Mike's Watch Resolutions For 2025
When you sit down and think about it, the beginning of the year is an arbitrary time to think about goals. Sure, the calendar changes, but plans can be made anytime. For a collector like me, though, the beginning of the year is as good of a time as any to set resolutions. It forces me to take action.Last year, I was clear with my resolutions. I focused on smaller, simpler watches and a pocket watch, and I made good on these goals. I added some fantastic pieces and several pocket watches. Best of all, these gems were much less expensive than the watches I collected in the past. A new year, though, must mean new objectives. I have some typical aims but finally, after years of collecting, a sur...
World Premiere: Peter Speake-Marin Immortal Dragon Piece Unique
Today we present the Peter Speake-Marin Immortal Dragon, a piece unique featuring a superbly detailed relief hand engraving by the noted (Dutch) Kees Engelbarts. The case is in platinum with diamond bezel, and the movement is the SM2 caliber decorated with model-specific engraving. Although much more a fine art or jewelry piece than something to appeal to the fans of haute horology, the movement is still one of the best designed and best finished I’ve ever seen.As usual, all images may be clicked on for larger versions.I’m not normally a huge fan of engraving or decorated dials, but the dark oxidized and etched areas of relief around the dragon really set it off and give the piec...
Speedy Tuesday Omega Speedmaster '57 Caliber 9300 Reader's Contribution
It’s Speedy Tuesday! Ever since we saw the new Speedmaster ’57 Caliber 9300 models – but especially after a couple of weeks of wearing it ourselves – the Fratellowatches team is in love with this particular model. In case you missed it, read our thorough hands-on review of the Speedmaster ’57 Caliber 9300 here. This week, we show you the stainless steel Omega Speedmaster ’57 Caliber 9300 from one of our readers and followers on Instagram.Using his instagram account?@GeoMags, we noticed that he was wearing this Speedmaster ’57 Caliber 9300 on some of the Speedy Tuesdays (use the #speedytuesday hashtag for over 500 photos of Speedmaster watches on Inst...
Seiko Marinemaster Professional 300 SBDX001 Review
Seiko MarinemasterLast year, I bought a handful of Seiko watches. Mainly just for the fun of it, but I quickly learned that these are quite serious watches in terms of what they have to offer. I bought a Seiko ‘Baby Tuna’ SRP231 after I saw it for the first time in the Seiko boutique in Amsterdam. I decided to ‘import’ it myself to save a quick buck (but FedEx did a friendly gesture of handing it over to customs so I didn’t have to declare it myself, or to be sure that they are getting their kickback-fee from Dutch customs). Next up was a Scuba 200 meters (SBDC001) also known as the ‘Sumo’, a SKX007 and a vintage 6309-7049.Now, it is here!All great w...
#TBT Seiko 6159-7010 Tuna
Normally Michael Stockton takes care of our weekly recurring TBT feature, but due to extensive traveling he was unable to this week. To keep this installment of TBT true to him, I would like to talk about the Seiko 6159-7010 Tuna that I bought a couple of months ago. Lately, Mike is blaming me for his shopping spree concerning vintage Speedmaster watches. I actually delivered his latest (as far as I know that is) to him in Frankfurt two weeks ago, I am sure he will dedicate a TBT or Speedy Tuesday to that watch. While he blames me for becoming a Speedmaster collector (or hoarder), I have to blame him for me buying all these Seikos in the last two years.After finding myself wearing the Seiko ...
Top 5 Colorful Dials From 2019 SIHH Novelties We Love
SIHH is all about glamour. Thick carpets, free champagne and beautifully dressed people who have not a single problem in the world socializing with each other that's what many people think about the watch exhibition hosted by the Fondation de la Haute Horlogerie in cold Geneva.While it is undeniable that SIHH has a certain chic compared to Baselworld the scenario I painted above is hardly the case. Perhaps it is for some, but definitely, not for us, watch journalists. Attending SIHH is a great privilege that many mediums only wish to have, so when you do get that ticket you'd like to put in the work. Go to as many presentations as you can, see and feel as many new watches as they show you an...
