Hands-On: Zenith Defy Skyline Chronograph Skeleton
What would happen if you started working out in 1969? How would you look today? Well, if you were a watch, you would probably look like the 42mm Zenith Defy Skyline Chronograph Skeleton. When the athletic Defy A3642 came to life 56 years ago, the watch, with its muscular octagonal case and chiseled tetradecagonal (14-sided) bezel, already looked like it could go the distance. But the first Defy model also had room to grow. Many years of training/evolution have led to a more complicated and bigger yet leaner and meaner version - an open-worked chronograph.You must keep things in perspective, especially when discussing watches like the Zenith Defy. We live in the age of the integrated-bracelet...
Dunhill Wheel Watch
Some time ago, I went through some brochures from Dunhill. Gerard pointed out the Wheel watch. An interesting construction of ‘hiding’ the crown. The case design is inspired by old motors and it is shaped like the evocative metal ‘spinners’ often used to attach wire wheels to period sports cars. The crown is hidden by the engine-turned bezel. This systems cleverly protects the crown from knocks. The monolug system looks good and emphasizes the case’s ‘spinners’ design.The watch pictured above is the Wheels watch ‘Petrolhead’ model. 42mm case diameter and an automatic movement (ETA 2824-2 + Dubois-Depraz module for power reserve) with date...
Omega Speedmaster 105.003-63
It’s Speedy Tuesday! This week we have an interesting Omega Speedmaster for you, the reference 105.003-63. That’s right, one of the very first models of this reference number. The Omega Speedmaster 105.003 is considered to be the 3rd generation of Speedmasters, as the CK2915 and CK2998/105.002 (basically the same watches) are its predecessors.The interesting part about this particular Speedmaster is that it still has the Alpha hands that were also on the CK2998 and ST 105.002 references. Most of you will know the 105.003 as the first watch with the white baton hands, as pictured below. However, these official database results from the Omega website also tell you that the 105.003 ...
Baume & Mercier Classima The Perfect Smart Watch
The title couldn’t have been more corny, I’ll admit. However, this watch is being smart for different reasons. One of them is that it is a great first mechanical watch for those who just get started with watches and don’t want to blow a lot of money on a watch (yet). One of the other reasons is that it looks great, especially when worn with a suit or at least a bit more formal outfit.That’s exactly what Baume & Mercier is aiming for with their new range of Classima models that they introduced last January in Geneva. Affordable good-looking watches for men and women, most probably in their twenties and just started their career and make some money. Perhaps this is ...
New Tissot Heritage 1973 Chronograph
Today, Tissot surprised us by introducing a new mechanical chronograph. The Tissot Heritage 1973, where the number refers to the year when they first got involved in car racing.Before 1973, Tissot had played a role already in car racing, by being on the wrist of Swiss driver Harry Zweifel in 1957. Later on, Tissot started to design and produce watches that were inspired by racing, most famous is their PR 516 model.Tissot Heritage 1973However, in 1973 Tissot really got involved by sponsoring Alpine in the Monte-Carlo rally. Thanks to the Berlinettes, Alpine (and thus Tissot) took all three podium positions and 5 of the first 6 positions were actually by them as well. Alpine also won the World...
Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Rembrandt
This year it’s 350 years ago that famous Dutch painter Rembrandt passed away. He is known as one of the greatest artists in history and Holland’s most renowned master. During the?year of Rembrandt?the artisans at Jaeger-LeCoultre re-created the ‘The Night Watch’. Transferring the main characters of this iconic masterpiece on the dial. Together with boutique partner GASSAN they present the Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso in tribute to Rembrandt.Rembrandt van RijnBorn in 1606, Rembrandt grew up becoming an innovative master and is considered as one of the greatest artists. During his career he created many biblical and mythological scenes. Many of them in dark, high contrast a...
Wrist Game or Crying Shame: Panerai Luminor Base Logo
Welcome to the jungle that is Wrist Game or Crying Shame, the weekly internet voting game that allows you to choose whether a watch is cool enough to grace your supple wrist! This week, we take a look at the Panerai Luminor Base Logo.? But first…Last week, I showed you the Precision 6694. To jog your memory, this is a sweet 34mm Oyster with a manual wind movement. At just over $3,500, it walked away with a respectable 68% Wrist Game win. I’d call that a solid week’s work despite the normal whinging about featuring a . Well, this week we are back with yet another finger flexer in the Panerai Luminor Base Logo. Let’s see if adding 10mm of diameter is a good thing for y...
