A Closer Look At The New Baume & Mercier Clifton Baumatic Watches
The watch everyone came to admire at their booth this year was the Baume & Mercier Clifton Baumatic Perpetual Calendar. It is a beautiful watch, easily the most photographed one in their booth at SIHH 2019.However, let's not forget the fact that their Clifton Baumatic collection received an extension with 5 new other models (6 all together, including the perpetual calendar). The basis of these new models is two features: the introduction of a red gold case and a gradated blue dial. So far, the Baume & Mercier Clifton Baumatic models only came in a steel or two-tone case. The dial options were white or black. With the new releases from Baume & Mercier in 2019, this is about to cha...
Hands-On Seiko Prospex Field Compass
We go hands-on with a real sleeper in the Seiko Prospex Field Compass.One thing I'll really miss about Baselworld from now on is the presence of?Seiko. For several years now, I've truly enjoyed going to the Seiko booth and taking a look at all the novelties. Meetings are typically arranged by country, so that means attendees from the Netherlands see a different set of novelties than, for example, those from the USA. But a walk around the outside of the booth usually revealed some cool lower-priced Prospex models that I’ve learned to ask to see to avoid the risk of not being shown them unrequested.With so many new models, the Seiko team often struggles to show us everything within a 1-h...
The Horological Society Of New York Unveils Inaugural Exhibit
If you happen to be in New York between January and May 2020, the Horological Society of New York invites you to visit its inaugural exhibit: Highlights of the Collection of Bob Frishman.”For anyone that’s never heard about it, stumbling across the HSNY for the first time can feel like uncovering a secret and mystical enclave. The triangular, somewhat masonic logo compounds that sense of wonder. But unlike many secret clubs, anyone can join. The unofficial re-requisite? A burning passion for horology in all its forms. The fee? About one hundred bucks per year, which doesn’t seem like a huge contribution to an institution that runs so many events for the watch-loving communi...
The National Basketball Association's Partnership With Tissot
Today we will talk a bit about watches and a bit about sports. Particularly the NBA.Fratello Magazine is a watch platform. That’s the way it’s always been. So why am I talking about basketball? Well, for one, I love the sport. I've been playing basketball since I was a kid and also follow the league for many years now. But that’s not it. There is a serious, watch-related reason for it. There is a partnership between the world's most known basketball league, the NBA, and a watch brand that we do not hear too much about. The partnership came to existence in 2015, naming Tissot as the official timekeeper of the league. In today’s article, we will take a closer look at th...
This Week In Watches: January 30, 2021 Garrick, Tissot, Nezumi, Louis Erard And HSNY!
Welcome back to another This Week In Watches. That means one thing - we've survived another week. Well played, well played indeed. It also means it's time for me to round up some of the cool stuff that's happened this week.Garrick S4 WatchAs a British citizen, it's always cool when I see a British watchmaker producing high-end horology. Roger Smith and George Daniels may be the first names on peoples' lips when talking about British Watchmaking, but Garrick certainly deserves to be in the same conversation. This week, the brand released its S4 model. It is essentially Garrick's entry-level watch but features a stunning dial that employs a highly-innovative construction technique. It's a seri...
Podcast Balazs And Mike Discuss Vintage Chronographs On Their Wish List and More!
Balazs and Mike are sticking to their word by serenading you with their dulcet tones every two weeks. Our latest podcast touches on the subject of vintage chronographs once again, but with a twist.That’s right, vintage chronographs are in focus yet again, but this time we talk about the pieces on our wish list with some cool anecdotes thrown in for good measure. We don’t own these but would love to acquire them if funds allow....
Dirty Little Secrets: Shocking Confessions Of A Watch Guy
I was not raised Catholic, and I’m not one today. You wouldn’t know that, however, from the guilt that I carry. There are things that I’ve done that simply can’t be undone, and there are watches I’ve worn that surely can’t be unworn. There are also some pitiful habits I have that make me feel like less than a devoted watch guy. Today, in this article, it’s time to come clean and confess my dirty little horological secrets. Forgive me, Fratelli, for I (feel like I) have sinned.Was that opening paragraph slightly melodramatic? Of course, it was, but it’s midnight, and I’ve got to start this somehow. Nevertheless, this idea has been brewing ...
