The Grand Seiko SBGW252 No More Seiko (On The Dial)
It must not go unnoticed, this change at the Seiko Watch Corporation. Grand Seiko is is?now a separate entity and will no longer feature ‘Seiko’ on the dial of their watches. The Grand Seiko logo will proudly show at 12 o’clock on all their watches from now on.Grand Seiko SBGW252A wise move I think, as there was a bit too much confusion at times with three different ‘Seikos’ on the dial. First there was the brandname ‘Seiko’ at 12 o’clock, below the center pinion you’d find the ‘GS’ logo and ‘Grand Seiko’ written under that. From today on, it is just the ‘GS’ logo at 12 o’clock and ‘Grand Se...
The Tissot Heritage 1948 Chronograph Affordable Mechanical Goodness Returns
Every year at Baselworld, we take a look at Tissot. It's a fun brand to visit and there are always a few gems mixed in with the mainstream volume pieces. The brand has a seriously rich heritage and while they tap into that to some degree, we're usually left a touch wanting especially in the chronograph direction. Well, in 2017, Tissot has entered with something that should please enthusiasts. Let's take a brief look at the compelling Tissot Heritage 1948 Chronograph.Tissot Embraces Its HeritageWay back in 2015, we took a look at a vintage 1281 chronograph and spoke about how much we loved the brand's heritage, the look and the back catalog. The new Tissot Heritage 1948 Chronograph takes a re...
The New Handwound Tissot Antimagnetique Heritage 2018
Tissot is a brand that we visit every year and Baselworld 2018 was no different.? They bring a wide variety of pieces such as the T-Touch, various dress watches and typically a piece that recalls the brand’s rich history. For 2018, we weren’t disappointed as the the brand brought the brand new Tissot Antimagnetique Heritage 2018.While there are some brands that discuss their role in the development of antimagnetic watches, it’s Tissot that claims ownership of the first watch developed with such properties. The brand launched such a watch in the 1930’s and has decided to give us a re-interpretation with the Tissot Antimagnetique Heritage 2018.As a note, Tissot was quic...
The Year of the Diver: Seiko Prospex at Baselworld 2018
Just like every year, Seiko is one of our favorite visits. They always bring some great limited edition pieces while updating their normal production line with competitive and attractive offerings. As always, there's a lot to see, so we'll break down the pieces into a couple articles. Today, we'll focus on the Prospex watches and we'll return with more on Grand Seiko, the Presage line and a few Astrons for good measure. Seiko Prospex at Baselworld 2018 was a big year for divers, especially with a look back at pieces 40 and 50 years ago let's take a look.Seiko 1978 Quartz Saturation Diver's Re-creation Limited Edition ?We'll stay away from the mouthful of a name above and call this new piece ...
New Seiko SLA033 vs Seiko 6105-8110 "Captain Willard"
We’ve received a flurry of requests to see the new Seiko SLA033 vs 6105-8110, the latter being the 1970’s inspiration.We reviewed the new-for-Baselworld 2019 Seiko SLA033 1970 Diver yesterday.? Unfortunately, I had the original on my hand when I was detained by Swiss Customs and missed taking it into the show to compare with the new piece.? But, in an act of sincere kindness, Joe Kirk and the Seiko USA team met with us to give me (and some more of our team members who were happy to see the new watches again) a look.? Bert had the opportunity to shoot several pics of both old and new side by side.? We’ve got a handful of great images, so let’s take at the Seiko SLA033 ...
Hot Take: Seiko Presage Arita Porcelain Dial
The Seiko Presage collection won the hearts of many enthusiasts with their attractively priced mechanical watches. For those who are able to stretch their budget a bit, there are the Presage models with handcrafted dials.We’ve often covered the Seiko Presage collection and recently brought them to your attention because of their special dials. What to think of the blue enamel dial Seiko Presage SPB069 or the Seiko Presage Urushi Byakudan-nuri?reference SPB085. Today it is time to bring their latest to your attention, the Seiko Presage Arita Porcelain Dial reference?SPB093.Before I continue this article on that Arita Porcelain watch, let me tell you that I own a Presage watch for a few ...
