Fratello Talks: What Makes A Watch Brand Great?
Welcome to this episode of Fratello Talks, in which Nacho, Lex, and Laurits try to answer the question: what makes a watch brand great? It’s not as obvious as one might imagine. There are as many factors to consider as there are parts in a watch movement. However, a handful of specific criteria come into play in separating the few from the many, including heritage, storytelling, and, ultimately, the product itself. Make sure to tune in to this week’s discussion for a nuanced dive into the topic as the guys share their opinions. Before we jump into it, though, here are the watches on their wrists this week....
Introducing: The Gerald Charles Maestro 9.0 Roman Tourbillon
Gerald Charles continues to release new watches with artfully crafted surfaces. Today, the Maestro 9.0 Roman Tourbillon White Gold is the focus. It features a handmade dial and exotic movement. As a limited edition, it joins a previous release with a rose gold dial.Earlier this week, we detailed the?Maestro 2.0 Ultra-Thin Lapis Lazuli, a watch made to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the?Gerald Charles brand. Now, we’re taking a closer look at the new Maestro 9.0 Roman Tourbillon White Gold. The dial is a tour de force, but the timepiece is equipped with a highly finished tourbillon from Vaucher Manufacture Fleurier.The Gerald Charles Maestro 9.0 Roman Tourbillon White GoldThe Maestro...
New: The Nomos Ludwig Neomatik Fur ?rtze Ohne Grenzen LE
Since 2012, Nomos has supported the German office of Doctors Without Borders, also known as ?rtze ohne Grenzen. The humanitarian aid organization was set up in December 1971 in Paris by journalists and doctors to provide an emergency medical response and help people afflicted by crises in conflict zones or victims of natural disasters. This neutral, Nobel Peace Prize-winning organization prioritizes the welfare of those suffering regardless of their political or religious backgrounds. Doctors Without Borders is also a non-profit operation. Therefore, any kind of contribution makes a difference. With a series of limited-edition timepieces, Nomos has already raised over $1.3 million to date. W...
Introducing: The Louis Vuitton Tambour Convergence
New releases do not often surprise us at Fratello. Once you know the brands and follow their developments for long enough, most new watches feel somewhat familiar or expected. Well, today's release does not fall within that category. Today, we welcome the new Louis Vuitton Tambour Convergence collection in the montre guichet layout.Louis Vuitton offers the new Convergence in two versions. You can have your pick of a rose gold model or a platinum variant with snow-set diamonds. RJ and Max had the opportunity to photograph the gold one for this article. Both feature a new movement from La Fabrique du Temps Louis Vuitton, caliber LFT MA01.01. Let's have a closer look!Montre guichetLet me st...
Odd looking Speedmaster
Yesterday I was at Gerard’s place and he asked me if Speedmasters always were chronographs. I didn’t have to think long and said that I can’t remember seeing them. Then he showed me this Omega brochure from 1991 with a Speedmaster on the cover which wasn’t a chronograph. The referencenumber is definately Speedmaster, since it is in the 3000-series. The case-shape showed some similairities as well (notice the outside of the lugs). But that’s it.No Speedmaster on the dial as well, but I was told that the caseback had ‘Speedmaster’ engraved.Click here for the thread over at the Speedmaster Forum at The Speedmaster Club...
Photo Essay: The Jaeger-LeCoultre Compressor Navy Seals Alarm Beverly Hills Boutique Edition
It seems to be Jaeger-LeCoultre month here – which of course isn’t at a bad thing at all! I recently had the opportunity to photograph the uncommon JLC Master Compressor Navy Seals Alarm Beverly Hills Boutique Edition (what a long name). It differs from the standard edition in a) it’s very limited production run; b) the yellow accents on the compressor crowns and strap; c) the logo printing on the underside of the sapphire crystal; d) the most obvious part, the anthracite case.As usual, all images may be clicked on for larger versions.The movement is the same as the regular model, subject to the 1000 hour Master Control test and equipped with both automatic winding and a lo...
SIHH 2015 Meet The Cle de Cartier
This year Cartier surprised us with a new collection, the Cle de Cartier. Cle is French for ‘key’ and refers to the winding crown of this watch. Cartier positions the Cle de Cartier line-up in the same range of iconic collections as the Santos and Tank. Very ambitious, but Cartier is one of those watch manufacturers that probably can live up to it, creating a new iconic model that is. For designing the Cle de Cartier, the maison was inspired by the perfect circle.Cartier Cle de CartierThe first thing that came to mind when seeing the Cle de Cartier from the front is the C-shape of the case, as Omega called it with their Constellation line-up of the late 1960s, early 1970s. Howeve...
