Fratello Talks To Tissot Ambassador Primo? Rogli? (2021)
Say hello to Primo? Rogli?. He is a two-time grand tour champion, the world's top-ranked road cyclist, an Olympic hopeful, and, would you believe, a former ski-jumper. So, without further ado, let's welcome one of Tissot’s very finest ambassadors to the show.Rob Nudds: It is absolutely our pleasure to have you here. As I mentioned in the introduction, your career began in ski-jumping, but how did that switch come about? How did you move over to the bike and what motivated the change.PR: Well, it is a story I have told a lot of times, and it seems really straightforward now, but it really wasn’t. It took a lot of sacrifices and a lot of effort to make it happen. But yeah, in the e...
WASP 9.5: Primo? Rogli? Speaks To Fratello On Air (2021)
Can you believe it? Fourteen episodes in, WASP welcomes its very first pro-athlete, and we’ve kicked things off with an absolute stunner: we’re welcoming Primo? Rogli?, the number one ranked road cyclist in the world. A two-time grand tour winner, Rogli? began his career as a ski-jumper, before rapidly rising the rankings to stand at the very summit of his new sport....
My Father's Day Watch The Omega Speedmaster Ref. 3594.50
Today is father's day here in the Netherlands. It wasn't until a few years ago, that I realized that father's day is celebrated on different days around the world. Call me a bad son, but, to me, it meant little more than a mandatory call to my parents on father's day or mother's day. That changed when I became a father myself, on May 31st, 2013. I now know what it means, and I happily call my own parents now to wish them a wonderful day.I can't speak for anyone else, but I remember seeing my daughter for the first time and the only thing I could think was, I know you already. That instant connection and instant love is something amazing. Someone called having a child a life-changing event. I...
The Joy Of Six: Which Date Window Position Gets Your Vote? (2021)
Date windows inspire strong feelings. Whether they should exist at all is a serious question for some. Must they always be at three o’clock? There are those that say yes, those that hate the asymmetry of it, and those that love a nice, unobtrusive window at 4:30 to ensure the hour indices remain unruffled. But my choice? My choice is almost always for balance along the vertical axis. Give me the six o’clock date any day and I’ll be a happy man.This is not just an opinion-based article (although I do have an opinion). What I’d like to do here is list the advantages and disadvantages, as well as the reasoning behind different date window positions. Then, at the bottom o...
Hands-On: Bulova Avigation Hack A-11 A New Take On A Classic
If you are a fan of military watches, the world is your oyster. We have seen a lot of the great military classics return from different eras. Obviously, names like Hamilton and Benrus are the most common ones that most people will think of when discussing American military watches. Another iconic American brand that was responsible for multiple great military classics is Bulova. Together with Elgin and Waltham, Bulova was responsible for the production of the famous A-11 military watch. Bulova has decided to bring back this WWII classic and update it with modern specs and colors. I had a chance to go hands-on.Military-watch enthusiasts are truly spoiled for choice. Whether you are a fan of t...
The New Delma Cayman Bronze
When I first encountered Delma, I was in the early stages of my writing career. I’d managed to secure a hands-on review of the Blue Shark III, a watch of which I’d previously been unaware. I’d been pretty confident that the watch I was due to receive would be little more than the standard kind of homage we see smaller brands churning out ten a penny. However, having the Blue Shark III in my hands changed my perception entirely. I’m keen on novel and ambitious design, yes, but anyone that reads my work frequently will know that I place an even greater emphasis on execution. It was there that the Delma excelled and exactly the reason I was keen to see the Delma Cayman ...
Introducing The Garrick S5: New Case, New Caliber, Guilloche Dials
Following a GPHG nomination of the S4 as a Petite-Aiguille finalist, Garrick is back to delight us with a sophisticated new model. The latest is set to bring yet another new dimension into its S1, S2, and S3 fine watch collections. It comes in a wrist-welcoming form and the independent brand's first-ever 39mm case featuring a hand-guilloche dial. After much commotion and deliberation to land on a good name for it, Garrick gleefully presents the S5!Garrick is a passionate, traditionalist brand, flying the flag for the style of Great British watchmaking that boasted undisputed horological supremacy for about 200 years before the 20th century. To that end, Garrick's own atelier in England emplo...