Speedmaster Reduced versus Speedmaster Professional
One of the most common questions we receive on the Speedmaster concerns the Speedmaster Reduced models (reference 3510.50). What is exactly the difference between the regular Moonwatch and this “Reduced” version? In this article, we explain.Omega Speedmaster 3510.50It’s Speedy Tuesday! This week’s topic is about the Omega Speedmaster Reduced. A watch that has been increasing in popularity for a few years. This discontinued model Speedmaster is often mistaken for the popular Speedmaster Professional “Moonwatch”. If you are not that deep into Speedmasters and just like the look of the black dial with three-registers (at ?3, 6, and 9 o’clock), sans date...
The New Urwerk UR-111C TT Is One Of The Coolest Yet
Some brands get you. Some brands get me. And some brands? Well, they just get it. Establishing a USP is the priority of any would-be investor in every new start-up from here to Geneva. Doing it, on the other hand, is a totally different kettle of fish. One brand that made it look easy is Urwerk. With the latest Urwerk UR-111C TT, the trend, and legend, continues.Disruption (and its derivatives) is the most overused word in modern watchmaking. Every new brand under the sun claims that it’s about to disrupt the industry. It’s been years since I’ve seen one succeed. What they often succeed in, is tricking people who are, at the very best, on the fringes of luxury watchmaking i...
Fratello On Air: Discussing The New Omega Watches
In this episode of Fratello on Air, we talk about the new Omega watches that have been introduced this week. The new Seamaster 300 in steel and in bronze gold get the most attention. But there was much more to discover! Don’t sleep on the 300M Black Black or the De Ville Tresor. Both are stunning watches, but for very different reasons…Yesterday we published nine articles on the new Omega releases. In addition to the rush of coverage, we thought it would also be nice to record a podcast and discuss the new watches. Omega sent us the watches a few days before they were released so we had time to photograph them and create new video content. Most importantly, however, we had the ch...
March Mania Sweet Sixteen Vacheron Constantin Vs. Jaeger-LeCoultre And A. Lange & Sohne Vs. Omega Vote Now!
March Mania marches on! When we started the competition, we had 96 watches. Now we’re at the stage when the last 16 have been scythed in half to leave eight standing. At that point, our writers will have just one watch remaining each. So today, for the very last time, the watches that started in the preliminaries together will go head-to-head for the division champion crown. Where will the votes land?That’s it - we are down to the final two match-ups to determine our group champions. Ben and Bert both have just two watches left. The quarter-finals commence tomorrow, so we need you to pick your favorite in this quick-fire round as you’ve not got long to register your opinion...
Norqain Adds Two New Watches To Its Freedom 60 GMT Collection
It seems like only yesterday that Gerard and I had a chance to go hands-on with recent additions to Norqain’s Freedom 60 collection. And a quick check proved my gut-feel was right. It was only last December when I had a chance to check out the Freedom 60 39mm models. We’ve got some new updates to share with you already, and they are very welcome additions to an increasingly attractive collection.Back in December, Gerard reviewed the brand new Norqain Freedom 60 GMT watches while I took charge of the time-only models. Today, the young Swiss brand releases two new Freedom 60 GMT watches. The first comes with a beautiful opaline white dial, and the second sports a vibrant green dial...
New Release: MB&F LMX Celebrating Ten Years of Legacy Machines
It’s hard to believe that the first MB&F Legacy Machine dropped way back in 2011. Now, ten years on, we look upon the new MB&F LMX as the brand celebrates a decade of innovation.In life, it is said that certain things are an “acquired taste”. Some come along purely with age, but others require real work. Oddly, a pint of Guinness comes to mind - my first beer ever and wow did it disappoint. Now, though, I love the muddy stuff and can appreciate it for what it is, which is different from the norm. And so it goes with Haute Horlogerie… I think I “get it”, but I generally watch it from afar and move on to something more easily digestible and familiar....
Buying Comparison: Omega Seamaster 300 Vs. Panerai Submersible Azzurro
We’re back with a deepwater demolition derby as the rebooted Omega Seamaster 300 takes on the Panerai Submersible Azzurro. Who will triumph in this unlikely matchup between two classy dive watches?Before we break down the new Omega Seamaster 300 and the Panerai Submersible Azzurro, it’s always fair to ask how I chose these watches. I once stated that Two For Tuesday was created to mimic real-world scenarios. In other words, to guess where people actually cross-shop and to help them come to a decision. For dive watches, I think that anything not named “Submariner” makes the decision a proper wild card. Still, if a buyer has $10K or less to blow, there are tons of great...
