Brandon's Watch Goals For 2023
Here I come, sliding the last Watch Goals For 2023 article in one day before the February 1st “cutoff.” Most of our editors shared their goals for the new year earlier in the month. Still, I wanted to have my say before the topic suddenly seemed less relevant. Thankfully, my watch goals for this year are crystal clear, so writing this one should be easy!Some watch enthusiasts go with the flow and buy whatever strikes their fancy whenever they have the means. But ever since I bought my Tudor Black Bay in 2015, I’ve been a very goal-oriented collector. As I’ve explained before, that piece marked the birth of my first child and the rebirth of my watch collection. I reali...
New: Grand Seiko SBGW295 In Brilliant Hard Titanium
Grand Seiko, though technically separate from Seiko these days, still has an unbreakable historical bond with its parent company. Because of this, the high-end watchmaking house is equally as eager to celebrate 110 years of Seiko watchmaking. As you may know, 2023 marks the 110th anniversary of Japan’s very first domestically produced wristwatch, the Laurel. To commemorate this, Grand Seiko has just announced a lacquer-dialed execution of its very first model from 1960. Meet the SBGW295, a 38mm addition to the Elegance Collection in Brilliant Hard Titanium.In 1960, Seiko released the premier Grand Seiko timepiece. Simply known as the “First,” it was Seiko’s attempt at...
On The Autobahn Talking About Synchron, Omega, & Grand Seiko
Fratello On Air returns with a moving episode - pun intended! We’re on the Autobahn late at night talking about the newest releases from Synchron, Omega, and Grand Seiko. Enjoy the ride!...
A Time Tour Of London: Horological Highlights
The history of London spans thousands of years. It is a city built over cities, with the ancient past still present just beneath the surface. As the seat of power for the British Empire, London amassed incredible goods, technologies, and minds. Some of the best devices that measure time and the people who made them are part of London’s rich history. Today, that past can be explored amid a modern city.I had the opportunity to spend three weeks in London during the winter holiday. While it was a long trip, I had a longer list of things that I wanted to do and see. I got to most of them but also left plenty for next time. As a watch enthusiast and casual history buff, experiencing London&...
Introducing: The TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph Tourbillon
After the Carrera Dato Chronograph that we showed you on Monday, we have something a tad more complicated today. This is the teal-dial TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph Tourbillon. And it is all in the name - well, except for the fact that this new watch is part of the very popular Glassbox collection. So you get a tourbillon, and you get that beautiful curved flange along the dial’s perimeter.TAG Heuer struck gold with the introduction of the Glassbox style to the Carrera collection. The range is now quickly expanding. While we saw the re-emergence of an important historic Heuer reference on Monday, today, we get a new colorway for that oh-so-desirable mechanism, the tourbillon. Let's div...
Hands-On: Cyrus Klepcys DICE Lime Carbon
Last November, I got my first taste of the remarkable creations of Cyrus Genve. The Klepcys GMT Palm Green and Ocean Blue were a striking combination of state-of-the-art design and impressive watchmaking. They were a great first taste, for sure. Another one of the brand’s standout pieces is the Klepcys DICE, which Cyrus released just over two years ago. DICE stands for “Double Independent Chronograph Evolution,” which hints directly at what made this piece special. I got the opportunity to go hands-on with a new version of that same watch. It combines titanium and carbon for a piece that stands out both technically and visually. Could it be even better than the Klepcys GMT...
Hands-On: The Hanhart 415 ES Chronograph
As soon as the Hanhart 415 ES came out, I knew a hands-on experience with it would be a load of fun. The quirky design matched with a decent set of specifications would surely make for an enjoyable review.This is not the first time I’ve reviewed a watch from this German watchmaker. Last year, I spent time with the more well-known 39mm Hanhart 417 ES 1954 Flyback Reverse Panda. Indeed, the 417 series contains probably the best-known models produced by the brand today.In 1954, Hanhart released the original version of this watch. The post-war West German Air Force needed wrist chronographs for navigation, and Hanhart was tasked with producing something to meet this need. Thus, the origina...
