Reverse PandaAround this time of the year some watch websites already start to speculate about the latest novelties brands will release during BaselWorld. There are trends however, patterns if you like, that come in waves year after year and will have an impact on the novelties. Just think about the emergence of smart and connected watches or the bronze cased models from a few years ago. It seems

Inspired by Vintage Aircraft, Ferro & Co. designed 2 distinctive styles of Pilot Watches that reflect the aesthetics of 1940’s Aviation World.On February 15th 2017, Ferro Watches launched a crowd funding campaign to fund their first production batch of Swiss Made timepieces called Ferro AGL (Above Ground Level).? Designed to resemble the era of 1940’s aviation, this is a watch that

This week, we have another collector’s story for our Speedy Tuesday feature. Our reader Alexander submitted this story about his collection of Omega Speedmaster Professional watches from 1969. A special year for the Speedmaster, as it became the Moonwatch on that day in July 1969. Something that did not happen by accident, of course, but was the result of an official procurement process and

One of the first things that you learn from watch magazines, blogs and collectors is that quartz watches are off limit. They lack soul, they are cheap or at least cheapen the watch and basically can’t be taken seriously when you’re into collecting watches.Whenever someone asks what my profession is, I tell him or her that I write about watches. Mechanical watches. As this makes the exp

Even now, almost two decades since the Swatch Group announced their intention to cease supplying their rivals with ETA calibres, it seems the world's most famous movement manufacturer is still the number one choice for most small brands.But if we dig beneath the surface we find that there are plenty of independent maisons to choose from. The bulk of which were founded or massively expanded in the

Artisans de Genve introduce the Tribute to 6240 Tropical, an exclusive and innovative homage to the legendary Daytona 6240 model that acquired over time a very special and sought after tropical patina. An edition limited to 15 pieces, entirely made upon request.A unique tropical dialIt took Artisans de Genve several years to achieve a natural oxidation process that would lead to a uniform amber

If this Tissot Navigator chronograph looks familiar, it’s no coincidence.Last year, Tissot released a new watch that took inspiration from this slice of 1970s awesomeness. I reviewed it soon after it came out. To be honest, I bought this watch for that review. I was browsing eBay, this example came up, and I thought it would be nice to buy it and compare it to the modern version. However, it

I have been attending watch get-togethers and gatherings for many years, and I truly love them. They were never very different from the ones we organize or attend today, but times are changing. If there's one thing that I've noticed in recent years, it is the constant talk about investment potential and/or value appreciation during these get-togethers or events.I've seen the increase of interest i

You may love the one-hand concept, you may hate it. But beyond MeisterSinger’s traditional mode of time-telling lies a handsome collection of watches. One of the catalog’s stalwarts - the MeisterSinger Perigraph - receives a welcome update, and looks fantastic in its new livery.You could write a book on the philosophy behind single-hand watches. In fact, over the course of its history,

Rob dials in Maurice Lacroix HQ to speak with Thiebaut Bentz, International Product and Marketing Director of the brand to discuss Friday’s release of the Aikon Venturer GMT. A short and snappy episode, tune in to stay on top of this week’s watch news.

We’re two days out from March. Normally, that wouldn’t get me so excited. I hate spring. It’s my least favorite season. My dear old mum used to express horror at how openly I derided the gamboling lambs, fresh green shoots of optimism, and the soft, diffused post-winter sunlight. What can I say? All that new life puts me on edge… Give me autumn - the season of death - any d

Just yesterday, we reviewed the new limited edition Alpinist 1959 Re-creation. That watch was an expensive throwback to the original Laurel Alpinist. Today, we look at a series of new pieces dubbed the Alpinist 1959 Modern Re-interpretation series.It’s clear that the release of the limited edition 1959 Alpinist Re-creation was a proper surprise. Granted, this watch kicked off a series of wat

Pitching this series of stories to our Managing Editor came naturally to me, as I am contrarian by nature. I'm not saying that I feel in any way better or more worthy than rappers or rock stars. And I don’t know if I am correct or just old, but surely, social media shouldn't dictate our taste in watches, right? This is probably a dumb rather than rhetorical question, as some influencers are

Some of my fellow Fratello editors have seemingly requested (demanded?) the return of vintage models to their chosen brand’s current catalogs. I’m all for this too, but there is a slight catch. Solely relying on a nostalgic kick is fraught with danger. I enjoy a vintage reinterpretation but prefer a watch taking what it needs from the past while still moving forward. That method is ess

Here at Fratello, we are a varied bunch. As watch journalists, collectors, and enthusiasts, we are all a little different. Some of us can't get enough of proper tool watches, others love vintage - there's definitely a lot of love for Speedmasters - yet some prefer the value-for-money microbrand offerings. Others gravitate towards the wildly futuristic independent watchmakers. But there's one thing

Thank heaven I don't need to own every watch I like, see, and try on. If I did, my life would be a living hell. Instead, when I come across one of the most exquisite, rare, complicated, or coveted timepieces, I just try to savor the moment as much as I can. And because I have limited time with a mesmerizing watch, the experience is more intense. So when one of Fratello's close friends swung by HQ

As a watch enthusiast, you never really know when you’re going to buy your next watch. It could literally be at any moment if you get inspired by a friend’s watch, some new release that came out, or an offer that you found on a forum. And that’s exactly what today’s Pre-Owned Spotlight is based on as well.Luckily, I’ve been able to hold myself back and not buy anythin

In 2019, Omega introduced the hand-wound caliber 3861 in both Speedmaster Apollo 11 50th Anniversary editions. Then, in 2020, the brand used it as the movement for the Omega Speedmaster Silver Snoopy Award edition with an automaton on the case back. One year later, Omega introduced an update of the Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch, featuring a new case, dial, hands, bracelet, and movement. Calib

What if you like the looks of the angular Zenith Defy Skyline with its 12-sided bezel, but the running 1/10th-of-a-second indicator on the dial makes you nervous? The Defy Skyline Tourbillon with its 60-second tourbillon at 6 o'clock is the way to go. Yes, it's a pricey alternative, but before we dismiss this Defy on price, let's take a look at the two versions that Zenith has concocted. ThereR

In this week’s episode of Fratello On Air, we ponder what’s wrong with the watch industry. Before you jump to conclusions, we’re not upset. We have a wish list and think that certain areas within this sector could use further thoughts or updates. Get ready for a lengthy episode!