Hands-On With The NOMOS Autobahn Neomatik 41 Date
Sometimes, when you read or hear a word, a song pops up into your head. Every time I read or hear about this watch, the [22 minutes lasting version of] Kraftwerk’s Autobahn song is very difficult to get out my head again. If you’re not familiar with it, make sure to search for it on Spotify or whatever service you use. The NOMOS Autobahn Neomatik 41 Date has been presented to us during BaselWorld last month, so about time to have a closer look at it. It has been much talked about since then, so I would like to share my thoughts about this NOMOS Autobahn Neomatik as well.At first, I wasn’t very convinced about the autobahn (highway) association even though I spend many hours...
Robert Downey Jr Moves from Urwerk to De Bethune?
Robert Downey Jr (RDJ) is famous for his colourful film career, and wacky persona on and off screen.But, did you know he has also made a name for himself among the inner watch community? Yes, since he flaunted his epic watch collection with a hilarious ramble in a feature video by GQ in 2016?(yeah, including this “questionable” Speedmaster).As Avengers: Endgame, the big-budget megawatt superhero saga opens worldwide with much fanfare and fireworks, I can't seem to escape the influx of social media images of RDJ's wrist game. That says a lot given that I am not a WIS. Within the space of a couple of weeks, he has been seen wearing two watches made by De Bethune whilst hanging out ...
Laventure Marine 52Mondayz, Week #18-2020
The Laventure Marine in green may well be my favorite watch in my collection. Sure, I have plenty of other options. And yes, many of those options are from more tried-and-tested brands. But it would be fair to say that no single piece has had the same effect on me since purchase. Read on to find out why.I’m a lucky guy. I have several watch boxes and countless wraps full of timepieces. I could genuinely strap-on a different watch of my own every week for a year and still not give them all a moment of wrist time. But the question always looms: what is your favorite watch? I get asked this question?all the time. I wouldn’t say I am bored with it. No, it’s just that I never re...
Introducing the Montblanc 1858 Monopusher Chronograph In Steel And Bronze
Montblanc has embraced the retro-styled looks well for a lot of their watches over the last few years. With the Minerva archives as a legit and extensive source of inspiration for both design and movements. The latest introduction to the Minerva inspired 1858 collection is the Montblanc 1858 Monopusher Chronograph. A smart addition that comes in a regular steel version and a limited edition bronze version.Over the last couple of years, Montblanc has increasingly invested in giving the Minerva name prominent place in their collection. What seemed like an odd couple at first, has quickly drawn the interest of many watch enthusiasts. I have to say I was wary at first because the names didn̵...
Coronavirus: In Times of Crisis, Are Watch Brands Helping??
While the watch world is busy with the ongoing “breaking news” of the two fairs and major-brand launches/non-launches, the rest of the world continues to tackle the devastating impact of the coronavirus pandemic.If you read a lot of watch news, you could be forgiven for thinking the industry is on its knees. Here at Fratello, we’re trying to take a more positive approach. Surely this industry is not just a victim? What about those who have sprung into action to support? We don't hear much, but there are watch brands, large and small, who have launched initiatives that deserve your attention.Luxury GroupsLVMH announced a donation of 16 million Chinese yuan (2.1 million euros...
Limited Yema Superman French Air Force In Steel Or PVD
The latest Yema limited edition release with a blue-white-red French Air Force insignia is cold-bloodedly cool and confirms the obvious. The Yema Superman is a magnifique watch.Yema has equipped the French Air Force with indestructible and high-precision timepieces since the 1970s. The first models that left the Yema manufacture were designed to serve the Air Force Diver Rescue team during helicopter-borne sea rescue missions. Over the next five decades, Yema watches were also used by fighter pilots. Thus, the Superman?model became a unique?sea-air military tool watch.The latest Yema Superman release was jointly designed with the French Air Force. The combination of the original Yema design ...
