Vacheron Constantin Les Cabinotiers Grande Complication Bacchus
It doesn't take more than a quick glance at the new Vacheron Constantin Les Cabinotiers Grande Complication Bacchus to realize it. This is not a watch. If you're in the know, the name Les Cabinotiers will make you nod, as it is the single division of this storied manufacture that I would give an arm and a leg to visit. Set aside for Pices Uniques like this grande complication, most wrist and pocket watches (yes, for your vest pocket) from this inner sanctum of VC do not have a price tag.As the saying goes, if you have to ask, you can't afford it. Suffice to say we are talking hundreds of thousands of Swiss francs, but this is wholly irrelevant. Like my grail watch, this is about something o...
Fratello On Air: Universal Genve, Nivada, And More
That’s right, we’re trying to do keep our podcast on a tight weekly schedule! Fratello On Air returns and this week, Balazs and Mike talk about some wishes for 2022. This isn’t a pure recap of a recent 2022 Watch Wishes article, so tune in for new content!Balazs and Mike are keeping the microphone hot! Both return, and while Balazs is not feeling his best, they’re here to talk about what they’re looking forward to in 2022. Some of those wants are realistic, while others are hopeful thinking.“Handgelenks Kontrolle” and on to 2022The “Handgelenks Kontrolle” kicks things off with Balazs wearing his bi-color Datejust 16013 and Mike sporting h...
Two New Seiko Prospex Dive Watches: SRPH75K1 And SRPH77K1
It's always an exciting day when Seiko reveals a novelty. An excitement amplified by the fact that two new watches are being released! I'm referring to the new special edition releases for the Seiko Prospex Save The Ocean line. These take the form of a Seiko Monster (SRPH75K1) and a Baby Tuna (SRPH77K1). Though the base models are not new, the color combination and dial are. Both watches feature the signature textured dials that we have come to enjoy from this line of watches. So how do these two new divers hold up in the metal? Well, the undeniable charm of both Monster and Tuna not only shines through, but is complemented by the metal bezels, lovely blue textured dials, and yellow accents....
Hands-On: U-Boat Darkmoon 44 MM Grey SS
Were you always intrigued by oil-filled watches? I was! My first encounter with them dates back to the 1990s. At that time, almost simultaneously, Sinn, Bell & Ross, and Kienzle presented their first oil-filled models. Today, U-Boat boasts a full series of attractive oil-filled watches, and I got to try out the Darkmoon 44 MM Grey SS.Sinn reluctantly transformed an existing diver’s model into the 810Q and eventually rated it to 8,000 meters. SIOK, the Italian agent for Kienzle, presented The Deepest in titanium, which was rated to 9,000 meters. It was later even updated to 12,000 meters while using a resin case. Bell & Ross had the Hydro Challenger (later Hydromax) rated to 11,...
Nacho's Watch Goals For 2023
Three hundred sixty-five days of 2022 are over and done with, and the next three hundred and change lie in front of us. The start of the year offers an opportunity for introspective thought. You can call it soul searching or just chalk it up to a bit of casual (and maybe slightly festively hungover) philosophizing. Regardless, it's as good a time as any to set yourself up for a good rest of the year. Though defined goals are often a good way to set yourself up for failure, there's still a noble aspect to these long-term goals that I can't help but admire. Furthermore, as watch enthusiasts, it's worth noting a few watch-related goals for the year. Whether it's to finally get your hands on tha...
LVMH Watch Week 2023: TAG Heuer Is On A Roll
Getting off the starting blocks early at LVMH Watch Week 2023, the TAG Heuer portfolio looks like a good reason to pop over to Singapore. Yes, I know, I make it sound like the LVMH Watch Week is actually close to us in wintry Europe, but once again, it is a long flight away for good reason. The Asian market is very important to all brands within the group, so I get it. And to kick off LVMH Watch Week, TAG Heuer is on a roll.Let's face it, the European watch-fair season will never return to its pre-pandemic glam, and we're pretty much digitally savvy now, even when it comes to purchasing untried watches online. Still, I'd love LVMH to put the pin in Europe for 2024. I'd be there for sure beca...
