Hands-On: The Classy Two-Tone Titoni Seascoper 300
Whenever I put a Titoni Seascoper on my wrist, it’s like hugging an old friend. I have a huge soft spot for the brand, especially the Seascoper line. The first Seasscoper model that I reviewed was the stainless steel version of the watch in this review. So it was sort of a full-circle moment when the two-tone version landed on my desk. While I usually do not favor a two-tone diver over an all-steel model, with this new Seascoper 300, I am inclined to change that opinion. The new Titoni Seascoper 300, which is black and green with gold-colored elements, is simply a super stylish version of the popular diver. It’s time to find out more!For those unfamiliar with Titoni’s Seasc...
Too many models
As you can read in my last conversation with Chuck Maddox, we talked about Omega having too many models. At P-Day 3 in Frankfurt I noticed the same for Panerai, they even have a tourbillon diver watch, which is quite ridicilous ofcourse. I discussed it with some people over there, but they didn’t think it would harm the watchindustry because people want to see as much models as possible of their favorite brand. I probably asked it at the wrong place, with a (mostly) Panerai-only public. My watchdealer, Gerard Nijenbrinks, told me the same thing last sunday when I was visitting his store. History is repeating, maybe for different reasons like Chuck said, but a few brands who almost wen...
'The Watch Urwerk Should Make'
I have to confess, when Yacine Sar, Urwerk's PR manager, showed me the prototypes of their new Urwerk UR106 for ladies earlier this year, I was drooling. Urwerk had never made a ladies watch before and while not very petite, this is the first one made for the opposite sex.It was back in 2005, when I bought my UR103.03, one of the earlier models, with that amazing U-shaped mineral crystal. For me it was Star Wars and after all those years, of seeing the rotating satellites going around and around, the watch hasn’t bored me for a minute.Since then, more models followed within the 103 series and the Urwerk collection started to grow, also with more complicated timepieces, like the UR201, ...
Watches & Pencils #6 Wrist shots
For us watch aficionados wrist shots are like the well known selfies. Most of us?take ‘shots’ on a daily basis. ‘snap shots’ in general, but if you look careful you’ll find some nice ones now and then. Besides the classic shot their are quite a lot?of variations. For example: last week I spotted a nice?variation on the wrist shot: a ‘pocket shot’This brings me to a question: What is the definition of ‘wrist shots’? Maybe we don’t understand it at all:Okay, I guess that’s not what ‘wrist shots’ are. There isn’t an official definition (besides the one used in Ice-Hockey) in the dictionary so it’s up to us...
Cartier's Santos Dumont Stripped To The Bone!
Last week when I came home after a few weeks of traveling and opened one of the smaller cupboards that I hardly use, a little gecko fell on the floor and didn't move at all. When I picked it up from the carpet, I noticed that it must have been caught between the door and the doorpost because it was completely dried out to the bone.I felt bad, since I had never realized that I shared my apartment with this little gecko that?probably has protected me from many mosquitos during the night. ?However, it turned him into this beautiful skeleton.But also when talking watches, skeletons can often be very attractive, especially when they're stripped down to the bare minimum. The quite busy looking cla...
#TBT The Glorious Omega DeVille 145.018 Chronograph
As it happens with so many things in life, the best items often come along when one isn't looking for them. While I do seek out certain items, watches and otherwise, my bank account seems to take its largest hit when I'm in an ambivalent state. Whether it's the grocery store or a weekend visit to London or NYC before Christmas, I'm at my worst when I go with little to no mission in mind. And then there's the case of a friend who drops an innocent note about whether you have interest in a watch he's looking to sell. These are troublesome, in the best way of course, because they typically represent the ultimate case of buying the seller and the piece tends to be trustworthy. This scenario is p...
Hands-On Formex Element Chronograph Review
Formex is not a new brand (1999), but it is also not very widely known. Exactly two years ago, Formex stopped with all their brick and mortar retailers and decided to sell directly only, via their e-boutique. Formex wanted to be in touch directly with their end-customer, so they also would get a good understanding of what their demand. The cut on retailers also enabled them to invest in a proper working e-boutique and an augmented reality app that Gerard discussed a few days ago in his Munichtime report.Formex ElementWhat isn’t new, is the case suspension system that Formex uses. This was already patented before they went online-only?in 2016. The Formex Element I have here today has th...