9 Cities Covered By The New Bvlgari Bvlgari
Although the Bvlgari Octo receives a lot of attention these days, there’s another icon in the brand’s collection that shouldn’t be overlooked. The Bvlgari Bvlgari! Today, we introduce to you the Bvlgari Cities Special Edition 2020.Originally introduced back in 1975, the Bvlgari Roma was given to 100 of the brand’s best clients. Even in those days, without e-influencers, it mattered. As a result of Bvlgari gifting these watches to certain clients, the brand received tons of requests to extend the production of the Bvlgari Roma. There was an analog and a digital version (I tried to find a pre-owned digital version but without much luck) that had “BVLGARI” an...
A Rose Gold Omega Speedmaster Day-Date 3623.33.01 Under 6K
It is not rocket science: everyone is after the same type of watches. For whatever reason, whether that’s a genuine interest, lack of confidence, or the fear of missing out on things. It doesn’t matter, in all honesty. I am happy to notice a small shift in things, at least in some of the watch collecting circles out there. People buy (again) what they truly enjoy and like. This 18 carat rose gold Omega Speedmaster Day-Date reference 3623.33.01 is one of those watches that only a few people will care about.And that’s also fine, it means that those who do enjoy it, will be able to pick one up for a fair price. I won’t say cheap, as $5,650 is a lot of money to many.? But...
Louis Moinet Watches (2020): The Most Incredible Releases Reviewed!
Before sitting down to write this piece, I wasn’t too familiar with Louis Moinet and the brand’s watches. In retrospect, I feel that this is a bit of a travesty as some research into the brand’s eponymous namesake revealed some exciting information. OK, so you want some significant, heavy-hitting facts? How about Louis Moinet was a personal advisor to a certain Mr. Abraham-Louis Breguet for 12 years before his death? Yes, that Mr. Breguet.You still want more? Let’s take the humble chronograph. Loved and adored by many here in the Fratello Watches community. Well, Louis Moinet was the inventor of the chronograph complication in 1816. Although he called it a “comp...
The Comeback Of The Pasha De Cartier As A Complete Collection
With the re-release of the Pasha Grille at Watches And Wonders 2022, Cartier has launched a model that comes very close to the design that the brand says was custom made for the Pasha of Marrakesh in 1943. But before we get into the new 2022 models, let’s take a quick look back at what the Pasha actually is and when it came on the market; opinions are quite divided on that. Until the ’80s, Cartier was always known for its small, often square and rectangular watches, usually made in yellow gold. Therefore, it was quite a surprise when in 1985, a 38mm round timepiece suddenly hit the windows of the Cartier boutiques. Believe me, 38mm was very large for a men’s watch at the ti...
Watch Dating Profiles: China Seagull, CIGA Design, And Celadon
China is a country of rich history, strong cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and people that strive to refine crafts and skills to the highest level. Much of the world has known China only through damaging stereotypes and the products that leave its borders. Today, I’m happy to showcase three “made in China” watches that are putting in the work to illuminate some of the country’s history and heritage and shift the popular perception of what the label entails. Sea-Gull’s 1963 Chronograph, Celadon Haute Horlogerie’s Century Cloisonne “Peacock and Peonies”, and Ciga Design’s U-Series Blue Planet collectively embody some of China’...
Timenest The Ultimate Watch Storage Solution
If you want something done right, do it yourself. That's the principle that offers a foundation to the story of Timenest. It’s a story that begins with a gift that never was. That sounds mysterious and very poetic, but it's true. Inspiration for creating the product came from a watch enthusiast who wanted to purchase a gift for a friend. That gift was supposed to be a simple yet elegant watch case, a storage solution that would serve to protect a watch at home as well as on the road. Living in Switzerland, they thought it would be easy enough. And who could blame them? The birthplace and throne of horology would be a logical place to look for watch accessories. Unfortunately, their que...
Tudor Black Bay GMT S&G "Root Beer" Hands-On
The Tudor Black Bay Pro was the big one for Tudor at Watches And Wonders 2022. The watch was met with a lot of praise, but its design also sparked a lively discussion. Did Tudor make the right move by copying the design of the legendary Explorer II ref. 1655? Or is it a different watch influenced by the original Explorer II? The same questions can be asked looking at the second big Tudor introduction. The new Tudor Black Bay GMT S&G “Root Beer” was inspired by the iconic GMT-Master “Root Beer” models. The original models represent the style of the ’70s and ’80s perfectly. Did Tudor successfully salute that aesthetic, or should the brand have left it ...
