Tudor Pelagos FXD Chrono And FXD "Alinghi Red Bull Racing"
The boat is the inspiration. Today, Tudor releases two Pelagos models in a carbon composite - the 43mm Pelagos FXD Chrono and 42mm Pelagos FXD “Alinghi Red Bull Racing Edition” models. The brand is the timing partner of Alinghi Red Bull Racing, the two-time America's Cup-winning sailing team that is planning to win it a third time with their AC75 boat. That high-tech boat is made with heaps of carbon and titanium to keep it as light as possible. And those two materials also dominate the two new watches Tudor made to celebrate the partnership with the team that represents the Societe Nautique de Genve and will compete in the Selection Series for the 37th America's Cup in 2024 in ...
Hands-On: The Blacked-Out Sinn 856 S
Meet the Sinn 856 S. Zero reflections, maximum contrast. Scratch resistant, water resistant, antimagnetic, and low-pressure resistant. Screw-down crown and AR-coated sapphire - whatever you could require, it is here. So, does a fully checked spec sheet automatically make for a truly great watch?If you have read my articles before, you probably know my answer: no, it does not. Specs matter far less than we tend to think. So what does this mean for the Sinn 856? Is it any good beyond the technical features? Let's find out.Sinn 856 S - a spec monsterSinn is known for its very technical and function-forward approach to watchmaking. The 856 is no exception. You get a 200m-water-resistant 40mm cas...
The Best Summer Watches: Brandon's Picks
Good morning, dear Fratelli! I hope you’re having fun out there because summer in the Northern Hemisphere is officially underway. Here in Japan, that means incredible conditions every day - about 90% humidity, temps in the 30s and 40s (mid-80s to 100s Fahrenheit), rain till mid-July, and then, my favorite of all, cicadas! Yes, what better way to wake up every morning than to the sound of thousands of 5cm insects all doing their best jackhammer impression?! All right, you may sense a bit of sarcasm there. To be honest, I’m much more of a fall/winter guy. But as someone who enjoys wearing timepieces seasonally, I’m still very much in favor of great summer watches! Today, I...
Fratello Talks: GADA Watches
It's time for another episode of Fratello Talks! This week, you join Nacho, Daan, and first-time podcast guest Morgan (Fratello’s photographer) for a chat on GADA watches. This topic has been on our minds lately, with most editors writing articles on their GADA watches. These are the pieces in their collections with which they’re not afraid to go anywhere and do anything. We get deeper into the topic today, discussing some hypotheticals, including our “grail GADA” watches and the future adventures we’d love to take our watches on. Tune in; it’s a good one! But first…...
New: H. Moser Streamliner Concept Minute Repeater Tourbillon
The H. Moser Streamliner just had its Haute Horlogerie chops dialed up to eleven. The result is a thoroughly modern and characterful watch that cannot be confused with anything other than a Moser. What we get is the familiar Streamliner case with its organically integrated bracelet and sterile dial. Don't fret, though, because “sterile” does not equal “boring.” In fact, everything that makes this new model distinct is visible on and through the dial. Let's have a closer look.The new H. Moser & Cie. Streamliner Concept Minute Repeater Tourbillon with an Aqua Blue enameled dial is limited to 50 pieces and priced at CHF 269,000.The H. Moser & Cie. StreamlinerBefo...
Introducing: The Garrick S3 MK2
Quintessential, exclusive watchmaking is more than Swiss. Garrick is a brand we've covered before and one that has carved its path. With the new S3 MK2, Garrick offers, along with other European brands like Gronefeld, a studied alternative to timepieces from the Alpine valleys.With a range spanning three-handers like the S6 to the Regulator MK2 with its big, charming balance wheel, all Garrick models are exceptional. And by that, I mean that they embody a tempting combination of small output, hand assembly, and vast bespoke options.Understanding GarrickGarrick Watchmakers is based in a dedicated atelier in Norfolk, England (though the brand’s down-to-earth leader would probably rather ...
Hands-On: New Frederique Constant Highlife Chronograph Models
The Frederique Constant Highlife Chronograph debuted about two years ago. To set it on the right track, the watch came in black and blue panda versions in stainless steel. Now the Dutch-led brand of Swiss-made watches is introducing two new versions. One is a limited edition of 1,888 pieces in stainless steel with an opaline dial and green counters. The other has a rose-gold-plated case and an inverted panda dial in blue and silver.The original Highlife collection dates back to 1999. After some years of inactivity, Frederique Constant revived it in 2020 with three new models in various color combinations. The two new chronographs we’re looking at today celebrate the Highlife collection...