Fratello's Top 5 Watches Designed For The Outdoors
Another Friday, another list! This week, we will explore the world of adventurer’s watches. It’s time to look at timepieces that are best suited to help you out in the great outdoors. “Best suited” can mean a variety of things. Some of the things that come to mind are functionality, comfort, and, of course, sturdiness. But you also want a watch to look good on the wrist, right? We selected five options that impressed us for different reasons. As always, this is just a small selection of the endless stream of possible options. Let’s find out what five watches we picked to wear on our adventures.But before we jump into our list, I’ll quickly note that we und...
New: Panerai Radiomir 8 Giorni Eilean Experience LE PAM01643
Welcome to Panerai's latest release, the PAM01643 Radiomir 8 Giorni. This is not just any Radiomir 8 Giorni; oh no, this is the Eilean Experience edition. When Panerai says “experience,” you get an experience. In this case, you get to live the Sicilian life, complete with a cruise on the namesake 1936 yacht and an expedition up Mount Etna.It’s almost enough to make you forget you actually bought a watch. So, let's have a quick first look at the 30-piece Panerai PAM01643 limited edition, and we'll get into the experience part at the end of this article.The Eilean and PaneraiIn case you are not up to speed on the whole Panerai-Eilean connection, let me refresh your memory. Th...
New: Grand Seiko 62GS Sekki Rikka & Shbun Revamped
The reinterpreted Grand Seiko Heritage Collection 62GS Sekki watches show bluer and greener dials than ever before. These 40mm watches also come in the brand's Ever-Brilliant Steel for the first time. GS calls it a superalloy because it has a whiter sheen and greater corrosion resistance than conventional stainless steel. Both $8,000 watches also feature the automatic Hi-Beat 36000 9S85 caliber with a new hairspring and mainspring made of Grand Seiko’s proprietary Spron alloy.The first self-winding Grand Seiko stems from 1967. The 62GS is a landmark in Japanese watchmaking history, not just because of the movement. The case, showing a mirrored, multi-sided design, a wide dial opening d...
Omega Seamaster 600 Plongeur Professional The Original
Also known as the Seamaster PloProf, Omega developed this watch in the late 1960s in close cooperation with the COMEX company and Jacques Cousteau. Solely designed and developed for professional use, this diver’s watch was being nicknamed PloProf (Plongeur Professional) by those involved. Earlier this year, I wrote a small review (click here) on the current Omega Seamaster PloProf 1200M, a successful re-designed timepiece based on the original PloProf.The new PloProf 1200M is a superb diver’s watch, although collectors or connoisseurs probably prefer the original PloProf. Therefore, I am bringing this beautiful – and original – 1970 Seamaster PloProf 600M (166.0077) t...
Omega Speedmaster Mark Series on Speedy Tuesday
It’s Speedy Tuesday! Recently we covered a lot of Mark series already during #SpeedyTuesday, like the vintage and new Omega Speedmaster Mark II comparison article of last week and the Speedmaster Mark III of world renown car journalist Ben Oliver. Perhaps you also remember the Omega Speedmaster Mark 4.5 of Porsche 911 guru Magnus Walker we did a while ago.Well, today we have a contribution from Omega Speedmaster collector Khoder who basically has all three mentioned Omega Speedmaster Mark series.Omega Speedmaster Mark SeriesKhoder – who also happens to collect vintage Seiko Bullhead watches – explains why he loves these Omega Speedmaster Mark Series so much:“The [Omeg...
Oris Big Crown ProPilot Altimeter Fratello Watches
Oris Big Crown ProPilot AltimeterIf you have been on Fratello Watches recently, you’ve probably seen our review of the Breva Genie watches with their altimeter functionality. Of course in an entirely different [price] segment, Oris is now introducing their Oris Big Crown ProPilot Altimeter watch. It is the first time that a mechanical altimeter complication is used in an automatic watch.The Oris Big Crown ProPilot Altimeter uses an extra crown, located at 4 o’clock, to activate, correct and deactivate the altimeter indication. When entirely screwed-down, the altimeter is inactive and the watch remains water resistant to 100 meters. When unscrewed, the altimeter is being activated...
Maurice Lacroix Pontos S Regatta: It Has The Specs, But Does It Sing To Us?
