Eberhard & Co. Extra-fort Roue Colonnes Grande Date 125me Anniversaire
CastellationsLooking back in history, ramparts would provide protection to those residing within the confines of a city or castle. Indeed, there have been many noblemen who have been grateful for the protection afforded by substantial castellated walls.The battlements of medieval castles appeared to majestically interface with the clouds above whilst keeping the inhabitants safe. Their strength has stood the test of time, with many historical structures attracting tourists who choose to admire their august appearance.Eberhard & Co. have chosen to?mark a significant landmark in their?history with a column-wheel?chronograph, typically found on?several of the finest chronograph?movements. I...
Speedmaster '57 And A Custom Made Strap
Custom Made Strap For A Speedmaster ’57It’s Speedy Tuesday! Just last week we received an e-mail from one of our readers that he just bought his first Omega Speedmaster hand-wound watch. It is an Omega Speedmaster ’57 reference 3594.50 that was in production from 1997 to 2003 (roughly). Our reader adds that his watch has a custom made strap. Made by… himself!Our reader Jan from Warsaw in Poland has a hobby in creating leather accessories in his spare time and also makes watch straps for friends and family. It takes him a few hours per strap (up to 6 – 7 hours in some cases). As there is hardly any profit in them due to this amount of hours, it will remain a hobb...
Fortis Classic Cosmonauts Chronograph A Hands On Review
If you're a regular Fratello reader, then you've likely noticed that we've started to focus heavily on watches from Fortis and today we take a look at what is probably one of their most eagerly followed pieces: the Fortis Classic Cosmonauts Chronograph.In 2015, Blaise and I met with the brand in Basel and we could tell that things were moving in the right direction with the launch of some newer, albeit dressier, pieces from the Terrestis line. In 2016, though, the brand deluged us with new model after new model and, honestly, they were all great looking watches. So, when Blaise and I were offered the opportunity to get our hands on a new model of our choice for testing and review, it took so...
Event Report: Fratello X Seiko Prospex LX
Last Friday evening, we hosted an event in Amsterdam together with Seiko, to celebrate the introduction of the new Prospex LX collection.The new Prospex LX collection was introduced in Baselworld and received with a lot of enthusiasm. From us as well, as these watches seem to be the next big step in their professional series. All equipped with a Spring Drive caliber 5R movement and the case and bracelet are finished according to their incredibly high standards. Including the famous Zaratsu polishing technique. Seiko Prospex LX EventSix watches in total, make up for this new Seiko Prospex LX collection, where LX stands for ‘...
Hands-On Review: Ultramarine Morse GMT 3914A
We all know meanwhile that many Swiss Made labeled watches are not entirely made in Switzerland. The ‘Swiss Made’ label is protected by Swiss law since 1971, and its requirements several times strengthened since. Even the last enhanced requirements, dating from January 1st, 2017, do not specify that a watch has to be entirely made in Switzerland.Ultramarine Morse GMT 3914A is I.O.E.S.Swiss Made, made in Switzerland or…?Currently, the most important criteria for a watch to be considered ‘Swiss Made’ under Swiss law, are the following:its movement is Swiss(*)its movement is cased up in Switzerlandthe manufacturer carries out the final inspection in SwitzerlandAnd ...
Wrist Game Or Crying Shame: Omega Speedmaster Mark II Co-Axial
And we’re back with another episode of Wrist Game or Crying Shame, the weekly go or no go article where you choose whether to launch. This week, we take a look at a modern rendition of the Speedmaster Mark II. But first…The old saying of size doesn’t matter rang true regarding last week’s Air-King for $3,950. Despite its un-kingly diameter of 34mm and lofty price tag of $3,950, condition counted. And your votes counted as well as you crowned it with a 57% Wrist Game win. But what happens when a king abdicates its throne? Who shall be the successor? Today’s watch isn’t so much of a follow-up, but more like an addendum. Enter the Omega Speedmaster Mark II.T...
Hands-On With The New Omega Constellation 41mm
Today, Omega introduces its gent’s Constellation 41mm. We had the opportunity to go hands-on with the new Constellation 41mm, a watch based on the 1982 “Manhattan”.If you’re looking for a historical overview of the Constellation Manhattan, check out our previous articles here and here. The Omega Constellation 41mm watch is very similar to the recently introduced 39mm version. But there are, of course, a few differences that I would like to share with you, along with some lovely hands-on images taken by our friend @nd_graphy. Thanks!Omega Constellation 41mmBut first of all, let me tell you that I believe that the Constellation based on the 1982 “Manhattan” ...
