Spending Time With The Zenith Defy Skyline 36
It is no secret to regular readers that I like the Zenith Defy line of watches. These are some of the very few integrated-bracelet sports watches with a clear identity. They do not take the design-first approach of, say, a Royal Oak, nor do they strive for elegance like a Laureato. Zenith, instead, pushes into more technical, modern territory. My gripe, however, has always been size. The models I tried always felt a tad too big and bulky for my taste and style.So when Zenith released a 36mm version, that piqued my interest. Could this be the one? I spent some time with a blue Zenith Defy Skyline 36 to find out.The Zenith Defy Skyline 36Let's start with the basics, though. What we have here i...
My collection of one..
Even if you aren’t a Panerai fan, this is kinda special:Rol, at the Paneristi forum wrote:Believe me, it was quite difficult finding anybody to identify this watch, butthanks to the superb Paneristi???s Vintage reference section, I was able todiscover this watch which my father gave me about 4 years ago, He gotthe watch in 1945 and wore it as a pocket watch all his working life.Can???t be many that???s been in the same family for 60 years.Just back from service and working wonderfully.My collection of one, and I will wear it often.Many thanks Volker, for your help in authenticating the watch, and pointingme in the right directions.Click here for the entire posting at Paneristi.com...
web 2.0 and horology
I just finalized a write-up for Watch Freaks, a blog hosted by Alon Ben-Joseph. It is about web 2.0 and horology and how this combines. Or should combine in my opinion ??Click here to read the article ‘what did web 2.0 did for horology?’An example of what it didn’t do for Ebel....
BaselWorld 2010!
Today, it is the press day for BaselWorld 2010. However, tomorrow the doors are opening for everyone who’d like to attend the biggest watch expo in the world. I will be there, together with Ernie Romers of WatchUseek and Frank of Monochrome.Soon, we will know if there will be a new Explorer or a new Submariner in stainless steel! ??Please keep an eye on my own forum over at WatchUseek, where I will be posting daily blogs, stories, pictures, movies etc of this superb event!...
Speedy Tuesday Omega Speedmaster Alaska Project
In 1970, Omega developed a Speedmaster that was a bit different from the then current Moonwatch models. They called it the Alaska project (it had to withstand extreme temperatures, especially those on the dark side of the Moon) and therefore Omega came up with the solution of an external casing made of red-anodised aluminium. The project title Alaska was from then on used for every assignment they did for NASA, like this 1978 Alaska III project watch that was re-certified for the Space Shuttle missions.Did you know: The white-dialed Speedmaster Project Alaska watch I am showing you here today was Omega’s Alaska II Project watch for NASA. The first Alaska project watch was a titanium mo...
OMEGA Globemaster Annual Calendar Platinum Live Photos and Pricing
Just recently I wrote about the new Omega Globemaster Annual Calendar (click here). The responses on our social media channels were a bit mixed, especially about the writing on the dial. However, like always, it is something you can only really judge when you saw the watch(es) in the flesh. Today we did. Our first appointment in BaselWorld, on the first day, was with Omega and the entire Fratello Watches team was impressed by the new line-up of Globemaster watches (we will get to the Speedmasters in another article). Omega had over 100 new references and 62 of them have a movement that has the new Master Chronometer certification. We explained all about that in this article.The new Omega Glo...
Hands-On Grand Seiko SBGJ017 GMT Hi-Beat Review
Last year, I reviewed the Grand Seiko SBGM021, a similar looking model of what we have here today. However, the Grand Seiko SBGJ017 GMT has a hi-beat movement and a less casual appearance. Let’s have a look.Grand Seiko?SBGJ017The ivory dial of the aforementioned SBGM021 is something I really love about that watch. It gives a great contrast with the hands and a playful appearance. This Grand Seiko SBGJ017 GMT has a silver dial and looks a bit more elegant than the SBGM021. But enough with the comparison, this new Grand Seiko SBGJ017 (introduced in September last year) landed on our desk and was introduced at the same time as its black dial SBGJ019 counterpart. It features Grand Seiko...
The Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical or How to Spend $475
I think that for those of us who enjoy vintage watches, we've really been spoiled for choice over the past several years when it comes to new watches with a retro look. Brands such as Longines, Omega, Seiko, Doxa and even Rado have introduced some rather faithful reissues of beloved pieces and many of them even border on affordable. Today, we take a look at a recent release with a vintage theme from a brand that I always follow and one that I'd love to love more: Hamilton. You've likely read a bit about this watch, but today we'll get up close and personal with the Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical. Now, I'll go ahead and clear this up from the beginning: the Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical re...
The 80s: A Legendary Caliber, the Lemania Carrera Chronograph
The Heuer Carrera in the 1980sThe Eighties were a decisive decade for the future of Heuer: the TAG corporate group assured the future of the prestigious brand. Heuer became TAG Heuer and the Carrera chronograph was reborn with a new movement. The Quartz Crisis strongly affected the watchmaking industry in late Seventies and early Eighties. Cheap electronic watches from the Far East inundated the world's markets. Jack Heuer had recognized the trend toward quartz and electronics at an early date and successfully deployed these new technologies in timekeepers for auto races. One of his most successful creations was the Heuer Chronosplit, a quartz wristwatch with a built-in stopwatch function. A...
Hot Take: The Laco Erbstuck Collection New Additions
With Baselworld 2019 around the corner, we take a look at new releases in the Laco Erbstuck Collection.We’re definitely looking forward to Baselworld 2019 for all the normal reasons: new watches, seeing friends from around the world, and endless espresso.? Ok, we get tired of that last part, but you get the point.? On the other hand, there’s no doubt that 2019 qualifies as a very different year due to all the changes at the show.? One thing we’ve noticed is an increase in releases prior to the beginning of the show.? The new? pieces in the Laco Erbstuck collection are one such example.? Now, we will meet with Laco at the show, so we’ll come back with live shots next w...
Speedy Tuesday Interview With Collector And Car Racer Nick Boon
Speedmasters and racing. The two go together like strawberries and cream. One of the very first advertisements for this chronograph showed a race car driver using his Speedmaster. Although it never had an official role in racing, there are plenty of race car drivers who used the Speedmaster. For this Speedy Tuesday, we talk to Speedmaster enthusiast, collector, and car racer Nick Boon.Through Instagram, I met with Nick Boon, who’s active under his @watchescarswinecigars account. Take a peek at his account and his love for Speedmasters and car racing is evident. I thought it would be nice to have a little interview with this Speedmaster and race enthusiast. Enjoy!Interview with Speedmas...
Marloe Watch Company Morar Beacon A Diver From Great Britain Hands On Review???????????????
I'm not the resident micro brand writer at Fratello, but every once in a while, a watch slips through the cracks and lands on my table. This is what happened with this one, the Marloe Watch Company Morar Beacon.If you have not heard of the brand before, don't worry. Marloe Watch Company is a very young company that hails from the UK. It started out as a Kickstarter brand but slowly and surely grew out of that group. Mind you, many watch brands that start their lives on a crowdfunding site fail to stay afloat. So kudos to Marloe Watch Company for weathering the early storms that come to all new brands. The brand has achieved early success thanks to its willingness to evolve and continuously e...
Breguet Classique models 7137 And 7337 Given New Lease of Life
One of the finest arts in the world of watchmaking brings the new dials of the Breguet Classique 7137 and 7337 models to life. The time-honored craft of guilloche takes years to master. But for Breguet, the years of training required to operate these archaic machines, are clearly years well spent.When a watch collection is defined by its adherence to traditional styles and values, the use of genuine craft techniques is essential. A guilloche dial, produced using a rose engine machine, is not just a beautiful object because of its aesthetics, but also because of the effort that has gone into making it. It is not possible, however tempting, to achieve the same effect via laser engraving or hyd...
Wrist Game Or Crying Shame: Bulova Oceanographer Snorkel 666 Devil Diver
We’re back with another episode of Wrist Game or Crying Shame after a one week hiatus. This week, we go vintage with an original Bulova Oceanographer Snorkel 666 Devil Diver. Before we do…The last time we got together, I showed you a beautiful ’90s Vacheron Chronograph. Folks, you crushed hard on this one and gave it overwhelming support on the way to an 86% win. What a rush! Well, after several weeks of living in rare and expensive air, it’s time for us to visit the dark side. This week, we look at a vintage Bulova Oceanographer Snorkel 666 Devil Diver. Let’s see if you’re willing to make a deal with you know who for this one.The Bulova Oceanographer Snor...