Invitation For An Exclusive Event With Grand Seiko In Amsterdam
We would like to invite you for an exclusive Grand Seiko event. This will take place on December 7th in Amsterdam and will be organized by Fratello, Watching Magazine, Horloge.info and Seiko Nederland B.V.This is your chance to have a closer look at the Grand Seiko brand and their incredible craftsmanship. Besides having lunch in style, there will be a number of presentations, exclusive Grand Seiko and Credor watches to admire up close and a demonstration by one of Grand Seiko’s Master Craftsmen with a ‘Snowflake’ watch.Location: Amsterdam, The NetherlandsDate: December 7th, Start 12:00 (Ends at 16:30)There will be only a very limited number of available seats, so make sure...
This Week in Watches November 9, 2019
And a warm welcome to all of you for This Week in Watches, the November 9, 2019 edition.? It’s been awhile and it’s good to be back!Yes, readers, This Week in Watches took a little breather over the past several weeks as yours truly went to the US of A on vacation for two solid weeks.? I did my best to stay away from the laptop, but I’m happy to be back and bring a strong dose of news to your pupils.? I’m ready if you are, so let’s get it on…New Heuer Camaro SiteI mean, when you get an email from Steve Perry regarding Heuer, the thoughts of helping the former frontman of Journey find his dream vintage watch can really allow the mind to wander.? I mean, if ...
Watch On Your Wrist? Fratello Instagram Contest 2020 Round 19
Welcome back to our Watch On Your Wrist? Instagram extravaganza! Tag your watch snaps with #fratellowatches to be in with a chance to win!Every week, we select four images. You can vote in the article for your favorite image. The winner moves on to the semi-final round (held every fifth week between the previous four weekly winners). Win that and you’re into the final, which will be held at the end of the year. There will be five finalists in 2020 and ten from next year on.Basically, if you like winning things - and there will be a prize for the champion of 2020 - this year represents your best shot. So get snapping, get tagging, and get sharing. And don’t forget to vote (once) f...
Hands-On: The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 15500ST
Mr. Genta, I need a steel sports watch that has never been done before, I want it to be something totally new and waterproof. That was the message to Gerald Genta by then Audemars Piguet CEO Mr. Golay. Not much later, the Royal Oak was born. The rest is history. Today, it is one of the most coveted watches in the world.There was a time, not even too long ago, that I wore a Royal Oak watch on the wrist almost every single day. It was my dream watch. Ever since I saw the watch in one of the Audemars Piguet catalogs, I decided that a Royal Oak was my grail watch. My first purchase was the Royal Oak 15300. A 39mm watch with AP’s then relatively new in-house developed caliber 3120. I couldn...
A Look Back On A Strong 2020 From The Fortis Flieger Family
The 13th of every month is now known as “Fortis Day”. 2020 has seen new watches debut in the Flieger family on the 13th of August, September, and October. Now, as we approach the curtain call of perhaps the maddest year on record, we take a look back on a triumphant trio of release dates that brought us the F-43 Bicompax Chronograph, the F-41 and F-39 Automatics, and the most recently released F-43 Triple GMT, outlined the future aesthetic of this part of the brand’s line-up.Fortis CEO Jupp Philipp must be feeling himself right not. He and his team have had a barnstorming year when it comes to reinvigorating a brand that was in dire need of a modern identity. What’s i...
Hands-On: The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 15500ST
Mr. Genta, I need a steel sports watch that has never been done before, I want it to be something totally new and waterproof. That was the message to Gerald Genta by then Audemars Piguet CEO Mr. Golay. Not much later, the Royal Oak was born. The rest is history. Today, it is one of the most coveted watches in the world.There was a time, not even too long ago, that I wore a Royal Oak watch on the wrist almost every single day. It was my dream watch. Ever since I saw the watch in one of the Audemars Piguet catalogs, I decided that a Royal Oak was my grail watch. My first purchase was the Royal Oak 15300. A 39mm watch with AP’s then relatively new in-house developed caliber 3120. I couldn...
