Pre-Owned Spotlight: Grand Seiko Quartz
Pre-owned Grand Seiko quartz watches come with Rollie-beating Zaratsu-polished greatness at no extra cost. So, where's the catch? There is none. I know many of you are still on the fence about even considering quartz for your collection, and I understand you. I was there myself for years until the charm of budget-winning meca-quartz got to me. How about pure, in-house quartz power?From dressy sports watches to rugged divers, the Grand Seiko SBGX range covers the time-only and three-hand categories well. If you want an accurate quartz chrono, look at lower-tier Seikos. You won’t find a pilot's watch here either. Instead, you’ll find a deep focus on hand-polished everyday wearabili...
Three Watches Tomas Has Always Wanted: Mimo, Juvenia, Zodiac
I looked back into my never-ending wishlist and picked a few watches that resonated with me. From one of the best Mimo date watches I’ve ever seen to the triumphant Juvenia Arithmo, the reasons I have never added them are different. Either I came too late, I was too hesitating, or…… I could not find any. That’s exactly the case with the rare Mimo Date Pointer watch. I first saw it three years ago in the collection of fellow Gallet enthusiast and watch collector Jack Tan. He has quite a fine taste for 1930sC1950s watches, including a whole bunch of Mimo pieces. What’s most striking is the condition of his watches. They all look like they just came from the watch ...
Daan's Neo-Vintage Picks Under $5K: Blancpain, Credor, Cartier
On Monday, Thomas kicked off another series of Fratello Favorites. Our writers get another chance to share their favorite watches within a certain segment. This time, we are tackling vintage watches under $5K. Like Thomas, I’d also like to add another filter to those search terms. As I’m not very confident with or knowledgeable about vintage watches, I’ll limit my search to neo-vintage ones. I already own a few, like my Cartier Santos Galbee XL, Explorer, and Breguet Classique 5907. All are from the 2000s, and I’m very happy with both their looks and build quality.Usually, for such an article, I go to my Chrono24 Notepad and see what fits the search terms. However, I...
Hands-On: Omega Seamaster Diver 300M Bronze Gold GoldenEye
I bought my first Omega Seamaster Diver 300M in 2000 when I was still a student (with a job). It was - and still is - a remarkable watch, and Omega didn't use inspiration from any vintage models when designing and developing it. Omega created the Seamaster Diver 300M from scratch in the early 1990s when the watch industry was not doing well. The Seamaster Diver 300M and the Constellation ’95 were Omega’s bread-and-butter pieces for a long time.Daniel Craig and Omega spilling the beans (again)The Omega Seamaster Diver 300M references are usually in the catalog for a long time, with no expiration date in sight. It wasn't until 2006 that Omega updated the Seamaster Diver 300M with a...
Hands-On: Tudor Black Bay Chrono Flamingo Blue
Pink flamingos have a very peculiar smell. The result of a strict shrimp-only diet will do that to a bird. Blue flamingos, on the other hand, smell like roasted peanuts. Do you know why? That’s because they feed exclusively on blue M&Ms, just like spoiled rock stars. Come on, give me a break. I mean, if Tudor can name a watch after a bird that only lives in its catalog, I can also share the crazy thoughts in my head. Still, I was happy to try on the Tudor Black Bay Chrono Flamingo Blue to find out if the watch's South Beach vibes also work in Scheveningen.You could call Scheveningen the Dutch equivalent of South Beach, Florida. Sure, the climate is worse; there are no palm trees, a...
Fratello Talks: Audemars Piguet In 2025
Today, on?Fratello Talks,?we’re discussing Audemars Piguet. The brand is celebrating its 150th anniversary in 2025 and has kicked things off by introducing a selection of new models earlier this week. Lex was in Le Brassus to report on the novelties, and Nacho and RJ now join him for this week’s discussion. They begin by looking at said novelties and wrap things up by sharing their thoughts on the brand’s current direction and whether they’ve felt the influence of recently appointed CEO Ilaria Resta yet. But before jumping into it, let’s see what the guys are wearing on their wrists....
Introducing: The Omega Swatch Speedmaster MoonSwatch 1965
Swatch is introducing the new MoonSwatch 1965. It will be available at selected Swatch stores worldwide as of March 1st, 2025. This new MoonSwatch variation is a visual reference to the white-dial Moonwatch from 2024, but it also celebrates an important milestone dating back to 1965. It features visual elements from the Speedmaster tested that year and has a few details that nod to NASA’s flight qualification.NASA and Omega: a quick recapAs a Fratello regular, you have probably read about the tests that NASA performed on the Omega Speedmaster. But in case you forgot or don't know yet, let's do a quick recap. During the Gemini program (the one before Apollo), Director of Flight Crew Ope...
