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 pure

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

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. Pors

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

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

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. F

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 th

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 f

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!

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-Profess

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&#

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 foun

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 exceptiona

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 w

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, recei

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

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 fou

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 a

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

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