A Concise Overview Of G-Shock History
G-Shock celebrates its 40th anniversary this year. It’s hard to believe that the brand has been around for four decades, providing us with some of the most remarkable timepieces in watch history. G-Shock has evolved into a cultural phenomenon that is so much more than just a watch brand. It is part of street culture, movies, and fashion, but most of all, G-Shock plays a part in so many of our lives. Whether basic and sturdy or colorful and cutting edge, there is a G-Shock for everyone. Time to look back at some of the brand’s highlights of the last 40 years.So many great brands and products start with a very simple idea arising from a very functional need. It's a well-known story...
Are Rising Watch Prices Changing The Playing Field?
Value-oriented brand Tudor is a case study of how quickly the landscape is changing in the watch world. We can find solace in this notion through the cautionary tale of one 18th-century philosopher and wonder if rising watch prices might come with a silver lining.In late 2020, I got a phone call that had me very excited. Back then, I was still pretty new to the watch hobby. I would say I was “watch curious” for years before, but 2020 was the year I started reading watch publications. I also began to investigate the fascinating histories of various watch brands online. In the four years since then, we have seen a significant price shift across the watch industry. For some, this is...
Thor's Favorite Watches And Wonders 2024 Releases
I have mixed feelings this year. I had to watch from afar as I was writing remotely and not part of the lovely circus that is Watches and Wonders. But despite a few of our editors noting a rather lukewarm personal reception, I was surprised by some gems at the show and have some grail-worthy favorite Watches and Wonders 2024 releases.While played it cool in the face of receding market values and Tudor offered a few nice but tweaked pieces, surprises were indeed on offer. And while some of my choices will undoubtedly be reflected in other editors’ stories (looking at you, Thomas), they’re good enough to constitute a perfect three-watch collection. Well, as long as I ignore budget...
Could The 1990s Form The Next Cycle Of Watch Fashion?
The 1990s were a period of significant change in the watch industry. Those years were very much a time of realignment and ongoing recovery after the crippling Quartz Crisis two decades earlier. Today, we’re looking at 1990s watches and design principles from that era to consider whether they could inspire the next trends in the watch industry.Is it just me, or do the ’90s not seem like all that long ago? It’s crazy to think that they were between 26 and 35 years ago now! So you could indeed say a fair bit of time has passed since then. Over the years, tastes have changed considerably. One need only look at the design of the cars, the fashion, and, of course, the watches to ...
Tudor Pelagos Vs. Tudor Pelagos Ultra
It’s Sunday morning, so it’s time for a cup of coffee and a new installment of Sunday Morning Showdown. This week, we continue the series with another watch unveiled during Watches and Wonders. The most talked-about Tudor release was, without a doubt, the new Pelagos Ultra. This new beefed-up and modernized version of the regular Pelagos got lots of praise from dive-watch fans. But it also begged the question: which of the two would you buy? Would it be the classic Pelagos, or is the new Pelagos Ultra the better pick? It’s time to find out!Tudor had a relatively modest showing at Watches and Wonders this year. The two big new releases were the Black Bay 68 and the Pelagos U...
12 Faces of Time: Horological Virtuosos
(by Elizabeth Doerr, Freelance Journalist for Watches)(left to right): Leonid Khankin (owner and creative director Ernst Benz), Elizabeth Doerr and Philippe Dufour enjoy the Baselworld party on March 27, 2009.A book like this one has really never been seen before in the world of watchmaking: a non-commercial opus focusing on art on three fronts: the artistry of independent mechanical watchmaking with little or no commercial background, the artistry of creating an eminently enjoyable text with no marketing behind it, and the artistry of visuals created to express the rare stories of twelve unique watchmakers.The atmospheric look and feel of 12 FACES OF TIME: HOROLOGICAL VIRTUOSOS will delight...