Home today
I am between jobs, last friday was the last day of my old job and tomorrow I start working at a new place. So today I had a day off, and I could use that ?? Finishing all your work and leaving behind your former employer is energyconsuming, at least that’s what I found out. This was my first job and I enjoyed it, but now it is time to look for new challenges.Anyway, today I spent most of the time doing stuff inside the house. Cleaning, arranging all my shirts (my new job makes me wear suits) and finally.. finally writing the review on the winder for WatchUseek. I just mailed the finished version to Ernie Romers so it can be posted in a short time. I hope this evening.I also went to the...
The Grand Seiko Collection Why I Did Not Include Them (Several Times)
When I think of Seiko, I think of all the people who couldn’t care less about watches and bought a Seiko just because of that. It tells time, and it does it cheap. Now, I know that this is not true in all cases. There are plenty of nice Seikos that I really like, but I (almost) never include them in articles. Actually, last few weeks I got a few mails (including hate-mails) from people wondering why I didn’t include Seiko watches in my buying guide articles over at Motoring Exposure (click here for the articles).Picture by Stefan Molle WatchMy long time blog friend (a.k.a The Seiko Champion) Harry Bishop also wondered why I didn’t include a Seiko timepiece in my 1000 –...
Photo Essay: Breguet La Tradition
The Breguet La Tradition was launched in the mid-2000s to much fanfare and many subsequently mixed reviews amongst fans and connoisseurs – here was a watch that put the escapement on the dial side, was constructed in a very traditional 18th century style (note the odd, almost arbitrary shape of the bridges and sub-plates), finished unusually (but very well indeed) and launched at a reasonably accessible price for what it offered.Even the architecture was pretty unusual: the time dial was pushed to the top of the watch, regulateur-style, with the barrel in the center and going train laid out across the bottom of the watch. There’s also a little power reserve indicator tucked away ...
EPHORI LONDON BRACELETS: PERSONALISE YOUR WRIST WATCH LOOK WITH CUSTOM NAME INITIALS BRACELETS
In recent years, it has become trendy to wear bracelets alongside your watch. Whether they are comprised of beads, made of leather or metal, they can instantly add a touch of style to your wrist watch look.PERSONALISATION WITH CUSTOM INITIALSFor those who have tried and enjoyed wearing bracelets alongside your watches, we would like to introduce you to something new and unique C?EPHORI (pronounced Eh-four-rye) LONDON, a luxury men's fashion brand that creates bespoke beaded bracelets for men.Our beaded bracelets are personalised for you according to your tastes with your name initials. These bespoke bracelets are comprised of semi-precious natural stone beads and personalised bracelet plates...
Speedy Tuesday Fratello Team Talks About The Speedmaster And What It Means to Them
As you’ve read in last week’s Speedy Tuesday article, this year marks the 60th anniversary of the Speedmaster. It goes without saying that we love the Speedmaster and thought it might be a nice idea to share the thoughts and favorite Speedmasters of our team for a change.Top 3 SpeedmastersBelow, you will find the six of us talking about the Speedmaster and giving you the Top 3 Speedmasters of our personal choice. This, of course, might change a bit over time, as taste and preferences change and perhaps Omega will blow us away in BaselWorld in a couple of weeks with an anniversary piece. You will be the first to know here on Fratello Watches on March 23rd, with all details and liv...
Hands-On Jaeger-LeCoultre Polaris Memovox Review
It is no secret that passionate watch collectors (and journalists) have a slight preference for vintage watch models. The same goes for the Jaeger-LeCoultre Memovox. Whatever version they created in Le Sentier, most collectors just shrug their shoulders and referred to a vintage Memovox model. On January 15th we already briefed you about the?Jaeger-LeCoultre Polaris Memovox limited edition and other models in the new Polaris collection. However, nothing beats a good hands-on review, so they sent us their?Jaeger-LeCoultre Polaris Memovox and here we are. After a few weeks of having this watch in my possession, I think I can write down some helpful notes on this limited edition of 1000 pieces....