New: Chronoswiss Delphis Dracula, Horizon, And Dune
Chronoswiss is on a mission to revamp its lineup. Today’s Delphis watch trio marks the third new release in nearly four months. These three watches offer enameled and guilloche dials in cases made from gold or titanium. The brand also makes good use of its third in-house-designed movement, the C.6004.Today’s Chronoswiss Delphis models are three special pieces with striking dials. They’re richly colored, but as we will see, these ornate models are meant to be worn. They have robust specs and come with rubber straps, but each is a display of detail and craftsmanship. I’ll begin with the common traits in the lineup and then briefly break down each model.The latest Chrono...
Thomas Prescher's Handcrafted Time
As reported earlier, the ‘Handcrafted Time’ exhibition took place from the 18th of June till the 21st of June in the Time Gallery in Bern.Elizabeth Doerr wrote an excellent report on this exhibition, which has been published on WatchUseek (click here to read the report). One of the participants was BLU (Bernhard Lederer Universe), one of my favorite BaselWorld visits this year. Bern’s newspaper ‘Der Bund’ noticed the Handcrafted Time event and did an interview with Bernhard Lederer of BLU. Below you find a screenshot of the newspaper article (in German). Click here for a full blown version (readable).It is great to see that events like these get media attention!...
14 Signed Moonwatch Casebacks Telling The Story Of Gemini and Apollo Missions
A few weeks ago we reported about the amazing collection and historical collection of signed Moonwatch casebacks by a Speedmaster and space mission enthusiast. 14 Signed Moonwatch casebacks are part of a total of 28 images that tell?an amazing story about space exploration (Gemini and Apollo missions) in the 1960s and 1970s.This project by OmegaForums member?TLIGuy has been very intense but worthwhile as the result is a stunning view on the Gemini and Apollo missions between 1965 (Gemini IV) and 1972 (last Man on the Moon). The Moonwatch casebacks have been signed by the NASA astronauts who were happy to cooperate with this project. Below, the story by TLIGuy in his own words and images.All ...
The Seiko Spring Drive Tuna A Look Back
Make no bones about it; the Seiko Spring Drive Tuna is the most over the top watch I own. Strike that, mine is even zanier because it's the limited edition Spring Drive Golden Tuna. Yes, I know that this article publishes on a Thursday, which means it's #TBT and vintage, but I'll bend the rules big time I suppose because I will review a watch that isn't vintage but it has been out of production for roughly three years. You see, I have a soft spot for the big brand from Japan and, therefore, I'll invoke some license to talk about a seriously different watch.The official release photo of the Golden Seiko Spring Drive Tuna from 2013 (photo credit: Seiko)The Birth of the Seiko Spring Drive TunaW...
Laco Erbstuck Memmingen Hands-On Review Of A Flieger
This Laco Erbstuck pilot’s watch is not a vintage watch, despite the image at the top of this article can easily make you think that. It is a watch that commemorates one of Laco’s historical timepieces. Without further ado, let’s have a look.FliegerLaco was one of the five companies that?supplied Flieger (pilot’s) watches to the German Luftwaffe (air force) in the 1940's next to brands such as Wempe, Stowa, IWC and A.Lange & Sohne. The government commissioned them to produce watches for their air force personnel. These pilot’s watches?were large, even by today's standards (55mm). Two types of dial variations came to light; The A-Uhr production spanned from 1...
This Week in Watches June 30, 2019
Hallo, watch friends, it’s time for This Week in Watches for June 30, 2019.I feel like I am repeating myself, but wow is it hot here in Europe.? It’s 39 degrees here in Germany and that makes it 102 degrees when talking in Freedom units.? You know what else that type of heat makes?? It makes it hard to talk about watches because who wants to wear anything in this weather?? Too much information, you say?? Relax, I’m fully clothed while sweating over the keyboard and it’s all for you!? I’m really hot, so let’s dive into the cool bath of newness that’s This Week in Watches…Union Glashutte Belisar Chronograph PandaOur friends over at Union Glashutt...
New Staudt Praeludium Chronograph model British Racing Green
First introduced in 2018, the Staudt Praeludium Chronograph is the top of the line at Staudt Twenthe. A Dutch watchmaker founded this brand, and we've covered him and his watches several times in the past.For those who don't know about Staudt watches, make sure to check this article which has some more background info on them. For now, we'll have a look at a new version of the Staudt Chronograph British Racing Green.British Racing GreenGreen dials are hot. , Seiko, Omega, Oris and many others have been adopting this dial colour since some time now. Where most of these brands use a tone of green that is very noticeable, Staudt does things a bit differently. Where the Staudt Chronograph Praelu...
