Pinion Revival 1969 Handwound Valjoux 7734 Chronograph
Today, at the SalonQP event in London, Pinion introduces their Pinion Revival 1969 watch. A handsome looking stainless steel chronograph with a new old stock Valjoux 7734 movement. It is the first chronograph in the Pinion collection, and they surely did it in the right way we think.The name of the Pinion Revival 1969 refers to the year that this hand-wound Valjoux 7734 movement was produced. More on that later on. Let’s have a look at their watch first.Pinion Revival 1969Pinion is a relatively young brand, founded in 2013 by Piers Berry. Their goal is to create limited numbers of watches for those who have an eye for detail but also for those who want to have a watch that they can wea...
Seiko Factory Visit Trip Report Part 1
June 8, 2017: You can now sign-up for the same adventure as described in this article. Sign-up for the Grand Seiko Experience with Fratello Watches.In July this year, I received a phone call from Seiko whether I’d be interested in the?Seiko Media Experience 2015 tour in Japan. I gladly accepted this invitation, as?I was very curious about Seiko and their production facilities as well as about Japan itself. Although the program of the Seiko Media Experience was fully packed with visits and traveling within Japan, it would probably gave me a little peek into this fascinating country.The Seiko Media Experience 2015 tour consisted of:a couple of seminars on the Astron, Grand Seiko and Pros...
Omega Seamaster 600 PloProf 1st generationC 52Mondayz, week #45
This episode of 52Mondayz is kind of a goodbye to a watch. Soon, I will say goodbye to this beautiful Omega Seamaster 600 PloProf from the first generation. But before it is that time, let me talk a bit about this iconic divers watch from the 1970s.Omega Seamaster 600 PloProf54mm in width, 45mm in length and 15mm thickAfter four years of extensive testing Omega produced the first generation of the PloProf in the beginning of the seventies. The Compagnie Maritime d’Expertises (short Comex) and well known professional diver Jaques Cousteau were of help to Omega with developing the first?waterproof watch designed and built solely for the diving professional. The watch was nicked PloProf, ...
URBAN JuRGENSEN THE ALFRED' IN TUNE WITH THE TIMES
Urban Jurgensen watches reflect classic design, restrained elegance, and quiet confidence. Their beauty is the result of a long-lasting passion for uncompromising artisanship. Each piece is crafted with the belief that perfection is seldom the product of haste and that only an unwavering commitment to excellence can inspire emotion in those who will wear them.Named in tribute to Jacques Alfred Jurgensen, the last watchmaker of the Jurgensen family, the new Alfred model distils the best of the brand's century-old tradition and simultaneously ads a touch of modernity to its collections.The iconic case with teardrop shape lugs is fashioned out of stainless steel and opts for a modern 42 mm diam...
Vienna GTG Photo Report An Omega Heavy Collector's Get-Together
A few weeks ago there was a small get-together in Vienna, Austria, with some pretty serious Omega collectors. We say Omega, not Speedmaster, as people also brought in some pretty decent other Omega watches. Our very own Berti joined a Saturday in Vienna and took pictures of all the horological candy that was brought along.Vienna CallingOrganized by some very serious Omega collectors (some watches might look familiar if you are an avid Omega follower on Instagram for example) in Austria, it was by invitation only, as trust is often the most important aspect when it comes to these things. If a get-together is not organized by a brand or boutique, imagine the struggle with a venue and its secur...
Blue Dial Speedmaster 105.003 On Auction Speedy Tuesday
We’ve reported on a blue dial Speedmaster 105.012 and a blue dial Speedmaster 145.012 before in our Speedy Tuesday features, but never on an earlier reference with this dial colour. These dials are still a bit of a vague territory, at least for us, as no one exactly know how many of these watches are around or how they ended up in production. Was it by special request or did Omega just fiddled around with colour options? One thing is certain though, they exist and are original.Blue Dial Speedmaster 105.003The previously reported blue dial Speedmaster reference 105.012 and 145.012 were ‘Professional’ watches, this 105.003, of course, isn’t. Interesting to see that Omeg...
Wrist Game or Crying Shame: Breitling Cosmonaute Lemania 1873
Welcome back to Wrist Game or Crying Shame, our weekly series where you decide if a watch has what it takes to spend time on your precious wrist.? This week, we’ll head back to the time of Maverick, Goose, and the Iceman with a look at an 80’s/90’s chronograph in the Breitling Cosmonaute.? But first…I honestly need to start choosing more controversial watches because you readers keep finding favor with the pieces in our series.? Last week’s Omega Aqua Terra Railmaster in steel and 39mm stormed to a landslide 71% Wrist Game win and that was despite a few cranky comments!? Bring ’em on, we love the entertainment and, after all, we always have the last word&#...