MoonSwatch Hunting In Switzerland A Road-Trip Journal
A few weeks ago, I had to travel to Switzerland for some Fratello (and other) business. Those who follow me on Instagram (@ferenczibazs) might have seen my trials and tribulations with Deutsche Bahn, for instance. This time, in addition to a few gray hairs, it cost me my rather-expensive Persol sunglasses, so thanks again, DB, for your service. However, I'm not here to rant about the German public train company. It just so happened that I passed by a few cities with Swatch boutiques during my time in the Swiss mountains. So, I thought to myself, “Let's see if any of them have a MoonSwatch and perhaps get a nice story out of it.”As a disclaimer, I don't want to comment on producti...
Frederique Constant The Avener Highlife Chronograph
Have you ever enjoyed an espresso in Italy? The best way to enjoy the intense coffee taste of a real Italian espresso is standing at the bar. It's a scorching hot shot of what tastes and feels like pure caffeine that gets you going instantly. No need to sit down and linger on it; save that for the cappuccino on a terrazza in the shade later that morning. I was in Milano last week for the announcement of the collaboration between Frederique Constant and French DJ/producer The Avener and the introduction of the Highlife Chronograph Automatic. Before the Frederique Constant The Avener party kicked off, I had to give myself a quick boost with an espresso, as you can see. Maybe you need one too t...
Longines Ultra-Chron Going High-Beat (Again)
When Longines became part of the (today's) Swatch Group, the brand stopped producing in-house movements. This new Ultra-Chron, however, is proof that Longines does take movements very seriously indeed. With this new release, Longines re-introduces a 5Hz high-beat caliber to its collection.Admittedly, the production doesn't take place under the roof of Longines HQ. Instead, it happens on a dedicated floor at ETA (also part of Swatch Group). But Longines was heavily involved in the development of the caliber, and it’s exclusively made by ETA for the Saint-Imier watch brand. A high-beat movement isn't exactly new to Longines, though. The brand had already produced one back in 1959. At tha...
Why I Bought An Omega Speedmaster Replica 3594.50
Is it the steel bezel, or is it the Broad Arrow handset? It's both, actually, and then some. It's a combination of factors that include the aforementioned bezel and hands plus a very dark gray dial, applied logo, and Hesalite crystal. This Speedy Tuesday, I will tell you why I bought a neo-vintage Omega Speedmaster Replica 3594.50 instead of the current Speedmaster Moonwatch Master Chronometer.When the latest evolution model of the Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch debuted, I felt very certain that I was going to buy one. But that initial feeling never materialized. It's not that I don't like the current Speedy - absolutely not. The most basic version with the Hesalite crystal and without the appl...
Hands-On: The Nezumi Voiture Norinder Edition
It’s no secret that I enjoy the presence of the Voiture Chronograph from Nezumi Studios. It’s a big value prop in its meca-quartz versions, and should you feel like leveling up, it has a mechanical brother. In 2023, it’s close to a small-brand classic, having the same cheeky Zorro-mask design since 2015. Now it’s time for a track-ready version and a great alternative for race-colored daily cool.Car- and race-themed watches always seem to be just a tad too much on the nose for me. But I’ve still got a love for racing and a penchant for the evocative Gulf-colored TAG Heuer Monaco. I’m not saying this Swedish meca-quartz Chronograph is an alternative, or am I...
The Three-Watch Collection And Three Alternatives
Welcome to another episode of Fratello On Air. This week, we each discuss our idea of the perfect three-watch collection. Then, we offer up three more choices at a more approachable level. Enjoy the show, and let us know your thoughts....
Fratello Favorites: Summer Watches Daan's Picks
The summer holidays are coming up. I already have a few watches that I know I will bring with me to Spain this year. Still, it’s always nice to look around to see what’s new. Here are the summer watches that I would buy today!Jorg and Thomas already cut away a lot of the low-hanging fruit, but I was still able to find some nice ones. For me, summer watches are all about color, wearability, and water resistance. My go-to summer watch is the Seiko SPB317. That’s actually not a very colorful one, but it is one of the best-wearing diver’s watches out there. And my first pick of the day definitely falls in that same category. Let’s “dive” in, shall we?Cit...
