Hands-On: The Herms H08 Chronograph
Herms sure knows how to surprise us. We knew the brand was launching four new colorful versions of the H08 at Watches and Wonders. But when we arrived at the Herms booth, there was actually another new H08 waiting to be discovered. It was this new chronograph version packed inside a 41mm multi-layered composite case. It’s a monopusher chronograph, so you operate it with a single button on the crown. And of course, the strap and the details on the dial all come in bright Herms orange. Let’s take a look at the new Herms H08 Chronograph.Just a few weeks ago, I called those colorful new H08s the sportiest versions yet. Well, I think we have a new #1 now. After all, what’s m...
CODE41 Introduces The All-New T360 Tourbillon
Watch brands can be interesting for a wide array of reasons. When it comes to CODE41, you can expect futuristic technological solutions combined with cutting-edge designs. On top of that, the brand sets itself apart by creating watches with a very loyal community of fans that are included in every step of the process. In the brand’s latest quest for excellence, CODE41 set out to develop a tourbillon and keep the price at around 10,000 Swiss francs. This is a task that is not that simple considering the technical challenges that the tourbillon watch brings. But CODE41 likes a good challenge and doesn’t stop until it is completed successfully. In that spirit, the brand now introduc...
Hands-On With The Vulcain Grand Prix 39mm Champagne
The name Vulcain is synonymous with alarm watches. In the 1960s and 1970s, the brand was mostly known for this specific complication. In recent years, Vulcain has made a comeback and expanded its collection to divers, chronographs, and now time-only models. The Grand Prix line is the simplest of them all.I spent a few weeks with the Vulcain Grand Prix 39mm Champagne, the cheapest, plainest model in Vulcain’s current lineup. It offers the elegance and usability that a three-hander can give you and does not fail to deliver. Surprisingly, I grew attached to the watch and did not want to take it off after the test period ended.VulcainA few years ago, when the brand was making a comeback, t...
IWC Ingenieur Climate Action
Well, so far I haven’t been the biggest poster on Fratello. Being busy with a lot of other stuff I found it hard to come up with a nice subject for a new post..But now I found a interesting watch.. The Ingenieur Climate Action. Let’s start with a pic (posted on ThePurists):Mm.. I actually kinda like the looks. It reminds me a bit of the white Millgauss-funk.But something isn’t quite right here. Climate Action? Ok, a valid reason for a nice limited edition. With proceeds partially going to the Climate Action Fund, this is a really nice idea I guess. But it is somewhat weird when you’ve got a model in the same range in cooperation with Mercedes AMG in my opinion. Keep ...
Omega Speedmaster 50th Anniversary Prototype
It’s Speedy Tuesday! An uncommon Speedy Tuesday, as we have a contribution from one of our readers about his unusual Omega Speedmaster Pro with reference number 145.0077 / 345.0077. Roman from Croatia writes us the following:Two unconnected events started this story.Purchase of a white dial Speedmaster in January, 2005.The OMEGAMANIA auction in April, 2007.In 2005 I bought Omega Speedmaster with with a white dial, Ref.No: DD145.0022 with a OMEGA 861 movement, Year of manufacture 1984. I wrote to Omega Switzerland to request some additional information about this watch.Below is the answer I have received from Mr.Jean-Luc Miranda, OMEGA Museum in February 2005.:?Your movement number is w...
5 Fratello Watches Writers Give Their Top 5 BaselWorld 2015 Plus Their Bummer Watch
It is already about a month ago that BaselWorld 2015 took place. For Fratello Watches, the first time we were present at the show with no less than 5 team members. Running from appointment to appointment, seeing and touching brand new watch collections, some time even prototypes still, talking to brand’s representatives, attending diners and drinks… all hard work.We thought it would be nice to give you a run-down of our team’s Top 5 best watches, per member. So that will be 25 watches in total, given the fact that some of us might favour the same watches. However, the reasons might vary and that should make it interesting. Also, we decided to also give one bummer watch per ...
Hands-On Hublot Big Bang Unico All Black Sapphire
It is amazing what JC Biver from Hublot accomplished in the past decade or so. Of course, his track record goes much further than Hublot (think Blancpain and Omega for example). Today he manages Hublot and the success he had with the brand is also being applied to TAG Heuer and Zenith.However, those two other LVMH brands have their own customer ‘profile’ and matching watches. Just like Hublot. You can think or say anything you want about Hublot (some purists regard is as “fashion watches”, others are totally into them), but they are doing very well since Jean-Claude Biver and?Ricardo Guadalupe are calling the shots.This year, Hublot?introduced a couple of new models t...
