The Best Watches Under $5,000: Nacho's Picks
As we continue this year’s Fratello Favorites series, picking the best watches at several specific price points, we have arrived at the $5,000 limit. This is where we start to see some of the biggest names in watches come into the equation. As I mentioned last year, rising prices mean that some brands whose watches could have made the cut are no longer an option. That said, there are still plenty of brilliant watches to choose from. The $5K ceiling is also where my “comfort zone” ends, so it’s one last chance to select a lineup of watches that I’d not just be happy to add to my collection but where doing so is still realistic.To mix things up from my previous Be...
OMEGA Seamaster Planet Ocean 600M GoodPlanet Event Report
GoodPlanet and OMEGARemember our trip to Capri in May 2011 to join OMEGA during the introduction of the new Seamaster Planet Ocean? During this event, Yann Arthus-Bertrand joined for an evening and it was announced that OMEGA support his work for the GoodPlanet foundation. The GoodPlanet foundation released a movie ‘Planet Ocean’ to demonstrate what’s going on in our oceans today and what the consequences of our abuse of these oceans might be in the future.Last week, Fratellowatches attended the screening of this movie in Amsterdam. Hosted by OMEGA and Mooi PR, the Planet Ocean movie was shown to the press in The Dylan hotel in Amsterdam. After a nice reception with drinks ...
Fortis A Visit Report To Their Factory In Grenchen
A visit to FortisWhen I was only consuming watch sites and not yet moved to the other side, that of writing the content, I loved to read all those photo essays and visit reports. To me those are sometimes more interesting than the 57th review of the same ?hot watch on the market. Whenever I make one of these articles, let that be a report on an event organized by the brand, or an invitation to a race for that matter my aim is always to make it as interesting is possible, showing our readers?what you’d otherwise probably not see. Of course, most of the times these visits are very well organized and choreographed by the PR department?of the brand. They have a strict schedule and they lea...
Speedy Tuesday A Very Rare Omega Speedmaster '150th Anniversary of Omega'
Almost 20 years ago, Omega celebrated its 150th anniversary in 1998. For this occasion, they introduced a watch that was based on the Speedmaster’57 Replica from one year earlier. A watch collector from Denmark has purchased this 150th Anniversary of Omega model, after it had been on his radar for a couple of years already. Let’s have a closer look at Morten’s gold Speedmaster watch.150th Anniversary of OmegaWith only 150 pieces of this gold Speedmaster produced, it wasn’t an easy task to find one. However, Danish collector Morten found one in Spain (at Icone Watches) in mint condition and fair priced, so in a split-second he decided to go for it. Morten told us that ...
You Asked Us: Vacheron Constantin vs A. Lange & Sohne Chronograph
Clash of Titans. This week one of our readers asked us why a pre-owned Vacheron Constantin Les Historiques is so much lower in price than an A. Lange & Sohne 1815 chronograph.This question puzzled us slightly as well. After a short investigation, we learned that the current versions of the two mentioned chronographs have more or less the same price tag, around $ 50k. While, indeed, prices of pre-owned ones are quite a bit apart.You Asked Us: Vacheron Constantin vs A. Lange & Sohne ChronographHi, Why is the Vacheron Constantin Les Historique (on the used market) so much more affordable than the Lange 1815 chronograph? Is it Lange’s level of finish? Or market forces at play? Than...
Hands-On Longines Legend Diver in Black Ref. L3.774.2.50.9
If there's one modern Longines that left me with a huge impression, it is the Longines Legend Diver. Preferably the version without date, but CEO Walter von K?nel decided otherwise a few years ago and discontinued the non-date model. This year, Longines added some variation to the Legend Diver, with this all black version. Meet the Longines Legend Diver in Black.This Longines Legend Diver in Black (reference L3.774.2.50.9) is just like the other Legend Divers, part of the heritage collection. A collection that is only a small portion of Longines annual production of an estimated 1.3 million pieces. A huge number, but the number of different references from Longines is also quite impressive. ...