#TBT The Cutest Vintage Regulator Watch I Have Ever Seen
I had no clue that a watch brand called Solix existed. You have to agree that it sounds more like a brand of construction materials than a watch manufacturer. Despite the weird-sounding brand name, the second I spotted this Solix Regulator, I knew I would bid on it.There are watches that I hunted for years. They include the Mido Radiotime, Seiko Motorist, Montilier Telefoot, Breitling Lucy Digital, and Angelus Medical, to name just a few. But there still are watches I am after, such as the Mido Melik, Gallet Rattrapante, and Mimo Centric. I am not desperate about getting them, but if the opportunity arose, I would not hesitate for one-fifth of a second.Image: Blomman Watch ReportThe Mimo Cen...
Hands-On: Ollech & Wajs OW M-52B AF
The legendary B-52 bomber celebrates the 70th anniversary of its production model’s maiden flight in 2024. Ollech & Wajs has released the OW M-52B AF to honor this incredible airplane and those who have contributed to its incredibly long lifespan. As someone deeply interested in this machine, I requested a sample piece for a hands-on review.The B-52 Stratofortress is a marvel of a plane that turns 70 this year. While over 700 were built and used extensively during the Cold War, more than 70 remain in active service today. Depending on the reports one reads, the United States Air Force plans on keeping these mighty giants in the arsenal until they are roughly 100 years old. ThatR...
New: Panerai Submersible Elux LAB-ID PAM01800
Forget, if you can, about the 38mm Luminor Due Luna with its mother-of-pearl dial. Instead, focus on the 49mm Panerai Submersible Elux LAB-ID. Is this massive PAM01800 with a case, case back, and bezel in blue Ti-Ceramitech the watch that will relight the fire in the hearts of a dormant group of Paneristi? It seems Panerai is almost literally trying to do that by creating a hyperfunctional dive watch outfitted with Elux, a lighting technology patented in 1966. Four of the movement’s six barrels provide sufficient power to a microgenerator that converts mechanical energy into electricity to light up LEDs on the indexes, hands, and the lume pip on the bezel for up to 30 minutes. Has Pane...
Hands-On: The Rado Anatom Automatic And Its '80s Predecessor
Just over four decades after its debut, the Rado Anatom is back. It’s bigger than ever with a mechanical movement instead of a quartz one, a bezel and crown in black high-tech ceramic, and a middle case in black PVD-treated steel instead of traditional steel. The new Anatom also shows an impressive edge-to-edge sapphire crystal that follows the curve of the rectangular case. So, at least on paper, the new watch is a better product. But that's not always how it works with watches.It looks like an unfair fight when you see the new $3,750 Rado Anatom Automatic ref. R10202209 next to the 1983 Diastar Anatom ref. 152.0202.3. That’s not just because of the large differences in size. St...
Is It Time To Revise the "Holy Trinity" Of Watchmaking?
Every field has its lingo, and the watch world is no exception. As Fratello writers, we try to be aware of our use of language and the implications that come from our specific choice of words. Regardless, sometimes we are taken aback when certain terms unintentionally trigger strong reactions in readers. Recently, we noticed that the term Holy Trinity tends to trigger people. The term is used to characterize three watch brands - Audemars Piguet, Patek Philippe, and Vacheron Constantin. Interestingly, the controversy isn't around the religious connotations of the term but around the three companies described by it.Today, we’ll try to answer some of the questions about the Holy Trinity a...
Fratello Talks: Why Everyone Loves Seiko Watches
Hello there, and welcome to another episode of Fratello Talks. This week, Thomas, Lex, and Nacho discuss Seiko watches. A Seiko is a staple of most watch enthusiasts’ collections, whether it’s a first-ever mechanical watch or an inexpensive curiosity, a vintage rarity in museum-worthy condition, or anything in between. And though there will certainly be those out there who turn their nose up at the brand, most of us will have (at some point or another) been proud stewards of a watch bearing the name Seiko on its dial. With a great range in terms of price, function, and design, it’s no wonder the brand is so well liked. But before we jump into the discussion, let’s see...