Oris Big Crown Pointer Date 80th Anniversary With a Twist
We take a look at a curious riff on the Oris Big Crown Pointer Date 80th Anniversary in bronze.I needed a new watch like a hole in the head, but there I was at Baselworld 2019 making a decision on what novelty I'd procure.? I'm not really what you'd call an altruist, but I like to support the industry by purchasing a watch every year that's actually in production instead of always defaulting to vintage.? That's really not such a chore these days as I think we're living during the time of some really great watches.? In fact, there's hardly a brand that doesn't offer something that I wouldn't mind calling my own.? But it was our annual meeting with the still-independent brand from Holstein tha...
Hands-On With The Hamilton Khaki Navy Scuba Auto Wristwatch
Perhaps it has something to do with the universality of stainless steel dive watches, but whenever I see one for the first time, I can always picture it on my wrist immediately. There's something about the form-fitting lines of a purpose-made dive watch that naturally transports it to my wrist within my imagination. The Hamilton Khaki Navy Scuba is no different.It all comes down to points of reference. I enjoyed writing about the MB&F Bulldog, but I had no concept of the wearing experience. However, the proportional scale of the Khaki Navy Scuba Auto allows it to adapt to any possible situation.Dive cred for under 700 EurosThe stainless steel bracelet has quite a bit more character than ...
You Asked Us: What Watches Does The British Army Wear?
The full, exhaustive history of watches worn by the British Armed Forces (and all associated squadrons/units/regiments and so on) could fill several volumes. Here we will pick-up on some of the more famous watches worn by the British Army.Nowadays, military watches are incredibly popular for their no-nonsense layout and hardy construction. We often forget that it has its roots in real military conflict. In fact, the advent of wristwatches itself might well have war at its core. The British Army is one of the most famous military forces around the globe. Historic images of British Tommies have romanticized the army’s reputation, which, throughout its history, has fluctuated. From the bl...
Hands-On With The Casio Edifice EQB-1000AT Scuderia AlphaTauri
I don’t know about you, but when I think of Casio these days, I automatically think of G-Shock. The tough and rugged watches that we all seem to love so much. I do not think so much about Casio’s other product lines, which is a shame because, as I found out, I’m missing out on some really nice stuff, such as the latest Edifice collaboration with Formula One team Scuderia AlphaTauri. The new EQB-1000AT and ECB-10AT mark the second collaboration with the team. This one came after their name change to Scuderia AlphaTauri last year.Previously known as Scuderia Toro Rosso, the team announced its intentions to change its naming rights for the 2020 championship in September 2019. ...
The Best King And Grand Seiko Watches From The 1970s (2021)
We like to talk about vintage watches a lot within the Fratello team. While the daily routine is largely focused on the most recent developments in the world of watches, the most fun for many of us lies in the world of vintage watches. It's a world full of history, remarkable watches, incredible stories, and quirky details. It inspired us to come up with a series of articles focusing on the best watches per decade from a select group of brands. Some of them priceless, some of them still affordable. In this installment, we will take a look at the best King Seiko, and Grand Seiko watches from the 1970s.In the 1960s, we witnessed developments that challenged the status quo of watch design forev...
Dear Seiko, Bring Back The SDGA001
When I grew up in the 1980s, almost everyone wore a watch, including young kids. There were no mobile phones (other than some car phones) and you basically needed a watch to see the time. You either had a colorful Swatch or something digital. And this something digital could be anything from one that was so cheap that you would throw it away once it stopped (I had many that I won at the fair with these claw machines) to a decent one from Casio or Seiko.Some of my friends' dads had these Seiko ones that always looked a bit more expensive than a Casio (and probably were). The steel bracelets were thin and extremely comfortable, and somehow, they just looked classy (1980s classy, of course). I ...
The Biotic Formicidae Automatic Watch Is Inspired By Ants (2022)
Ants. Well, what can I say? I’ve been in this game a while, and that’s a new one for me. However, I must admit it beats the painfully strained nonsense poured into many of the press releases we receive. Honestly, it gets out of hand with claims that the “latest shade of blue” takes inspiration from “the kiss of a cool easterly breeze on the third Wednesday in March when standing barefoot on a rock 73% covered in moss”, or something similarly ridiculous. At least Ryan Lee, the founder of Biotic, just came out and said it: he likes ants, and, so, here is his ant watch. Surprisingly, the Formicidae is a lot better than its inspiration suggests…Let’...