TOP 5 Vintage Watch Case Back Styles
There are case backs that are nothing more than the back of a case. And then we have case backs with beautifully crafted artworks from which you cannot tear your gaze.? ?Don't get me wrong, I have nothing against a plain flat steel case back decorated with a decent Heuer, Breitling, or Tissot logo. Even “naked case backs have their own charm. But once you've seen a mass of case back steel converted into rich shapes formed into sculptural elements, a fully plain case-back might strike you as a missed opportunity. Let's forget the notoriously known Omega or case backs for a while and lets set the stage for some more interesting ideas that deserve the spotlight.#1 You-name-it engraved or...
#TBT The Securiton: An Alarm-Triggering Watch From The '60s/'70s
This is probably the only watch in the world with a pair of pushers at two and eight o’clock that need to be pressed at the same time. And the purpose of the Securiton watch is no less fascinating than its design. Join us on an exciting exploratory journey of a unique wristwatch with a built-in alarm-triggering system. It’s the wee hours of a quiet Tuesday morning, April 26th, 1977. All the visitors at Musee D’Art Et D’Histoire left the building many hours ago. A bored night guard looks at his wristwatch with a cable attached to it that disappears under the sleeve of his perfectly ironed white shirt. It’s 02:54 AM. He finishes his cup of coffee and gets ready fo...
Artem Blue Sailcloth Strap On A Tudor Black Bay Fifty-Eight
I'm a major fan of blue! I was always proud of my colorful wardrobe until my wife said, But everything is blue! That's also why I got myself the Tudor Black Bay Fifty-Eight in this color. It matches the rest of my wardrobe perfectly. I love wearing this watch on its proprietary bracelet, and the feeling of confidence it inspires in me. Some people complain that they can't get the right fit, but, for me, the bracelet works very well. Though I've tried wearing the watch on other straps, the bracelet is still my favorite by far. When I saw this blue sailcloth strap by Artem, however, I immediately knew it would be a perfect alternative!We've already reviewed and discussed a few of Artem's strap...
Breitling Super AVI Mosquito: The Most Legible Chronograph GMT
Last year, Breitling launched the new Super AVI collection in five editions, each paying homage to a legendary aircraft. Appropriately, the launch took place at the National Aviation Education Center in Dallas. And even more fittingly, expert pilots wore the namesake models in flight to reflect their vintage planes. Breitling sure likes to amp up the theatrics! Following the flashy unveiling, I spent some time with the Super AVI and came to realize something: Breitling has the most legible, mechanical chronograph GMT on the market. I recognize this epiphany reflects a niche within a niche, but I’ve got to give credit where credit is due. In this article, I delve into what I mean by its...
Introducing: The Awake Mission To Earth Chapter III
Following the launch of its initial concept watch last year, Awake continues to develop its Mission To Earth line. Building upon its prior design and leaning further into the astronomical background, the latest concept - the Awake Mission To Earth Chapter III - combines two trends that seem to be having a moment recently, making this a sports watch that is very much of its time.Aside from the Mission To Earth concept last year, we also saw titanium watches from Oris, Zodiac, Omega, , and Tudor in 2022. This lighter metal has been used in watchmaking for years, but it is on a bit of a hot streak as more and more titanium offerings become available. Awake uses 70% recycled titanium, seeking to...
Fratello's Top 5 Seiko Marinemaster References Ever
Another Friday, another Top 5! In this series, we take one classic watch and choose our five favorite references ever produced. Four of these references will be based on the historical importance of the specific watch in the grand scheme of things. Though there may be some overlap, it's not a question of which references are the most collectible or of the highest value on the market. The fifth pick is our Fratello favorite that considers the current market price and collectability, potentially making it a sleeper reference. As such, the last pick could be described as our wild card. This week, we’ll take a look at the Seiko Marinemaster. What are the best references in the history of S...