Speedy Tuesday Found: Omega Speedmaster Worn By Willy Mairesse
Willy Mairesse and his Omega SpeedmasterThe Omega Speedmaster is one of the most recognizable watches of the second half of the 20th century. A watch that originally was released as a racing model in 1957C hence the name – but gained worldwide fame as the timepiece that was worn on the Moon in July 1969. Throughout the years it has always been referred to as the Moonwatch and associated with NASA and its astronauts. Little did we know that in the 1960's there was a watch that stayed true to its racing heritage and graced the wrist of a Formula One driver. This watch is thought to be the first Omega Speedmaster we know of that was involved in the golden age of car racing.Who Was Willy M...
Tissot Heritage 1948 Chronograph Hands on Review
Reaching back to your roots, resurrecting old models is a thing in the watch industry these days. Heck, it's the only thing?for many brands to be fair. Is it the lack of originality? Laziness, if you will? Or simply a way to pay homage to the predecessors? Not to forget the amazing timepieces of a bygone era? I don't know, and I do not wish to elaborate on that. It's surely a trend, and we know what happens to trends. One thing is for certain though; Tissot has been doing Heritage models for a while now. And they're good at it too. Amongst all the Swatch group brands Tissot (and Longines) produce some of the nicest and affordable reinterpretations of vintage watches. Last year's Tissot Herit...
Bert's Photo Book How It All began
In the past years, I've captured numerous watches from all kinds of brands. While most of the images are only used once or twice, some never see the light of day. Revisiting my archives is, therefore, a great pleasure, as I often come across images of a special watch I had forgotten, or just a shot that came out better than I thought it would. So to give those shots the attention that they deserve, we're going to share them in this new series called Bert’s Photo Book.I’ve previously shared some of my favorite close-up shots in my?watch macro A-Z?article, but now it’s time for a bit more variety. I could probably fill a few dozen topics with similar photos when I dig my way ...
Artisans De Genve Introduce "The Pearl Project" Patek Philippe 5711 Nautilus
I've previously written about Artisans de Genve. For those not familiar with the Swiss company, it does not produce its own watches. Instead, it's more of a personal design studio for the collectors who want something a little different for their collection. Previous work from the studio has included a skeletonized Daytona and Submariner for two high-profile collectors.Now, Artisans de Genve is back again and ready to show off the latest project they've been working on. This time, the subject is the venerable Patek Philippe Nautilus 5711, receiving a complete makeover and exposing some of its magic within. Introducing, The Pearl Project.Artisans de Genve is an independent company specia...
My Favorite Moonwatch Master Chronometer The Omega Speedmaster Canopus 310.60.42.50.02.001
A few Tuesdays ago, Omega introduced its new Moonwatch Master Chronometer. The drop included the Speedmaster Canopus 310.60.42.50.02.001. 18-karat white gold is not new to Omega’s Speedmaster, but this specific Canopus alloy is. In this article, I take a closer look at the Speedmaster Canopus and explain why it’s my favorite new Moonwatch Master Chronometer.I showed a picture of the new Speedmaster Canopus side-by-side with my Speedmaster Moonshine on IG and in the #SpeedyTuesday Facebook group. People immediately tend to make their favorite known (a common thing that happens when a picture shows two watches) or ask how one compares to the other. It also makes me think, which one...
CODE41 Unleashes The Chronograph With Its New NB24 Model
After CODE41 surprised us with watches like the X41, Anomaly, and Day41 editions, the brand is back with the NB24 chronograph. The NB24 refers to Nigel Bailly, who will take part in the 24 Hours of Le Mans in June 2021. And what better watch to support this endeavor, than a chronograph!I never used to care for the 24 Hours of Le Mans. That all changed in 2013. Soon after my daughter was born and I had a lot of hours to kill at night. With my restless daughter in my arms, I found myself watching large parts of the 24 Hours that year. It really is a mind-blowing achievement to be able to drive these cars at top speed for 24 hours long. The level of concentration necessary seems inhuman. Conver...
