Jaeger-LeCoultre Geophysic Is One of JLC's Best. But Do you Agree?
Wrist Game or Crying Shame is back with a look at the Jaeger-LeCoultre Geophysic 1958. We’ll see what you think about this simple beauty, but first…Last week, I was drinking light beer and hard seltzer (they’re kind of the same) while hanging out in a South Florida pool. Appropriately, I chose the Yacht-Master 40 Oysterflex for your voting pleasure. It turns out that a full 73% of you would like the idea of rose gold and rubber too because this watch beach blanket bingoed its way to a massive win. Now, however, I’m back in the land of frequent nasal swabbing and probing - aka Germany and that means that the fun has gone kaput. Thankfully, I’m going to brighten ...
? Oris Introduces The Second Generation Of The Aquis Depth Gauge! (2021)
Today Oris has updated one of its more technically advanced mechanical dive watches, the watch with a hole, the Aquis Depth Gauge. The second generation of the impressive tool watch features three critical improvements over its predecessor.Mechanical depth gauges are not that commonplace in most modern divers' equipment bag. Partly because the advanced digital dive computers monitor this for them and because they're just so few and far between. That said, many divers like to take a mechanical backup watch with them, so having a mechanical depth gauge to boot is certainly a helpful addition.Into the deepThe mechanical depth gauge mechanism is actually quite simple in its science, but the exec...
#TBT An Inexplicably Magnetic Nivada Dato Ref. 4368
Honestly, the Nivada Dato is not the most fascinating watch in my collection. Nevertheless, it casts such a strong spell over me. I'm surprised by how much I enjoy wearing it. Is it due to the fantastic condition that makes it look like it just left the factory? Let’s dig in and see whether there is more to it than that. There are two watches that have been sitting on my wish list for quite a long time. Actually, there were two watches sitting on my wish list. As usually happens, after three years of absolutely nothing, I landed both of them within the span of two weeks. Straight after its arrival, the elusive Nivada Datomaster took a trip to my watchmaker to get some loving therapy. I...
Sacha Davidoff's May 2022 Geneva Auctions Preview
In a year where prices finally seem to be stabilizing, I think there will be a ton of attention on the May auctions in Geneva and those that will take place in April in Monaco and Hong Kong as well (after this article is being written). The pandemic resulted in a massive price hike among newer watches, but specifically with some of the smaller independent brands and then the bigger icons like sports models, Patek Philippe Nautilus, and AP Royal Oak. We've also seen Cartier make a big leap in the past years. Meanwhile, in the vintage watch market prices have remained somewhat the same and now appear to again offer better value than their modern counterparts.For example, when a recently disco...
Introducing The Isotope GMT 0o Terra Maris
Isotope is a brand that most of you will not be strangers to. Fratello’s own Rob has written about the Goutte d'Eau Compressor Diver, and Jorg has enthused over the Hydrium collection. The design of the former is something that feels familiar, as we have all seen compressor-style divers before. The design of the latter, however, introduced something unfamiliar, bold, and resolutely cool. It was a stripped-down diver with vibrant colors and unique design elements. Isotope then released its GMT 0o, a refreshing take on the traveler's watch. Even more recently, the brand brought out the super-limited-edition Terra Maris. Today, we’ll take a brief look at this intriguing release.The ...
Strap Check: The Strap That Convinced Me To Buy A Reverso
Dear Fratelli, can you relate to this? You look at a new watch for quite some time, and it climbs higher and higher on your wish list. And then, suddenly, you see it in a video or a picture in a way that you hadn’t seen it before. Or, you see it on a certain strap for the first time, and you immediately know you’ll be adding it to your collection. For me, that was the case with the Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso. As soon as I saw it on this brown calfskin strap by Casa Fagliano, I knew a Reverso would be mine very soon.A quick disclaimer to start off with, though - I just picked up this watch a week ago, and I’m still very much honeymooning with it. So, please excuse the wave of ...
Laurent Ferrier Classic Micro-Rotor x Salon des Horlogers (2022)
This feels unfair, or I may just be spoiled… But as the self-appointed Laurent Ferrier correspondent here at Fratello, I'm left to struggle with my own creativity and grammar. Let's face it - when dealing with a brand new watch from a debut brand, it's easier to write a good story than with another Ferrier masterpiece. This Classic Micro-Rotor limited edition was created together with Salon des Horlogers, the Geneva-based retailer of luxury independent horology. Established in 2018 in the historic horological mecca, the Salon is at the forefront of promoting Swiss independent watchmaking.Thinking as far back as my memory stretches, any piece of wristwear we’ve seen from?Laurent F...
