Starting A Watch Collection With $5,000 Daan's Picks
This almost feels like getting a second chance because it was only a little over two years ago that I got my first serious mechanical watch. I started out with the Oris Art Blakey, a not-so-common dress watch as my first pick. At that time, I wasn’t actually thinking of starting a collection. I’m not sure if anyone starts off like that, to be honest. So today’s exercise is a purely hypothetical one, but it’s still a fun one to put together! And while my fellow editors have thus far given themselves a $10K budget, going forward, some of us will try to cut that in half. Can we come up with great starter collections for around $5,000? Let me be the first to give it a sho...
Favorite Watches Under $1,000: Brandon's Picks
This month, many of my fellow editors have shared their favorite watches under $1,000 in 2023. But while I’ve kept abreast of everyone’s picks, I was initially at a loss for what I could contribute. You see, I don’t dabble in this price bracket much, and I rarely find watches in it that I feel I’ve got to have. On top of that, there was that completely self-imposed pressure that I’d need to pick the “best” sub-$1K watches possible. When faced with a challenge like this, I’m sure many enthusiasts might feel similarly stuck. But then I read Gerard’s article, and something finally clicked: all that mattered was how my choices stuck with me.T...
The New Porsche Design 718 Spyder RS Chronograph
There are many intersections in the world of watch enthusiasts. Depending on your crossroad, you might have an interest in watches tied to aviation, space exploration, diving and watersport, or motorsport and automobiles. Taking the automotive exit ramp, there is one name that most car enthusiasts hold above others - Porsche. While this name is synonymous with iconic sports cars, Ferdinand A. Porsche founded the lifestyle brand in 1972, nine years after designing the 911. Today, we take a look at one of the brand’s latest creations, the Porsche Design 718 Spyder RS ChronographWhile lesser known than Porsche sports cars, Porsche Design has produced several critically acclaimed watches s...
Tudor Chronographs Vintage Vs. Modern
This week, we have another chronograph-fueled edition of Sunday Morning Showdown! This one’s inspired by the fact that one of the Fratello team members recently bought himself a Tudor Heritage Chrono. The brand launched this model in 2010 and recently discontinued it, so if you’re after one, perhaps now is the time to pounce.The Tudor chronographs from the early 1970s and 2010s onward are the ones we admire the most. You might also recall the Big Block and Prince Chronographs, but we definitely prefer the older (and later) models. Now, we all appreciate a good chronograph, but in the end, it’s not easy to find ones that we truly love. We often keep coming back to the classi...
The May 2024 Fratello REM Strap Spacewalk
On June 3rd, 1965, Ed White was the first NASA astronaut to perform a spacewalk. White, who died during the horrible accident with Apollo 1 on January 27th, 1967, performed his EVA (extravehicular activity) wearing the famous Speedmaster 105.003. Therefore, we decided to come up with a new Fratello REM Speedmaster strap available in a 19mm width. But don’t stop reading now if you have a 42mm Moonwatch because a 20mm version will also be available.Ed White, wearing two Speedmaster 105.003 watches during his spacewalk on June 3rd, 1965The Ed White SpeedmasterThe Omega Speedmaster 105.003 is often called “Ed White” by collectors and enthusiasts since this watch was worn during...
IWC Reveals Ceralume And The First Full-Lume Ceramic Watch
Luminescent materials have been a part of watchmaking for generations. The use of radioactive materials in the last century was fundamental in the design of tool watches that could allow the owner an opportunity to tell the time in darkened conditions. Thankfully, we no longer have to rely on radioactive materials to achieve this outcome, but lume continues to enamor watch enthusiasts worldwide. For many, owning a watch with a fully luminescent dial brings childlike glee. But today, IWC goes one step further with the introduction of Ceralume.The brand from Schaffhausen has unveiled the first fully luminous ceramic watch. Unfortunately, it’s a concept piece, so we will have to wait and ...
The Best Watches Under $2,500: Mike's Picks
It’s time to chime in on the best watches under $2,500. It’s a tough subject for a couple of reasons. First, many of my colleagues have already opined and used up some great picks. Second, this price level now feels like a no man’s land because most brands prefer to play above or below it. Still, I’ve found some stellar watches that I own or wouldn’t mind adding to the collection.For most people, $2,500 isn’t a forgettable sum. It’s well above a casual expenditure, yet it’s now below what most brands seem to recognize as the luxury level. Well, forget about them because plenty of value and goodness is available. Some brands, particularly Seiko,...