Hand Engraved Masterpieces For Grand Seiko's 60th Anniversary
The Grand Seiko 60th Anniversary Limited Edition models are here and we’re treated to amazing engraved details that are meant to evoke Shizukuishi - the home of the brand.Shizukuishi is the location in Japan where Grand Seiko watches are expertly crafted. It also happens to be a mountainous area well known for its natural beauty. In order to celebrate the area and the birthday of Seiko’s upper tier marque, we have the Grand Seiko 60th Anniversary Limited Edition models. Two watches were created for this anniversary and we’ll see that both boast some amazing detailing.SBGW263 - Platinum and Engraved by HandThe first and most exclusive piece within the Grand Seiko 60th Annive...
March Mania Gerard Takes Omega, Patek Philippe, Seiko, And Zenith Forward To The First Round Proper
Welcome, one and all, to round three of the first round proper of March Mania 2021, here on Fratello. Are you a watch maniac like we are? If so, you’re sure to love our month-long feature. 96 watches reviewed last year line up for a battle royale like nothing that’s gone before. We need your votes. We want your comments. Help us decide the champion and share in its glory! Let the games commence…In this first round proper, your task is a bit different from your task in the preliminaries. Below you will find the eight remaining timepieces of each of our Fratello competitors in four head-to-head contests of two timepieces. The seedings in the preliminaries dictate the match-up...
Is The New Nomos Club Automatic The Best Everyday Watch?
This month, NOMOS released its new limited edition watch. The NOMOS Club Automatic “175 Years of Watchmaking”. What's new for the Club Automatic “175 Years of Watchmaking “Limited Edition? Is this Nomos the best everyday watch you can get? Or perhaps this timepiece was designed for beginner watch enthusiasts?Obviously, this NOMOS Club Automatic celebrates 175 years of watchmaking in Glashutte. German’s finest watchmaking takes place in this little village, and it is also home to the German Watch Museum. In case you haven’t been there yet, make sure you do!Nomos – The Best Everyday Watch?Where Nomos is known for its Bauhaus-inspired style, the new Clu...
Furlan Marri Launches On Kickstarter With A Timeless (And Affordable) Meca-Quartz Chronograph Watch
As well you may know, I have unintentionally become a fervent collector of meca-quartz chronographs. I didn’t mean to. Honestly, I never set out to make this my goal. I’m not even sure how I ended up with more than ten of them (and counting) in my collection. Perhaps I am a slave to the times. Or maybe there is something going on with this vibrant segment of the market that makes it a great place for new brands like Furlan Marri to make some serious hay…I’ll get this out of the way right at the top. I am not suggesting meca-quartz watches are the “penny stocks” of the watch industry. Honestly, as awesome as I think these pieces are as objects, I do not reg...
Bosphorous Watch Trunk: A Trunk Is For Life, Not Just For Hogwarts
What do I mean by “holidays will never be boring again”? Am I crazy? You’re damn right I’m crazy. Crazy about watches. Do you know the worst thing about going on holiday? And I’m talking even worse than knowing the four-star hotel your girlfriend insisted on visiting cost the same as a new watch (or whatever percentage of whatever Speedmaster I’m lusting over that week). Worse than that unbearable woe is not being able to take enough watches on holiday with me. Thanks to the Bosphorus Leather watch trunk, that will no longer be a problem.I’ve decided I’m going to just buy my underwear when I get there and bin it before I leave. Who needs boxer ...
Why I Bought The IWC Aquatimer Bronze Dive Watch
During 2020, my watch rotation was different than a typical year. One of the significant factors was remote working from home, but also other reasons seeped in. Due to the combination of these situations, one watch became my predominant wrist companion and even accompanied me on my limited but worthwhile vacation time over the past year. That watch was the IWC Aquatimer Chronograph Edition “Expedition Charles Darwin.”But why this IWC in particular? And what led me to it? Let’s dive in and find out.The hunt for bronze treasureIn 2014, IWC presented the overhauled Aquatimer collection during SIHH. At the time, then-CEO Georges Kern had a preference for renewing single model l...
