Audemars Piguet Royal Oak "Jumbo" Extra-Thin In Titanium With Platinum
Just when I thought I was out, they pull me back in. To quote Michael Corleone in The Godfather Part III. I’ve always been a huge Audemars Piguet Royal Oak fan, especially of the “Jumbo” (later referred to as “Extra-Thin” and now AP started to use both indicators for the watch being really flat). A few years ago, I spent an arm and a leg buying one of my grail watches, the Royal Oak “Jumbo” 15202ST. Somewhere, I lost my love for the company a bit (not their watches) after a few disappointments which I wrote about here already. That happens sometimes (at some point you’re just done with an unanswered love :)), but already last year my interested...
Quick Look: Breitling Navitimer Pan Am Edition
Hot on the heels of their first airline-inspired release honoring Swissair, we have a second new colorful watch to view, the Breitling Navitimer Pan Am Edition.? Much like the Swissair piece, the Pan Am pays tribute to another airline from the Golden Age of commercial travel.? Pan Am is arguably the most famous airline to ever exist despite the fact that they ceased operations way back in 1991.? I never flew them, but I recall many family members and friends hopping aboard their “wide bodies” out of Miami International and over to foreign destinations such as Heathrow.? And then, who could forget 2002’s Catch Me If You Can with Leonardo Dicaprio as a captain-in-disguise on ...
Panerai PAM1039 The Luna Rossa Challenger Submersible
Panerai announced their?partnership with Luna Rossa, the Italian team which is the first to challenge the defender of the 36th America’s Cup. Because of this partnership, Panerai will introduce a number of watches dedicated to Luna Rossa. The first one we are able to show is the PAM1039, or ‘Luna Rossa Challenger Submersible’. Let’s have a closer look.Officine Panerai?Luna Rossa Challenger SubmersiblePanerai introduces to you their Luna Rossa Challenger Submersible. Not only carbon fibre (used for the hull of the AC75 ship) is being used, but also a piece of the sailcloth of the Luna Rossa AC75 boat. With a 47mm case made of Carbotech (based on carbon fibre material),...
Creux Automatiq launches the new DIAMONDBACK series.
The best of both worlds, the new 40mm Diamondback series is built tough to handle the elements, with the refined elegance of a classic dress watchWhere nature meets design, the Diamondback was inspired by the pattern on the Diamondback Rattlesnake. Built to handle the elements yet sleek in its appearance, this new Swiss made 40mm range is Creux Automatiq's first unisex offering and features their first adjustable stainless steel bracelet.The Diamondback CA-08Housed in a slimmer version of CA's signature curved bevel case design, this model is every bit as complex in its design and detail as its predecessor the Ghost CA-01.We wanted to create a timepiece that would stand on its own, a piece t...
Laurent Ferrier Bridge One Introducing A New Caliber
With the Bridge One, Laurent Ferrier not only introduces a new shape watch in their collection but also a brand new caliber, especially for this design.Inspired by the?Passerelle de l'Ile, a very famous bridge in Geneva, Laurent Ferrier let us know that as a child, he was looking out at this famous landmark in the city from his room. The shape?of Laurent Ferrier’s Bridge One is not only beautiful, but it should also enhance the wearer’s experience and comfort.Laurent Ferrier Bridge OneEntirely made of stainless steel, the Laurent Ferrier Bridge One will be available with two different dials. Or, as Laurent Ferrier puts it in his press release, two ‘SIHH special dials’...
Baume & Mercier Clifton Baumatic Perpetual Calendar M0A10470
Baume & Mercier is adding some new interesting Baumatic powered watches to their Clifton collection, and we will cover them all. However, we’d like to start with the boldest of them first (although there’s also a red gold three-hander): the red gold?Baume & Mercier Clifton Baumatic Perpetual Calendar. It is one of the most interesting complications to us, besides a chronograph (we don’t care much about tourbillons, to be honest, Baume & Mercier actually did one in 2014 for their Clifton collection).Clifton Baumatic Perpetual CalendarWe don’t have to explain what a perpetual calendar is to you I am sure, but for those who are new to the world of mechanical ...
IWC Pilot's Watches Collection From SIHH 2019
The bread and butter of IWC are their pilot's watches. The Swiss manufacturer has been offering aviation timepieces for a very long time. There are only a handful of big names in the industry with this type of pedigree. Surely IWC is one of them. Their line-up is versatile spanning from dress watches like the Portofino collection to diver's watches such as the Aquatimer and many more models. Yet the backbone of IWC are still the timepieces that take inspiration from aviation. This year the Schaffhausen-based brand goes all in on this theme. Their 2019 novelty list includes reinterpretations of familiar watches as well as some new models. The list is huge, and we will not be able to cover eac...
