Review Omega Seamaster Professional PloProf 1200m
Introduced during BaselWorld 2009, the Omega Seamaster Ploprof 1200m (ref. 224.30.55.21.01.001) is slowly hitting the stores and becomes available for the large public. This remake of the original Omega Seamaster Professional 600m/2000ft that was introduced in 1971 (after 4 years of extensive test work) is – in my humble opinion – one of the best that Omega did so far. Remakes are dangerous, collectors are most of the time insulted by them because there is only little left of the original details, and buyers of modern watches often don’t get all the fuzz and don’t like the old-fashioned design. This Ploprof 1200m is probably pleasing both groups.The Seamaster PloProf,...
Jaeger-LeCoultre Gyrotourbillon Review
It seems like I’m on a roll with rare Jaeger-LeCoultre pieces of late: hot off the camera is a set of the magnificent Gyrotourbillon 1 (we did a review of the Gyrotourbillon 2 as well). This version has a skeleton ‘dial’; a massive rose gold case, perpetual calendar, and of course, the signature multi-axis tourbillon – all made up of 679 parts, 117 alone of which are jewel bearings.As usual, click on any image for a larger versionIt also runs for slightly over eight days, powered by two vertically stacked and sapphire-topped barrels – which is a nice touch, but I’m not sure why you’d need to see the state of wind if you’ve got a power reserve i...
HeuerTime Fratello Watches Strap Review
We love our watches, there's no doubt about that. That's why you're here, right? There are all those other things surrounding them though; watch winders, watch rolls, tools perhaps but most importantly straps. No decent watch site can function without a strap review. That was in my head when I came up with this idea and presented it to the team.Nevertheless we gave it a twist. We would like to introduce some of the lesser known craftsmen to the wider audience. People whose work we find interesting or out of the ordinary. Who most of the time create their products at home by hand, educate themselves and improve their skill all the time. When you put one of these hand-made straps on your wrist...
Hands-On With The Panerai PAM 671 Luminor Submersible 1950 3 Days Automatic Bronzo
The Bronzo Returns! could be the title of a Marvel or DC Comics episode. But we’re talking watches here. In 2011, Panerai introduced the first Bronzo to us, the reference PAM00382. Only 1000 pieces were produced?and all sold within a blink of the eye. Paneristi who were able to buy one, were (are) very happy. In 2013, Panerai did one more with the PAM 507. This year, Panerai introduces another bronzo. The PAM 671 Luminor Submersible 1950, with a blue glossy dial and P.9010 calibre movement.Panerai PAM 671 Luminor Submersible 1950 BronzoToday, the PAM00382 is offered on the pre-owned market between 28.000 and 35.000 Euro. The same goes for the PAM 507 (which featured a power reserve ind...
Speedy Tuesday "From The Moon To Mars" Numbered Edition Is Gaining Popularity
Just over 5 years ago, we covered the Omega Speedmaster From The Moon To Mars edition from one of our readers from Singapore. At the time, you could pick these watches up for $2600 on the pre-owned market. Today, full sets are being offered for just under $5000. Literally all Speedmaster watches (new, pre-owned and vintage) went up in price in the last five years, but I did not expect the From the Moon to Mars edition to almost double in price.From the Moon to MarsI write this with a bit of astonishment, as the Speedmaster From the Moon to Mars, reference 3577.50, did not seem to be a big hit to me at the time. This has a couple of reasons, but mainly because I felt there was no real story t...
IWC Pilot's Watch Chronograph TOP GUN Edition Mojave Desert
Arguably one of the longest novelty-lists of the SIHH 2019 line up belongs to IWC. 14 watches, all various pilot's models. All of them come from the four collections in the IWC’s Pilot's family.These are the Spitfire, TOP GUN, Le Petit Prince and Antoine De Saint-Exupery. From time-only pieces to chronographs all the way up to tourbillons and perpetual calendars. Before the Geneva show, I already took a look at the Spitfire and TOP GUN models (here). Later Robert-Jan went hands-on with the IWC Big Pilot's Watch Constant-Force Tourbillon Edition Le Petit Prince.?Today we will be talking about a watch coming from the TOP GUN collection. This piece is a blend of two things. We know the mo...
