Interview With Breitling CEO Georges Kern in Zurich
Just recently, we were invited to join the Breitling Roadshow in Zurich, Switzerland. Besides listening to CEO and shareholder Georges Kern during his presentation and gala diner about the future of Breitling, receiving a lesson or two in design by Guy Bove and an amazing history class by Fred Mandelbaum, I sat with Georges Kern to ask him some questions.? About the future of Breitling, the collections, selling on-line and certified pre-owned Breitling watches as well as his personal instagram account, on which he has become very active.Without further ado.Georges Kern InterviewRobert-Jan Broer: What are your most important goals for Breitling?Georges Kern: Globally, the goal is to build out...
This Week in Watches March 16, 2019
Howdy folks, it’s This Week in Watches for March 16, 2019!? Next week is Baselworld 2019, so note that we’ll be taking a hiatus from TWIW next weekend, but never fear, my dulcet tones will return the following weekend.? And now…Muhle-Glashutte Sea-Timer BlackMotionThere’s nothing like the smell of?umlaut in the morning and here we are with the Muhle-Glashutte Sea-Timer BlackMotion, a 300M water resistant “adventure” watch in 44mm.? The case is PVD-coated with TiC (titanium carbonate if I have my chemistry in check) and a Sellita SW 200-1 toils away inside. A water resistant black textile strap is fitted to the watch and has a rubber backing.? While PVD wat...
Grand Seiko Europe S.A.S. To Be Established
For quite some time, fans of Grand Seiko have been hoping for a more centralized presence in Europe. And finally, it seems those prayers have been answered. On April 1st, 2020, a new subsidiary of the Seiko Watch Corporation, Tokyo, will set-up shop in Paris. Say hello to?Grand Seiko Europe S.A.S., the Japanese giant’s next step on its march around the globe.The wholly-owned arm of the Asian business will handle all the sales and marketing of the brand and its products across the continent of Europe. For those of us that a) love the brand, and b) work in the business of covering its moves and releases, this is incredibly welcome news. The products themselves are rarely in question. How...
UPDATE: The HSNY Gala and Charity Auction Rescheduled
UPDATED: At 154 years old, the Horological Society of New York is looking better than ever (must be the climate). Join the gang to celebrate more than a century and a half of togetherness at the 2020 Gala and Charity Auction, now due to be held on August 5th, 2020.Last year’s iteration of the same event raised a handy $45,000. The money went towards the advancement of the art and science of horology. It is just one of the many ways in which America’s oldest watchmaking guild, which was founded in 1866, contributes to the enriching of our industry. And if you’d like to share in this celebration, you can! Tickets for the April 1st event are now on sale.And don’t worry a...
Fortis Aeromaster PC-7 Team Limited Edition
Brands go through many phases in their development. Rarely, a stark change in direction can reap dividends. But history tells a story. The most successful and enduring brands are those that are built around a core identity and stay true to it through thick and thin. For many years, Fortis has maintained its passion for flight. Now, with the launch of the Fortis Aeromaster PC-7 Team Limited Editions, that history has a new chapter.Certainly, not many people get the chance to operate a flying machine. And yet, man’s mastery of the heavens inspires millions of people to turn their eyes skyward in awe. It is this sense of wonder that compels watch collectors to own and wear Pilot watches. ...
GMT-Master II 16710 Coke 52Mondayz, Week #12-2020
I never really liked Coke too much.I was always a Pepsi guy. No, I'm not talking about the drink. I could not care less about the age-old debate of which soda is better. I'm talking about two specific GMT-Masters. The choice is between Pepsi (blue/red) or Coke (black/red) bezel inserts.I shared the reasoning behind my decision to go with reference 1675 in this old #TBT article of mine. To me, the colors on the bezel were the primary factor. I liked the look of a vintage Sub, but I dug the GMT with its Pepsi insert. It added a pop of color to the watch. For the longest time, I thought that no other GMT would take its place. Until this week came…Don't worry, I'm still Team Pepsi, but fo...
Karina and RJ Talk About The Speedmaster Rising Sun
The Speedmaster Rising Sun is probably not new to you, as a Fratello regular, but the truth is that it is still a very under-the-radar watch.In this video, Karina and I talk about the Omega Speedmaster Rising Sun, the limited edition for the Tokyo 2020 Games. The Games have been postponed to later this year, but the watches were already introduced in the Summer of 2018.Only in Japan – The Rising SunThe Omega Speedmaster Tokyo 2020 “Rising Sun” reference 522.30.42.30.06.001 was officially only for the Japanese market, just like the other four models that were part of the Tokyo 2020 collection. Officially, all these watches are sold out, but you can still find them on the pre...