Bvlgari Introduces The Stealthy Octo Finissimo Chronograph GMT Titanium 103371
Establishing a disruptive concept based on integrity is not always easy. Especially when you have created a winning concept like Bvlgari did with the Octo Finissimo. That is why it has been interesting to see how Bvlgari has been expanding its Octo Finissmo collection. Can you keep the concept and characteristics of the Octo Finissimo alive when adding new watches to the line-up? And is there an end to what is possible? For now, the brand shows that the end is not in sight with the stealthy Octo Finissimo Chronograph GMT Titanium.It is fascinating to see what Bvlgari comes up with every year regarding the Octo Finissimo. The brand struck gold with its sandblasted titanium version of the watc...
Two For Tuesday Zenith Chronomaster Sport Vs. Chronomaster Revival A385
It’s time for Two For Tuesday where we pit two watches against each other that you just might find yourself hemming and hawing over at the local boutique. We’re moving at a fast pace here with the high-frequency Zenith Chronomaster Sport and the Chronomaster Revival A385.It’s already been quite a January for chronograph lovers. The month kicked off with a brace of steel Speedmaster models. Not to be outdone, Zenith has also dropped not one, but two new El Primero chronographs. One is the all-new Chronomaster Sport and the other is the retro Chronomaster Revival A385. Which will you choose?Zenith…Let’s just start this discussion by saying that I really like Zenit...
The Omega Speedmaster On The Big Screen Watch Spotting At The Movies
This article has been on my mind for a long time now: The Omega Speedmaster in movies. We've covered the appearance of Speedmasters in movies and TV shows every now and then, but we never compiled a proper list of movies that featured Speedmaster watches.I know Apollo 13 has been the movie when it comes to the Speedmaster, but I only saw that movie much later than its release date. Back in 2000, after one year of owning my Omega Speedmaster, I visited the cinema with my then-girlfriend to watch Frequency. In that movie, the main character John Sullivan (played by Jim Caviezel) communicates with his long-dead father Frank Sullivan (played by Dennis Quaid) via an old ham radio. I enjoyed the m...
Will LVMH Owner Bernard Arnault Purchase Patek Philippe Too?
The Beatles already knew that money can't buy you love. But it can buy you a watch no one else has. LVMH owner Bernard Arnault got himself a Patek Philippe Nautilus Ref. 5740/1G perpetual calendar. You've seen it on the internet - I'm talking about the Tiffany Blue one. There's a lot to say about that watch aesthetically, but it also raises a very valid question: will LVMH owner Bernard Arnault also become the owner of Patek Philippe? Not a Patek Philippe WATCH - he can get his hands on any model he likes and have it customized in any way he likes it. I’m talking about the Patek Philippe BRAND.You've seen what has happened to the Nautilus after Patek Philippe announced that the ultra-d...
The Weirdest And Most Unique Watch Straps And Bracelets
We did an article last year on everything about a watch that wasn’t the watch itself - straps, bracelets, clasps, and spring bars. It seemed exhaustive in its reach (and in the writing), but it wasn’t. That was the primer for the respectable, polite, middle-of-the-road people that accessorize their watches accordingly. This article, on the other hand, is downright funky. We’ll get to some unique strap options that are still accessible, like Erika’s Originals and Bund pads, but I’m going to be showing you some weird, sometimes old, truly unique options as well. It will be polarizing. Words will be said in the comments that cannot be un-said. I may be asked to nev...
Zenith Defy Extreme Carbon The Newest And Lightest Defy
During Watches & Wonders last year, Zenith graced us with the new Defy Extreme. The most extreme Defy model was not just a tour de force in materials and design. The main attraction was, without a doubt, the 1/100th of a second automatic high-frequency chronograph movement. We had the pleasure of witnessing one of the models from up close. Besides the amazing movement, I was pleasantly surprised by how comfortable the Defy Extreme was with its titanium case and bracelet. Now the brand makes the watch even lighter by releasing the Zenith Defy Extreme Carbon.I love Zenith because the brand shows great variety in its collections. The biggest joy for me is in the Chronomaster line, and espec...
Is There Such A Thing As A Watch That's Too Big Or Too Small?
This is largely going to be a visual exercise. What you're about to see is three Fratelli - Sofia, Nacho, and Jorg - trying on a wide range of watches. Nothing new so far, I agree. But what they will be doing is wearing very differently sized watches, ranging from the elegant Cartier Tank Solo to the beast-like Omega Seamaster Ploprof to see and feel what fits and what doesn't. We are trying to settle a watch/wrist size dilemma - is there such a thing as a watch that’s too big or too small? Since this is no exact science, there is and will be plenty of room for debate.Whether something is too big or too small in the case of a watch is always - and I repeat, always - a matter of persona...