2019 Speedy Tuesday Event Videos And Photos
Hereby we share with you the Speedy Tuesday Event videos that we took on January 8th in Biel, Switzerland. Also, you will find some of the official photos that were taken during the day by Omega’s photographer. Our own photos can be found in our previous “How to wear it!” report here.Speedy Tuesday Event VideosToday, we share with your three Speedy Tuesday Event videos that Bert Buijsrogge shot during the day. The first one below gives an overall?impression of the day in Biel. With about 45 guests, 6 of the Fratelli (Bert, Gerard, Balazs, Michael, Sky and RJ) and of course the Omega staff, we had a day where we not only celebrated the Speedmaster on a Speedy Tuesday, we als...
Omega Speedmaster Professional 145.012 Buyer's Guide
Now that Omega introduced their new caliber 321 movement, it is time to have a look at the most affordable Speedmaster Professional pre-Moon watch with caliber 321: the Speedmaster Professional 145.012. It already went up in value over the last few years, but the introduction of the new caliber 321 movement could give it another little boost.Speedmaster Professional 145.012This reference was produced in 1967 and 1968. Some have been delivered a tad bit later (in 1969), but it was replaced by the 145.022-68 in 1968. It is the last Speedmaster with caliber 321 movement (based on the Lemania 27CH C12). Also, it was the Speedmaster with this sought-after column-wheel movement that had?the highes...
Wrist Game Or Crying Shame: VC Les Historiques 31110
Welcome back to Wrist Game or Crying Shame, where you choose to point your thumb upwards or in the sinister direction at the end of a gladiator-like battle of wills! This week, our contestant is the Vacheron Constantin Les Historiques 31110. But firstI don't know what to say other than thank you to the new kid on the block, Rob Nudds. You see, yours truly (who is in his early 40s) thought he was still in his mid-20s and did something stupid at the gym and was basically out of commission during the heart of last week. People, if I can leave you with one word of advice it's this: stretch! So, Rob stepped up big time and delivered last week's installment with a look at a highly polarizing watch...
Hands-On: Benrus Field Watch From the Heritage Collection
The return of a once-legendary watch brand is no small thing and we take a look at one of the first new pieces: the Benrus Field Watch.You’ve no doubt heard of Benrus if you’re a fan of vintage watches. With well-known pieces such as the Sky Chief chronograph and the Vietnam-era MIL-W-3818B standard-issue watch, the company was a household name until it fell victim to the quartz crisis in the 1970s. But I researched Benrus further and was amazed to find out that they tried to maneuver a hostile takeover of Hamilton?in the 1950s. The attempt failed and became a precedent-setting case in US Antitrust history. And then, at one point, Benrus was purchased by American entrepreneur Vic...
Hands-On With The A. Lange & Sohne Lange 1 Time Zone Watch
Wearing an A. Lange & Sohne Lange 1 Time Zone is one of those treats you get as a watch journalist. This of course applies to all sorts of watches from a plethora of brands but receiving an A. Lange & Sohne is still something special. Even after 16 years of running this magazine, it is still a special moment when you can strap a Lange 1 to your wrist.The Lange 1 Time Zone has been in the collection since 2005, but last year, in June, A. Lange & Sohne decided it was time to present an update. This new version of the Lange 1 Time Zone has a new movement, featuring a handy feature for indicating daylight saving time. But, of course, this hands-on Lange 1 Time Zone review is not abou...
Ben's Top FOUR Space Movie Watches From The Last Decade
In this article, I select the extra-terrestrial movies from the 2010s that feature great watches. As you'll see from the list, I’m not just showcasing the space-faring Omega Speedmaster here (although it does feature). What's obvious in the last decade is the investment from Hamilton in cinematic product placement. But in no way do the watches feel shoe-horned into the narrative. Some of the watches even play an integral role in the storylines.I miss going to the cinema. I went from attending at least one showing a week in 2019, to about four in the entirety of 2020. The lack of blockbuster releases has been a shock to my regular downtime routine. And nothing beats a big-screen sci-fi ...