#TBT Automatic Flyback Chronograph Seiko 7016-8000
One of the most puzzling watches in my collection. I always learn something new about this model as I research it, trying to put all the bits together. Yet the full story remains unclear. Therefore, this article will be slightly different than my other reviews on vintage pieces.Even after devoting exponentially more time to digging out information on this Seiko 7016 there is still a lot I'm missing. So, I decided to publish the ongoing results of my findings. I hope there are some other collectors that might shed more light on this intriguing model. Feel free to correct or add any information you have on it.Seiko 7016 Flyback ChronographSeiko 7016A in time perspectiveLet's tune in on the his...
Q Timex: A Hands-On Review With A Killer Quartz Watch
No, don't worry: You're not in a time warp. Yes, Timex has just released the Timex M79 Automatic, and yes we know that this is not that model. This is last year's Q Timex. It's ready to be reviewed after spending several weeks (in total) on my wrist. And you know what? It's not half badLet's get this out of the way fast: The Q Timex is a quartz watch, not a mechanical watch. For those of you that don't care for quartz, I urge you to stay your clicking finger for just a few minutes more. While I too am rarely one for crystal-regulated heathens, I occasionally make exceptions when the shoe fits. I own (and adore) a Breitling Aerospace. A mechanical version would be pure sacrilege, so I'm aware...
February Vintage Inspiration: Alpina Mantle Clock
Believe it or not, this Alpina 8-day mantle clock gives me as much joy as any of my wristwatches. Actually, this Alpina mantle clock with an 8-day power reserve gives me more pleasure than 98% of my wristwatches. If your collection exceeds a certain number, most of the watches just end up seeing the darkness of your safe or drawer. This Alpina 8 Days proudly sits on my bedside table. Which means I look at it every single day. That's a luxury that none of my other vintage watches ever experienced. None of my wristwatches runs constantly. They don't have to. This Alpina is one of the two clocks in our flat, both with 8 days power reserve, that runs constantly throughout the year.Alpina is spec...
The Fears Watch Company Joins The GREAT Britain Campaign
The Fears Watch Company has become a partner of the GREAT Britain campaign. Following the 2016 revival after production ceased in 1976, Fears has gone from strength to strength. Now, as the company approaches its half-decade, it is being recognized as one of the best British brands out there.The “Britain is GREAT” slogan began appearing shortly after David Cameron was elected and in the run-up to the 2012 London Olympics. With a broad spectrum - from industry and education to media and culture - the goal is to inspire growth and interest, nationally and internationally.Fears Brunswick Blue release in 2019In tandem is the confirmation that February marks the final month a quartz m...
Fratello On Air: Watching Sports (And Sporting Watches) , Omega, AP, MB&F, And More!
Welcome one and all to our new Sunday afternoon Pod-Column, Watching Sports (Or WASP, for short).To celebrate this new Fratello feature, host Rob Nudds welcomes fellow sports fanatic Balazs to the virtual booth. This week, the despicable duo look back on Super Bowl LV and the remarkable achievements of 43-year old Tom Brady, as he guided the Buccs to their second championship while picking up his seventh (seventh) in the process.We talk about team building, Brady’s place in both NFL and general sports history, and why the heck the GOAT is wearing an IWC these days?We’ll be indulging one of our favorite pastimes and picking the perfect watch for several of the league’s bigge...
March Mania: Win The Hamilton Intra-Matic Auto Chrono!
Today is, of course, the last day of February, the day before the madness begins! As Rob highlighted, we love a good competition. Thus last week we wondered how cool it would be to celebrate our championship with a bang, and here we are. Do you fancy the brand-new Hamilton Intra-Matic Auto Chrono? Check out what you have to do to win this watch!Play the game!To win the Hamilton Intra-Matic Auto Chrono, all you have to do is:Subscribe to our NewsletterFollow Fratello Watches on InstagramSubscribe to our YouTube channelTake part in #MarchManiaSounds easy, right? It is. As soon as the March Mania tournament kicks off tomorrow, go ahead and dive right into the comments section. We’ll be lo...
Sunday Morning Showdown: Jet-Black Jaw-Droppers Omega Vs. IWC
In our Sunday Morning Showdown, two of our writers go head-to-head in an epic showdown for the ages. Strong opinions and hysterical hyperbole are welcome (so feel free to join in with the fun in the comments section below). And don’t forget to let us know which watches you’d like to see torn to shreds/effusively exalted next week. We’ll try and feature as many of our readers’ choices as we can. This time, two top echelon chronographs trade blows. The Omega Speedmaster Dark Side Of The Moon in ceramic and the IWC Pilot's Chronograph Tribute To 3705 in Ceratanium.In some ways, these watches sit at opposing ends of the spectrum. The recently-announced IWC Pilot’s C...