Hublot Big Bang Integral Ups The Bracelet Game
Launched only 15 years ago in 2005, the Hublot Big Bang has since had a tremendous impact on the Swiss watch industry. Now, for the first time, the Big Bang is paired with an integrated bracelet in 3 different materials.Start by Breaking the RulesAround the 1980s, the Swiss were still coming to terms with a luxury sports watch in steel. Not to be outdone, Hublot ruffled more feathers with a gold watch on a rubber strap. What was once a real novelty for the industry, seems fairly commonplace now. But 40 years ago, there was a level of uncertainty for the future of Swiss luxury timepieces. Hublot, a relative newcomer, set-out to shatter centuries-old traditions. More established brands eventua...
Wrist Game Or Crying Shame: Zenith Epervier El Primero
I greet you with the warmest of welcomes here on Wrist Game or Crying Shame. This week, I’m bringing you the Zenith Epervier El Primero and the opportunity to enter high grade horology for a song. But first…Last week, I showed you a white gold Speedmaster Moonphase from right around the turn of the century. You folks thought enough of it to carry it to a 70% Wrist Game win. The real story, though, is about one of our readers. Klaus Zimmermann filed a written complaint about yet another Speedmaster article. I responded and gave him full license to choose a more suitable watch for this week’s article. Sadly, Klaus did not return with a suggestion. Therefore, I have been left ...
Girard-Perregaux Laureato Absolute Wired Watch Is A Stormy Blue Showstopper
Happy birthday Girard-Perregaux! How old? 230. Yes, the Swiss brand from Le Chaux-de-Fonds is 230 years old this year. That's quite an accomplishment, and not one many other brands have even come close to matching.As such, despite 2021 appearing to be 2020 in disguise, the brand intends to celebrate throughout the year. The first such celebration is the new Laureato Absolute Wired, exclusively available via Girard-Perregaux's new e-commerce platform. The Laureato Absolute Wired pays its respects to the iconic Laureato, first seen 46 years ago back in 1975, while incorporating modern technological know-how.…carbon glass.We need to talk about this case. At first glance, it is the most st...
The Fratello Oris Big Crown Bronze Pointer Date Limited Edition Buyer's Stories
Well, what a wild ride that turned out to be! In the wake of our largest, most ambitious, and certainly most exciting adventure of 2020, I thought it would be fun to look back on the Fratello Oris Big Crown Bronze Pointer Date Limited Edition project and enjoy some of the positive feedback we received from our satisfied customers that, by purchasing one of the 250 pieces in the Fratello shop, became part of the ever-expanding Fratello family.It’s truly humbling to hear how our efforts brought a little bit of joy to so many wrists. After such a positive experience, you can expect more of the same from Fratello in 2021. We have several projects keyed-up for release this year, and we̵...
Hot Take: Green Seiko Prospex Diver's Limited Editions, Presage And Astron Models Too
Say hello to the new Seiko Prospex Diver’s watch, a Presage, and an Astron. In 2021, Seiko celebrates its 140th anniversary. Founded in 1881 by the then 21-year old Kinto Hattori, Seiko grew to be one of the leading watch companies in the world. Today, Shinji Hattori has been leading the company since 2003, continuing to honor the legacy of his grandfather.As you know, Seiko only needs a sunrise or sunset to come up with yet another amazing dial variation. For its 140th anniversary, Seiko kicks off with a number of limited-edition models across the collection. Let’s start with the most popular one, the Prospex Diver’s collection.Seiko Prospex Diver’s 140th Anniversary...
Watch Giveaway RESULT: Zelos Nova 38mm Linen Silver Watch
Well, that was fun. After sitting on our homepage for the best part of a month, the Zelos Nova 38mm Linen Silver watch we put up for grabs attracted almost 400 comments. The best thing about this whole experiment (for me) was getting to read your thoughts and feelings and watch as genuinely interesting discussions emerged beneath the article. Now, however, it is time to choose a winner…I changed my mind several times throughout the contest. Obviously, there were early favorites that fell by the wayside as ever longer, more involved and considered answers hit the comment section. There were funny comments, insightful comments, truly passionate tales that resonated on several levels. But...