Seiko Introduces The Prospex SLA065 Dive Watch
Meet the new Seiko Prospex SLA065, a new interpretation of a template set back in 1965. The original 62MAS has garnered legendary status, inspiring a series of reissues in different segments over the years. Today, Seiko adds another to that lineage. This SLA065 is a limited edition in the Save the Ocean collection.Seiko’s 62MAS-inspired reissues come in different price ranges. The SLA065 is a top-of-the-range model, coming in at $3,000. Let's have a closer look.The new Seiko Prospex SLA065The watch we have before us is clearly a descendant of the 62MAS. The original design language is still very much alive in this watch. It is a little bit bigger, however, at 41.3mm versus the original...
Zenith Unveils The Defy Skyline Skeleton
Nearly one year ago at the annual LVMH Watch Week, Zenith launched the Defy Skyline collection. At this year's event, held in Singapore for the first time, the Swiss watchmaker is unveiling a new addition to the family, the Defy Skyline Skeleton. The novelty features an open dial with an open-worked El Primero automatic movement. This high-frequency 5Hz skeleton watch comes in a 41mm case with a blue or black dial.The Defy Skyline familyWe were able to get a sneak peek of the blue Defy Skyline Skeleton fitted with an integrated steel bracelet to share with you. The model is an extension of the standard Defy Skyline model, which Thomas reviewed here last year. It has exactly the same octagona...
Hands-On: Blancpain Swatch Ocean Of Storms
When it became clear that Swatch would release a new Bioceramic Scuba Fifty Fathoms yesterday, I wasn’t sure how people would react. The initial release in September of last year didn’t replicate the hype and success of the MoonSwatch. Some people weren’t that convinced about the more expensive, non-serviceable Scuba Fifty Fathoms. Of course, those doubts were still there for yesterday’s release. Overall, though, I have to say that reactions have been quite positive. It shows that the all-black Ocean of Storms edition is a welcome addition to the Blancpain Swatch Bioceramic Scuba Fifty Fathoms collection.On Wednesday, a day before the release, our photographer Morgan ...
#TBT Tomas's 2024 New Year's Watch Resolutions
Last week, I talked about how one of my watch resolutions for 2023 had gone and some of the lessons I learned. For this week’s #TBT, I’d like to not only reflect a bit more but also share my goals for 2024. They include primarily maintaining a one-brand focus while also keeping my eyes open for past grails, discovering forgotten complications, and hunting more watch oddities. Let me elaborate.When I talked about how my 2023 resolutions informed my decisions throughout the year, astute readers pointed out in comments that my year was more about consolidation than downsizing. “Telling yourself that you are downsizing when you sell a watch is not honest if you soon buy another...
The Seiko Black Series Prospex SRPK43, SSC923, And SPB433
Today, we have news of three new models that are joining the Seiko Black Series. These watches are notable for their black hard-coated cases, black dials, and green LumiBrite Pro detailing. Several Prospex models have been given the Black Series treatment over the past two years. Now we finally have one of the more popular dive watches as an option.The Seiko Black Series is defined by, unsurprisingly, its absence of color on the dial and case. However, extreme contrast comes in the form of green LumiBrite Pro from additions to the hands, indexes, and bezel pips. Seiko tells us that when looking at these watches, they should create the feeling of viewing an object through night-vision equipme...
Fratello Talks: The Myth Of Perfect Watch Size
Welcome to the second episode of the second season of Fratello Talks! As we kick off the year, we’re dusting off old debates, and today, we talk about the myth of a perfect watch size. Your host Nacho is joined by RJ and Thomas to discuss horological proportions. Is there such a thing as a perfect watch size? We don’t think so. Too many factors come into play, from thickness to lug-to-lug and even the case shape, not to mention the wearer’s wrist circumference and profile. Ultimately, trying as many different watches as possible and seeing what works for you is the way to go. What may seem too big or too small on paper is sometimes more wearable than expected in the metal. ...
Daan's Watch Resolutions For 2025
Happy New Year, everyone. I wish you all the best for 2025. Have you already thought about your watch resolutions for the year ahead? Are you reorganizing, consolidating, splurging on new additions, or simply going to enjoy what you already have? I think my year will be some combination of those four. However, maybe I should consider more long-term planning because it will take courage, determination, and budget.Apart from a relatively cheap and obscure vintage Infra (made by Levrette) watch, I didn’t buy any watches last year. That very much reflects my 2024 New Year’s resolutions. Indeed, it was a calm year because of our new house and the fact that we were in the middle of a r...
