new black SLA067 diver. Well, today, I introduce you to the Seiko SSH127, a black-cased version of the 43.1mm Astron. Let’s take a quick look!I guess for most people, a watch is still a purely functional object, especially when traveling. And I think Seiko has developed the modern Astron collection specifically for those people. The 5X53 movement inside these watches is powered by the sun, and timekeeping is controlled via satellites. That means you won’t ever have to change the battery, and manually setting the time i...
Hands-On With The Sattelberg From Second Hour Watches
Many brands don’t make it past their second or third watch release. That could be due to a decline in inspiration, a downturn in desire, or even a lack of success. The fact that Second Hour is now on its fifth release suggests that the people behind the brand must be getting something right. Today, I’m looking at the Sattelberg, a watch that aims to balance the function-first aspects of a field watch with the elegance of something altogether dressier.Sattelberg was the site of a battle during the Pacific theatre of the Second World War. Second Hour Watches, based in Melbourne, Australia, is keen to point out that the watch’s naming means honoring the Australian spirit of te...
Hands-On: Casio G-Shock Frogman GWF-A1000APF-1AER
It’s no secret that I like my watches colorful. Well, let me rephrase that: I like my G-Shocks colorful. And the brand never lets me down with its releases that come in various bright colors. But the new eye-catching Casio G-Shock GWF-A1000APF-1AER Frogman “Poison Dart Frog” takes “colorful” to the next level, even for a G-Shock. This commemorative model immediately stands out with a design inspired by the poison dart frog that lives in the Amazon rainforest. Experiencing the watch up close brought a big smile to my face. But underneath the fun look hides one of the most capable and serious G-Shocks available.The Frogman is one of the most well-known watches fro...
Hands-On: Citizen Promaster NY0120-01EE And NY0129-58LE
I wrote an article on the best Seiko watches under $500 a few weeks ago. The Japanese brand used to rule the “affordable watch” category, especially with diving watches. But with Seiko slowly moving upmarket, that territory is now open for other brands to conquer. An obvious pick is Citizen. The fellow Japanese brand offers a great number of affordable dive watches. With the Promaster Mechanical Divers, Citizen has created a series of watches that offer incredible value for money. Perhaps just as importantly, they look good too. I had a chance to go hands-on with the black NY0120-01EE and the blue NY0129-58LE to determine if these Citizen models were the new kings in town.We are ...
Speculation And The Vacheron Constantin Overseas Collection
Please be aware that the headline does not refer to The Art of Speculation, a 1931 book by Philip Carret (1896C1998), a man considered a Wall Street legend and a leading thinker in basic value investing. Rather, I'm speculating what Vacheron Constantin has in store for us this year. As you're probably well aware, this year, Genevan watchmaker Vacheron Constantin celebrates its 270th birthday. The celebrations started with a steel version of the Historiques 222, a sporty successor to the yellow gold version that debuted in 2022. That watch was a big deal for the brand and enthusiasts alike. Launching a steel version of the 222 three months ahead of Watches and Wonders, arguably the best venue...
Restoration project of a Submariner 1680
John Holbrook recently bought this Submariner ref.1680 (approx. 1972), with red printing on the dial. As you can see on the photo below, the watch is quite worn. The bezel is incomplete (mind the missing luminous dot) and the bracelet is stretched. The watch case is still sharp edged, which means that this watch hasn’t been polished much before. Especially on older es, the sharp edges are gone most of the time. This is mainly due to polishing of the case by a non service center. A lot of watchmakers who are asked to buff the watch to get rid of all scratches, polish a bit too fanatical. The movement in this watch is caliber 1570, seems to be in good condition and is still running fin...
Sinn U1000
As the name predicts, this watch is waterresistant till 1000 meters below the surface. It is the chronograph version of the U-series by Sinn. Made out of u-boat (submariner) steel. The S version, has a black coating added to the u-boat steel.This watch has a mechanical automatic chronograph movement, Sinn caliber SZ 02 (basis caliber 7750 by ETA/Valjoux). The watch has a diameter of 44mm and has a 18mm thick case. It weighs 135 grams. A large and heavy watch for the professionl diver! The watch comes with either a rubber strap or a stainless steel bracelet. The full list with specifications is available at the Sinn website, click here.At WatchUseek a ‘wrist test’ has been posted ...