The New Seiko Prospex 1970 Diver's Watches: Some History As New Willard Models Join The Lineup
We take a look at the new Seiko Prospex 1970 Diver’s Watch collection including a limited-edition tribute model to famed adventurer Naomi Uemura. These latest high-end Prospex models should please fans looking for an alternative to the “MM300.”These days, if you snooze off for a day or two, you miss something. Just a couple of weeks back, I focused heavily on the new 1959 Alpinist releases. In doing so, I overlooked the new Seiko Prospex 1970 Diver’s Watch models. From a distance, I thought these were just some new variants of the “Willard” using the 6R35 movement. I was wrong, though. What we have here are new additions to the Prospex lineup with another ...
Hands-On: The Five In A Row BOLDR Venture Field Watch
BOLDR is a brand known for its unique designs and adventure-ready watches. Following that theme, the brand teamed up with the Five In A Row rowing crew to create a special-edition Venture. Originally released in December 2021, the Five In A Row BOLDR Venture was made for the Scottish rowing team, which took part in the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge (TWAC). Departing from La Gomera in the Canary Islands and rowing all the way to Antigua, the team traversed 3000 miles of open ocean, taken on in two-hour shifts, 24 hours per day, non-stop for 36 days, 3 hours, and 33 minutes. But this watch also benefits the Reverse Rett organization, a UK-based charity supporting those suffering from Rett...
The Best Cartier Watches (Top 5 Of 2022)
Cartier is one of the only constants of watchmaking, defiantly sticking to its guns whatever may come. Whether the trend of the year is green, small watches, or large tool divers, Cartier keeps its identity and focus. Granted, we have seen the occasional dip into unknown waters with the release of watches like the Calibre de Cartier divers. But when you think of Cartier, the first image is of a Tank or a Santos, designs that have endured for over a century. That said, the best Cartier watches aren’t strictly rectangular. Even round wristwear has its place among the brand’s greatest designs.Though there is no getting away from geometric cases, yes, there is more in the refined and...
How To Start A Watch Collection With $10,000 RJ's Three Picks
Let's make no mistake here: being able to collect watches at all is a privilege. Spending $10,000 on a watch is an even bigger one. I have friends who would love to start a watch collection, but the hobby is simply too expensive for them. I also recall that I had some issues wearing a watch at this price point, as I felt it was just too much money to spend on one piece. What if you lose it, or it gets stolen or damaged? That's a lot of money to tie up in one watch.If you have $10,000 to spend all at once, you may immediately start to look for watches that are around that price. Thus, you will end up with a collection of one, and despite what some may tell you, that's not a watch collection. ...
Sternglas Tachymeter A Quartz Chronograph Contender?
In response to the wilder end of the horological spectrum getting wilder still throughout the pandemic, the true entry-level bracket is taking pains to develop in turn. It’s a well-known phenomenon that during times of crisis, the gaps between the richer and poorer people and elements of society broaden further. Thus, it is hardly surprising that watchmaking reflects the world in general. More and more brands are hoping to tap into an ever-growing market of first-time buyers who have had their heads turned by industry classics like the Omega Speedmaster that remain frustratingly over budget. Sternglas has not missed its chance to act. The Tachymeter chronograph joins the lineup, offeri...
Introducing: The New Christopher Ward C63 SH21
Christopher Ward needs no introduction here. The British brand has made a name for itself by providing good value and original designs for reasonable prices. Christopher Ward also seems to be coming up with cracking collections every couple of months, and today is no different. The Sealander line is expanding and adding two new models, the C63 SH21 Blue Marine and Snow Leopard. Both models are based on CW's in-house caliber SH21, and that’s a big deal.?The new C63 SH21 models belong to the expansive Sealander collection, which debuted a couple of years ago. Although Christopher Ward has been covered extensively before, you may not be familiar with the Sealander line of watches. It sits...