Dear Omega, Bring Back The Seamaster 2254.50 300M
Ever since I first got into watches, there have been a few pieces that have always struck me as special. The Explorer II 16570 is one example. Another is the Omega Seamaster 300 M ref. 2254.50. This is a watch that takes us back to the days of aluminum bezel inserts and Pierce Brosnan playing the world's favorite British secret agent. Though the original Omega SMP shares its 1993 birthyear with the author, the specific model I'll be making a case for today, the fifth-generation SMP, was released in 2000. With its sharp sword hands, it's this brilliant iteration of Omega's flagship dive watch that I'd love to see make a comeback today. As the latest reference in the Seamaster line (the 210.3...
Watch Strap Review 65 Artisan Straps
One of my first goals with Watch Strap Review was to showcase strap makers worldwide. Over the years, we’ve featured artisans from many countries. The list is vast, spanning from Spain to Germany, Canada, Singapore, and Iceland. Yet there was one country (continent, in fact) where I could not find a brand to bring to the attention of our readers - Australia. Finally, this journey comes to an end. I’m pleased to introduce our first strap maker from down under, Artisan Straps.I’m optimistic that we can bring more of Australia’s fine artisans to the forefront in the future. If they are every bit as good as Artisan Straps, we have nothing to worry about. Are you ready for...
The Best Watches Under $500: Citizen JP2000-08E
Finding the best watches with a specific budget in mind is always a welcome challenge. It’s also one of the most frequent requests we get in the comments and on social media. Prices change, and classic favorites at a certain price point float up beyond reach. At the same time, new watches are introduced each week. Today, we begin a roundup of our favorite watches in the sub-$500 price bracket. Our editors have been tasked with picking just one watch that they would buy with $500 or less. However, we won’t just tell you about one watch. Each editor will highlight a series of favorites before arriving at the final pick. Call it the best entry-level watch or a must-have complement f...
Wearing The Casio G-Shock GMW-B5000TCC-1 And More
Camouflage comes in numerous styles and colors. The Panerai Submersible S BRABUS Verde Militare Edition relies on a moss-green color to stay undetected in nature. The Casio G-Shock GMW-B5000TCC-1 watch with circuit-board camo pattern is suited for an urban environment - wear this watch with a all-black outfit inside a computer, and you will be completely undetectable. And since camouflage has a functional purpose, I've added a watch you can hunt while wearing camo. It's the preppy Ralph Lauren Ralph & Ricky Bear Watch. The new Ralph Lauren watch is not a limited edition, meaning it won't go extinct due to overhunting. Such a relief!A titanium G-Shock Square is something special. There's ...
Pre-Owned Spotlight Inspired By Get-Togethers
This installment of Pre-Owned Spotlight is heavily inspired by a couple of get-togethers that I attended recently. Get-togethers are great for talking watches and hanging out with like-minded people. But they might be even better for planting new ideas in your head because almost every time you attend a get-together, you see a watch you hadn’t seen before. And that’s great, of course, because it’s exciting to see new things. But it also messes with how you see your own collection a bit. With this article, I hope to write that feeling away so I can continue to enjoy what I already have.I’m sure you know the feeling. You come home after seeing a watch that you had never...
New: Bvlgari Octo Finissimo In Yellow Gold And 904L Steel
The Bvlgari Octo Finissimo isn’t a watch that really needs a lot of color to stand out. Its extremely flat and geometric design already makes it one of the most original watches to wear. However, for this year’s LVMH Watch Week, Bvlgari is launching two colorful versions of its 10-year-old icon. The first is a version in 18K yellow gold with a blue sunburst dial. The second is a variant in 904L steel with a copper dial inspired by the Italian region of Tuscany.Bvlgari has already released a multitude of Octo Finissimo variants since the watch’s debut in 2014. I think my favorite is the titanium one with the sketches on the dial. However, the CarbonGold ones that Thomas wrot...
