Balazs And Mike Are Back With The Omega X-33 Marstimer
Fratello On Air returns once again! Balazs and Mike are together after a three-week break due to heavy travel. It’s a lighthearted show full of observations and head-scratching. We talk about the Omega X-33 Marstimer, the Apple Watch, and even luggage....
Cartier Metiers d'Art An Inside Look
In my previous article, How Cartier Turns Custom Watch Dreams Into Reality, I detailed the process of ordering a “Special Order” Cartier timepiece. For many collectors, the available possibilities are more than enough to create a custom timepiece that they would really like to have. But some sincerely wondered whether the exclusivity of such a watch could be guaranteed. Of course, 100% exclusivity is something that is impossible to ask for, especially when we consider that most Special Order watches are only distinguished through a different color dial, another color of gold for the case, and/or a different type of hands. That's why we now go a little deeper into the technique of...
Introducing: Breguet's New Classique Calendrier 7337
Breguet's Classique Calendrier 7337 traces its roots to the heritage brand's own pocket watches from two centuries ago. In the latest iteration, the emblematic timepiece dons a clean-cut dial to transform its classic design into modern elegance. With a new aesthetic for its moonphase and calendar complications, the Classique Calendrier 7337 comes in two variations in white gold and rose gold.The legacyFor anyone to keep alive the legacy of Abraham-Louis Breguet is a tall order. After all, he was a high-profile watchmaker, a gifted inventor, as well as an astute entrepreneur who gave the name to the house of Breguet in 1775. This influencer of his time also broke the trend of baroque styles a...
The Fight Against Magnetism In Watches
It is hard to imagine today, but there was a time when magnetism hardly played any role in watchmaking. It wasn't until the mass adoption of electricity that magnetic fields became an issue. Today, with all of our gadgets and devices, it has become a key priority in watchmaking and a topic worth exploring in some detail.You are reading these very words on a device with a magnetic field of its own. And there are likely only a handful of inches between it and your watch. So yes, this topic is relevant to you as a watch lover. Let's dive in!Testing the antimagnetic properties of the METAS Master Chronometer-certified Omega caliber 8800 (video here)What is magnetism?First things first: what is m...
New: Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Ultra Thin Moon In Pink Gold
Throughout its 190-year history, Jaeger-LeCoultre has regularly undergone shifting pursuits. When the brand settles into a role as a maker of Haute Horlogerie calibers, avant-garde creations the Gyrotourbillons are the order of the day. Or, as seen in the early to mid-2000s, JLC can also produce competent sports and automotive-inspired wrist machines. But even with these dramatic shifts in approach, two hallmarks tend to endure - the Reverso and elegant round wristwatches. This new pink gold Master Ultra Thin Moon exhibits the latter in conjunction with a sumptuous gradient midnight-blue dial with a sunray finish.The Master collection is the traditional round watch of the Jaeger-LeCoultre ro...
Introducing: The AnOrdain Model 3 Method
Much of my fascination with watches comes from the appreciation I have for the craftsmanship that goes into creating these little machines for the wrist. At many watch brands, that craftsmanship has already become highly automated. Well, not at anOrdain, where it literally takes years to get the perfect result on those beautiful and fragile enamel dials that the brand manufactures. Its new Model 3 is designed in collaboration with Method Studio, another Scottish-based company that specializes in woodworking.In May of this year, anOrdain premiered a new case on a limited-edition Model 3 in collaboration with Hodinkee. The watch came with a spectacular dark gray hand-engraved sunburst dial. On...
Fratello's Top 5 Vintage Tudor References
Another Friday, another list! Last week, we looked at the rarest Submariner references. This week, we have shifted our focus to Tudor. We decided to have a look at our favorite five vintage Tudor references. Most people will know the classic Submariner models, but there is plenty more to enjoy from the Tudor brand. Having said that, the Submariner played a pivotal part in the brand’s history, so do expect to see the Submariner on this list as well.An exploration of the Tudor archives brings some amazing watches to the spotlight. While it is easy to pick just Submariners (which I have done in the past for this series), plenty of other classic Tudor watches could be great vintage additi...