Marvin Watches over at MotoringExposure
As every wednesday, it is Wednesday Watch over at MotoringExposure. Today it is time to put Marvin Watch in the spotlight! This brand, over 150 years old, has recently been re-invented and the on-line promotion and presence is unbelievable. This brand knows how to put themselves back on the horological map again.Reasonable priced (mechanical) time pieces with great eye for detail! In Basel I had the chance to have a look at them and was impressed by these classic looking (see below) watches.Check out my latest MotoringExposure article about Marvin Watch and let me know what you think! Click here…...
Omega Speedmaster Professional 105.012-66CB
It’s Speedy Tuesday! One of our readers, Rob, mailed us with some great news. He purchased a beautiful Speedmaster Professional 105.012-66CB from the first owner.Rob explains: “….. the watch was purchased by the previous owner while he was in the medical corps of the Navy (in the midst of the Vietnam War, although I’m not sure if he actually wore it overseas or saw action). He wore it for a little while, but eventually moved on to something else and basically just left it in a drawer for decades. Thankfully, the original papers were kept with the watch and given the light use over the ensuing decades, the case and dial are quite possibly the cleanest I’ve ever s...
#TBT Gallet Multichron 45
This week's #TBT focuses on a model from brand that's finally getting some long overdue attention: the Gallet Multichron 45. Here on Fratello Watches, we've had a couple articles on Gallet and more are coming but I've mainly had my attention on the larger 3-register Multichrons (Gallet's name for their chronographs). Today, though, we'll look at a more diminutive piece that's a lot simpler in execution, but no less interesting. Let's jump into it!The Gallet Multichron 45 is a simple, elegant chronograph that balances dress and sport35mm – don’t be afraid!When it comes to watch diameters, 36mm seems to be the cutoff between the wearable and the passe. I'm not sure why, but I suppo...
Preview of Geneva May 2017 Auctions: Christie's
The Christie's Geneva watch department has maintained a great reputation and stayed coherent while adapting quickly to market demand. We see almost no modern watches left in their recent catalogs and the quality of vintage watches being offered is excellent.Christie’s GenevaThis auction house has a rich history and continues to overshadow its British competitor Sotheby's in the watch category. I say British' because they were both founded in London, but, yes, ownership has changed since.The watch department remains a small portion of this auction giant's business, with art being a much larger earner of course. Just to put things in perspective: let us estimate that, in a year, Christie...
The Speedmaster Apollo 11 50th Anniversary Moonshine Gold LE
I’ve had the Omega Speedmaster Apollo 11 50th anniversary Moonshine Gold limited edition watch, in my collection for a little more than one year. It’s time to share some takeaways now the dust has settled.Last year in March, right before Baselworld (when that was still a thing), I was invited to Biel. I was promised something special. On the 12th of March, which happened to be a Tuesday, I was about to witness the launch of a very special gold Speedmaster. Reference 310.60.42.50.99.001 commemorates the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 mission. The result of this mission? Man’s first steps on the moon. On their wrists at the time was the Omega Speedmaster Professional. You ...
Echo/Neutra Averau Versante Inspired By The Dolomites
Inspiration comes from all places. For the Echo/Neutra Averau Versante, that place rises high above civilization. 2,649 meters above, to be precise. The mighty Dolomites of Italy have breathed life into this project. But does that breathe signal a wind of change, or is it all just a lot of hot air?Tearing press releases/design inspiration to pieces could fuel a dedicated blog. For those of us who ply our trade translating press release jargon into digestible content for the masses, it would be a nice way to let off some steam. But when it comes to the Echo/Neutra Averau Versante, I’m not feeling that steamy at all. In fact, I’m feeling pretty good about the mountainous inspiratio...
Will Swatch Group Brands Move To Geneva in 2021?
When Swatch Group decided to pull out of Baselworld in 2018, I expected that it would be the beginning of the end. “When pulls out as well, it is done,” I said numerous times.And last week, not only (and Tudor) and Patek Philippe pulled out, also LvmH made the decision to leave Baselworld. Also not totally unexpected, as Jean-Christophe Babin, CEO of the Bvlgari Group told me in January that the reason for being in both Dubai and Baselworld, was a “contractual thing”. That all LvmH watch brands would be pulling out, was a bit of a surprise though. Oh, let’s not forget that Breitling also made an early move out of Baselworld.Things will be very different from n...