When And Why Paying Over Retail For A Watch Makes Sense
The Dutch have a reputation for being cheap. The English expression going Dutch doesn't help curtail that reputation. And neither does the joke, Who invented copper wire? Two Dutchmen fighting for a penny. It's also true that we - I am Dutch, I can't help that - pride ourselves on our sparing ways. A recent study revealed that the thrifty Dutch spend significantly less than any other European nation on holiday gifts and celebrations. Germans spent the most, Dutch the least. So trying and explain to a Dutchie when and why paying over retail for a watch makes sense seems to be a task of biblical proportions. But if I succeed in that, the rest of the world automatically also gets it, and that's...
Hands-On: The Le Jour Seacolt LJ-SCD-002 Dive Watch
In recent years we've seen a number of brands make a post-quartz-crisis comeback. Le Jour is one such brand. If you're a fan of vintage watches, you may already be familiar with some of its offerings from the ’60s, ’70s, and ’80s. Whether it's cool racing chronographs or dive watches, the brand has done it all. Le Jour's recent comeback has seen the brand working hard to build a varied catalog of vintage-inspired timepieces with an exciting modern twist. One of the latest releases, the Seacolt dive watch, does just that. With plenty of old-school charm, it's a modern feature-packed watch, which offers a ton of value for the price. But how do these watches hold up in today's...
Buying Guide: The Best Grand Seiko 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 Grand Seiko watches from the 2000s.By the turn of the millennium, Switzerland ha...
Dear Longines, Bring Back The Super Solo
The Longines ref. 3240, nicknamed the “Super Solo,” is a masterclass in, well, class. Today, I will try to break it down in detail to see if the Super Solo could stand a chance in 2023.There are some watches I loved 10 years ago that I don’t like anymore. Or let’s say that I don’t like them that much now. The Longines Super Solo, however, is one of a few watches that have magnetized me for years. The Super Solo has something that other watches don’t. I believe it deserves a reissue, and here’s why.Image source: Discreetpeacock.comThe caseA rectangular case, by definition, indicates elegance. Long, clean case lines go along perfectly with the idea of ...
Out Riding With The Tudor Pro Cycling Team
I'm trying hard to follow Sebastien Reichenbach (33) on a descent. The former Swiss champion was French cycling hope Thibaut Pinot's trusted lieutenant, but now Reichenbach is with the Tudor Pro Cycling Team as a captain. He descends smoothly and fluidly, seemingly without touching the brakes. It would be foolish to think I can do the same, so the distance between us grows steadily. How did I get here? Well, the Tudor Pro Cycling Team has invited a small group of journalists to learn about the motivation, philosophy, and goals of Tudor Pro Cycling and to meet and talk to the riders and staff as well. That's why I'm in Altea, Spain. I'm riding a Swiss bike with Swiss wheels while wearing Swis...
Baltic HMS 002 Vs. Merci Instruments LMM-1 Nationale
Bonjour! This Sunday Morning Showdown should actually be between Thomas and Gerard as Thomas has just bought the Merci Instruments LMM-01 Nationale, and Gerard has just added the Baltic HMS 002 in silver to his collection. But Gerard is on one of his trips to Spain again, so I offered to take his place to defend the Baltic against the Merci. And yes, these two watches are quite similar. Both are great options if you’re looking for a more affordable field watch. But when you look at them a little bit closer, there are still more than enough differences that might make you choose one over the other.The idea for this battle arose when we saw both watches lying next to each other at the Fr...
What A Military-Inspired Watch Means To A 21st-Century Enthusiast
Why you own a particular watch is a deeply personal affair. No one should tell you what you should collect and wear, nor should anyone suggest how you should live your life. You like what you like, and you do what you want to do. That’s why, in this article, I will only tell you about my journey into horology and why it took me nearly nine years to understand what I like. In a nutshell, they are simple-looking, legible, and purpose-driven watches - specifically, tool watches that I would describe as utilitarian. What does that mean, you may ask? I'll get to that in a bit.?There are many ways to define what a tool watch is. And perhaps we can't all come to a consensus on what that is, j...
Blending In With The Tudor Black Bay Bronze In Gray
I know, the Tudor Black Bay Bronze is a bit of a golden oldie - or a gold-looking bronze oldie. This version debuted on the Tudor menu in 2019, but why not have seconds almost five years later and find out if it's still as tasty? What the watch does as soon as it comes to the table is grab your attention. There's something about that mix of a ready-to-patinate alloy and the presence of gray. The warm tones of the bronze case with a slate-gray dial and bezel seem to produce a mysterious green hue - a layered flavor, you could say.Remember Baselworld? Well, it was once the biggest watch show on earth. Those days are long gone, but the Tudor Black Bay Bronze with its slate-gray dial is still he...
