A Look Back At LVMH Watch Week 2023
Even though I’ve loved watches since I was a small boy and have now been writing about them for four years, I still get excited about new releases. Increasingly, events are focused on the important markets far south and east of Europe, but does it matter? After all, we are digital now, and many of us buy most of our watches online, including me. The 2023 LVMH Watch Week might have taken place in Singapore, but through the art of HD images, the notion of always being there to try on wristwear in person seems wholly unrealistic in 2023.LVMH Watch Week is always the first event of the year, and though it is limited to the four main brands of the luxury group, it sets the tone for the year...
Yema Rallygraf Meca-Quartz Now In Five Colorways
I was recently brushing up on my knowledge and understanding of chronographs when the news popped up: Yema is releasing new color variants of its popular Rallygraf Meca-Quartz. This super-vintage-inspired chronograph now comes in five color variations and is powered by the Seiko VK64 movement. Being a meca-quartz watch means it will be rather affordable and easy to wear. Indeed, it retails for $369 and has a case diameter of 39mm. But more on that later!?I recently wrote about Yema's Navygraf Chrono, which utilizes the iconic Valjoux 7750 caliber. Fratello has also published several articles about the French brand in the past few years, including an interesting faceoff between two Yema chron...
Introducing The Chronotechna SeaQuest Dive Frozen Deep
It’s always cool to write about a brand that’s never been featured on Fratello before. But this time, it’s even cooler, literally speaking, because Chronotechna is launching its signature SeaQuest Dive in a Frozen Deep limited edition. The brand does so as its ambassador and freediver David Vencl will try to achieve the impossible. He will attempt something that no one has ever done before. And that is to reach a significant depth below a frozen surface while wearing only a swimsuit, and taking just one deep breath. Let’s take a closer look at this Czech brand and its daredevil ambassador.The Chronotechna brand name dates back to 1946. At that time, until the Velvet R...
Meet The Fratello Shop
When I started collecting watches, it was incredibly hard to get some accessories as simple as a proper replacement strap. For a long time, we played with the idea of opening up the Fratello Shop as well to offer straps and accessories to our readers. But we also realized that if we did it, we would need to do it properly. That means fast shipping, good customer support, and a nice selection of good-quality products that make sense.Last year, we hired Laurits, the dedicated e-com guy in our Fratello office. Together with the rest of the Fratello team, he works hard to get the best products for our webshop, takes care of all logistics, and is there for you when there’s something to ask ...
Hands-On: The Charlie Paris Concordia GMT Dune
Charlie Paris is one of those brands that I knew by name but had never gotten a chance to check out in real life. But when the new Concordia GMT caught my eye, I knew I had to learn more. This beautifully styled GMT mixes the classic aesthetic of a dive watch with a nicely integrated GMT function. On top of that, the brand chose some rather attractive dial colors to enhance the style even more. I had a chance to go hands-on with the Concordia GMT Dune version, which combines different shades of brown on the dial to make for a really attractive piece. Can this Charlie Paris Concordia stand out in the ever-expanding world of GMT watches? Let’s find out.It’s not often that a watch i...
Formex Reef 39.5 Vs. Seiko Prospex Marinemaster
Welcome to another Sunday Morning Showdown! We hope you woke up with a nice cup of coffee this Sunday morning and are ready to vote for your favorite watch in this week’s battle of the divers. This week, it’s going to be like David versus Goliath. In one corner, we have the new Formex Reef 39.5mm, which came out in December of 2023. It’s going up against the Seiko Prospex Marinemaster, which Seiko announced last November. These are two brand-new divers with different price tags from two completely different brands. But could this battle be closer than the price difference might suggest? It’s time to find out!Back in November, the introduction of the new Seiko Marinema...
Introducing: The Re-Engineered Hublot Big Bang Meca-10
Ever since the Big Bang Meca-10 came out in 2016, the watch has stood out thanks to its 10-day caliber with a Meccano-inspired architecture. This year, though the 10-day power reserve isn't new, some other things are. The re-engineered Hublot Big Bang Meca-10 now measures 42mm in diameter and comes in three variations. You can choose between lustrous King Gold, technical titanium, and lightweight Frosted Carbon. Also, along with the new Big Bang Meca-10, the Big Bang Tourbillon Automatic Green SAXEM makes its way into the 2025 lineup.The lack of a dial has always been one of the main attractions of the Meca-10. Inspired by Meccano-type construction systems, the caliber is as intriguing as it...