New Watch Collaborations: Roger Dubuis, Lebois & Co, And More
Since it's watch collaborations galore this Monday morning, I thought it was best to put on one of our very own collab creations - the April Fools’ watch that went into production, the Fratello Studio Underd0g Aubergine. This watch was made to put a smile on your face AND raise funds for the fight against testicular cancer. The Girard-Perregaux Casquette 2.0 Saint Laurent 01, Lebois & Co Heritage Chronograph Indian Motorcycle, and Roger Dubuis Excalibur Dr. Woo Monobalancier might not raise any funds for charity. However, they could bring positive vibes with their symbiotic styling, and that’s also a good thing.This Monday, we're mixing horology with fashion, motorcycles, and...
Thomas's GADA Watch: A King Seiko Now, A VPC Soon
When we started the GADA series, I knew the timing was sensitive for me. On one hand, it is by far my favorite genre of watches, so I was eager to write my contribution. On the other hand, I am deep in the process of developing my own but still a long way from completing it, so this article comes a couple of months early for me. That’s why I have decided to put my current favorite GADA watch up against the one I am developing. This is my current King Seiko SPB281 versus my upcoming VPC Type 37HW.Actually, that makes it sound like a duel. Instead, I would rather focus on how my experience with my King Seiko influenced the VPC I am developing. So without further ado, let’s get stuc...
New: Breitling SuperOcean Rainbow & 46mm Super Diver Editions
Breitling sets the mood for summer with two colorful rainbow SuperOceans in 36mm and 42mm cases. The 42mm stainless steel version has rainbow-shaded hands and indices and is available with striking rubber straps. Conversely, the 36mm rainbow option has a steel case with an 18k red gold bezel grip and white ceramic inlay. The 46mm titanium Super Diver with a black or green camouflage pattern strikes a different balance. Whether you prefer rainbow or camo hues, these executions demonstrate Breitling's evolving lineup of SuperOcean models. Accompanying these releases is The Breitling Book of Surfing?published by Rizzoli. Do these new watches catch the waves or wipe out? Let's find out.On a hot ...
Introducing: The Return Of The Farer Monopusher Chronograph
I am one of those collectors who would eventually like to have a one-of-each collection. Rather than focusing on one brand, style, or complication, this feels like a great way to embrace watchmaking. The challenge lies in keeping to a sane budget as the complications increase. But with the Farer Monopusher Chronograph GMT Cobb and Segrave models, you might be able to have your chrono cake and eat it, with no remortgaging required.The single-button functionality of a monopusher is one of those beguiling complications, and I will admit to considering the previous version from Farer. This time, both the Cobb and Segrave make a strong return. They’ve got two distinct personalities and the ...
Embracing Architecture With Cauny And Eduardo Souto Moura
The notion of a revived national brand is rare these days. French watchmaking has Cartier at the top and Yema on the accessible end of the spectrum, while Italy has Bvlgari. But what about the southern part of Europe? Do you remember Cauny?Familiar to lovers of mid-century vintage, the brand was based in La Chaux-de-Fonds for manufacturing but was and is a Portuguese-owned national treasure. With only three years until the Cauny’s 100th anniversary, vintage enthusiasts have high expectations for the brand.Cauny’s significanceAs you can see from these photos from my visit to Cauny’s head office, its heritage archive offers rich pickings. Cauny had an enviable position in the...
Hands-On: The Robot Minor In Le Mans Blue
Today, we go hands-on with a unique-looking chronograph. The Czech-made Robot Minor will not be confused for a retro re-release. It also bucks the current trend of smaller watches with its 44mm diameter. Still, this is a well-made watch that takes a different approach to a tribute piece. Let’s strap in for a trip to France in 1949.If you haven’t heard of Robot watches, I invite you to read Gerard’s informative article from earlier this year. The brand changed its name in 2021 from Bohematic due to a small kerfuffle with the Richemont group. Since then, we’ve reviewed several watches and have enjoyed them. I also recall meeting the brand in London late last year, and, ...