Individualistic Zodiac Super Sea Wolf 68 Saturation
It took 14 months for Zodiac to design the piece inspired by Mann's muse, the Oceanic Whitetip Shark. The Zodiac Super Sea Wolf 68 Saturation is one of the most honest collaborations, truly reflecting the ambassador's lifestyle and cause. I did not expect to be the one from Fratello to write an article on a Zodiac watch. Both vintage and modern Zodiac watches have managed to pass me by successfully. Not un-noticed, but with almost zero attraction.Zodiac Super Sea Wolf 68 SaturationI froze for a second and stopped scrolling when I first saw the shark's first dorsal fin sitting, sorry cruising, on top of the dial at 12 o’clock.That unexpectedly changed this morning! A newsletter landed i...
Now Is The Time: Buy A Pre-Owned Seamaster PloProf
Some articles take more effort to write than others. But this will be an easy one. Why? Because I love the Seamaster PloProf. It took me way too long to purchase one, and when I was ready for it, Omega discontinued it.But I was lucky, Omega was able to help out. Since May 2019, I am the very happy owner of a Seamaster PloProf. I love that watch. It looks completely out of this world. From across the room, it looks uncomfortable, clunky, and heavy. Heavy it is for sure, but due to the shape and dimensions, it actually wears quite nicely and “compact” on the wrist. Don’t believe me? Try one.Omega still produces the titanium models, with a newer movement and without a date. Ho...
Top Japanese Watches 2020 Seiko, Grand Seiko, Casio, And...Omega?
As the western world watches and waits for a result from the US election, the Land of the Rising Sun seems ever more removed from the tumult we’re seeing on our side of the map. Although Japanese politics is also undergoing a transition following the resignation of long-serving premier Shinzo Abe, his successor, Yoshihide Suga, served in the same government and promises and somewhat smoother transition than we might be about to witness stateside.Thankfully, Fratello is not a place to analyze or pass comment on such grandiose matters. Here all are welcome. We are connected by our love of watches. And in an unpredictable year, one thing has remained constant: Japanese companies are killi...
Hands-On: Longines Spirit Chronograph Review
Earlier this year I shortly briefed you about the new Longines Spirit Chronograph. In this article, we go hands-on with the 42mm Spirit Chronograph with silver dial and leather strap, my favorite of the collection.The new Longines Spirit Chronograph is part of the Sport collection. That surprised me a little bit, but it is indeed a sports watch. I have selected the 42mm version on a leather strap. Although I like the quality of the stainless steel bracelets of the Spirit collection, the leather strap gives it a bit more of a vintage look. It’s a very personal choice, of course, and I can imagine there are many of you out there that prefer a bracelet. Without further ado, let’s ha...
Only Watch 2021 Auction Result: An Impressive CHF 29,740,000
Only Watch auctions have seen impressive growth in results ever since the start in 2005. The first edition offered 34 lots that fetched $ 1,907,000 in total. This year’s 2021 edition brought us 53 lots totaling $28,210,000. Adding up, the Only Watch initiative, in nine editions, raised almost $100,000,000 for research against Duchenne muscular dystrophy. An extraordinary achievement indeed!Only Watch 9th edition Auction ResultsOf course, Patek Philippe didn’t disappoint; they’ve been the star of almost every Only Watch auction so far. This year’s entry, lot #41, a complicated desk clock, outclassed its rather misplaced estimate of max CHF 500,000 by CHF 9,000,000 and ...
Collector's Corner: Koen Simon And His IWC Caliber 61 Watch
Koen Simon is a 26-year old reader of Fratello, and he has been a fan of watches from an early age. When he was 12 years old, he noticed his uncle wearing a mechanical watch, an IWC from the 1960s. The smooth sweep of the second hand fascinated Koen and triggered him to learn more about watches.Just recently, Koen Simon came to the Fratello office to show some of his collection. One of these watches he brought is an IWC caliber 61 in a Hermet case. Truth to be told, I had never previously heard of this watch, but Koen explained to me in detail what it was all about. We decided that it would be fun to have him feature his story on the IWC Hermet case with caliber 61 on Fratello, so we’r...