Just last weekend, I talked to a guy who has this classic looking Maurice Lacroix watch from the 1990s. We talked about watches for a while, but there was no real interest in it other than ‘just having a nice watch’. Oh, and about service costs, but that is an entirely different story for another time. I realized that his 1990’s Maurice Lacroix watch is so different from the brand’s current collection, even watches from their Les Classiques collection show no similarities. Now I might be wrong, but at least in my perception I think I saw more Maurice Lacroix watches ‘in the flesh’ 15 years ago then I see people wearing watches from their current or at leas...
Chopard Superfast Chrono Porsche 919 Black Edition from Le Mans
Chopard Superfast Chrono Porsche 919 Black EditionWe are a very lucky group of guys as we get invitations to a variety of events organized by brands. Just recently our very own Bert published a report about his visit to the Passione Caracciola experience with IWC and now here is my report?on a different yet somewhat similar event; the 24-hour race at Le Mans. If you are a petrol head, and I have to say I am a bit, it cannot get any better than Le Mans. You do not feel this until you are there though. That experience is something I have trouble to explain even though I feel that I have a good command of the English language. It's a two day circus filled with A-list celebrities, parties, fans?...
Podcast: Fratello On Air Episode 2
Our second podcast is now online. Michael Stockton and Robert-Jan Broer discuss our recent events in Asia, but also the Seamaster Ultra Deep and lots of (es).The Fratello on Air podcast is available on Apple’s Podcast, Google Podcast, Soundcloud, BuzzSprout, Spotify and via RSS.Fratello on Air...
Hot Take: Mido Commander Big Date 60th Anniversary
We take a look at the Mido Commander Big Date 60th Anniversary Limited Edition.Mido has been on a roll this year regarding new releases.? We last took a look at the Multifort Patrimony, but now we have more news.? ?In celebration of the watch’s debut in 1959, the Mido Commander Big Date 60th Anniversary is here and in a nod to its birth year, only 1,959 pieces will be available.? As one of the most well-known names in the Mido lineup, it’s fitting that the brand has come up with a model to mark its 6th decade of existence.? Mido tells us that the Commander was originally created with the Eiffel Tower as its primary source of inspiration.? Perhaps it’s the clean lines, slim ...
Louis Moinet Ultravox Photo-Essay
One booth you should never miss during Baselworld is that of Ateliers Louis Moinet. Where many try to incorporate a unique theme or try to breathe luxury, Moinet stands out with a bit of a mysterious, yet warm air to it.CEO of the brand, Jean-Marie Schaller, is always there to welcome you. Their Baselworld booth breathes something out of this world, and so are many of their creations which are inspired by the extraterrestrial. They presented us the Louis Moinet Ultravox with an extremely rare hour-strike complication.?Louis Moinet UltravoxFor those who know the brand, they will recognise the case design. This alone is a work of art as it consists of 65 different elements. But the 46,5mm case...
Czapek Antarctique Terre Adelie Secret Alloy Watch Is A Game-Changer
I woke up one morning, about two weeks ago, to a press release from Czapek. That’s normally a good way to start the day. But what I found within that press release - news of the Czapek Antarctique Terre Adelie Secret Alloy automatic watch hitting the market - was enough to put a spring in my step for the next week. Obviously, I had to get it on my wrist as soon as possible.Oh. My. Goodness. It has finally happened. Czapek & Cie, a brand I have followed ardently since its reestablishment in 2011, has finally made a watch that I don’t just admire, but actively want. The Czapek Antarctique is not just cool; it is a contender to a throne that has been warred over by the Patek Phi...
The Tudor Black Bay Fifty-Eight Arrives in Navy Blue!
We finally have some news from Tudor! The new Black Bay Fifty-Eight Navy Blue is here and brings variety to a beloved dive watch.Well, I guess we saw this coming. Blogs and keyboard warriors all speculated about what could be in store from Tudor. Renders were created, fuzzy pictures of what could be were circulated. But it’s always best to wait for the real scoop and now we finally have it. The Tudor Black Bay Fifty-Eight Navy Blue is here! And while this watch doesn’t really blaze any new trails, it does something more important. Namely, the Fifty-Eight Navy Blue gives the fans more of what they want.A quick trip back to 2018It’s hard to believe that it was over two years ...