Introduction: Oris ProDiver Dive Control Limited Edition
Back in December last year, Oris invited us to Zermatt for a presentation of their 2019 models. And not only for a presentation, however, for a marvellous day of skiing as well. So far for our writing being totally unbiased.While most of the models are under embargo and will be presented during Baselworld this year, one model was already introduced publicly by Oris two weeks ago. The?Oris ProDiver Dive Control Limited Edition.The all new and limited Oris Dive ControlOris ProDiver Dive Control Limited EditionThe thing was that Oris introduced this model a few days before the havoc of SIHH 2019 broke loose. I see a high risk of the watch being snowed under and forgotten because of that. And I ...
Artisans de Genve: Juan Pablo Montoya
ABOUT ARTISANS DE GENVE – OF INDEPENDENT CRAFTSMENArtisans de Genve is a watchmaking Maison based in Geneva, Switzerland. We offer an exclusive service of watch modification based on styles we propose. Our modifications are made exclusively upon request on a very limited number of timepieces,? in our workshops in Switzerland, by independent and highly skilled craftsmen. Artisans de Genve gathers the best Swiss experts and manufactures around essential values of savoir-faire, excellency and uniqueness. We are an independent Maison and this independence is a testament of quality and creativity.Visit the website for more information: www.artisansdegeneve.comArtisans de Genve and Juan ...
Speedy Tuesday A Selection of Moonwatch Accessories & Items
If there’s one thing I’ve learned in all these +20 years of collecting Speedmasters, it is that ‘we’ also like to collect everything associated with these watches and the Moon program (or space). So for anyone looking to spend some money, here’s a list of cool Moonwatch Accessories.If you’re like me, there is a limitation on how many watches you can buy. I would love to add a few vintage Speedmasters I don’t have yet, or that Apollo XI 45th anniversary edition from 2014. But that itch needs to be scratched. Thankfully, you don’t always need to buy watches to scratch that itch. With such a cult following, many Speedy-inspired/-related curios exi...
Konstantin Chaykin Mouse King Watch Is Terrifying
Whenever people I meet struggle to understand why I love the world of watchmaking so much, I will, from now on, show them an image of the Konstantin Chaykin Mouse King. It will save me a lot of time and effort explaining the simple joy complicated machines can sire.It may be the year of the rat, but it is the week of KC. With the Kansas City Chiefs suiting up for their first Super Bowl appearance in more than 50 years this Sunday, you’d think KC lovers couldn’t have dreamt of anything more. Well, they shouldn’t have neglected Konstantin Chaykin. The Russian master once again impresses and amuses with the continuation of his Wristmon collection.It all kicked off with the Jok...
Vault V2+ Red CC Is World's First Carbon-Ceramic Watch
Red is one of the most celebratory features for the Chinese New Year. As we step into a new Lunar year of the Rat, it’s time for a bold creation for good luck and prosperity! The Vault V2+ Red CC is happy to oblige.The new Vault V2+ Red CC is a piece of mechanical art. It is a unique piece introduced by Vault, as a precursor to their upcoming new range V2. The V2+ showcases the brand's bespoke capabilities, which go far beyond the ordinary customizing options. Two things are breaking new ground here: Firstly, the watch presents a new way to read time, requiring the development of a proprietary movement; secondly, the case is made of a carbon and red ceramic composite formulated explici...
#TBT The Submariner Vs. The Underrated Bond Tissot PR-516 Watch
I never really cared about wearing the Tissot PR-516. I bought it because I just liked the look of it. It was only after I started looking into the background of this watch for this #TBT article that I discovered it was connected to Roger Moore and the Bond movies. How exciting to see a Tissot worth a few hundred? Euros next to the legendary Submariner reference 5513!I?have a?lot of brochures, print ads, and catalog shots that I have?downloaded over the years in my archive. As part of my standard #TBT preparation routine, I?googled the Tissot PR-516, browsing for all relevant information. If you want to emulate my experience from a few weeks ago, click on this thread I?found on OmegaFormus....
The Best Recently Introduced Limited Edition Watches Omega, Breitling, Czapek, And More
Personally, I like the idea of a limited edition release. But I have started hating the frequency with which brands like to use the words “limited edition.” And thankfully, some brands have taken a step back and realized they might have pushed the limits of the credibility of these two words.? But it does not necessarily mean there are no worthwhile limited editions anymore. We saw some pretty amazing limited-edition releases in 2020. These are my favorites of last year’s string of limited releases.While there is something to be said about brands actually overusing the term “limited edition,” the behavior it sparks in consumers remains mindblowing. There is hard...