Introducing Hublot Classic Fusion Gold Crystal Watch
One of the most enjoyably divisive watch brands on Planet Earth has released a rush of new models during the LVMH watch week in Dubai. Hublot, known for its endless experimentation with unusual materials, strikes gold with the Classic Fusion Gold Crystal watch.Say what you like about Hublot, but this horological heavyweight knows how to cause a stir. The sheer proportions of many of Hublot’s models require their wearers to have bags of confidence. Throw in the often wild design of these laboratory-born showstoppers, and you’re left with a product that will appeal to a small slither of the luxury watch audience. But that is exactly what this brand wants, and what it does so well. ...
Hands-On: A Trio Of New Seiko Alpinist Models
Hot on the heels of their official release, we go hands-on with the three new Seiko Alpinist references.It was just last week that we published an article on discontinued Seiko watches that collectors love. One of the watches I discussed was the long-running SARB017 Alpinist. I also mentioned that Seiko was planning to release a trio of new Seiko Alpinist watches and it just so happens that those pieces arrived at the local Seiko Frankfurt boutique this past Thursday. I took the opportunity to visit the shop and the fantastic team there was gracious enough to allow me to handle and photograph each of the new models. Here’s your chance to see all three and get some feedback on whether t...
The Three Omega Speedmaster References That Were Worn On The Moon
We are often asked which Speedmaster models have been worn on the Moon. Somehow, people think the caliber 861 Speedmaster Professional (145.022) was one of them, but this isn’t correct.In 1962, NASA astronaut Walter “Wally” Schirra wore his Omega Speedmaster CK2998 in space. As a result, the 2012 introduction of the First Omega in Space watch(es) was based on the case of the original CK2998. However, Schirra’s watch was privately owned and had nothing to do with the chronographs officially selected?by NASA. It wasn’t until 1964 that NASA requested brands to provide a quote for a wristwatch with a chronograph function. Only four brands responded to that request: ...
#TBT Bulova Accutron Astronaut 214 Watch
So many Bulova Accutron watches up for grabs cause the effect that collectors tend to overlook them quickly. Even finer models such as the Bulova Accutron Astronaut. What a?mistake! Well, a?mistake you can avoid.I?made that mistake too. I?have seen so many Accutron Spaceview models that it resulted in pushing it lower and lower on my wishlist. It was on the list for sure, but I?failed multiple times to find a few hours to dig deeper into its story. All that changed one evening when I?opened the History of a?modern wrist watch book by Pieter Doensen on a?page that featured the copy of a?tuning fork Swiss Patent 312290.Why the Bulova Accutron mattersThe low frequency of the balance wheel made ...
Hot Take: MING 27.02 Gradient Guilloche Saving The Best For Last
The MING 27.02 is here and we see it as a bittersweet release. The watch is a beauty, but it marks the end of the 27 series of watches.It’s no secret that we’re fans of MING here on Fratello. We look forward to covering their announcements and enjoy the fact that their watches continue to sell at lightning speed. In fact, I was so taken with last year’s 18.01 H41 diver that I ordered one and it just so happens to be on my wrist while I type this. Every new release by the brand brings us something new and this instance is no different. Make no mistake, the watch is the focus, but the release strategy has changed. You can read this article at ease and take solace in the fact ...
Kenji Chai BOLDR Venture Chaigo Limited Edition Watch Is Joy Manifested
Limited edition watches come in all shapes and sizes. Sometimes they make sense, sometimes they don’t. Sometimes they come from a good place, sometimes it is clear they don’t. When I first heard about the Kenji Chai BOLDR Venture Chaigo Limited Edition I took a moment to get my head around it. While Swatch has been doing collabs of this nature for literally decades, it is rarer for a micro/small independent to enter such a field. After doing my research, I decided it shouldn’t be. The world needs more joy in it. And so thanks to BOLDR, Kenji Chai, and Chaigo (the blue stray dog) himself…Toys and watches don’t go together obviously. It would be crazy to suggest, ...