Interview with Panerai Ambassador Mike Horn and his PAM985 Submersible
This year Panerai surprised?us with 3 limited editions. That might sound a bit silly, and indeed it wasn’t?tht Panerai presented limited editions, however, hw they will be offered which surprised us.2019 was chosen by Panerai to be the year of new Submersibles. Except for new 42 mm and 47 mm models in the more or less regular collection, new models in the BMG-Tech, Carbotech, and Chronograph lines were introduced as well. And, as expected, within these different model lines 3 special limited edition models are presented and offered in a very special package.Three Panerai Submersible 47 mm Special Editions#gallery-1 {margin: auto;}#gallery-1 .gallery-item {float: left;margin-top: 10px...
Wrist Game or Crying Shame: Chronoswiss Timemaster
Welcome to Wrist Game or Crying Shame, the weekly online reality show that lets you decide whether a watch stays on the island or takes the slow boat home. We even allow “keimschleuder” to vote! This week, we focus on a beacon of glowing light during these dark times with the Chronoswiss Timemaster. But first…Last week, I showed you a two tone Daytona 116523 with a slate grey dial. And while it’s not my jelly, it seems to be your jam. The salt and pepper Daytona just barely pulled itself over the chin up bar. As a result, it mustered a 53% Wrist Game victory. What the Chronoswiss Timemaster eschews on gold, it makes up with a glow of another kind. Let’s take a ...
Max Busser & Friends Horological Machine N10 "Bulldog"
The most daring and outrageous Horological Machine to date. MB&F has outdone itself by basing its new HM10 on our beloved furry friend.MB&F resides in the highest tiers of independent Haute Horlogerie. The Friends part of the name has given Max Busser free rein to allow his wildest fantasies to materialize. Fighter jets, spaceships - objects of pure childish glee. So what does he choose to pluck from his deep imagination for the latest technical marvel? The stub-nosed, short-legged, and stocky British Bulldog. Possibly, the last thing anyone could have predicted. But then again, that's the kind of prank befitting a man of Max's mentality.New Horological Machine N10Since 2007, the Ho...
Vintage Bracelets Part #1: Bonklip-style
We kick-off our selection of the most interesting factory fit and aftermarket vintage bracelets with the legendary Bonklip-style bracelets.I was never a bracelet guy. My Omega Speedmaster 60th LE was never fitted on the original bracelet it came with. I didn't even bother to look at it properly. The first thing I did with my Breitling Chrono-Matic, Flyback Seiko 7016-8000?was to switch the original bracelet for some fine leather. It’s a habit that’s hard to kick.My interest in steel was only sparked last year when I went to pick up my Mido Rainbow diver’s watch. It came on the often-hated Bonklip-style bracelet, sometimes referred to as unwearable. As I forgot to take a rep...
Fratello On Air: A Conversation With Omega CEO Raynald Aeschlimann
This year’s introduction of the new Omega Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch, Seamaster 300, De Ville Tresor, Constellation, and black ceramic 300M? is a good reason to catch up with Omega’s CEO and President, Raynald Aeschlimann.On the first (Speedy) Tuesday of this year, Omega introduced its new and improved version of the iconic Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch. A combination of the latest innovation when it comes to movements and heritage when it comes to design. Then, at the end of March, Omega introduced the other aforementioned watches. New models in each Omega collection: Speedmaster, Seamaster, De Ville, and Constellation. Big things!The new Omega De Ville TresorIn con...
#TBT Tissot Carrousel Watch With Interchangeable Bezels
It is the first and only mechanical watch that I ever lost. The fact it was lost for almost a year made me think of it more often than the other pieces in my collection. Even though I didn't wear it often before losing it, the Tissot Carrousel became nostalgically dear to my heart. Last year I?often came home from the office a?bit earlier so I could spend some quality time with my daughter. I?always parked the car in front of the flat and rushed towards our afternoon hour of goofing around outside. The last known whereabouts of this Tissot Carrousel were the playground. Anytime we came close to some sand, I always unstrapped my vintage watch and slipped it into my pocket. As you can imagine,...