How Much Does It Cost To Be An Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch Fanatic?
So you've just bought your first luxury wristwatch. For the sake of argument, and being this is Fratello, let's make it one of the brand new Master Chronometer Omega Speedmaster Moonwatches. To a lower level of detail, let's say this is the Hesalite version with a matching steel bracelet. Quite a nice catch - perhaps it was a gift to yourself for reaching a milestone or just something you always longed for. Maybe it was a strong interest in the space program that brought the Speedy to your attention.Whatever the occasion may be, you've handed down $6,100 to land the Master Chronometer Moonwatch with Hesalite and you're happy. But now you want to go deeper into this hobby and you're wondering...
The H. Moser & Cie Heritage Collection Is Sneakily The Best (2022)
I’m the eldest of three. I have a great relationship with my parents and siblings, but it would be easy to paint me as the odd one out. I wouldn’t say I’m “unloved” (although I’m sure my family members would), it’s just that my younger brother and sister always seemed to “fit” a little bit better. They have certainly been responsible for fewer sleepless nights, which perhaps has something to do with it. When I was a young child, I would keep my mother awake every night with my endless existential angst. As such, I feel an affinity with the H. Moser & Cie Heritage Collection, the oft-ignored odd duckling of a catalog replete with atten...
Nivada Super Antarctic Hands-On Reveiew
It took me a while to get this one done. I received the new Nivada Super Antarctic lineup before the holiday season. I say “lineup” because the box had one of each of the three iterations. No problem, I thought, it should be a walk in the park. Then the end-of-year dinners started to roll in, preparing for my time off work, and finally COVID… As in me getting COVID. And this is exactly what I needed - a bit of time off so I could sit down and take a closer look at the new Super Antarctic from Nivada Grenchen.Since I received every iteration available, I felt spoiled. Yet I soon found out that I kept returning to one version of the three when I wanted to wear a Super Antarct...
Fratello On Air: Pim Koeslag Of Frederique Constant Group
Today, I sit down with Pim Koeslag. He’s the CEO of Ateliers de Monaco and technical director of both Frederique Constant and Alpina.Perhaps the highlight of the exchange is the conversation surrounding Frederique Constant’s innovative high-frequency oscillator. The “monolithic” oscillator is created from a single piece of silicon and has an operating frequency of 40Hz. This affordable regulating organ (installed in pieces starting around $5,000) looks to change consumer expectations in regards to accessible accuracy from a mechanical watch....
Brain Vs. Heart: Which Is More Important When Choosing A Watch?
The lion’s share of new watches you buy will drop in value like a rock the instant you put them on your wrist. Is that a bad thing? Not if you love the watch, wear it with pride, and start adding emotional value to it. But that will be worthless once you want to resell your watch. Is it the price you pay for losing interest in your former horological lover? “Your poor choice from the heart made you lose money,” some arrogant person might say with a superior smirk on their face. People who buy with the brain aim for watches with (presumed) resale value. But when you have this investment-like approach, you have way fewer choices. And as passionate watch aficionados would clai...
Hands-On: The Bravur Grand Tour Series
It took me a long, long time to get into chronographs. The first few years of my watch collecting were focused on divers, then field watches, and then exploration watches. But a good friend of mine (and a proper watch nerd) was into chronographs and convinced me to take a look. So I did. I started by reading about classics such as the Speedmaster, El Primero, and Daytona. It became clear that chronographs exist for a specific reason - timing something. And the more I read, the more I became fascinated by niche chronographs, such as the Bravur Grand Tour Series. This collection was made specifically for bike races. Let's talk about that.Bravur popped up on Fratello in 2017 and 2018 when RJ an...
?The Corum Bubble 47 Central Tourbillon Label Noir
The massively domed Bubble legend by Corum seems to exist in a time vacuum, and I respect it; what can I say? Nothing except a dome-topped MB&F or bling-fest Jacob & Co gets close to the mad side view of the Corum Bubble. Would I wear the new Bubble 47 Central Tourbillon? Maybe not. It depends on the actual size. I’ve got neither high hopes nor the requisite fat wallet, but that’s beside the point.Not that my shirts would fit it either. Imagine commissioning all your shirts anew with one extra-wide cuff to accommodate this amphitheater of gears. Maybe it’s all worth it, but with a new stealthy look and a central tourbillon, it’ll cost you. Impressively, such a...