Visiting The Three Chopard Manufacturing Sites
Although one might think that visiting watch manufactures gets old, trust me, I am still as excited about it as I was many years ago. That’s especially true when visiting a brand like Chopard, which boasts three production facilities where nearly everything happens in-house. Chopard has been on a roll with the Alpine Eagle models, and our readers have been very receptive to them, especially last year's XPS and Cadence 8HF. The brand’s introductions this year were also impressive, and to me, the Chopard L.U.C XPS Forest Green was one of the highlights of the lineup.Three Chopard manufacturing sitesWe were able to visit Chopard and have a look at the new watches, but while doing so...
Swatch's Three New MoonSwatch Mission On Earth Editions
Following the two MoonSwatch Snoopy watches (here), Swatch introduces three new models based on Omega’s iconic Speedmaster design. The previous MoonSwatch introductions linked to Apollo 13’s Snoopy models from Omega, and the new MoonSwatch models pay tribute to the beauty of planet Earth. Three new models will go on sale at Swatch boutiques on June 15th - the Mission On Earth Lava, Mission on Earth Polar Lights, and Mission on Earth Desert.Swatch has teased us on its Instagram account in the last few days, and some Swatch boutiques have already received the aqua-blue case with the three MoonSwatch models inside. Let’s have a closer look at the three new MoonSwatch additions...
Antiquorum's auction June 15th
Yesterday I was visitting Gerard’s watch store and while I was there drinking some coffee, I browsed the latest Antiquorum catalogue for the upcoming auction of the 15th of June.Just now I noticed a post by Felipe on WatchRap.com which describes (in pictures and text) some of the highlights of that auction. Felipe visitted the auction preview in New York in person with some watch friends and took a lot of pictures.This Patek ref.2499 for example, estimated between 200.000 and 250.000 USD:Picture by Felipe.See for your self....
Corum Admiral's Cup Competition 48
Dirk Claassen over at www.horlogenieuws.nl (Dutch) reports that Corum introduced the Admiral’s Cup Competition 48 especially for nautical sports.The watch has a La Joux Perret caliber 8235 movement, which is based on the famous and often discussed valjoux 7750??movement. It is chronometer-certified (COSC), with 24 jewels, high-end finish and personalised rotor.The watch case is 48mm in diameter and is made out of titanium. The Corum has a vulcanised rubber strap and the water resistancy is 300 meters. The watch is available in either black or blue. Dirk notes that the watch has this stunning twelve-facetted sapphire crystal.Although the Corum website??does not show the Admiral’s ...
Seiko Astron GPS Solar Chronograph Review
Seiko AstronAlready in 2012?the Seiko Astron GPS Solar was introduced during the Baselworld exhibition. The Seiko Astron finds its roots in 1969, also called ‘Quartz Astron’. However, without the GPS technology of course. In 2012 Seiko brought us the watch that connects to the GPS network in order to give you the exact time, wherever you are. With the push of one button for 6 seconds the watch connects itself to the GPS network and synchronizes your watch with the accuracy of an atomic clock. This also means automatically correction of the calendar function of the Seiko Astron GPS watch. Even timezones that have a quarter of an hour or half hour difference are being picked up by ...
Strap maker workshop by Olaf Lugten from DStrap.com
With our recurring reviews on watch straps it was great to see local Dutch watch strap maker Olaf Lugten from Dstrap, announce the worlds first?‘strap maker workshop’. After getting in touch we were one of the lucky few to join Olaf for this master class (as we like to call it) that took takes place in his workshop in Alkmaar.After being welcomed we all did a quick introduction?about ourselves,?followed by Olaf kicking off his master class, doing so by explaining why he started making his own straps and what motivates him to do it the way he does. In short it was the lack of quality that he was expecting and the missing buyer experience when buying after market watch straps in ge...
Watches & Pencils #16 Panda Dials
Announcement: Prints of?Watches & Pencils artworksBefore we take a look at?the panda?I would like to start of with an announcement.?Last months I received a lot of questions about prints of the artworks presented in?the Watches & Pencils feature. Unfortunately I wasn’t able to handle all the individual requests and therefore I decided to open an online shop. In the shop I’ve placed a selection of my artwork, which will be updated now and then. Since the payment, printing process and shipping is handled by a professional third party with quality products (RedBubble), buying a print should be a breeze from now on (several materials and sizes available). Please take a look a...