MB&F's Horological Machine No2-SV (Sapphire Vision)
Today, MB&F unveiled the Horological Machine No2-SV (Sapphire Vision) according to plan. Since early 2008, I am following Maximilian Busser and Friends with great interest and have reported several times on their extreme cool creations. My personal favorites are MB&F’s (including Sage Vaughn) HM2 contribution to the Monaco Only Watch event and the recently introduced HM 2.2 BlackBox model that MB&F created together with Alain Silberstein.On the 6th of January, MB&F announced the upcoming introduction of a 25 piece only HM2, which is today, on January 12th of 2010. The HM2 SV edition gives away part of the secrets and inner workings of their Horological Machine Number 2 ...
HYT Skull The HYT H1 Transforms Into The Skull
In a week from now the SIHH 2015 will start and of course, we will be there to bring you the latest news from the Geneva exhibition. Besides the SIHH, there will be other horology events hosted like the SIWP and of course there are lots of individual presentations from watch brands at several locations in Geneva. From 19th to the 23rd of January, HYT will introduce their latest timepiece in Geneva as well, the HYT Skull.HYT Skull – Red and GreenWhen HYT introduced their H1 watch back in 2012 we – and lots of others as well – were blown away by their concept of indicating time using fluid. Being able to give this fluid any colour, the watch could be more or less be ‘ta...
Speedy Tuesday Speedmaster Professional 145.022-69 from 1971
I’ve had a couple of Omega Speedmaster Professional 145.022 models through the years, from the 145.022-69 to the 145.022-78 references. I kept selling and trading them at that point, they were approx 1500 Euro watches and were quite useful to flip for other more sought-after watches. But late summer 2015 I was approached by a reader who had this Speedmaster Professional for sale and after he sent me a couple of pictures I realized that I didn’t have a 145.022-69 in my collection anymore. Although I had hoped for a case back with straight-text inscription, it happened to be the pre-Moon case back instead.Speedmaster Professional 145.022-69 on its original 1039 bracelet.So, after g...
SIHH 2017 Cartier Announces the Rotonde de Cartier Skeleton Mysterious Hour Watch
Cartier's presentation at the SIHH in 2013 was for me personally an important one, since the ‘Rotonde Mysterieuse’ was introduced and the ‘Santos Dumont Skeleton’ in pink gold was launched. Two watches that I absolutely adore. Both of them had amazing features like the floating hands of the Rotonde Mysterieuse and the transparant movement of the ‘Santos Dumont Skeleton’.?Just now a few days before the SIHH 2017, Cartier pre-announced a new ‘Rotonde Mysterieuse’ that excels the current version.?Rotonde de Cartier Skeleton Mysterious Hour Watch– The 2013 Rotonde de Cartier Mysterieuse –It excels because?it is even more mysterious than...
Omega Seamaster Olympic Games Collection
Inspired by the stopwatches that the manufacturer from Bienne made for timekeeping events, specifically for the 1976 Olympic Games in Montreal and Innsbruck, Omega presents their Seamaster Olympic Games Collection. Five Seamaster Olympic Games watches, in the colors of the Olympic Rings (blue, yellow, black, green and red).Each watch has this domed black and white dial, just like the stopwatches, and a colored ring on the outer white dial. At 6 o’clock, the ring is broken by the Olympic rings logo in a mono color. This ring can also be used a a pulse reader, as it has small 20 seconds intervals, enabling the sporty wearer to easily measure and calculate their pulse beats-to-minute. The...
Baume & Mercier Goes In-House With Their Clifton Baumatic!
Baume & Mercier excited us recently with an invitation to Geneva, where we got to see their novelty for the SIHH. Not exactly a new watch, but a new movement. Meet the Baume & Mercier caliber Baumatic BM12-1975A. An in-house movement, developed with the help of ValFleurier and the Richemont Group’s innovation hub. A certified chronometer movement with 120 hours of power reserve and ensuring anti-magnetism up to 1500 gauss. Let’s have a closer look at the Baume & Mercier Clifton Baumatic.Clifton BaumaticYou are probably already familiar with the Baume & Mercier Clifton watch. If not, we reviewed it some of the Clifton collection?here?and here. When this watch was i...
Hands-On: Omega Speedmaster Master Chronometer Video Review
Here you go, our hands-on review of the new Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch Master Chronometer.Everything you need to know about the Speedmaster can be also found in this article on Fratello. We also covered the new Moonwatch in our recent podcast, here....