Hands-on with the Timex S1 Automatic by Giorgio Galli
My eyes opened wide when I counted all the features and emotions designer Giorgio Galli wrapped into the skeleton case of the Timex S1 Automatic. ?When I got a text from fellow editor Mike?asking me if I'd seen the new Timex S1, I happily responded that I'd already asked for a press sample. Both Mike and I were pretty amused to see the skeleton case, an automatic movement, a unique crown, and the innovative strap all for just a few hundred euros. Sadly, Timex was unable to send in a sample for review. And so, with no other option, I did what I had to do to get my hands on it and bought it.Timex S1 skeletonized caseWhen I spoke to Yvan Arpa from ArtyA watches recently, he said he was always f...
Hands-On Review Of The Bangalore Watch Company Mach 1A Automatic
I’ve had this watch in my possession for months longer than planned. We get sent a lot (and I really do mean a lot) of watches to assess, and sometimes it takes us a little bit of time to get to them. When it came to the Bangalore Watch Company Mach 1A, I was hit by alternating waves of enthusiasm and unenthusiasm, which made for a stunted reviewing experience. Eventually, however, I got it on my wrist and spent a few uninterrupted days putting it through its paces. Read on for my likes and dislikes of this, the flagship pilot’s watch from India’s most ambitious new brand.Somewhere inside of me, there’s a guy that likes pilot’s watches. He doesn’t pop his ...
The Magic Of Forstner How The Right Bracelet Can Transform A Watch
It wasn’t until last year that I became aware of Forstner. Since that day, my watch-wearing habits changed. Truthfully (and this is no word of a lie), my newfound obsession has even affected my buying habits. How can that be possible, I hear you ask? Well, read on and discover how the Forstner Flat Link, Klip, and especially the Komfit bracelets have changed my hobby for the better.I’m not a bracelet guy. At least, that’s what I tell people. If they, like you and I, are the kind of people that even understand what I mean, you can imagine that the first thing they’ll do upon hearing such a definitive statement is to check my wrist. I must admit that if they were to do ...
Hands-On With The Panerai Luminor Marina Carbotech PAM1661
Panerai has come a long way since its watches were first made available to the public in 1993. While the Italian powerhouse overawed the market with large, steel watches with hand-wound movements, Panerai has turned into a highly innovative Swiss manufacture.Last year, Panerai was one of the few watch brands we were able to meet in person (during the Geneva Watch Days in August). And the staff of the brand’s Geneva boutique had a lot to show us, as Watches & Wonders (the successor of SIHH) was only done digitally. Now, I love a lot of things digital-only, but discovering new watches is something I would always rather do in the real world.One of last year’s Panerai novelties i...
Watch Strap Review 48 Porsche 356 Watch Strap by GLC
This is the third time GLC Straps releases a strap made of vintage car seat leather. I've had the pleasure of reviewing their Porsche 928 and Mercedes 190 SL limited editions in the past. Still, I was just as excited to open this parcel as I was the first time. Why? Because the leather they used for their latest limited edition came from an exceptional car, the iconic Porsche 356.Another first regarding this project is that GLC Strap produced a rally-style version?and?a plan vintage style strap. So those of you who are not a fan of perforated straps, don't worry; GLC has something in store for you as well.Porsche 356Let’s talk a bit about the Porsche 356. The car had a relatively long ...
Everything You Need To Know About The New Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch
Meet the new Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch, with a new movement. The new Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch has the caliber 3861 Master Chronometer movement, a new case, dial, and case back. In this article, you read everything there’s to know about the new Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch.I am super excited, as today is a very special (Speedy) Tuesday, as Omega announces its successor to the Speedmaster Moonwatch that has been in the collection since 1996. Bringing an update to an all-time classic needs to be done with care, and that’s exactly what Omega did. They took their time and updated the bits and pieces that everyone felt needed an update (the bracelet comes to mind). Besides that, Om...
Timex Marlin Automatic Peanuts Charlie Brown
After my story on the grail watch I wouldn’t wear, this is my second story this week with a lateral view on watches. From a $750,000 grail to a $250 Timex Marlin Automatic Peanuts Charlie Brown, both are equally important to keep our love of wristwear alive. “A watch? I have the time on my phone, on my laptop, on the coffee machine, and in the car. Surely I don't need it on my wrist!” Consider this a quote from any Macbook-toting, Yeezy-wearing member of Generation Z. Could a cartoon-character watch like the Timex Marlin Automatic Peanuts Charlie Brown convince such a person?We can only hope that the trend of going off-grid will work as a counterbalance. An increasing numbe...