Grand Seiko's New 44GS 55th Anniversary Limited Editions
Grand Seiko has had its foot on the gas pedal ever since the start of 2022. We have seen a string of exciting new releases from the Japanese brand, and it doesn’t look like GS is planning on slowing down anytime soon. To celebrate the 55th anniversary of its legendary 44GS, the brand introduces two limited-edition models with dials inspired by the stars in the sky. Both models are executed in Ever-Brilliant Steel and feature the latest hi-beat and Spring Drive movements. Let’s find out how bright the stars shone when Grand Seiko created these two new watches.Grand Seiko takes the celebrations of the 55th anniversary of the 44GS seriously. We saw the first of the 55th-anniversary ...
The 2022 Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 37 And Chronograph Models
Never change a winning team. In Le Brassus, Audemars Piguet came up with something even better - updating its winning team. When the Nautilus forfeited, it left the court wide open for the Royal Oak to sweep in and grab the gold. And that's exactly what it does by pitching more updated versions in the 2022 Audemars Piguet Royal Oak watch family. There's the revamped Jumbo of course, but the star player is supported by a wide range of capable teammates that all have their own special skills.The ground-breaking Royal Oak is celebrating its 50th anniversary. And that's why Audemars Piguet launched an updated version of the Gerald Genta-designed watch that was first released in 1972. But in the ...
Five Cool Uni-Compax Chronograph Watches Under $1000
I used to be exclusively a time-only watch lover with a strong passion for divers. After I got the first version of the Baltic Bicompax, however, I discovered a world of balanced complications. I still find three-register chronographs very busy, but even that has changed after recently swapping into a GMT chronograph. So what's changed? I have a crush on cool uni-compax chronographs, and my wallet knows it all too well.Well, the chronograph function is a difficult complication to master, and good ones are not cheap. The haptic delight of clicking the pusher then resetting it has a charm of its own, and so do the dials. I will admit to having a deep affinity for the symmetrical look of a uni-...
The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 16202 The Best One So Far?
It's no secret that I am a huge fan of the Royal Oak design, so I was incredibly excited to see the presentation hosted by Audemars Piguet on the new Royal Oak 16202 Jumbo. We knew it was coming, as AP had already communicated the discontinuation of the 15202 last year.The biggest news, perhaps, is the introduction of the new caliber 7121 for the Royal Oak 16202 Jumbo. It’s the first time in 50 years that the Jumbo gets a new movement. That doesn't mean, however, that the previous 2121 movement didn't receive any updates. One of the designers at Audemars Piguet told us during the 40th anniversary that the 2121 has been the subject of small changes over the years. He wasn't clear about ...
Introducing Two New Bvlgari Octo Roma Minute Repeaters
To show that Bvlgari has definitely made its way into Haute Horlogerie and to connect that fact to its beginnings as a jeweler, the brand has launched two new members of its Sinfonia Della Meccanica. The Bvlgari Octo Roma Blue Carillon Tourbillon is a blue version of the watch that was first released last year in black. And the Bvlgari Octo Roma Emerald Grande Sonnerie houses the brand's most complicated minute-repeater movement yet. Welcome to a concert by the Bvlgari Symphony Orchestra! Letting you experience the beats of a mechanical watch movement through the music created by multiple hammers and gongs!Very few of us might actually end up with one of these on the wrist. That may be becau...
#TBT Citizen Crystron Solar Cell Another World's First
I am always excited to meet a watch that has a world’s-first story to tell. As the title suggests, the 1976 Citizen Crystron became the first solar-powered analog quartz watch. Over the years, many of us have happened to be members of different watch forums and open or closed watch groups on Facebook or WhatsApp. It’s interesting that you meet there some people you wouldn’t meet anywhere else. You even don’t need to know more about them. It’s just about enough you all share the knowledge or affection for a special kind of watch. I have become a member of such micro-communities myself. Members of one group in particular know that I am after any weirdo watch that ...
Strap Check: My Seiko Sumo On A Perfect Rubber Camo Strap
Welcome to Strap Check, a column on Fratello where our editors showcase their favorite watch/strap combinations. We all know the feeling. When you’ve been wearing a watch for weeks on the same strap, there comes a time when the excitement starts to fade a little bit. Maybe that’s the time when you start looking. But looking for what? A brand new watch? Sometimes the answer lies not in the watch, but the strap on which you wear it! From the classic to the unique. From cheap NATOs to bespoke leather and special bracelets. This is where we get excited about perfect combinations that make you feel like you’ve got a brand new watch on your wrist. So tune in every week for a new ...