The TAG Heuer Carrera Chronosprint Porsche Rallye
TAG Heuer and Porsche are well-known names in motorsport. In 2023, the two teamed up for a pair of special TAG Heuer Carrera models to celebrate the original Porsche 911. The Carrera Chronosprint Porsche now gets two more additions to the lineup. These watches celebrate the Porsche 911’s first rally success at the 1965 Monte Carlo Rally. The first is a regular stainless steel version, and the second is an 11-piece limited edition in yellow gold. Like the original stainless steel and rose gold versions from 2023, these two new ones pay tribute to the famous 0C100km/h sprint of the Porsche 911. Let’s find out more.When TAG Heuer introduced the first Carrera Chronosprint Porsche, it...
The New Louis Vuitton Tambour Taiko Spin Time Collection
Jump-hour watches are a fascinating branch within the world of horology. They often only show you the exact information you need when you look at your watch - the hours, the minutes, and sometimes the seconds. In 2009, Louis Vuitton, with the help of master watchmakers Michel Navas and Enrico Barbasini, introduced the Spin Time, an original take on the concept. Two numerals spin around each hour to hide the previous hour and reveal the current one. Over the years, the complication found a home in various Louis Vuitton watches. For LVMH Watch Week 2025, the brand introduces the new Tambour Taiko Spin Time Collection in six limited editions.Louis Vuitton’s Spin Time complication revolves...
Introducing: The Zenith Defy Skyline Chronograph Skeleton
Some watches are so perfectly on-brand that you have to look twice to see if they're actually new. I had this experience with this Zenith Defy Skyline Chronograph Skeleton. Between the regular Defy Skyline Chronograph and several Defy Extreme and Defy skeleton versions, this looks comfortably familiar. Still, this watch is indeed new. So let's look closer at this addition to the Skyline collection.You can have your pick of a black-dial version or a blue-dial variant. Both come with a stainless steel bracelet and a fitted rubber strap. Zenith priced them at CHF 14,900 / US$15,500.Zenith Defy Skyline Chronograph Skeleton specsLet's start with the basics. Under the hood, these two additions sha...
Our Favorite Divers From The '60s, '70s, And '80s
Welcome to another episode of Fratello On Air. This week, we discuss our favorite divers from the ’60s, ’70s, and ’80s. We also offer more affordable alternatives. Enjoy this lengthy episode! For our listeners, the watch content begins after 27 minutes....
How My Tudor Heritage Ranger Survived A Motorbike Crash
One of the best elements of wearing watches is forging memories with them. Sometimes, though, those memories can be a bit traumatic and leave true battle scars on the watch! Today, I’ll share how my Tudor Heritage Ranger survived a serious motorcycle accident and came away with some scars.When we think of watches showing their age, our minds probably go to something like the patina that develops on a dial or the scratches and marks on a metal bracelet. Sometimes when I handle a watch showing its age, I wonder what happened to cause some of those big dings, dents, and scratches.Vintage motorbikes: my pre-watch hobby?Before I became passionate about vintage watches and horology in genera...
Speedy Tuesday Speedmaster Missions Collection Suitcase
It is Speedy Tuesday and we have this Speedmaster Missions box for you! Although I’m at the SIHH in Geneva, following presentations and doing pictures for our #instagram channel (follow fratellowatches on instagram), nobody can hold us down!!?Today’s Speedmaster topic is the suit case with all the Speedmaster Missions models, a Speedmaster 1957 re-redition and a spare OMEGA caliber 1861 movement.There are 50 of these cases by OMEGA, introduced in batches of three. The first batch of the Speedmaster Missions collection?was 40 suit cases in 1997, and afterwards OMEGA produced / sold another 2 x 5 cases (1 in 1997, 1 in 1998).OMEGA Speedmaster MissionsAlthough I am not sure what the...
Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean GMT Orange Ceramic in Platinum Live Pics and Pricing
Omega unveiled the Seamaster Planet Ocean Orange Ceramic in platinum and the Seamaster Planet Ocean in platinum in black set with a diamond in the ceramic bezel, diamonds in the case and a diamond shaped Omega logo on the sapphire case back. Yes, that’s right, although everyone expected a novelty in orange (after some teasers on the official Omega Facebook and instagram channels) Omega decided to introduce two new pieces. Limited to 8 pieces each, both models were unveiled today by Omega in Geneva in their boutique at the Rue du Rhone.Also to become later on available in stainless steel with this new technology of orange ceramics, Omega first introduces this new watch in Pt950 platinum...