Visit Report: Czapek's Horizontal Manufacture
It’s no secret that Czapek produces their watches in-house, but not in their own house. Czapek & Cie doesn’t see their suppliers as just companies delivering services or products they pay them for. They truly work together as partners?in creative and execution processes.A visit to Czapek & Cie and their production partnersThat seems all pretty awesome and lofty, and so we were happy to accept the invitation for an inside look at how this is brought into practice.… driven around in a neo-vintage vanFirst, one has to understand that 95%?of Czapek’s partners are in the Canton of Neuchatel?area in?Switzerland. Roughly, they’re all within 50 kilometers?of dis...
My Pub Find Omega Seamaster 300 CK2913 And Restoration Process
This is more of a story about my Omega Seamaster 300 CK2913 than a review. The story every collector dreams of happening to them - ideally 10+ times.But in reality, such lucky moments do not come often. It’s another reason why I will try to share it with you as I experienced, taking you through every gripping detail.Omega Seamaster 300 CK2913-8Head back to April 8th and I was sitting in a sweaty corner of Budapest Airport that fails to pass as a restaurant, waiting for my flight to Leeds. While reaching for another fry over the table, I saw a message on my WhatsApp flash on the screen. Tired after a long day of pitching my business to clients, I slowly took the phone. My heart almost l...
This Week in Watches: June 27, 2020 Variety Edition
It’s This Week in Watches for June 27, 2020 the variety edition. We’ve got serious diversity this week, so without further ado…TAG Heuer Carrera 160 Years Montreal Limited EditionOur first entry in this variety edition comes from TAG Heuer. I got a bit excited when the press release came in and I saw a 1972 Montreal chronograph. Well, it turns out that we’re getting a 39mm Carrera with the familiar “Glassbox” construction in the guise of a Montreal. This 1,000-piece limited edition features blue, yellow, and red highlights on its dial and a blue leather alligator strap. The in-house Calibre 02 automatic powers the three-register chronograph. The $6,400 wat...
You Asked Us: Can Watches Be Recycled?
Believe it or not, this one has hit our inbox on several occasions. With more and more people tuning-in to the challenges facing our environment today (and the potential cataclysm awaiting humanity in the not-so-distant future) it is perhaps unsurprising. Sustainability is key. The responsible disposal of waste has never been more important to so many people. Reducing consumption by reusing old products is a proactive hobby sweeping the globe. And so that's probably why you asked us, Can watches be recycled?Well, the simple answer is yes, they could be. Pretty much every watch component is either recyclable or upcyclable in some way. It is not that common for watches to be recycled, however,...
Fratello On Air: WASP 9.6: Dress, Dive, And Wedding Watches (2021)
After coming down from the interview with World Number One Primo? Rogli? last week, Fridge and Freezer are back in the Smooth Booth, foraging around in a bulging mailbag. This week, the boys select two very watch-centric questions for one another....
10 Wrist-Worthy Pilot's Watches For Pros And Fans Alike (2021)
If I said to you, Men are strong and do all the hard work would you agree? What about Girls are not as good at sport as men? Or Men are messy and unclean?? We'd like to think stereotyping has no place in today's society, right? So why, when we strike up a conversation with someone about watches, do we suddenly fall into a bad habit? You're wearing a pilot's watch, so you must be a qualified pilot? There's one! If we think about it long enough, the statement feels about as substantial as saying all divers need a dive watch.Of course, it's not a true statement. Professional divers have access to a whole host of computerized equipment to help them navigate the big blue. In the same vein, a pilo...
The Zenith Defy Skyline Does Not Put The Zen In Zenith
I have to admit, I have been a long-term admirer of Zenith. I have also been contemplating if there might still be integrated bracelet sports watches out there for me. A good Royal Oak or Nautilus appeals to me, but they have grown out of my reach. Could my beloved Zenith perhaps supply me with the watch I long for in this Defy Skyline?I have given this blue-dialed example a thorough test drive to find out. Let's dive into the experience and see whether I have ended up buying one. And, of course, whether or not I think you should.The Zenith Defy SkylineWe are dealing with a 41mm case, characterized primarily by its interesting bezel and integrated H-link bracelet. The example I have here is ...
I Bought The Most Boring Grand Seiko, And I'm Not Looking Back!