Giveaway Winner Announced! The Fruity Axios Flagship 40 Dive Watch Has A New Home...
I love these contests. It’s always a joy and a privilege to see the Fratelli’s (often unfiltered) thoughts filling up the comments section. Beyond the amusement, these giveaways have been a source of great discussion. They’ve all sparkled in their own way. I find myself learning and constantly reevaluating my own opinions. I particularly enjoy these “dream watch” questions. Why? Because they shine a light on how we all place a different emphasis on different design elements. Our latest giveaway piece - the Axios Flagship 40 - framed our conversation about what constitutes the perfect dive watch. So let’s plunge into the inky blue, and find out what my pick...
Watch Strap Review 50th Anniversary Edition With A Look Back
I'm not a sentimental guy. Ok, maybe a bit, but there is nothing sentimental about a column reaching 50 articles, right? I guess so; still, it's an awesome achievement. We never expected Watch Strap Review to have this many articles when I started it back in 2014. As this is the 50th episode, here's a bit of a look back on what we have done so far.We cannot look at the past and not contemplate the future. A lot has changed in the industry since the first Watch Strap Review article came out. Fratello received a facelift, a new logo, and a shop, as well as a large editorial team.Do we need straps after all?I've always loved straps. I told this many items in previous reviews, but this is the so...
#TBT Nicolet Landeron 251 My Quest Is Finally Over
It has been four years since I last saw this chronograph without pushers listed in an auction. Although I won the auction in 2018, I never received the watch. The fascinating Nicolet Landeron 251 movement thus became even more elusive. And I became even more committed to finding it… Every few weeks since 2018, I’ve dug through eBay, Google, Yahoo, or you-name-it-listings in my routine check-in on the Nicolet Landeron 251. Not a single result. Nothing. Zero. Nill. I am moderate in my use of the term “rare”, but this watch is truly super rare. Many dealers claim this or that watch is rare, but they appear at least from time to time at big auction houses and are hammered...
The New Ulysse Nardin Freak S Takes Us Into Space And Beyond
When Ulysse Nardin introduced its famous Freak in 2001, the idea was bold and revolutionary. More than two decades later, the Freak concept has evolved significantly. What has remained, however,?is that all the brand’s Freak creations are still as bold and revolutionary as that original version 21 years ago. These watches feature no dial, no hands, and no crown. Instead, these are timepieces with a revolving movement equipped with a gear train and escapement rotating once every hour to display the minutes. During Watches And Wonders, Ulysse Nardin revealed the new Freak S. The watch features a new, revolutionary movement with two oscillators and it comes equipped with a new case. Oh, a...
Strap Check: Forstner Contemporary Flat Link Bracelet
I’ve been test-driving each generation of the Forstner Flat Link bracelet for nearly two years now. From the early prototypes to the final product, I’ve kept a close eye on each continual improvement. The new Forstner Contemporary Flat Link is the most significant update yet and gives an option to those wanting a modern feel. But while it still maintains the vintage cues, the Contemporary Flat Link is not without sacrifice.In his review here, Rob delivered the run down on this new Forstner bracelet. While it was fantastic to see the Flat Link on the Broad Arrow Omega Speedmaster, the Moonwatch is the iconic home of this bracelet style. As this is only a Strap Check, I won’t...
My Grail Watch: The Mighty URWERK UR-100V FTJ
Over the last couple of months, some members of the Fratello team have written about their grail watches. The term “grail watch” can mean slightly different things to different people, but the concept of the term suggests it should be a watch that you will chase and likely never own. I mean, did King Arthur ever actually find his Holy Grail? To others, the grail-watch concept is the “exit watch”. It’s the one watch that would allow you to retire from watch collecting. I find it doubtful that any of us could ever truly retire, but I appreciate the thought. My grail watch is a combination of the two concepts rolled into one. What watch is the object of my heart...
Fratello's Top 5 Tudor Chronograph 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 look at the history of Tudor chronograph watches. These are our five favorite Tudo...