Hamilton PSR MTX Video Review
Since 2020, I have been the happy owner of the Hamilton PSR, the 50th-anniversary edition in (PVD) gold. Then, last December, Hamilton introduced a special version for the latest sequel in the Matrix series of films: The Matrix Resurrections. It’s an all-black Hamilton PSR MTX, limited to 1999 pieces. The number of watches corresponds with the year in which the first Matrix movie was released.In this video, RJ talks about the Hamilton PSR MTX edition, the watch that Nacho introduced to you here.Hamilton PSR MTXThe PSR MTX watch measures 40.88 34.7mm and has a PVD black coating. Whereas the original models came with a red LED display, the Matrix edition has a green display. Some very ra...
Isotope Hydrium Hands-On With Two Distinct Versions
Some watches stand out immediately when you see them. The Isotope HydriumX “Will Return” is that kind of watch. It’s bold, it’s colorful, and it commands your attention. But it wasn’t the first model of the Hydrium series that I noticed. It was the Hydrium Burnt Tangerine that first caught my eye. It’s essentially the same watch as the HydriumX “Will Return”, but it features a dial in a nice shade of orange. But it was more than that. I loved the overall aesthetic of the Hydrium. It’s why I was very happy to try out the colorful HydriumX “Will Return” and the stealthy Hydrium Blue Night.I’m all for conceptual watches tha...
Seiko One Piece "Luffy" And "Sabo" Affordable And Fun
I usually assess watches I find interesting for their versatility. I actually do wear all my watches. Therefore, I need to be able to imagine a situation when I will be wearing a possible new acquisition to buy it. This approach often disqualifies watches with an overly flamboyant or colorful look. Sometimes, though, I stumble upon watches that are a bit peculiar but which I definitely find attractive. It surely facilitates my decision if such a watch has a more affordable price.In November, the Seiko Boutique in Hamburg had invited me to an event to present recent novelties. Next to the many interesting new models in the Prospex and Presage ranges, as well as the new offerings from Grand Se...
Building A Watch Brand Episode 2: The Name And Concept
Let me start by thanking you for the reception of the first episode of Building A Watch Brand. It has been heartwarming to receive your messages of encouragement and support! In this second installment, I will share some more details about the brand. I have a name and an idea of what the brand should be. As promised, I will share the journey even though it is all still in development.Perhaps needless to say, everything I show you here is still very much in the works. Some things might evolve along the way, while other aspects might stick around. But I promised to share an unfiltered journey, and this is what I am working on at the moment.So the name isOkay, exciting moment. Drum roll, please...
Thor's Watch Goals For 2023 Uncovered
As many of the other Fratello editors have mentioned, this is an incredibly difficult article to write, also for me. It has been churning around in my skull for more than a week, forcing me to take notice of my habits. From my annoyingly changing taste to involuntary Chrono24 binge-clicking, I am still struggling to consolidate my collection, and that is goal number one. But when my notebook had the title of “Thor's Watch Goals For 2023” with a deadline today, I got rattled.Well, I made a good go of a proper collection reduction over Christmas, and it worked a charm. Two sizeable watches have been sold, and I only have one big boy left, my Marinemaster 300 (not counting G-Shocks)...
Hands-On: The Minimalist Peren Regia Dive Watch
Peren is a microbrand that came onto people’s radar with the release of the Nera. While not the brand’s first watch, its minimalist design and great attention to detail stood out immediately. Sometime later, Thomas and Nacho were impressed by the Nera Rogue models that they reviewed. So I was curious to learn more about the new Peren Regia dive watch. This model is part of a two-watch launch alongside the Regia X. These two watches are the next step for the brand, cementing the distinct design style that its founder Andy Bica created. It’s time to find out more.It’s funny how the brain works sometimes. As watch enthusiasts, it seems we love nothing more than finding h...
Louis Vuitton Tambour Vs. Chopard Alpine Eagle 41 XPS
Another Sunday, another showdown! This week, two luxury integrated-bracelet sports watches with sub-seconds layouts and micro-rotor calibers face off. In the red corner, we have RJ defending the Louis Vuitton Tambour. In the blue corner, Thomas is fighting for the Chopard Alpine Eagle 41 XPS. Who will emerge victorious? You decide!Louis Vuitton and Chopard aren’t often mentioned in the same breath. Yet, they offer two rather similar watches. Each can give the other a run for its money. This week, we aim to find out which you, dear Fratelli, appreciate the most.Breguet Classique 5157Last week - Perpetual 1908 vs. Breguet Classique 5157But first, let’s have a look at the results o...