New: Synchron Military Poseidon The Cult Brand Returns
It’s hard to believe that the Synchron Military hatched all the way back in March 2021. That’s nearly two years ago, and in some ways, I’m surprised that it’s taken so long for a sequel. Well, the day has come, and the Synchron Military Poseidon is here. This watch may look somewhat familiar, but there’s more here than meets the eye.When the Synchron Military first debuted in 2021, it created quite a stir. The watch was an homage to the Doxa Army, a little-known piece from the ’70s that had a very brief run. The controversy came because Rick Marei, Synchron’s current owner, was previously with Doxa and because the Synchron brand actually owned the Do...
Introducing: The Herms H08 In Rose Gold
The new year is well underway, and Watches and Wonders 2023 is coming up in two months. You can already feel it in the Fratello office as many brands send us teasers about what they’ll be revealing. Herms even thought it would be nice to warm us up with an actual release. It’s not a completely new watch, but it is a new iteration of the Herms H08 in rose gold. This actually marks the first time that the French luxury maison has used a precious metal for the H08’s case construction. Let’s take a quick look.Right at the end of last year, I was able to handle the H08 by Herms for the first time. It was the Blue Edition that Lex had in for a hands-on review. Its case s...
Integrated-Bracelet Steel Sports Watches Under $10K
Okay, the hype may be over its most hysterical peak, but integrated-bracelet steel sports watches remain all the rage. And rightfully so as they can be the ultimate daily companions. They combine a rugged build with a luxurious fit and finish. And that, my dear Fratelli, tends to pull on our heartstrings. Unfortunately, most iconic watches in this genre have grown far beyond the common watch lover's reach. So today, I want to look at some pre-owned picks at different price levels, all of which are under $10K.Of course, you could look at the plethora of modern reinterpretations of the genre, many of which are by brands that were not even around yet when the genre emerged. But I want to raise ...
Introducing: The Artisans De Genve Cyano
Artisans de Genve is not the only company creating personal interpretations of grail watches from and Patek. Still, I feel that ADG deeply respects the clients’ base models while meticulously improving details. Adding interest and bespoke detailing to an already accomplished design is a delicate subject, but to me, Artisans de Genve is on the podium with the best. And this time, there’s big news in the form of the workshop’s first personalized Audemars Piguet timepiece. Introducing the Cyano, a customized Royal Oak ref. 15500.Having honed their skills on Submariners, Daytonas, and the odd Aquanaut, these artisans from Geneva have now dealt with the venerable Royal Oak. I...
Watch Thefts: London's Met Police Are Turning The Tables
Over the last several years, the dangers of walking around with an expensive, known watch in a large city have received a lot of attention. In London, armed moped-riding gangs, machete-wielding assailants, and other criminals have all made news with dramatic footage of watch thefts. Well, now the tables are being turned by the long arm of the law as undercover London Met Police officers target these thieves.Watch thefts in London have certainly gained a lot of attention over the past few years. Scary footage of violent attacks and the injurious aftermaths are just some of the shocking photos we’ve seen. Because of this, names like , Audemars Piguet, and Patek Philippe have become norma...
Frederique Constant Slimline Perpetual Calendar P. Speake
In 2022, Frederique Constant launched a special version of its Slimline Perpetual Calendar in collaboration with The Naked Watchmaker. Roughly 18 months later, this joint effort gets a new chapter with another version of the same watch. This time around, however, the new edition comes courtesy of Peter Speake. He is no longer part of The Naked Watchmaker initiative, but he did work together with Frederique Constant on this latest iteration of the brand’s Slimline Perpetual Calendar. Let’s find out more.When that special edition of the Frederique Constant Slimline Perpetual Calendar came out in 2022, it was the first watch collaboration that Peter Speake and Daniela Marin worked o...
Hands-On: The Girard-Perregaux Laureato 38mm In Steel
It predates the Nautilus, Ingenieur, and Overseas and debuted three years after the Royal Oak. So why is the Girard-Perregaux Laureato, a very relevant 1970s timepiece, not on the same appreciation level as the other luxurious sports watches with an integrated bracelet? It's not just the Genta name missing because the 222, the predecessor of the current Overseas, is also a non-Genta design. German designer Jorg Hysek drew the 222, and it was an anonymous GP employee who created the 1975 bimetallic Quartz Chronometer, a tonneau-shaped watch with an octagonal bezel and the forebear of the Laureato. The answer lies in GP's reputation. The brand’s recent history has not been as steady as t...