Hands-On With The Grand Seiko SBGN011 And SBGN013 GMT Watches
If you were to ask watch enthusiasts what their favorite complication is, the answers will be very diverse. Ask them to list the most practical, and it is likely that GMT functionality would land near the top. Especially for frequent travelers, a GMT watch is the perfect timepiece. The all-new quartz Grand Seiko SBGN011 and SBGN013 could be the ideal travel companion for many of those frequent travelers.When finding the right GMT-watch for your travels, a question could be whether you prefer to travel stylish or sporty? I prefer the latter, but by no means does one necessarily exclude the other. And that’s certainly true when it comes to the Grand Seiko SBGN011 and SBGN013.Although the...
Not Only For Gold Medalists The New Gold Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra Tokyo 2020
Since 2018 (!), Omega has been introducing special watches to commemorate the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020. I secured my favorite from the five Speedmaster Tokyo 2020 watches, and afterward, they also introduced a beautiful Seamaster Diver 300M, Aqua Terra, and Planet Ocean that commemorates the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020. Now, however, it is time to bring the big guns. Meet the 18ct gold Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra Tokyo 2020.Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 sound a bit weird in 2021, but no further explanation is needed I am sure. I am looking forward to the start of the Games in these special times. Together with my daughter, I am a fan of field hockey, and since our orange teams are performing incredib...
#TBT Gentleman Among Vintage Chronographs Mido Multi-Centerchrono
It's not impossible to get your hands on them today. They pop up a few times a year, but you need to be very careful and check the condition very thoroughly. Especially if the asking price approaches the $5,000 mark.Speaking of the price. While it seems quite high for a?Mido watch, actually it's not that much when you compare its quality, features, and uniqueness with any other highly regarded chronographs from the era. I?guess the case size is to be blamed. It’s probably the relatively modest 35mm diameter that limits the Mido Multi-Centerchrono from reaching the peaks of auction (or shall I?say Instagram?) fame. But we will get to the diameter later. Let's start with the essentials.M...
Hodinkee And Unimatic Team Up To Release The Unimatic H Series
We have been a fan of the Unimatic brand for some time now at Fratello. Their fresh approach to watch design combined with a constant flow of exciting limited offerings has delivered outstanding results. When the word came out that the guys at Unimatic and our friends from Hodinkee have been working on a limited edition release, I was all ears. But as it turns out, we were in for a surprise. The Hodinkee Unimatic Limited Edition collaboration is not just one watch but a trio of new watches. Additionally, they feature a surprise upgrade in movements. Plenty of reasons to get excited.When I talked to Unimatic founder Giovanni Moro last year, he explained that he was very appreciative of the di...
The intriguing Crafter Blue Hyperion Ocean Chronograph (2021)
Some may know Hong Kong-based Crafter Blue for its aftermarket rubber straps to customize your Tudor or your Seiko for instance. But Crafter Blue also makes watches. The deep-diving Hyperion Ocean 600m with its powerful neo-retro appearance, for instance. The latest creation is a diver's chronograph that one day miraculously showed up at Fratello HQ without any information accompanying it. That's when I started unraveling the mystery of the Crafter Blue Hyperion Ocean Chronograph. And how intriguing it was.The box was sent to us from Kowloon, Hong Kong. And inside the cardboard box was a black protective, plastic hard case with a plaque that read Crafter Blue Hyperion Ocean. No papers or bro...
Introducing: The Fratello Czapek Antarctique Passage de Drake
When we introduced the watch last week, the reception was overwhelming. The Czapek love is real, and today I'm super excited because the watches are available to pre-order over on the Fratello Shop. The Fratello Czapek Antarctique Passage de Drake Viridian Green is a limited edition of only 50 pieces, so pre-order now to avoid disappointment!If you've been following along the pages of Fratello, you'll know about our adoration of the Czapek Antarctique. You may recall its domination during March Madness, where we watched on in shock as it romped its way to victory. I had expected the Speedy Tuesday gang to fight its way to the top, so I was pleasantly surprised by the final outcome, knowing t...
