The New Piaget Polo Field Steps Out Of The Grail Shadows
I am saying yes, though I'll try to say this only once: 42mm is too big for this dressy beauty. Still, I have tried on its black-dial sibling, and find it disconcertingly tempting. This year, with celebrity wrist endorsements including mega-hunk Ryan Reynolds, the Polo is back in the spotlight. And green is still the new blue, right? With hard-to-get grails frustratingly flooding Instagram, I say the new Piaget Polo Field is a great alternative.The Piaget Polo is on the rise, including a chronograph version that looks quite hot. This might not be everyone’s idea of a field watch, but for me, the Polo feels like a bona fide grail-ternative (phrase hereby coined). And that's not just bec...
Hands-On: Casio G-Shock GA-2100SRS-7A
I picked the wrong watch. Sorry about that. My list of the best summer watches consisted of a steel and gold Longines Spirit Zulu, a Certina DS Action Diver 38mm, and a full-metal Casio G-Shock. And picking that gold-colored G-Shock GMW-B5000PG-9 from the 40th Anniversary Recrystallized Series was rash. I should have picked another Casio G-Shock. I should have gone with?the transparent and iridescent “CasiOak” GA-2100SRS-7A instead. In my defense, I hadn't seen the watch that we’d kept in a box inside the Fratello studio. Otherwise, I would have picked it without hesitation. But now that I have, I can't unsee it. Also, I think it may have damaged my retina.Issuing an erratu...
Introducing: The Ming 37.05 Series 2
The Ming 37.05 Series 2 is the brand’s latest release. It follows the original 37.05 from 2021 and brings a star-filled, three-dimensional dial along with a new color and style. This is the first semi-affordable new watch from Ming in roughly a year, so let’s see what the popular independent brand has in store for us.The original 37.05 first broke cover in 2021, which feels like a long time ago! Since then, it seems that Ming has been focusing on filling orders for several of its watches. Now, finally, the brand is ready to go with something new, and the Ming 37.05 Series 2 is the first offering. We need to remember that the 2021 piece was Ming’s first model with a date and...
Pre-Owned Spotlight: Vintage Skin Divers
Welcome to another edition of Pre-Owned Spotlight. This week, we focus on a genre that has become very popular with new watch buyers, but we’ll use the opportunity to go back in time. We’ll take a look at several vintage skin divers that are available for sale, and while prices have increased over the years, there’s still great value to be had.Skin divers are an interesting category. Seemingly, these watches were born out of the growing interest in recreational diving during the early 1960s. They were made for diving but were sold at lower prices than the serious pieces from companies like , Omega, Blancpain, and others. As a result, the water resistance ratings usually top...
WatchPro Salon Returns To London This November
This November, London’s Leicester Square will witness a horological extravaganza as WatchPro unveils its highly anticipated flagship event, WatchPro Salon. Early Bird tickets have just been released, and after the success of last year's event, we're buzzing with excitement. Brace yourselves for a captivating experience that showcases over 50 renowned brands and promises to be the biggest year to date for WatchPro Salon.This event is set to bring together an impressive lineup of watch brands, offering an unparalleled opportunity for enthusiasts to explore the latest timepieces and delve into horological wonders. Confirmed exhibitors include notable names such as Arcanaut, Awake, Isotope...
Hands-On: Seiko Prospex SPB381, SPB383, And SPB385
Sometimes wishes do come true. It sounds a bit cliche and over the top, but it’s not in this case. In March, Seiko unveiled its first series of mechanical Prospex GMT dive watches - the SPB381, SPB383, and SPB385. They are three GMT versions of the 1968 Diver's Modern Re-interpretation, and as I wrote in the introduction article, I was looking forward to taking them for a spin. Now, a few months later, that wish has been granted. I was curious to find out more for several reasons. Most of all, it was the simple joy of seeing the great aesthetic combined with the practicality of a GMT function. What more could you possibly need?The answer to that simple question is not as simple. So man...