Squale Updates The 1521 Collection With Five New Models
Squale is a brand close to my heart. I have worked with the company in the past as a dealer, and I own several Squale watches as well. My favorite model is, by some margin, the 1521, aka the 50 Atmos, named after its impressive depth rating. And this is a big moment for that specific collection as Squale is introducing a host of new variants. There is a little something for everyone, from subtle, technical updates on subdued variants to extravagant, brightly colored new models.What they all share, however, is the basic shape of the collection - that unique arching case with its squared-off lugs. It has become a signature design for the former case makers at Squale. Because yes, they used to ...
Favorite Watches Under $1,000: Nacho's 2023 Picks
Earlier this week, Thomas kicked off our latest Fratello Favorites challenge. This time around, our editors have been tasked with choosing three watches that they think are the best available options under $1,000 today. As you might imagine, the variety within this price point is staggering, but the ever-shifting landscape of watch prices has genuinely added to the challenge. Some of our go-to brands have shifted their classics upwards in price. As a result, there are watches we can’t pick now as they are no longer under $1,000. There are also some watches that we were used to seeing at under $500 but that are now hard to get used to at the current price point. Consequently, it hasn...
Vintage Watches: The Gruen Curvex Lieutenant
The Gruen Curvex certainly ranks as an important line of historical watches. These pieces used a variety of curved cases and curved movements. During their two decades of production, they were the pinnacle of style and rivaled more expensive brands. Gruen also has a deep tie to America, which brings something different to the story.The Gruen Curvex is hardly unknown, but it often escapes mention when collectors discuss iconic pieces from the more formative years of the wristwatch. The Curvex line of watches debuted in 1935 and was revolutionary due to the curved, wrist-hugging case designs. More importantly, the watches contained curved in-house-designed movements that followed their case sh...
TAG Heuer Formula 1 Kith Vs. Omega Swatch MoonSwatch
It has already been just over two years since the Omega Swatch Speedmaster MoonSwatch came out. At the time, the lines in front of the Swatch boutiques were unheard of in the watch world. Although the hype isn’t as huge anymore, new versions, like the recently introduced Snoopies, keep the Bioceramic phenomenon alive and kicking. This week, TAG Heuer and fashion/lifestyle brand Kith also took a stab at the collab game with their TAG Heuer Formula 1 Kith re-editions. There are 10 of them, and they’re all made of sandblasted stainless steel. The Formula 1s are much more limited in numbers than the MoonSwatches and sell for a much higher price. During today’s Sunday Morning Sh...
Carlo Ferrara
Italians can be considered kings of style. In cars, clothing, watches and probably more. Besides Panerai and Anonimo from Florence, there is also a brand from Rome. Carlo Ferrara. Their watches are priced between 3600 euro and 15000 euro (for the gold & diamond collection). The Carlo Ferraro Regolatore watches come in various shapes and styles. The movement is a CF100, based on the famous ETA 2892-A2 movement.Click here for their website....
At least I can praise it for originality
This afternoon, I was in Gerard’s watch shop browsing through some watch magazines, and I really was amazed when I saw this Bell & Ross advertisement. I love their watches (in general), and I think when you do a search on Bell & Ross on Fratello, you should be able to find some articles. I love their Vintage 126 model and their Space models, which are more or less based on Sinn watches.Anyway, Bell & Ross released this new model. Inspired by aviation instruments, and it shows ofcourse.I am not a big fan of aviation instruments, so this watch goes beyond imagination of how it would look on my wrist. I can praise Bell & Ross for their designs and originality, but I wo...
A Cool Job Opening Social Media Manager Wanted By Audemars Piguet
Audemars Piguet, one of my favorite haute horlogerie brands is looking for a social media manager.It is great to see that more and more watch manufacturers found their way to the on-line community (who has been there for years) and supply them with quick and proper information. Until 5 years ago, ordering a catalogue on-line was as high-tech as most brands could get, and you felt even more lucky when it arrived within 6 months. Nowadays, watch manufacturers are actively searching for their customers and potential customers via Facebook, Twitter, blogs (like this one) and forums.Anyway, the Communication department over at AP in Le Brassus is looking out for those with a degree in marketing o...