On The Road To The Tour De France With Tissot
Switzerland, again. The mood on the train changes dramatically as we depart Basel Badischer Bahnhof in Germany and sidle over the border. Masks are removed and suddenly the carriage erupts with a chatter that had been previously stunted by the face coverings still mandatory in Deutschland. Soon, the wide, sun-scorched landscape of Baden-Wurttemberg gives way to the lusher, greener fields of Neuchatel. The fields soon fold into one another, becoming hills that eventually pluck up the courage to form mountains. As we zip through endless valleys and around countless bends in the line, glimpses of a tree-lined lake start to come into view. Suddenly, the Alps rise up in the distance, their snow-c...
The New Tudor Ranger A First-Hand Look
In July of 1952, Commander James Simpson of the British Royal Navy led a group of scientists and military personnel on a mission to Northern Greenland. This mission, known as the British North Greenland Expedition (or BNGE) involved conducting seismological and gravimetric surveys. Additionally, a number of scientific studies in geology, meteorology, physiology, and glaciology were also carried out. The mission took place over a period of two years and claimed the life of one of the men involved. Of the 30 men who participated, 26 were equipped with Tudor Oyster-Prince wristwatches. During their stay in Northern Greenland, they used BBC radio signals to keep track of the accuracy of these ti...
Hands-On: Waltham Field & Marine Dual Time Grey
There weren't a lot of classes that I liked during high school, but I did enjoy the history lessons. I hope you felt and still feel the same because you need to know history to fully appreciate the Waltham brand. The Waltham Watch Company, also known as American Waltham Watch Co. and American Watch Co.,was an American company from Waltham, Massachusetts - why think of a fancy brand name, right? The company was founded in 1849, and by the time Waltham went out of business in 1957, it had produced about 40 million watches in addition to clocks, speedometers, compasses, time-delay fuses, and other precision instruments. Watch Angels, a company from the Swiss town of Mendrisio, has brought the b...
Fratello Summer Splash 2022 Wrap-Up And Winners
Just like that, the 2022 edition of the Fratello Summer Splash has come to an end. But don't be sad, my dear reader. There's no need to fret! While the Summer Splash may be over, the summer has only just begun! We hope that this month-long quest has inspired you to keep things colorful this summer. I say this despite the fact that our finalists were a little bit on the conservative side. Thankfully, our lovely Fratelli, despite their tendency to go for blue, also picked a bright orange wild card in the form of the Seiko 5 Sports GMT (SSK005). A worthy contender, but one that sadly didn't manage to measure up to our two finalists. So, without giving any more away, let's jump into a recap of t...
Baltic Experiments Premier Quantime Perpetuel For Only Watch
It’s time to talk about Baltic! With the Premier Quantime Perpetuel, the young French brand is making a grand second appearance at the illustrious Only Watch charity auction in Geneva on November 5th, 2023. This biennial event attracts the crme de la crme of the watch industry, all rallying for a worthy cause - combating Duchenne muscular dystrophy. There’s something about a room full of horologists on a mission that just makes the air buzz, wouldn’t you agree?However, Baltic isn’t just turning up with an RSVP this time. Oh, no. The folks behind the brand are bringing with them an impressive companion, the Premier Quantime Perpetuel, all decked out by their new fi...
Hands-On: The Large Cartier Santos In Green And Blue
As a trained anthropologist, I’ve always been taught that you should tell people what your starting point is. So I’ll also do that in the case of this hands-on with the large Cartier Santos in both green and blue. As you might already know, my Cartier Santos Galbee XL is one of my favorite watches. I think a Cartier watch should always be a little smaller than average with a white/silver dial and black Roman numerals. My Galbee XL is precisely that. On the other hand, the current large Cartier Santos in green or blue is all but that. However, I’m willing to give it a chance to see if it can change my mind after spending more time with it.The story of the all-steel Cartier S...
Hands-On: The Tornek-Rayville Paradive G3
If you’ve been into watches for a while now, you’ve likely come across the Tornek-Rayville name. The brand behind the Tornek-Rayville Paradive, which I’ll be reviewing today, has a brief but fascinating history in the world of military watches. But it won’t be just the name that rings a bell. Looking at the watch in question, you’ll likely recognize its asymmetrical case, sterile dial, no-nonsense appearance, and 12-hour bezel. This is because the Tornek-Rayville Paradive is a watch inspired by the mil-spec watches of the 1970s, namely, the MIL-W-50717 Type I specification. But as much as the past inspires its looks, the Paradive also looks to improve on the for...