#TBT Oris Waterproof A Chromed Lesson In Modesty
When it comes to watches, there are two major characteristics that usually work as a filter and, ultimately, show-stoppers for me. First of all, I don’t like barrel cases because I find them chubby and cumbersome. Secondly, I try to avoid chrome-plated cases. And yet, here we are. How did the barrel-shaped Oris Waterproof in a chromed case make it into my collection?I am over that period when I had a serious problem not bidding on anything I remotely liked. I’m pickier now, and I don’t suffer from FOMO every time I see a watch listing that I like. When I really like something, I give it a few more hours or days and come back to the listing later. If I forget the listing com...
Ressence Type 8 C The Most Accessible Ressence Watch Yet
Ressence made waves from the moment it dropped its first watch, the ZeroSeries, back in 2011. The Belgian brand had developed a new and unique display for its watches that instantly became its signature. Prices for Ressence watches, however, have not always been accessible for many people. With prices somewhat fairly reflecting the level of watchmaking and engineering involved, Ressence has now managed to introduce a new family that breaks that mold. The new Ressence Type 8 C is the sixth family in the brand’s catalog and it comes in at a much more wallet-friendly price. As a result, it also opens the brand up to new audiences.While the Type 8 C essentially forms the brand’s R...
Singapore Watch Club And Cartier Release 18 Unique Watches
Founded on the 31st of October 2015, the Singapore Watch Club (SWC) started out as a group of Instagram watch friends who decided to get together - discussing their shared love of watches over a few beers. Six years later, the club has gathered a significant following, providing a place for enthusiasts to come together and discuss and appreciate their common interest. With its doors wide open for passionate fans of horology, upholding its core values of sincerity, passion, and humility. Tom Chng, the club's founder got in touch with us to share the exciting news of these releases. And with Watches And Wonders right around the corner where Cartier will share this year's novelties, it comes as...
Strap Check: Staib Polonaise Mesh For My Vulcain Heritage Cricket
Team Strap or Team Bracelet - which one are you? Well, since we’re picking sides, I’m gonna go with Team Strap! Sure, I love my Sub on its phenomenal Oyster bracelet, and my Campanola’s bracelet is a comfortable runner-up. But most days, I simply can’t resist the supple wrist feel and color of a nice distressed leather or suede strap. The way a well-worn strap wraps perfectly around my wrist and complements a watch’s dial really gets my engine running. Nevertheless, sometimes a leather strap is a terrible choice. And honestly, I make enough of those in my daily life already. Luckily, there is an option that I love just as much - a slinky and well-fashioned mesh ...
Czapek Faubourg De Cracovie California Blue (2022)
The company of Czapek & Cie. has a long history. It began initially on May 1st, 1845, when Franciszek Czapek (by then, going by the name Fran?ois) founded the company with his new partner, Juliusz Gruzewski. Gruzewski, a fellow Pole, replaced the rather famous Antoine Norbert de Patek as Czapek’s right-hand man. Their partnership would continue until 1869 when Czapek himself mysteriously vanished. His name fell out of common usage until the brand came back on the market in 2015. Since then, Czapek has gone from strength to strength, developing an impressive following along the way. But the brand may never have been achieved its current success were it not for a seldom-seen, oft-for...
Czapek Releases A Purple Panda Faubourg De Cracovie (2022)
There aren’t enough purple watches in the world. Don’t believe me? Just ask Brandon, Fratello’s purple-obsessed Copy Editor. He’ll make a compelling argument or two in favor of this underused and rather regal shade. No doubt, then, that he will be thrilled to see this release from perhaps my most beloved brand of all, Czapek. The Faubourg de Cracovie Purple Panda Chronograph is a unique beast that is sure to find its feet with the brand’s ever-expanding base of faithful fans.What do a Purple Panda and the Red Panda have in common? Just like the Red Panda, there is nothing quite like this vivid purple chronograph in the Czapek catalog or, really, anywhere else. Y...
Fratello's Top 5 Seiko Turtle 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 Turtle. What are the best references in the history of this fa...