#TBT Full Auto Orient King Diver
We take a look at an unusually large watch from the 1960s - the Full Auto Orient King Diver.We’ve delivered a fair amount of Orient coverage here on Fratello related to both new and old watches. Today, we’ll head down the latter path as we feast our eyes on what I think is a true classic. It may be a bit derivative, but the Full Auto Orient King Diver has real character. So what if it looks a lot several other twin-crown Super Compressors from the same era? I still find it highly attractive, and I figure there’s a good chance you will too.The First Simple King DiverYou’ll likely recall our recent article on the 70th Anniversary King Diver that’s due to hit shelv...
Hands-On With The Oris James Morrison Academy Of Music Limited Edition
We previously announced the Oris Artelier James Morrison Academy of Music on Fratello here. And now we have the chance to test drive it on the wrist. The Acadamy of Music slots into the existing jazz collection, but this time, it is inspired by a living trumpeting legend, James Morrison.After the announcement, and the excellent article by my fellow Fratello, Andreas, on the Art Blakey, I just had to get my hands on this piece.?I applaud Andreas for combining the Oris Art Blakey review with his passion for percussion. I’m a guitarist, and although I’ve chosen a piece intended for a trumpet player, James Morrison regards himself as a multi-instrumentalist. I’m hoping that cov...
Alpina AlpinerX Freeride World Tour Limited Edition
When brand partnerships feel forced, they can turn off customer interest quicker than a solar-powered Casio comes back to life when light hits the dial. Luckily for Alpina, the connection with the Freeride World Tour is not just a suitable pairing, but also one that benefits both parties. The latest Alpina AlpinerX adds to an already strong line-up.If you’re not into Snowsports, you probably haven’t heard of the Freeride World Tour. Similarly, if you’re not into watchmaking, you probably haven’t heard of Alpina, let alone the Alpina AlpinerX. Luckily, if you’re into one, you now know about the other. Congratulations on having your mind expanded. Welcome to the c...
Episode 36: Fratello On Air Arcanaut In The Building
Welcome once more to the house of horological hilarity. Rob returns in the host’s chair. He welcomes back James Thompson (AKA Black Badger) who has invited his friend and collaborator Anders Brandt, co-founder and chief designer of Danish brand Arcanaut, to join the show. Needless to say, shenanigans ensued.An Irishman, a Canadian, and a Dane walk into a bar… It sounds like the opening line of a bad joke, but it might well be the perfect set-up of what is an amusing, far-reaching conversation that flips from the serious to the surreal with little warning....
Hands-On With The Zenith Chronomaster Revival El Primero A385
For the purposes of this article, I?counted all the vintage and modern timepieces in my collection. I?never realized that the latter represents less than 3% in my three-digit plus collection. Well, that number is going to increase slightly. Blame the Zenith Revival El Primero A385.In the pictures, I liked everything about the Revival El Primero A385. The case size, shape and finishing, the dial, and color mix. The question was would I enjoy the movement, proportions, and a bit of that 1970s flair as much live on my wrist? Let's take it step-by-step.The Revival El Primero A385 vs. the Chronomaster SportA?quick warm-up. Have you seen Mike's recent TwoForTuesday article featuring the two new El...
G-Shock Introduces Four Models With The Mystic Forest Series
Back in November, when winter was just around the corner, Lex advocated for a bit of color on your wrist during wintertime with the colorful G-Shock MTG-B2000XMG. I definitely agree with the principle of a bit of color on the wrist, especially when it comes to G-Shock. But I also feel that colors need to match the season’s colors. G-Shock has understood that perfectly and has released the Mystic Forest series. The series was first released in Asia at the end of 2021 and is now available in Europe and the United States as well. The series takes inspiration from the colors of nature and is perfect for all your winter outdoor expeditions.We’re only a little over a month into 2022, a...
How Collecting Microbrands Allowed Me To Experiment And Explore
Not every story into watch collecting starts with a fortuitous inheritance of a beautiful vintage Omega or stumbling across an all-original Submariner 6538 at a yard sale. While there are some lucky people out there who stumbled into watch collecting quite high up the ladder, my story started a little more innocuously. I started out collecting microbrands, mainly because, for my budget, they were more affordable and accessible. That said, I also found something with microbrands that the macrobrands didn’t seem to offer.What was that thing I found? Fearless creativity. Now, let me caveat this by acknowledging the sheer number of fly-by-night “brands” that start up thinking ...