Cool Summer Watches For Less Than $500
For me, summer is about disconnecting and a taking more relaxed view of life, even if I seem to be working a lot. This also extends to wristwear, and as a collector at heart, nothing makes me happier than some new wrist fun for the sunny season. With that in mind, I’ve found several cool and fun summer watches for less than $500 each.Why so cheap? I am a strong advocate for value, even if I have some expensive watches in my box. Why? Summer is about traveling with the family, all its associated bumps and scrapes, and fun days at the beach. It’s also about not having to care that much, right? But still, it’s worth having an accurate time-telling tool, which means your phone ...
Delugs Rubber CTS Straps On Ming And Tudor Watches
If you frequent social media, there’s a good chance that you’ve run across the Delugs rubber CTS straps recently. The brand is making a splash for the summer season and has released some new models and colors. Full disclosure: Delugs sent me a handful of straps for review. Specifically, I requested straps for my Ming watches and Tudor Black Bay 58.Rubber straps are a funny thing. I don’t wear them often. When I do, it’s typically during summer and involves water. However, if I’m not heading to the water and it’s hot, a rubber strap is often sticky on the wrist. However, FKM rubber has helped the situation and does a nice job of warding off dust. With that ...
Introducing: The Sartory Billard SB07 With Maki-e Dials
At the end of last year, we had three Sartory Billard flying tourbillons in the office. I remember how impressed I was with those watches. Seeing them in person was also a good showcase of the bespoke work that Sartory Billard has become known for. The brand’s latest release is another interesting display of traditional craftsmanship. Together with Martin Pulli, Sartory Billard releases two limited editions of its SB07 with maki-e dials created by Japanese master artisan Kosetsu. The result is an intriguing pair of watches.You know you are looking at something special when you see a picture of these two new Sartory Billard SB07 models. The handcrafted dials draw you in immediately. I c...
Introducing: The Laco Augsburg And Aachen In green
Many pilot’s watches, especially those of the Flieger variety, are designed with a specific purpose in mind: their wearers must be able to read the time in a split second. That’s why the dials feature large numerals, hands, and markers. This results in an iconic look that has many fans worldwide. On the other hand, because of its iconic status, it’s also difficult to come up with a Flieger watch that has a completely different look. Laco does try, though, with its colorful limited editions. Come take a look at the new Laco Augsburg and Aachen, both with a matte dark green dial.This is the fourth time Laco has launched a more colorful limited-edition version of the Augsburg ...
A Closer Look At The New Louis Vuitton Escale Automatic [Video]
We recently introduced the new Louis Vuitton Escale Automatic collection here. It’s a collection of time-only Escale watches that use Louis Vuitton’s LFT023 movement. In this video, RJ discusses the Louis Vuitton Escale rose gold models in detail.Louis Vuitton Escale AutomaticThis year marks the 10th anniversary of the Escale collection. Louis Vuitton showed the Escale Cabinet of Wonders models earlier this year. Now the brand has introduced the time-only rose gold and platinum models, which should remind you of the hardware on LV trunks. You can find all of the watches’ specifications below.You can also watch the video on our YouTube channel. For more information, visit th...
The Patek Philippe Annual Calendar 5396G-017
Yes, you're looking at a new watch. The Patek Philippe Annual Calendar 5396G-017 is a watch with a very familiar face. But that face underwent some serious yet subtle cosmetic surgery. The reference 5396 has been around since 2006 and has become one of the most recognizable Patek watches around. The vertical design, which shows day and month apertures at 12 o’clock along with a date indicator and 24-hour sub-dial with an integrated moonphase display at 6 o’clock, makes for a striking and, by now, classic dial design. This layout replaced the more conventional face of the very first annual calendar wristwatch, Patek's reference 5035, which debuted in 1996. The latest iteration of ...
Panerai PAM00113 review
Finally, my review on the Panerai PAM00113.Click here to read it!...
A quick hello
A quick hello from Finland. I haven?t posted much here last days, and now you know why… my holidays!Anyway, I will be back shortly and post a few new items asap!p.s. Zeger, congrats on your AP RO Jumbo!...