Montblanc Heritage Spirit Orbis Terrarum
You probably have read it by now, but Montblanc seems to be the big surprise of the SIHH show in Geneva. Again, as the brand from Hamburg could really enjoy some positive and overwhelming responses during the SIHH in 2014 as well.Let us add some words on Montblanc and its position in the Richemont group – or the watch universe in general – at the end of this article. First, we speak about this Montblanc Heritage Spirit Orbis Terrarum, their world timer watch with an in-house developed complication.Montblanc Heritage Spirit Orbis TerrarumMontblanc surprised everyone this year. Not only with this Montblanc Heritage Spirit Orbis Terrarum (euh, World Timer) but actually with their en...
Baume & Mercier Capeland Shelby Cobra 1963 (Live Photos and Official Price)
This year at SIHH, Baume & Mercier introduced a number of new watches dedicated to?ladies. However, they did have a very nice watch for gents to present as well: the Baume & Mercier Capeland Shelby Cobra 1963.Already last year Baume & Mercier introduced a Capeland Shelby Cobra watch, paying tribute to the famous blue and white-striped sports cars. Now, Baume & Mercier is introducing the Capeland Shelby Cobra 1963 Competition in an all stainless steel and in and ADLC version.Stainless steel version of the Baume & Mercier Capeland Shelby Cobra 1963Limited to 1963 pieces each, paying tribute to the year which saw the first Cobra’s victory at the American championship. ...
Nomos Orion 38 De Stijl Limited Edition 52Mondayz week# 4
Looking to wear a sober watch this week, friend of the show Alon Ben-Joseph (CEO of Ace Jewelers in Amsterdam) offered me to try his watch. A special and limited edition of the Nomos Orion 38, the ‘100 Years De Stijl’.Nomos Orion 38 De Stijl Limited EditionLast summer, this special edition was initiated by Alon’s family-owned company, Ace Jewelers in Amsterdam. We showed it to you here. Alon, being a great fan of this neoplasticism art movement as long as he knows, found in the 100th anniversary of the De Stijl movement an ideal opportunity to launch this watch. Nomos, always keen on plain and simple designs as well, proofed to be the perfect partner.The Nomos Orion 38 De S...
Omega Railmaster Co-Axial Master Chronometer 38mm Review
The year 1957 was a spectacular one for Omega. It was the year when Omega introduced the?Speedmaster,?Seamaster 300?and Railmaster. The first two are probably best? known, the Railmaster is a bit more a ‘collectors only’ piece these days. However, that is the watch we are covering in this review. The 60th anniversary edition that is, that was introduced last year.You've all seen the Omega 1957 Trilogy box set with reedition of the three? legends (if not, click here). Where the Speedmaster CK2915 was introduced for timing (sports) events and the Seamaster 300 CK2913 for diving purposes, the Railmaster CK2914 was meant for people working in professional environments where they woul...
SCHAFFEN REFERENCE 65: CUSTOM TIMEPIECES WITH ROTORS DESIGNED BY YOU
Where bespoke timepieces were once an option offered only by luxury brands or independents, Schaffen was founded to push the boundaries on watch customization. Since its inception in 2016, Schaffen has made hundreds of personalized timepieces. Today, we take a look at the next phase of development of the young brand as it releases its new collection of automatic watches.Schaffen Reference 65The first of its kind in this price bracket, the Reference 65 takes customization to the next level by delving into the movement of the watch. It introduces a unique and rarely seen customization option: the rotor. The rotor, an oscillating weight that winds an automatic timepiece, is as much aesthetic as...
Omega Launches De Ville Tresor 125th Anniversary Edition
Nowadays it seems that something new is coming out of the Omega Headquarters in Biel/Benne every week. If you think like that you are not far from the truth.As the die-hard Omega fans might know, the brand did not start its life as Omega SA.? Louis Brandt established his business in 1848 in the city of La Chaux-de-Fonds. The name if the company; La Generale Watch Co. ?After the founder's death his 2 sons took over the business and in 1894 they released their new movement. It was the 19-ligne. At the time the movement was one of the most accurate calibers around. It was revolutionary for every component could be replaced without modification by any watchmaker in the world. Furthermore, the pe...