The Best Two-Tone Watches Under $5000
Here at the Fratello offices, we get a lot of questions from you, our readers. Probably the most-asked questions are centered around the topic of what to buy for different budgets. The most popular budget question is what watch to buy for under $5,000 in different watch categories. That's why we decided to set up a small series of articles focusing on the best watches that you can buy within that budget. In this installment of the series, we will look at the best two-tone watches available for under $5K. Let's see what the best options are if you want to add a bit of color to your stainless steel.The first thing that comes to mind when I think of a two-tone watch is obviously a steel-and-gol...
One Year Later: New Speedmaster Moonwatch Master Chronometer
In early 2020, Omega introduced the new Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch. But the concept of the Moonwatch itself is not new, so it’s difficult to speak of a new watch when it has been already around for over 60 years. But this latest upgrade was so massive, that for the first time in nearly 25 years, many will actually see it as a new Moonwatch. Not only did we have the time to play with it for a few weeks when it was first released, but a number of the Fratello team (myself included) have also bought one since.As you know, this isn’t my first Speedmaster (and hasn’t been my last either). So it’s interesting to compare it directly to previous Moonwatch models and a...
Heron Gladiateur MMLXV A Refreshingly Modern Tool Watch
We get a barrage of press releases at Fratello Watches, and they can be very similar in execution. It's no secret that a common factor is “retro”, “nouveau vintage”, “homage”, or whichever term you like best. Microbrands are usually split into two camps - the safe haven of vintage skin divers and the bold, modern ones. The Heron Gladiateur MMLXV is a strong card for the latter category. It brings its own design language with a unique Roman twist.Small brands are dependent on strong backing and either Kickstarter or long-term pre-orders to survive their online debut. Sameness is an all-too-tempting prospect. Yes, I do enjoy the feeling of a ’60s tool ...
Starting a Watch Collection With $10K: Lex's Picks
If you have $10K to spare on a luxury watch, what should you do? Well, after you count your money, count your blessings. After that, I would suggest you take your time and find out what watch or watches match your taste, pique your interest, and fit your lifestyle. A bit of soul-searching is advisable before taking the plunge. And so is setting boundaries. So, without further ado, here's my take on starting a watch collection with $10K. And I promise you, I will save you a couple of bucks.I assume you've been infected by the watch virus for quite some time and you just can't seem to shake it. Perhaps you’ve done your research and browsed countless watch websites, ranging from obscure b...
Tissot Announces A Chronograph For The PRX Collection (2022)
When Tissot reintroduced the PRX line in 2021, it recaptured the hearts of collectors worldwide. Harking back to 1978, the PRX represents a particular Zeitgeist of watchmaking that is so popular now - the stainless steel sports watch with an integrated bracelet. The initial quartz models were succeeded by automatic versions with the Powermatic 80 movement. Now, Tissot is adding more weight to an already excellent collection with the announcement of the PRX Chronograph, available in two color/dial options.Up to this point, Tissot has only offered the PRX collection with time-and-date options. That's fine and a great way to test the viability of the collection. But now that the community has e...
An Overview Of Junghans Novelties For 2023
Junghans is known for its clean aesthetic. The Bauhaus design that inspires most of the models in the brand’s lineup is typically best executed in stark black and white. This is not to say that color cannot add to the execution. This is clearly the theme of Junghans's spring novelties. The use of color, subtly in some applications and boldly in others, offers a fresh take on some of the German watchmaker’s most classic designs.The Junghans Max BillMost think of the Max Bill line when it comes to Bauhaus design in watches. This classic look is instantly recognizable. For this year, Junghans has added a new Chronoscope Bauhaus model and two new MEGA Solar models. While color may be...
?Watches I'd Buy If Money Were No Object: Thor's Picks
Sadly, the chances of a landfall through a lottery win are very slim since I don't buy lottery tickets or scratch cards. Instead, I'm watching my stock fund investments stay in the red while waiting it out, and I happily uninvested in the crypto rollercoaster. But that doesn't stop the imagination from running wild occasionally, and this story is the perfect vehicle. Writing about watches and putting together an article on my grail watches is difficult enough. Choosing which watches I’d buy today with an unlimited budget is near impossible, and these three might change over the coming year. Sadly, my budget won’t.I've developed a more cautious attitude to collecting lately, and t...