Fratello Give Away: Mario Paci MP XVIII "Querciabella" strap for Panerai
Fratello has some nice give aways coming up, and this Mario Paci MP XVIII strap is one of them! Together with TC Straps and ViaPaneristi, long time friends of FratelloWatches, I can offer you this great give away for your Panerai time piece.Leave a comment with your name and a valid e-mail address, and a winner will be picked on the 15th of July. You will be contacted in order to ask you what colour strap and which size you prefer. The following sizes are available (width at the lug & buckle and long part length & short part length):24/24 115/7524/24 125/8024/24 130/8526/26 125/80The MP XVIII strap will be available in the following colours: Camel, Cappuccino and Nero (as seen below...
Photo Essay: A Visit To Manufacture Jaeger-LeCoultre
For most horological aficionados, visiting their favorite manufacture is a necessary pilgrimage along the path. I’ve had the privilege to visit a few in my time, however living halfway around the world makes this a bit more of an expedition than is convenient. However, on my last assignment to Switzerland, I happened to have a free day, and the folks at Jaeger-LeCoultre were extremely accommodating…Enjoy the photo essay – it’s more of a story of how a watch is made, and a slight deviation from normal programming here at Fratellowatches, but I think you’ll find it interesting all the same.Images shot with an Olympus OM-D and Panasonic 20/1.7 and 45/2.8 macro lens...
U-Boat U-51 Chimera Bronze Reference 6945 Review
Why we didn’t feature U-Boat beforeIf you are not from The Netherlands, Belgium or Luxembourg, you can skip this small introduction for sure. However, if you want to know why we didn’t feature more U-Boat in the past, keep on reading.Earlier this year, I was on a short trip to London and U-Boat UK invited me over to meet with them. I have to be honest with you and say that U-Boat wasn’t exactly on my radar for a long time. The reason for this is that they were marketed in The Netherlands (where we are based) in a terrible manner approximately 10 years ago. However, I decided to go to see the people at U-Boat in London and to my surprise they acknowledged the fact these earl...
Hands-On Sinn 140 St S Review The Space Chronograph
Sinn 140 St S ReviewIf you are not familiar to Sinn or the story behind this 140 St S model we are about to review, you might have frowned your eye brows when reading those two words in the title of this article. Space Chronograph. Wait, wasn’t that about this other brand? Yes, but of course the Omega Speedmaster wasn’t the only watch worn in space. ESA astronauts – other than NASA astronauts – made their own decision about the watch they wanted to wear. Some ESA astronauts bought Seiko watches (the Seiko A829-A6019 to be precise), some have worn Casio G-Shocks and ESAvastronaut Reinhard Furrer bought a Sinn 140 S in those early 1980s. He wore it during the D1 Spacela...
Oris Bronze Watch Review What Does It Look Like After A Few Months?
Oris Bronze Watch – Carl Brashear Limited EditionTo be honest, I’d never heard about Carl Brashear before and did not see the Men of Honor movie. I also doubt?if the story, to which I will come back later, would have impact on my decision whether to like this watch, or not. Or better yet, that it would have add value to the Oris bronze watch for me, personally. I doubt that basically. I like the watch from the moment I saw it in the flesh during a preview of Oris’ BaselWorld novelties in Zermatt.Without further ado, here is my Oris bronze watch review.Bronze Watches EverywhereBronze is trending.?Panerai set the trend with their ‘Bronzo’ (Luminor Submersible Ref....
Speedy Tuesday Moonwatch Only Speedmaster Identification Guide iBook Review
Quickly after the introduction of the new Moonwatch Only book (that we reviewed here), the authors showed us a little sneak preview of what was coming up. A mobile version of their book, for traveling collectors: Moonwatch Only –?The Speedmaster Identification Guide iBook.The Speedmaster Identification Guide iBookIt doesn’t include everything from the book, but it is a perfect method to have your crucial Speedmaster information at hand when traveling or visiting a watch trade show for example.This Speedmaster Identification Guide?can be downloaded as an iBook on your iPad or iPhone for example. It is an extension of the book, so to speak, where you can do a look-up of the Speedma...