5 Speedmaster Watches That Can Be Found Under $3,000
The days of finding a pre-owned Omega Speedmaster Professional under $3,000 are behind us. Perhaps, when luck is on your side, you might run into one for that kind of money. But, in general, I will say that those days are gone.In this article, I want to share 5 Omega Speedmaster watches that can be had for under $3,000. These are the Speedmaster models I would (and in some cases I did) purchase with a budget of $3K. Perhaps not the best, wildest, coolest, or most popular references, but I happen to find them interesting Speedmaster watches.5 Speedmaster Watches Under $3,000I went with $3,000, as this used to be the budget for a nice pre-owned Moonwatch. I’ve picked up Speedmaster watch...
Two For Tuesday: Oris Divers Sixty-Five Vs. Big Pointer Date
It’s Two For Tuesday where we take a look at a couple of models often considered during a purchase decision. This week, we’ll talk about the Oris Divers Sixty-Five and the Big Pointer Date.Last week, we spoke about two incredibly popular Seiko divers. The Marinemaster 300 took on its offspring in the Baby Marinemaster. It seems that most of you enjoy saving a few bucks while staying comfortable because the little guy took home most of your votes. This week, we’ll look at a couple of really nice watches from Oris. The 116-year old brand from Holstein, Switzerland has a pair of hot tickets on its hands with the Divers Sixty-Five and the Big Pointer Date.My Oris memoriesPrior ...
Hamilton BeLOWZERO Watch Featured In Nolan's New Movie Tenet
Hamilton is no stranger to Hollywood super productions. The brand with American Spirit and Swiss Precision has been on the wrists of the silver screen stars for decades. 2020 brings us yet another collaboration by British film director Christopher Nolan and Hamilton. The movie is Tenet, and the watch is the Khaki Navy BeLOWZERO.Many of us remember Agent Jay and Kay in the 1997 sci-fi comedy Men In Black (played by Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones) sporting the quirky/futuristic-looking Hamilton Ventura watches. Who can blame them? Even Elvis loved the Ventura, after all. Or how can we forget the most popular Hamilton of recent years, the Murph? This very model took its name from one of the mai...
Wrist Game Or Crying Shame: TAG Heuer Carrera 1964 (2021)
Start your engines, folks, because it’s time for Wrist Game or Crying Shame! This week, we fire up the TAG Heuer Carrera 1964 from back in 1996. Let’s see if it will hoist champagne on the podium or go out in a DNF. Before we go there…Last week, we discussed a watch that supports racing of a different kind. The Yacht-Master II was intended for sailboat racing and it seems that that small crowd was the only group who voted for this watch. As a result, this one capsized with a 73% Crying Shame loss! This week’s watch is far more of a classic, but it is a modern reissue of sorts. Let’s see what you think about the TAG Heuer Carrera 1964.We’ve often written a...
Hot Take: The New URWERK UR-220 SL Asimov (2021)
I’m in a good mood today; a very good mood indeed. “Why,” you ask? Well, you may have recently noticed my continued love affair with the Swiss masters of avant-garde, URWERK. So when we get wind of a new launch, my happiness levels inevitably skyrocket, as is the case today! So I’m delighted to introduce you to the new URWERK UR-220 SL “Asimov”.Let’s address the name first of all. “Asimov” all sounds very Russian, doesn’t it? Well, if that’s what you were thinking, you’d be partially correct. The name is actually a reference to the Russian-born American writer Isaac Asimov (1920-1992). The writer’s 1941 science fic...
Watch Strap Review 52 Revisiting FinWatchStraps
We continue our stroll on memory lane and take a closer look at some of our Watch Strap Review alumni and what they are up to these days. Last month it was Delugs from Singapore. This time, we received a few straps from our friends in Finland, FinWatchStraps.It’s been almost exactly two years since we reviewed them for the first time. Since then, as you might have expected, many things have changed with FinWatchStraps. While in the first article, the leathers mainly were suede, Nordic reindeer, or Swiss ammo, this time, we have a smorgasbord of exotic leather straps for you. So, let’s tuck right in.FinWatchStrapsI was delighted to find FinWatchStraps back in 2019. I’d never...