Dear Tissot, Bring Back The Seastar Navigator Chronograph
Tissot is one of my favorite watch brands. It is also one that, until last year's release of the PRX, didn't have one watch in its current catalog that I was interested in buying (something which, luckily, seems to be changing). In fact, I think many of you will likely agree with my saying that the majority of the brand's Moto GP and NBA special editions weren't exactly doing the brand's long heritage and wonderful past any favors. To be fair, Tissot did, from time to time, release models in its Heritage line that did grab my attention. But, unfortunately, a lot of the time they were far bigger than their predecessors, feeling the influence of the early 2000s watch-size peak - back when 46mm...
Fortis Flieger Midnight Blue On Block Bracelet Hands-On Review
The first time I strapped on the Fortis Flieger Midnight Blue was moments before I hopped into the cockpit of the Turbine Legend plane for a private whizz around the Swiss alps (what a job, eh?). I’d begun the day wearing my prized Czapek Antarctique Viridian Green, but felt that my airborne adventure, courtesy of Fortis Ambassador and local legend Marc Rollier, required a different character strapped to my wrist. I swapped with Banu Biret of Fortis for the rest of the day and thus began a memorable flirtation above the clouds (with the watch; I continued my flirtation with Banu when I returned to Earth). Now, that same stunner is available on the eye-catching block bracelet. I caught ...
Forgot A Valentine's Day Gift? Not On Fratello's Watch!
Today is Monday, February 13th - the day before the sixth Speedy Tuesday of 2023. It's also the day before Valentine's Day, the most romantic day of the year. The day you celebrate your love for your partner with gifts straight from the heart. Last year, we spoke of a perfect pair of Swatch watches for you and your loved one. But if you’re reading this, it’s definitely too late. In an ideal world, you’ll have bought your heartfelt gift already. Reality, however, is often less poetic. Valentine's Day gift shopping is almost always a rush job. We’re sorry if we’re causing you stress, but don't worry, we won't have you show up empty-handed. Not on Fratello's watch!...
Monday Morning Madness With Colorful Swatch Watches
Not too long ago, I visited the Swatch Museum in Biel. It blew my mind. What an abundance of fantastic watches. There were influential timepieces and iconic creations but also stuff I forgot about. Stuff I forgot I wore a long time ago, like my Sir Swatch SIR (GB111) from 1986. And also the Swatch Snowpass Shaun Palmer (SHB100) from 1997 that I had on while riding my Cannondale Super V 4000DH. And now that RJ brought this huge bag filled with vintage and new, crazy colorful Swatch watches to the office, it's all coming back to me - again! Since Swatch set the tone, I also included not-too-serious timepieces in this slightly rebellious and off-beat Monday Morning Madness story. Have a look at...
Pre-Owned Breitling Navitimer Models For Under $5,000
Who else here finds the rising prices of watches depressing? Okay, I see a few hands up, so I guess I’m not alone. Thankfully, the pre-owned market can offer some solace with many iconic watches that are still relatively attainable. These days, I believe the key is either to go neo-vintage or choose the variations that are off the beaten path. The Breitling Navitimer line offers ample opportunity to do this, and I think it’s time we shared some intriguing options in our Pre-Owned Spotlight!If you want to buy a Breitling Navitimer (chronograph) at retail today, you’ll have to fork over at least $7,700. That’s the price for the Navitimer Ref. 806 1959 Re-Edition, a watc...
Pre-Owned Spotlight: Two Omega Speedmasters & A Spacemaster
Omega has increased the price of its Speedmaster models quite significantly in the past few years. While one could buy the classic Moonwatch for less than $5,000 not even that long ago, the models with a sapphire front and back crystal are rapidly approaching the $10,000 mark. Granted, it’s not the same watch that it was before 2021. The Moonwatch now has a new case, bracelet, dial, and Master Chronometer movement. However, if your budget doesn’t stretch so far or you want something different, there are some interesting options available on the pre-owned Speedmaster market.Today, I’ve selected three different Speedmaster models. We’ll look at a modern but discontinued...
The Lucky New Owner Of A Space-Flown Fortis Stratoliner S-41
You may recall that Fortis sent 13 Stratoliner S-41 watches into space on a rocket last year. Yes, actual outer space, past the Krmn line and over 100 kilometers above the Earth’s surface. These 13 special watches were recovered, and Fortis made them available for collectors to buy via application only. One application slot was opened specifically to Fratello readers, giving one lucky individual a chance to own a piece of Fortis history and a watch with a genuine extraterrestrial tale to tell.We had many interested readers apply to buy one of these watches, and a big “thank you” to everyone who took the time to write in. Sadly, though, there could only be one winning appl...