#TBT A Dreamy And Elusive Nicolet No-Pusher Chronograph
This wild find of a Nicolet no-pusher Landeron 251, one of my grail watches, has everything we collectors dream of. Actually, this time, my desires were even multiplied. Get some popcorn.Today, you will read about a watch that I saw for sale for the last time maybe five years ago. I will remember the purchase of today’s featured Nicolet watch forever as I found it in some small auction house in the UK, listed along with four other watches. I don’t need to mention that the auctioneers had no idea what they were selling or that the pictures of the watch were so terrible that they were actually fantastic. Are you still wondering why I’m so excited? Two other watches I didnR...
Hands-On With The Yema Navygraf Marine Nationale GMT
Yema is constantly developing new watches. With a great eye for vintage charm and the will to constantly innovate, the French brand has certainly brought us some interesting models. The latest addition to the ever-expanding collection is the new Navygraf Marine Nationale GMT. This latest Navygraf introduces a newly designed case. On top of that, the Marine Nationale version features an attractive combination of colors, making this a very tempting offer from Yema. The brand’s Superman 500 GMT might have stiff in-house competition with the introduction of this new Navygraf. Time to find out more.In the buildup to the release of the new Yema Navygraf Marine Nationale GMT, I had seen the i...
Introducing: Christopher Ward's The Twelve
Let’s start with a little riddle. Which watch am I describing here? It has a prominent bezel, a fairly simple and angular case design, a distinctive pattern on the dial, and, most importantly, an integrated bracelet. Any guesses? All right, I hear Royal Oak, Overseas, Defy, Laureato, Ingenieur…oh, and the PRX, yes! Those are all watches from the more renowned brands in the industry. They probably already had a watch with the same name or similar design sometime in the ’70s. So what do you do when you’re a younger brand and you would like to take a piece of the market for integrated-bracelet sports watches? Well, you take inspiration from those earlier models and creat...
New: Seiko Presage Sharp Edged Series SPB415 & SPB417
Seiko releases the Sharp Edged Series SPB415 and SPB417 today. We get two additions to the popular series, this time with the new caliber 6R5J. There is a new 24-hour function as well as new decoration in the open heart at 9 o’clock. But there is more to these sharp new Seikos.The Seiko Sharp Edged Series is beloved for its finishing, giving aficionados a taste of Grand Seiko at a much kinder price level. These two new models are no exception, offering that razor-sharp look, but this time with a new movement, dials, hands, and crystals.Featuring the new caliber 6R5JLet us kick things off with that new movement first. The 6R5J is the latest addition to one of the most common lines of ca...
Fratello Talks: Don't Buy The Hype, Buy What You Like
Welcome back to Fratello Talks. This week, we’re talking hype! Should you buy into the hype? Or should you go with what you like? Well, Daan, Lex, and Nacho are here to take a short but deep dip into the topic. But before we get into all that, we would be remiss to skip the wrist check....
Setting Ourselves Up For Disappointment: Watches And Wonders
The dust has barely settled, but this year's Watches and Wonders was already labeled lukewarm. Some even called the releases disappointing or underwhelming. I am not sure I agree. Granted, there wasn’t an earth-shocking release that we will all add to our collections, no further questions asked. But should there be? Are we perhaps setting ourselves up for disappointment with all our predictions and expectations?The question is: should we expect radical new watches every year? Multiple times per year, even? I would argue this expectation goes against the grain of what is actually enjoyable about our shared passion.Icons aren't built in a yearFor starters, watch enthusiasts tend to lean ...
Hands-On: Rado Captain Cook High-Tech Ceramic Skeleton
I have a special spot in my heart for Rado. It’s the only watch brand I’ve ever heard my mother talk about. She was a big fan of the black ceramic Diastar watches that Rado put out in the 1980s and ’90s. While that was a defining era for the brand, that’s not where it stops. With its flagship Captain Cook series, Rado taps into another part of history dating back to the 1960s, and the Captain Cook High-Tech Ceramic Skeleton combines both eras in one watch. Rado also integrates a skeletonized movement into the mix. It’s time to find out more.I generally do not consider myself a purist regarding watches. However, I must confess that when it comes to watch design, ...