Buying Guide: The Best Breitling Watches From The 2000s
We like to talk about vintage watches a lot within the Fratello team. Though most of what we write about is largely focused on the most recent releases and developments, for many of us, a lot of the fun can be found in the sometimes weird and often wonderful world of vintage watches. It's a world full of history, remarkable watches, incredible stories, and quirky details. It inspired us to come up with a series of articles focusing on the best watches per decade from a select group of brands. Some of them are priceless, some of them are still affordable. In this installment, we will take a look at the best Breitling watches from the 2000s.By the turn of the millennium, Switzerland had proudl...
Hands-On With The Traska Venturer GMT
Being into horology seems to be akin to being an archeologist and coming across the latest and greatest discovery every day. Two weeks ago, I thought I had found the best-value GMT watches from independent brands. But today, I'm coming to you to suggest another one. And whatever you thought great value was, think again. I may very well have found a golden nugget. But what constitutes great value anyway? That's absolutely subjective, and here, I'll propose my definition - great engineering and beautiful finishing for a reasonable price. What is reasonable? Well, let's find out below by taking a look at the new Traska Venturer GMT.?I wrote about Traska last year when reviewing the Seafarer, a ...
Credor Kuon: The Biggest Sleeper Hit From 2023?
With all of the new watches that came our way in 2023, it seems that we overlooked one of the more attractive releases. The Credor Kuon series was first announced in September and went largely unnoticed. We’ll blame it on the fact that these are sadly JDM-only watches. Thankfully, some Japanese sellers are happy to ship overseas and often offer a discount versus retail. It certainly makes these beauties worth looking into…The Credor Kuon is the latest series of watches from the Seiko group’s most exclusive and premium brand. Sitting alongside the Goldfeather and the Eichi II, the new Kuon takes its name from the Japanese word for “eternity” and is meant to signi...
The IWC Aquatimer Automatic And The Future Of The Line
Watches and Wonders 2024 might still be months away, but looking at the IWC Aquatimer Automatic that recently arrived at Fratello HQ got me thinking of the upcoming watch salon. Last year, it was all about the revamped Ingenieur. What will we see emerge from the manufacture in Schaffhausen in 2024? Undoubtedly, there will be a few new Pilot's Watch models since those form the backbone of IWC, but what about a completely new Aquatimer? I think it's about bloody time! The current collection is 10 years old. Having said that, the 42mm Aquatimer Automatic didn't feel outdated or old-fashioned on the wrist. But it did make me ponder what IWC has up its sleeve for 2024.The 10 references in IWC's c...
RJ's 2024 Watch Resolutions: Making Room For More Joy
I didn't buy a single Speedmaster for the second consecutive year, which feels wrong. However, my hopes are high for 2024, though, after Omega showed us that white-dial Speedmaster on Daniel Craig’s wrist.Reviewing my watch resolutions from 2023That said, let's quickly look back at my watch resolutions of last year (you can find the article here). I had two watches in my mind to purchase in 2023, and although I bought more than two, I only ended up with one from my previous watch resolutions, the Breguet Tradition ref. 7027. Among others, I also added the Straum Jan Mayen Fratello edition with the red dial, our Aquastar Deepstar II collaboration with the pink dial, and an Ebel Sport Cl...
TAG Heuer Returns As The Official Timekeeper For Formula 1
In the year that Formula 1 celebrates its 75th anniversary, TAG Heuer will return to the sport as its Official Timekeeper. It’s a combination that’s as natural as peanut butter and jelly. With the watch brand’s rich history in racing and its sponsorship of the leading F1 team, this new partnership feels like coming home. In a surprise move, LVMH outbid to take over the timekeeping duties in motorsport’s leading class last October. This next step, however, feels like the most logical one that the luxury conglomerate could have taken and connects TAG Heuer to Formula 1 in 2025. It’s a true return to form!One of the biggest commercial changes of the guard in 2024 ...
Adventuring With The IWC Mark XV Through Tasmania
Traveling is always an opportunity to spend quality adventure time with a watch. My last trip happened to be in Tasmania, a special place for me. On the trip, I took my IWC Mark XV, which also has great personal significance.My IWC Mark XV is a watch that fulfills the role of going anywhere and doing anything (GADA). I have written about this on Fratello before, where I nominated the IWC Mark XV as the watch I would take on any significant adventure. Those adventures have included going to the bottom of one of the deepest mine shafts in Australia and plenty of ocean swimming. I even prefer the IWC Mark XV over my Tudor Black Bay 58, a watch I wear almost daily because of its versatility.The ...