The title is meant to create debate, and I don't really find the SBGH279 boring at all. But many of you will ask me a simple question: why would I buy the only Grand Seiko with what almost looks like a primed, unfinished dial? You know I am a lover of quirky-cool and colored dials, but this is all about my love of metal.No, I'm not talking about working out at the gym blasting ’80s Motley Crue on my Skullcandy headphones. I'm talking about Zaratsu. Starting with the killer 40mm 44GS case, the metal-working craftsmanship is key to the appreciation of any Grand Seiko. And when I dare to call the SBGH279 boring, I’m talking about the very discreet dial. Neither Urushi-lacquered nor ...
Yema Superman 500 A Bigger, Better, And Quite Elegant Update
Never change a winning team, they say. Well, the folks at Yema don’t adhere to that rule. The Superman range is attractive and successful, but still, they went out and tried to improve it. Last Friday, the Yema announced the Superman 500. With adjustments to the bezel, the water resistance, and the thickness, the designers seek to make an already appealing package even more appealing. Let’s see if they succeeded!My first encounter with the Yema Superman was a little over a month ago when I looked at the currently sold-out Full Lume version. That was a fun watch to have on the wrist for a while, especially in the dark. The watch we’re looking at today is also a Superman, but...
Cool Black Monday With Mido, URWERK, And Gerald Charles
I like color. Heck, I love color! I think the Hawaiian shirt that perfectly matches the dial and vibe of the 1970s Tissot Seastar Navigator Chronograph in the picture above makes that perfectly clear. This year's Summer Splash is all about color, as you've probably noticed. But because of that kaleidoscopic competition, I think it's time for a bit of black. This is not only to give your eyes a little break but also because black is cool - maybe not literally, but definitely figuratively - and we all need to keep/be cool during the hottest and brightest season of the year. That's why Coffee Corner Watch Talk presents Cool Black Monday featuring watches from Mido, URWERK, and Gerald Charles.No...
Hands-On: The New Fortis Stratoliner The Tool Watch Redefined
I'm not sure about the idea of brand taglines. They're often cheesy, marketing-driven nonsense with very little substance of meaning, let alone truth. However, Fortis’s Tool Watches. Redefined tagline is possibly the only one I'll let slide. Why? Because lately, every single release redefines my conception of what a tool watch can and should be. The new Fortis Stratoliner is no exception to that. Designed with space travel in mind, this watch does more than simply pay lip service.I remember the first time I saw the initial renders of the Stratoliner design. We were sitting in Kiruna Airport, crowded around Fortis CEO Jupp Philipp's laptop. The fact that Rob and I were involved in the d...
Fratello REM Strap: The First Watch Worn On The Moon
This month’s Fratello REM Speedmaster strap collab is one that I particularly like! The dark brown leather and off-white for the wording and lunar surface work very well. When we discussed the design for this June 2023 Fratello REM strap, we actually had the Speedmaster Professional reference 145.022 in mind. It was the first reference to have the famous “The First Watch Worn On The Moon” engraved in the case back.The First Watch Worn On The MoonAs you probably know, the Omega Speedmaster 105.003 was flight-qualified by NASA to become the watch worn during all manned space missions. Omega sent several Speedmaster 105.003 watches to NASA for use during training and on missio...
Three Omega 75th Anniversary Omega Aqua Terra Models
Omega celebrates the 75th anniversary of the Seamaster line in style. The brand unveils 11 references over eight different models that all come with spectacular “Summer Blue” dials, and the greater the water resistance, the darker the blue color. The three Seamaster Aqua Terra 75th Anniversary models feature a light blue dial as they are rated to 150 meters. Within the Seamaster line, they are the lightest on water resistance and, therefore, have lighter dials. At the same time, however, these three Aqua Terra models are, in my mind, the most stylish of all the 75th Anniversary releases we have seen.Omega has described the blue color for the Seamaster 75th Anniversary models as &...
Omega Seamaster 300 And Diver 300M 75th Anniversary
It’s the 75th anniversary of the Seamaster this year, and to celebrate, Omega is releasing 11 new Seamaster references. All of these watches feature beautiful “Summer Blue” dials that get increasingly darker depending on each model’s increased water resistance. It starts with a light blue dial for the Seamaster Aqua Terra models and goes to a rich dark blue for the Ultra Deep. This article will focus on the new Seamaster 300 and Seamaster Diver 300M. The two popular dive watches are exactly in the middle of Omega’s Summer Blue spectrum.The Omega Seamaster historyI love this simple but effective concept that Omega came up with for the 75th anniversary. The brand ...