Fratello Five-Watch Collections Nacho's Picks
Building a compact collection that ticks all the boxes is a recurring challenge in the world of watches. And whether it’s hypothetically whittling down or building a dream draft of watches, it can be a lot of fun. Today, we kick off a series in which members of the Fratello editorial team hack through their private stock to build five-watch collections that are perfect for them. And though you should never pick favorites, in this series, we’re doing it anyway.Picking five favorites from the watch box certainly isn’t as challenging as some of the other well-established consolidation exercises. The two- or three-watch collection comes to mind as significantly more difficult, ...
Chopard Mille Miglia Classic Chronograph French Limited Edition
Today, we’ll take a brief look at the latest model in the Chopard Mille Miglia Classic Chronograph collection. Since 1988, Chopard has been involved with the Mille Miglia event. This newest piece, however, moves away from Italy to celebrate another automotive event. The French Limited Edition will be shown at Salon Retromobile in Paris and available in France.My earliest experience with a Chopard Mille Miglia Chronograph comes from roughly 20 years ago. I was visiting a supplier near Berlin in the summer and met the company for dinner at my hotel. My contacts brought their CEO, who had just signed on after retiring from a German automaker as a senior executive. He had done well, and I ...
Hands-On: Depancel Allure Manual Chronograph
It’s fun to see a chronograph in full-blooded racing form. There is a strong connection between racing and watchmaking that influences a distinct, instantly recognizable style. Over time, the style has evolved, as has racing. For many people, though, the true romance of racing and racing chronographs is in the past. I also love the romance that a nicely executed vintage racing chronograph offers in comparison to modern-style racing chronographs. That is why I was curious to check out the Depancel Allure Manual Chronograph. It takes us back to the 1970s, an era when racing was an exciting adventure with possible dangers lurking around every corner. It’s time to find out more!Strai...
January 2024 Fratello REM Strap ?Racing Dial
After a full year of Fratello REM Speedmaster straps, we decided to continue this collaboration in 2024. Along the way, we gained more ideas and inspiration for future strap designs. We’re thankful to all of you who have ordered one of these straps (some of you simply ordered every one of them), and we hope you enjoy them!For the first Fratello REM strap of 2024, we decided to go with a design that works well with the Speedmaster Professional Japan Racing (2004) and the Speedmaster Mark II 145.014 with a racing dial. However, in our opinion, it will also look good on the regular Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch.Speedmaster and racingAs you probably know (and the name suggests), the S...
Tomas Reflects On His Watch-Collecting Decisions Of 2024
With our long-lasting Thursday vintage column rebranded, it would be criminal not to look back closely at my 2024 watch-collecting moves. Here are some highlights: my obsession with vintage Gallet chronographs goes on (with room for impulse purchases still there), and I invested more in research, lost motivation to share on social media, and struggled to sell.I had to check my records this morning because I could not remember whether I had purchased any modern watches last year. Well, I was doubly surprised to find out that not only didn’t I buy any modern watches in 2024, but I also didn’t buy any in all of 2023! Since I bought my last modern watch in December 2022, my modern-wa...
Hands-On: The New Nivada Grenchen Antarctic Diver Green
It’s been a little over a year and a half since Nivada Grenchen introduced the Antarctic Diver to us in May 2023. Since then, the Swiss brand has released many timepieces, including chronographs and watches with integrated bracelets. This, however, is the first time that a new model has been added to the Antarctic Diver collection. Today, the Nivada Antarctic Diver Green launches in two versions.Only 150 pieces will be available on the market, 75 with a date function and 75 without. Aside from the aperture at 6 o’clock, the two models are identical. Let’s examine the details.Antarctic Diver GreenThe Antarctic Diver came to the market on the 25th of May back in 2023. Just li...
Studio Underd0g And Fears Serve Up The Gimlet
Good morning! I know it’s a bit early, at least here in Europe, but Studio Underd0g and Fears are about to serve you a delicious cocktail with a fresh little kick. It’s called The Gimlet, and it’s a perfect combination of Studio Underd0g’s playfulness and Fears’s understated elegance. At the base is the classic Fears Brunswick 38, and it’s mixed with a gradient lime green dial, a 1mm-thick sapphire disc, and black printing and hands. Beware, though, because this punchy combination is limited to 200 pieces and only available at the British Watchmakers’ Day on March 8th in London.Usually, when you order a gimlet at a cocktail bar, you get one part gin ...