A Different Kind Of Watch Event: Oris Wadden Sea Event 2021
In mid-September, Oris arranged an event, which, at first glance, seemed to celebrate their “Dat Watt” Limited Edition watch. It is not unusual for watch brands to have partnerships with organizations outside the watch world to stage events that associate their products with these organizations. As we are talking luxury products here, these events commonly exhale a rather luxurious spirit. But the event I’m going to report on here delivered a completely different message.If you don’t remember Oris‘s “Dat Watt” watch, take a look at Balazs’s article on it. Oris dedicated this watch to the Wadden Sea, the world’s largest tidal flat system t...
Buying Guide: The Best IWC Watches From The 1990s (2021)
We like to talk about vintage watches a lot within the Fratello team. Though most of what we write about is primarily focused on the most recent releases and developments, for many of us, a lot of the fun can be found in the sometimes weird and often wonderful world of vintage watches. It’s a world full of history, remarkable watches, incredible stories, and quirky details. It inspired us to come up with a series of articles focusing on the best watches per decade from a select group of brands. Some of them are priceless, some of them still affordable. In this installment, we will take a look at the best IWC watches from the 1990s.This week we will continue our journey through watch hi...
Dear Vacheron Constantin, Bring Back The Brown Overseas
Regular readers of this series of articles know that it’s all about beautiful and special watches from the past. But what about a model that is still in production? And to be even more specific, it’s “just” about a dial color. I have wanted to write about the Vacheron Constantin Overseas 4500V with the stunning brown dial for a while now. But I was also a bit hesitant because it was simply a dial color of a watch that is part of Vacheron Constantin’s collection. Still, every time I look at the watch, I realize the huge transformational power that the color has. So here is the story of a dial color.What made me decide to write this story after all? The answer was...
Patek Philippe Nautilus Vs. Vacheron Constantin Overseas
We are taking things high-end for this week's Sunday Morning Showdown! Welcome to the battle of the recently released integrated-bracelet powerhouses in full 18K pink gold. This is the Vacheron Constantin Overseas Chronograph versus the Patek Philippe Nautilus 5712/1R power reserve/moonphase. We are trying to save on groceries and the power bill, and we are fed up. Today, we're splurging on precious metal and complications!We find Daan representing Vacheron Constantin. Thomas is leading the lines for Patek Philippe?today.Yema versus SericaBut first things first. We were quite a lot more financially responsible last week, pitting two relatively affordable GMTs against each other. You, my dear...
The Seiko World Cup Dive Watch Edition
Today is a big day here at Fratello as we are officially kicking off the Seiko World Cup: Dive Watch Edition! Seiko divers are a crucial part of any watch enthusiast or collector’s journey. Whether a first stepping stone into the watch world, a middle step into the mechanical realm, or a connoisseur’s purchase of a rare, vintage, or particular piece, Seiko suits all levels. Inspired by an ongoing discussion at Fratello HQ, we created this month-long voting contest to find the best Seiko dive watch. Admittedly, the choices are somewhat limited as only eight editors will join in the Seiko World Cup (SWC) action. So don’t expect a comprehensive representation of every Seiko di...
Boring Watches Will Save The World Of Luxury Timepieces
Take your logo-maniacal tracksuit to the dry cleaners, and when you come back, have a coffee, relax, and read this article on Fratello. It will tell you that being exuberant and extravagant is so passe and that boring is back. Better still, boring watches are going to save the world. I’m not talking about dreadful, mundane watch creations that bore you with their lack of substance. No, I’m talking about classic timepieces with an understated appearance, ones that don't overwhelm and overpower you with their size, odd shapes, and wild colors. I'm talking about luxury watches that take their time to woo you, working their way into your life and onto your wrist by implementing the f...
Pre-Owned Spotlight: Seriously Rare Vintage Chronographs
For today's edition of Pre-Owned Spotlight, I am going back to my vintage roots. You can take the watch geek out of the vintage boutique, but you cannot take the vintage boutique out of the watch geek. That doesn't sound quite right, but you catch my drift.I have decided to track down some vintage chronographs, money no object. I found three that would elevate even the best collections out there. So strap in - no best-value or affordable alternatives today, just three amazing vintage chronos!Image: Amsterdam Vintage WatchesRare vintage chronograph #1: Oyster Chronograph 6034 “Pre-Daytona”Like RJ, I am not much of a Daytona guy. The design never quite clicked for me. Early ones,...