Looking Forward To The New Christophe Claret Maestro
SIHH 2017 is around the corner, and our mailbox is filling up with pre-SIHH releases and under-embargo material. Somehow I feel all these pre-SIHH releases spoil the surprise aspect a bit, but all brands are craving for exposure of course. Big brands like IWC, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Panerai, A. Lange & Sohne, Audemars Piguet etc. will dominate the news feeds and magazines, but don’t forget there are a bunch of independent companies?there as well. One of them is Cristophe Claret and they will be showing us their new Maestro.Christophe Claret MaestroNext week, Christophe Claret will unveil the new Maestro. A watch with an awesome [movement] architecture, that actually needs the super dome...
ORIS Carl Brashear Chronograph Limited Edition
Just before the SIHH kicks off, a couple of brands that are not part of that exhibition are introducing new watches as well. Oris is one of these brands and they introduce you to the new Carl Brashear Chronograph Limited Edition. The first bronze Oris Carl Brashear sold very well, and in the meanwhile has become a true collector’s item. Prices on the market are well over the original retail (of $2600).Now, Oris comes up with the Carl Brashear Chronograph limited edition. Limited to 2000 pieces in total and this time, with a chronograph complication. For the background on the Carl Brashear connection, follow this link, where you will find an in-depth review on the first edition.Oris Car...
Astronaut John W. Young 9th Astronaut on the Moon, Flew to the Moon Twice and Was On The First Space Shuttle Flight
It is not even a year ago that astronaut Gene ‘Last Man on the Moon’ Cernan passed away. Last week, the longest serving astronaut in NASA’s history (42 years) passed away: John W. Young. With that, the number of astronauts that were on the Moon and are still alive today is down to 5 (out of 12). A sad statistic.Although we are mainly focussing on the astronaut’s watches here, let’s have a look at a big part of John W. Young’s life at NASA first, which started in 1962. Being part of the NASA Group 2 in 1962, also known as the ‘Next Nine’. Other astronauts in this selection were?Neil Armstrong, Frank Borman, Pete Conrad, Jim Lovell, Jim McDivitt,...
Vintage Grana Chronograph A 2nd World War Veteran
Today I'd like to talk to you about a very special watch. For many reasons. To start with it's a chronograph. In itself, this is not extraordinary but as you know we love chronos here. Whether it's a Speedmaster, a Seiko 6139 or something completely different like this one we are up for it. You can call that special, I guess. It is also a vintage timepiece. Not only that but one that is coming from the 1940s, so 70+ years old. Then there's its case, which is rather larger for the ’40s, at 38.4mm, 44mm from lug tip to lug tip. Finally, it is coming from a brand that is defunct, yet still alive. How can that be possible? Well, I'm talking about my vintage Grana (new Certina) chronograph ...
#TBT Citizen Auto Dater Uni ParaWater AU140801
Today, on #TBT, we’ll take a look at a watch that has one of my favorite dials, the Citizen Auto Dater Uni ParaWater.We’ve been dipping in and out of vintage Citizen for the last couple years here on Fratello. We’ve primarily covered dive watches with the odd dressier piece thrown in for good measure. I promise to bring even more variety in 2020 and today’s look at the Citizen Auto Dater Uni ParaWater is the first step in keeping that resolution. I truly enjoy vintage Japanese watches and started my collecting by falling head over heels for sportier Seiko pieces. And while I’ve certainly not “seen it all” when it comes to Seiko, they’re certain...
Hot Take: New Oris Aquis Lake Baikal Watch
We may be entering a new decade, but Oris's commitment to the world's waters refuses to relent. Their modern Aquis diving watch is the poster child for environmental conservation. Continuing its hot-streak, Oris has announced?the Lake Baikal, which is limited to 1,999 pieces.Last year, the Oris Trilogy boxset brought awareness to the plastic contamination and rising sea temperatures damaging our oceans. This new Oris Aquis focuses on the impending dangers to our freshwater sources, continuing Oris’s long-standing contribution to this field. Specifically Lake Baikal on the Siberian border with Mongolia. Baikal is one of the World's deepest, oldest,?and once clearest freshwater lakes. In...