#TBT The Freckled Excelsior Park EP-4
Even for a vintage collector like me, there is one positive side effect of re-editions. Once I spotted the recently announced new line of Excelsior Park chronographs, I realized that I might have an original piece “somewhere.”Early this week, Mike tagged me in his Instagram post saying that he is not upset about Excelsior Park’s choice to do a “Tuxedo” reissue. I clicked on the Excelsior Park profile to learn more. There I spotted the entire lineup of new editions with a preorder launch that will start on March 28th at 4:00 PM Swiss time.Another re-editionBesides the Tuxedo Dial, one of four newly presented models will be a black-dial EP featuring syringe hands ...
Introducing: The Czapek Antarctique Titanium Dark Sector
It is an understatement to say that the Czapek Antarctique is a successful addition to the realm of integrated-bracelet sports watches. It has been applauded by the watch media, and Czapek struggles to meet the demand. Our very own Fratello limited edition of 50 pieces sold out in an hour, which probably tells you a lot. Now though, just ahead of Watches and Wonders, the house shares the latest iteration of its hit - the Antarctique Titanium Dark Sector. A new metal and a new dial grace an otherwise familiar recipe. Let's have a closer look!Czapek will produce only 100 of these new Antarctique Titanium Dark Sector watches per year. So if you like your sports watches rare, I would urge you to...
Comparing The 37mm and 39mm King Seiko Models
The king is back! But what if there are more kings to choose from? When Seiko reintroduced the King Seiko name early last year with a collection of 37mm watches, it was a stylish celebration of what makes King Seiko a beloved name among watch fans. A year on, we have seen only a select number of new King Seiko additions to the lineup, but Seiko announced new 39mm King Seiko models a little over a month ago. They were released alongside the spectacular 37mm King Seiko SPB365 limited edition. While that limited edition may have been a great eyecatcher, the new automatic 39mm models were exciting additions that will speak to many fans. We decided to go hands-on with both sizes and find out all ...
My Issues With The Combo Of Black and Yellow In Watches
Yes, I do have serious issues with the color combination of black and yellow in watches. I do have to make one thing clear: I don't really mind a completely yellow dial. It does need to be the exact right shade of yellow, of course, and getting that just right isn't easy. But it's yellow details in black-dialed watches and vice versa that I have a problem with. Why is that? It could very well be the Best Buy vibe, but there must be more to it. The fact is, I don't really know, and that's why I'm trying to answer that question. You're welcome to tag along and find out.Quite a few moons ago - it must have been the late 1990s - I owned a Breitling Superocean Diver Professional with a matte yell...
New: The Genus GNS2 Radical Chic With A Blue Twist
Swiss brand Genus is known for the quirky extravagance of the GNS1. It won the GPHG award for Mechanical Exception in 2019 and spawned some delightful variations. We also know the challenges of the “second album” for any hot new artist, as well as for wristwear. By introducing the Genus GNS2, I feel the brand is on the right, modern track. And it is a twisted figure-eight track that will confound you.I must admit to being ever-more excited about modernity in watchmaking and moving away from my previous love of retro. I mean, with over 10 years since the debut of the Tudor Black Bay, which has now morphed into a brand within a brand, surely we are nearing a saturation point, regar...
Introducing: The 40mm Tissot Seastar 1000 Powermatic 80
Even for us watch journalists, it’s sometimes hard to keep up with all the new releases out there. That’s why it’s nice that brands sometimes invite us over to take a look at their new stuff instead of simply sending press releases. Last Monday, for example, the entry-level brands of the Swatch group invited us to stop by. Certina, Rado, Hamilton, and Balmain were all present, and, of course, Tissot was also there. And I think it was the brand’s new 40mm version of its Seastar 1000 Powermatic 80 that surprised me the most that day.We actually recorded a podcast right then and there to discuss all the new releases from the aforementioned brands. Unfortunately, some are...
Sign. Up For The April 11 Fratello Breitling Event In The Hague
Together with Breitling, we will host another event in The Hague, Netherlands, to show you the new Breitling collection(s). Not everyone can or will be in Geneva at the end of March or early April to see the new Breitling watches. So Breitling and Fratello will show you the novelties in The Hague! We can’t reveal much yet as everything is still under embargo, but we are confident you are going to love what you’ll see.The Breitling boutique in The Hague - Image: Jelle DraperFratello Breitling eventBreitling has always been one of the most popular watch brands in the Netherlands. Due to a strong distribution network, great advertising (often word of mouth!), and, of course, great w...