Hands-On: The Fortis Novonaut AMADEE-24
Life on Mars is around the corner. That is what some science-fiction movies are telling us, at least. The people who are properly interested in the story know much must be done to make that a reality. But plenty of scientific initiatives are researching life on the Red Planet. If you are a fan of Fortis, you are probably aware of the AMADEE project. It brings astronauts into Mars-like conditions for extensive research on using equipment during a real Mars mission. Fortis has released several special AMADEE editions for the project. The latest is the Fortis Novonaut AMADEE-24. I had a chance to go hands-on with this special Novonaut developed as an instrument for a mission to Mars.The watches...
Some more WatchUseek news
Besides having upgraded the forum software to some new improved version, Ernie also decided to open a Panerai forum at WatchUseek. The forum is moderated by Elizabeth Cacatian from Canada.Matt Markis was one of the first on the forum to show some Panerai! (PAM86 to be exact)Good luck with the forum!...
Speedy Tuesday Speedmaster Day-Date Caliber 1045
If you are a long time follower of Fratellowatches you probably already know that we are huge fans of Omega’s Speedmaster collection. We do not only care about the Speedmaster Professional ‘Moonwatch’, we also like a lot of the other Speedmaster models that Omega introduced since 1957. Whether it is the modern Speedmaster 9300 chronograph, a vintage CK2915 Speedmaster pre-Professional or something completely different like a Speedmaster X-33, we (almost) love ‘m all. Like this Speedmaster Day-Date ref.176.0016 for example, sometimes being referred to as the Speedmaster Mark 4.5.We decided to do a short write-up on a Speedy every Tuesday. Just because. If you are willi...
Seiko Marinemaster Professional 300 52Mondayz, week #22
The weather has been extremely nice to us in The Netherlands lately, and it seems not much is going to change within short. One way or the other I tend to wear sporty watches in this kind of weather conditions.Seiko Marinemaster Professional 300, SBDX017 52Mondayz, week #22It’s not that I’m out sporting more in summer than in winter. Probably bare wrists ask for more ‘resistant’?watches than when one’s thick layer of clothes hides the watch anyhow. Your watch might be more prone to hits when worn in the open.Anyhow, no vintage watch again this week. I chose to wear one of my favorite sturdy sports watches, the Seiko Marinemaster Professional 300.Size mattersWhen...
Farer novelties: the new GMT Automatic
Meet Farer British watch brand, whose name is born out of passion for travel and exploration. Their timepieces reflect the true spirit of Farer: daring, courageous and filled with ambition beyond the ordinary. After the successful launch if their first Automatic collection in November 2016, the British brand announced the next significant moment: the launch of GMT Automatic.ART OF THE DIALThe founders call their new collection Art of the Dial. The new GMT Automatic continues the brand's distinctive design philosophy, and brings together bold colours, interesting textures and unrivalled levels of attention to detail. Each Farer timepiece is born out of the precise and detailed work, refined a...
Longines Launches The Lindbergh Hour Angle Watch 90th Anniversary
This year, Longines?is celebrating the 90th anniversary of the first ever non-stop solo transatlantic flight, which was flown by Charles Lindbergh and timed by the Swiss watchmaker. For the occasion, the brand is presenting 90 timepieces in a numbered and limited edition of its hour angle watch, which was designed in partnership with the famed aviator following his historic flight. This exceptional titanium and steel timepiece is intended for those who are passionate about history, adventure and watchmaking.New York, May 20, 1927, 7:52 a.m., the Spirit of St. Louis leaves Roosevelt Airport. Its destination: Le Bourget airport near Paris. At the controls: a young American pilot named Charles ...
An Analysis Of The Speedmaster Phillips Auction Results
Let me start by saying that it always amazes me that there is such a gap between results from auctions and from the ‘normal’ marketplaces for watches. Today’s Phillips auction results are no different, and you also need to deal with buyer’s premium and deal with taxes. The latter should be always dealt with if you buy abroad (or outside EU for EU residents for example). I will get back to the differences in prices later, let’s have a look first at the Speedmaster watches that were part of today’s Phillips auction in Hong Kong.The Hong Kong Watch Auction: SIXToday, there were 10 Omega Speedmasters?up for sale during the Phillips auction this morning (my loc...