The Stunning Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Nonantime
Ninety years ago, Jaeger-LeCoultre created the Reverso. It was an ingenious solution for polo players who wished to protect the glass of their watches while playing matches. The watch became the backbone of the Le Sentier-based manufacture. The most recent execution is the stunning Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Nonantime. This pink gold two-faced watch celebrates the ninetieth birthday of the Reverso in a complicated yet elegant way. And it also doesn't lack originality.How do you like your Reverso? As a time-only watch with a solid case back like the recently presented green Reverso Tribute Small Seconds? And where do you stand on complications in a Reverso? Proper complications like a ...
Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Control Memovox Timer Hands-On
What is the most functional complication out there? No, let me rephrase, no, re-word that. What is the most FUNctional complication out there? Allow me to answer that. I think the mechanical alarm is a strong contender. Yes, the GMT would be my first choice for the most practical complication. But alas, there's very little fun to be found in a watch with a second timezone. On the other hand, an alarm watch - and one with a timer function, especially - is both practical because it tells you when the pasta is ready and fun because it does so with a charming vibration. The buzzing new Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Control Memovox Timer in rose gold is equally charming and practical. And its new color...
A. Lange & Sohne 1815 Rattrapante Honeygold Video
In today's video, RJ gets a taste of the incredible horological craftsmanship of A. Lange & Sohne. The Glashutte brand is known for its incredible creations, and the 1815 Rattrapante Honeygold Homage to F. A. Lange is no exception. It features finishing, materials, and craftsmanship that reaches the highest level of traditional watchmaking.A. Lange & Sohne 1815 Rattrapante Honeygold Homage to F. A. LangeYou might remember the A. Lange & Sohne 1815 Rattrapante Honeygold Homage to F. A. Lange from when Jorg wrote about it in his grail-watch article. And this is just the kind of watch you think of when thinking of a grail. It's not just an absolutely stunning chronograph, but it's a...
The Unclear Origins Of The "Watchmaker's Four"
I remember my dad walking around the house, winding the antique clocks on the walls when I was a kid. I think practically all of them had Roman numerals marking the hours. At that time, I never noticed what kind of “four” they used. I didn’t bother checking whether it was a subtractive “IV” or an additive “IIII” - the latter of which is also known as the “watchmaker’s four”. But since I often wear my Cartier Santos Galbee XL, I started wondering where the “IIII” actually came from. So, I decided to look it up on the big interwebs.Now, please don’t expect any final answer on the origins of the “watchmaker̵...
Doxa Sub 300 Aquamarine The Hype Is Real
As a wise man once said, there’s way too much money in the world. Talking about the price increase of specific models by certain brands is worth its own article, and I will not get into that here. Nor will I comment on the December 2021 auction by Phillips where a certain-colored, double-signed Nautilus was hammered at over $6.5 million USD. Granted, it was for a good cause, and all of the proceeds went to charity. But it was the pinnacle of this social phenomenon that started earlier last year when one Sean “Jay-Z” Carter, hip-hop mogul, billionaire, and an all-around cool guy was seen wearing another example of the very same watch - the Patek Philippe Nautilus in Tiffany ...
The New Norqain Wild One Zurich Marathon
Historically, watch brands have supported and partnered with athletic events and races. The youthful Swiss brand Norqain joined this effort in 2019 when it teamed up with Matterhorn Ultraks, a skyrunning marathon in Zermatt. Since then, Norqain has been the official timekeeper of prestigious races. These include the TCS New York City Marathon in late 2022 and the Dubai Marathon in early 2023. The brand will also be the official timekeeper of this year’s Ochsner Sport Zurich Marathon, which takes place tomorrow, April 22nd. To celebrate, Norqain released the Wild One Zurich Marathon Limited Edition in a super exclusive run of 20 units.?Highlights of the Norqain Wild One?Norqain's evolut...
Chopard And Chanel's Newest Jumping-Hour Watches
You’ve probably seen all the Watches and Wonders 2024 recap articles and read how this year’s releases weren’t the most exciting ones. But, as I’ve already stated in my “favorites” article, that certainly doesn’t mean there weren’t any releases worth mentioning. Today, I’d like to highlight two watches we haven’t yet covered here on Fratello. They both feature a black dial with an ever-intriguing jumping-hour complication. They’re also both new versions of previously available models. That doesn’t make them any less interesting, though. Let’s take a quick look at the Monsieur de Chanel Superleggera Intense Black an...