A New Speedmaster Book Just In Time For Christmas (2021)
There’s a new book on my favorite topic - the Omega Speedmaster. The Magister book doesn’t cover all Speedmasters ever made. Instead, it shows 70 Speedmaster watches that author Andrea Foffi has in his own collection.I have seen an early print version from editor Paolo Gobbi, one of the guys involved in this project. Believe me when I say it looked amazing. As a Speedmaster enthusiast, this book might just be something that makes your Christmas a whole lot merrier.Andrea Foffi and MagisterI met Andrea Foffi in October 2018, when we were both visiting Shanghai to witness the launch of the (then) new Omega Constellation models. He showed me this crazy Omega Speedmaster in platinum....
Superlative Podcast: A Special Episode Featuring Rob Nudds
In this very special episode of the Superlative podcast, Rob has a chat with Ariel about his experience in the world of watches, his personal tastes, and what it takes to make it in the world of watches.Rob on the Superlative podcastFrom watchmaker to writer and on to managing editor at Fratello, Rob has done it all. Now, his latest role at Fratello brings him closer to watch brands than ever before. In this episode, he will discuss and share some of his unique insights into the watch industry. How some of the Fratello limited editions released in recent times have come to be, the brands we work with, and the stories behind the designs. Make sure to tune in, it’s bound to be an interes...
#PumpkinSpice Up Your Life With These Top Fratello Watch Picks
Halloween seems to become bigger each year, even in its European form of adopted pumpkin-carving and scary costumes. Fall has set in, and what better way to home in on the Holiday Season than through the rich colors of fall. We have tracked down the watches and gear that will cheer you up until the Holiday Seasons hits us, with zesty pops of orange. It’s time to #PumpkinSpice up your day with these top picks.From sweet pumpkin to fiery orangeFrom pumpkin orange to the fiery pop of the Minase Divido, we aim to inspire you all the while helping me. With what? Well, I’m working on a written application, to persuade my wife that a Ducati Scrambler is indeed a necessity. I can easily ...
The New Watchicity App Is Here!
Watchville stole our hearts a few years ago, offering a perfect app that combined all the feeds from the major watch titles, including Fratello, of course. Sadly, a few weeks ago, Hodinkee (owners of the Watchville app) decided to pull the plug.The good news is that it didn’t take long for some alternatives to pop up. Successors like Watchicity and Allwatchnews popped up only a few days later, first as websites, but now also as apps for iOS and Android.RJ’s 1991 Day-Date on a Fratello Signature strap in olive green BaranilThe guys behind Watchicity ensured that their app has the same functionality as Watchville. It includes a daily top 10 overview, the best-read articles per wee...
Dave And Balazs Talk Space Watches Beyond The Speedy
Mike is on a business trip in the US, so Balazs had to pull Dave out of podcast retirement for this one. After all, we cannot leave you guys without a fresh episode of Fratello On Air. The topic is space watches, but we’re talking about the “other” ones this time. Yes, the Speedmaster gets a mention, yet soon after that, the focus shifts to Fortis, URWERK, and IWC....
Hands-On: Unimatic Modello Uno U1-ER For L'Eroica
Earlier this week, Unimatic unveiled three new titanium models that look very sharp. Three great new releases from the Italian brand explore great future possibilities for its timepieces. But next to regularly creating new additions to the brand’s lineup, Unimatic also loves collaborating with other brands to create unique, standout versions of its different models. One of the latest collaboration timepieces that caught my attention was the charming Unimatic for L'Eroica Modello Uno U1-ER. The watch perfectly proves that Unimatic is about something more than just being a watch brand. The watch introduced me to the cool story of the L’Eroica cycling experience.Back in 2020, when I...
Steel Bezels Are Back! Five Of Our Best Picks
Steel bezels can toughen any sports watch up a notch, making for monochrome cool. Me, I’m not averse to a touch of bling, but the full-steel look signals a strong sense of purpose. While ceramic inserts are scratch-resistant, they can still crack, and that well-used look of a scratched-up bezel gives a sports watch plenty more street cred than a safe-queen Sub. This year, steel bezels are back!The idea behind this story came about when Omega released the new Speedmaster '57. While I enjoy the look of the Moonwatch, the deep dial colors and the sweet size of the hand-wound '57 make it one of the best Speedies today. This got my mind going, and wouldn't you know, there seems to be a resu...