Brandon's 2024 New Year's Watch Resolutions
As you’ve probably noticed over the past three weeks, most members of the Fratello team have shared their 2024 watch resolutions already. But before the month ends, I’d also like to put my watch-related goals for this year down in writing. Can I guarantee that I’ll fulfill them all? No, but since the wheels are already turning for the first one, hopefully, this article will spur my momentum.For 2024, I have some very clear goals, the first of which is selling at least four of my watches. Just as importantly, though, I’ve sworn to travel from Japan to the Netherlands to visit my Fratello colleagues this year. I’ll also continue striving to achieve the goals for w...
Louis Moinet Impulsion Onyx: A Showpiece Tourbillon Chrono
Louis Moinet (1768C1853) was the inventor of the chronograph, so it’s always intriguing to examine the newest releases from the brand that bears his name. Today, we’ll look into the Impulsion Onyx, the latest variant within a line that debuted in 2023. This is an elegant watch with a sporty twist and a serious dose of technical chops. Best of all, the inner workings are on full display.It was back in 2020 that I visited the Louis Moinet booth during Geneva Watch Days. I was able to meet the owner and creative director of the brand, Jean-Marie Schaller, and was impressed with how he made high-end watchmaking audacious. That may sound odd, but the space the brand rented was outfitt...
Introducing: The Hamilton Khaki Aviation Pilot Series
Today, we’ll go hands-on with models from the newest Hamilton Khaki Aviation Pilot series. These are great-looking watches that bring a healthy dose of everyday utility along with cues from pilot’s watches. Expect great legibility and specs. Also, because this is Hamilton, all of that goodness is affordable.The Hamilton Khaki series will always have a special place in my heart. I think it was in the mid-’90s when I entered university in Pennsylvania. My parents came up from Florida in the fall, and one of the activities was to visit an outlet mall to stock up on cold-weather clothing - something I never owned back home. This was at a time when outlet malls were still novel,...
Hot Take: The Gerald Charles Maestro 2.0 Ultra-Thin Lapis Lazuli
If you’ve never tried on a Gerald Charles watch, I suggest it. The shape is unconventional, but the fit is truly surprising. Now, to celebrate the brand’s 25th anniversary, the Maestro 2.0 Ultra-Thin Lapis Lazuli is here with reduced dimensions all around to further improve the wearing experience.I’ve probably mentioned it before, but the first time I tried on a watch from Gerald Charles, the experience surprised and delighted me. Vintage tank-style watches have become part of my normal rotation, but they’re small and symmetrical. The Maestro 2.0 and the rest of the collection feature a uniquely shaped case originally penned by Gerald Genta. “Different” wo...
Introducing: The Ming 37.09 Uni Diver
Although 2025 is only three weeks old, Ming isn’t wasting time with the year’s first release. The 37.09 Uni has a familiar shape but ushers in a different look for the brand’s latest diver. Black-cased watches are increasingly popular, and today’s watch capitalizes on that trend.Last May, Ming introduced the 37.09 Bluefin, the brand’s second production dive watch. Compared to the original 18.01 H41 diver, the Bluefin brought a shift in design. A more modern design and two crowns versus one were just some of the differences. We saw the watch in person at Geneva Watch Days last August and were impressed with the consistently superlative finishing and design flouri...
Hands-On: The New Daniel Roth Extra Plat Souscription
Just about one year ago, Daniel Roth presented the finished Tourbillon Souscription watch in yellow gold. After announcing the return of the Daniel Roth brand in March 2023, the Tourbillon Souscription was the first project and a nod to the debut model (Tourbillon ref. C187) from Daniel Roth's watch brand in 1989. Now, after releasing the Tourbillon Rose Gold last August, Daniel Roth returns with yet another release. Meet the Extra Plat Souscription.Extra Plat SouscriptionFittingly, this model is based on Roth’s second watch, which was made one year after the introduction of the Tourbillon C.187. The Extra Plat Souscription also has a new movement inside. It’s caliber DR002, the ...