A Speedy Fan Talks About The New Speedmaster X-33
It’s Speedy Tuesday! We realize we’ve been discussing the Omega Speedmaster Pro X-33 quite often here lately, but it seems we are not the only enthusiast about this model. Recently we received an e-mail from Philip Kisloff – who owns an Omega Speedmaster Pro since 1977 – with a very nice write-up on the new Speedmaster X-33 3rd Gen (reference ?318.90.45.79.01.001) model. We would like to share his article with you today. Review of the new Omega Speedmaster X-33 SkywalkerI've owned an Omega Speedmaster Caliber 861 for almost 40 years, wearing it proudly for almost every day of that time. For one thing, it's a tangible connection with the greatest feat of exploration in...
Review of Geneva May Auctions PHILLIPS in association with BACS & RUSSO
Since they began their association with Phillips auction house to reboot the watch department, the power couple, Aurel Bacs & Livia Russo, have been rocking the watch auction scene. They have done that with exciting auctions and impressive results. Their two upcoming Geneva auctions in May, including their thematic stainless steel chronograph sale (entitled Start-Stop-Reset), are again impressive. The catalogs are simple and elegant yet bold and exciting. The adrenaline filled action in the room during their auctions is something that watch aficionados fly in to see live or watch via streaming video.There are a few smart moves to note for this team that has put them on top. It begins wit...
The Black Bay Chrono and Bellytanker Got Some Serious Competition
This year is superb for enthusiasts of chronographs! After the introduction of the bronze Bell & Ross Bellytanker (4900 Euro) and Tudor Black Bay chrono in two-tone (5240 Euro), Oris comes with a steel and bronze chronograph under 4000 Swiss Francs.Already shown to the guests of our ORIS x Fratello event on April 26th, but under strict publication embargo for today. The latest addition to the Sixty-Five collection is this 43mm diameter chronograph. By no means a small watch, despite the fact that 43mm sounds reasonable today the lug-to-lug size measures 52mm and gives it serious presence on my 18cm wrist.Sixty-Five Chronograph in Steel & BronzeIt is no secret that I am a fan of two-t...
Wrist Game Or Crying Shame: Grand Seiko SBGX115 Diver
Welcome back to Wrist Game or Crying Shame, the weekly article that puts your hand eye coordination skills to the test. Yes, we ask you to click a button in order to tell us if you’d wear our watch of the week or not. Today, we look at a white whale of sorts with the Grand Seiko SBGX115. But first…Last week, I asked you to look at a homely kinda old Submariner 14060. It wasn’t overly special, but it was special enough in your eyes to conquer with an astounding 85% Wrist Game win. I’d liken that 15% to the one person who didn’t vote for Derek Jeter on their Hall of Fame ballot. Jeez, and I can’t stand the Yankees… We’re going to keep on the div...
Hands-On With The Prim Masaryk L.E.
If you thought Meistersinger is the only cool one-hander out there, PRIM Masaryk and Prokop & Broz Single Hand will prove you wrong.When I saw a shot of the Prim Masaryk for the first time, I was at my watchmaker’s workshop. I instantly forced my phone in front of my watchmaker's face and told him that the new Prim watch looks like it has just one hand. I meant it as a joke. It was only after I looked at it again that I realized it actually really is a one-handed watch. Prim hasn't had such a watch for seven decades. I had to know more.Prim Masaryk L.E.The idea is pretty simple. Most one-handers use the tip of the hand to show both the hours and minutes at the same time. In other w...
Rare Zerographe Up For Auction Alongside AP And Heuer
Since I live in Geneva, I got the opportunity to stop by Antiquorum and check out some of the watches in the house’s upcoming May auction. They tend to have large catalogs so I do recommend looking through this one in advance or you might miss something cool as I have several times in the past.Antiquorum has just finished its Hong Kong sale and, overall, it looked like strong results across the board. I went back over it and was surprised as they sold some things well over what I expected. It is always interesting to see what kind of momentum auction houses carry from one country to another in the same season. I think it will do well, but auctions are always a bit of a gamble. Hence, t...