LIV Watches launches their fourth Kickstarter Campaign "The Breakthrough"
LIV Watches was established as a direct-to-consumer microbrand, crafting durable Swiss timepieces built to suit the modern man.At the end of 2014, LIV Watches launches with the GX1 on Kickstarter; they get fully funded within the first 11 hours. Just over a year later, they bring the GX1-A to life and receive over 1.1 million dollars in funding. In March 2017, LIV Watches launches the Rebel, receiving over 1.7 million dollars from over 2,900 customers who had never even heard of them. It remains the most crowdfunded Swiss watch to date.Here are the basics to LIV Watches’ story:LIV Watches is the most crowdfunded Swiss watch in historyLIV Watches has raised 3.2 million dollars 5809 back...
Legendary Vintage Bracelets Doxa Expandro Bracelet
In the first episode of our special Watch Strap Review series, we’ll take a closer look at the Doxa Expandro bracelets.Vintage watches are awesome for so many reasons. They either represent an era in watchmaking history or perhaps connect you to a loved one as a family heirloom. Vintage watches might have a complication that is still interesting and scarce after many years. We have discussed vintage watches at a great length on Fratello. From simple 3-handers to complicated timepieces, Fratello has covered loads and loads of vintage timepieces from hundreds of brands. Do not worry, we are continuing to do that. After all, this is one of our forte. Though we have to focus on other stuff...
Wearing The Siduna M3440 Professional Flyback Chronograph
Siduna as a watch brand currently comprises of just one single watch model in two movement variations. That’s not much of a brand one would say. However, Siduna has plans for more and, although I had never heard of it before, it isn’t a new watch brand at all.Siduna M3440 Professional Flyback ChronographWhat was before the Siduna M3440In the late 1800s already, the Siduna brand was founded in Bienne, Switzerland, and became known as a producer of aggressively priced pocket watches. Later, in 1929 to be precise, the company was transferred to Denmark and became a supplier of mainly 18k gold chronographs. Like many other watch brands, Siduna didn’t survive the seventies quart...
Pre-Owned Picks Forza Ferrari Watches
This week, in Pre-owned Picks, I am highlighting four watches with Ferrari co-branding spanning more than four decades.The news of Sebastian Vettel leaving the Scuderia Ferrari Formula One team this season, whatever is left of it, had me thinking about what Ferrari means to F1. The team from Maranello is the most successful in terms of driver's and constructor's championships. But they transcend any other team when it comes to prestige. F1 without Ferrari is not F1 to me.Credit: Edwin van Nes www.dacorsa.netClassic racing chronographsThe Formula One YouTube channel has been replaying classic races from previous seasons the past few months. The 2003 British Grand Prix was a particularly excit...
Hands-On With The Triwa Humanium 39 Automatic
Triwa doesn't have an awe-inspiring design, but it combines a unique story with a good cause. At the end of last year, the brand added an automatic movement to the family of Humanium watches. Is it a good watch or is it just good marketing?In the past, there have been watches with dials made of wood or cases made of stone, like the Tissot RockWatch we reviewed on TimeTravel. A few weeks ago Gerard introduced The Gyre SeaCleaner, the world's first sports watch made out of recycled fishing nets from the Indian Ocean. Swedish Triwa, that you might remember from its April's Fool Comb-Over watch, took it even one step further. The cases of Triwa Humanium watches are made of metal derived from mel...
You Asked Us: Which Watches Do Rugby Referees Wear?
This one seriously surprised me the first time I saw it hit the inbox. The second time this question was asked, you could have knocked me down with a feather. At the third time of asking, I figured it was time to stop being shocked the people wanted to know and get on with answering the question. Which watches do Rugby referees wear?So, which watches do rugby referees wear? Off the pitch, I can’t comment. I’m sure some of the best refs in the game have a few fancy watches they strap-on when they don’t have to worry about getting trampled by the stampeding juggernauts of the modern game. But on the field of play, a referee’s timepiece is often determined by sponsorship...