Hands-On: The New Sternglas Naos Pro Automatik
Back in 2019, when Sternglas was starting to make waves with its Bauhaus-inspired watches, I reviewed the first-generation Naos Automatik. Fast-forward five years, and the Naos Automatik has gotten a fantastic makeover. With the help of Sternglas’s dedicated community of fans, the brand improved an impressive number of things. There is plenty to discuss, from an updated movement to a redesigned dial and an optimized case. So let’s check out the new Sternglas Naos Pro Automatik.When the new Sternglas Naos Pro Automatik models landed on my desk, I instantly recognized the Hamburg-based brand’s successful watch. Despite a long list of changes, the overall presence of the Naos ...
New: The Marathon OSAR-D For The Love Of Legibility
Marathon Watch Company is well known for supplying several armed forces with tool watches since 1939. One of the most sought-after models is the SAR-D from the early 2000s. The Canadian brand now brings back an evolved version with the Marathon OSAR-D.The first thing to stand out? Those massive hour markers! Consider them a statement of intent: this watch is a tool, and it means business. Let's have a closer look!The new Marathon OSAR-DOSAR-D stands for “Original Search and Rescue with Date.” Marathon started providing dive watches for Canadian and US Search and Rescue units in the 1990s. Several versions in several sizes exist, from 36mm to 46mm. You can also opt for unit-signed...
Current-Day Panerai's Biggest Competition: It's Recent Past
There are watch brands out there that, for some reason, we never really get around to appreciating. Perhaps it is because we don’t see them in the wild much, or it could be that their designs don’t jump out at us. For me, Panerai is one of those brands.This is a shame (for me, I mean - Panerai can do perfectly fine without my appreciation) because this company has a rich history that stands on its own. My colleague Nacho has waxed lyrical about the joys of appreciating the brand and owning a Panerai watch himself. However, most of Panerai’s current references don’t appeal to me.It’s not you, Panerai - it’s meThere are several reasons for that, but chief am...
New: The Swatch Keith Haring Break Free Watches
In 1984, Swatch hosted the World Breakdance Championship in New York City. One of the jury members was artist Keith Haring, who was known for his graffiti art. For this event, he created the artwork shown below.Swatch and Keith HaringHaring (1958C1990) was an artist who participated in the New York art scene in the 1980s. He became famous for his bold and colorful street art and iconic motifs, such as the radiant baby and the barking dog. When Haring lived in New York, he worked with other artists, such as Jean-Michel Basquiat and Andy Warhol, as well as Madonna. He also painted Grace Jones's body with his graffiti, as featured in her music video for “I’m Not Perfect (But I’...
It Could Have Been So Wonderful The Panerai 360 10th Anniversary Edition For Paneristi.com
On the 1st of July (2010), a prominent member of the Panerai community (Paneristi) introduced a limited edition Panerai PAM 360 model, to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the Paneristi Home Base, www.paneristi.com. A limited edition of 300 pieces only, which is far less than most Panerai production numbers, would be available for members of the Paneristi community. Moderators of the Paneristi community designed the concept of the watch pictured below. A 44mm Panerai Luminor in PVD, painted patina dial, the OP logo on the dial and an inscription engraved in the case back.Indeed, a great looking wristwatch by Panerai, although I would have preferred DLC and white hour markers instead of ...
Sinn EZM 9 TESTAF Hands-On Review
The German manufacturer Sinn has a long history when it comes to mission timers. Seventeen years ago, in 1997 the now legendary and sought after EZM 1 (EZM is Sinn’s trademark and acronym for Einsatz Zeit Messer) was the first in a successful line.Mission timers are watches which have been specially developed for a particular purpose. They always offer excellent readability, and the design of the watch is always dictated by it’s function and handling requirements. The watch manufacturer from Frankfurt sent us their Sinn EZM 9 TESTAF model for a thorough review.Sinn EZM 9 TESTAF ReviewThere have been mission timers for different purposes, like diving, flying and border control (li...
Hands-On A. Lange & Sohne Lange 1 Review
A. Lange & Sohne introduced this new Lange 1 with caliber L121.1 earlier this year at the SIHH. Time for a hands-on Lange 1 review I thought so I requested a pink gold version of this relatively young icon. As I wrote earlier this year (click here), there is only a few differences to note between this new Lange 1 and the previous version. The size of the bezel is probably – aesthetically – the first thing to notice as it makes the new Lange 1 appear to be a bit larger than the previous model, which is not the case. Luckily, A. Lange & Sohne made sure the case diameter stayed 38.5mm.Casually dressed with a Lange 1When I just became interested into watches and still living ...
Hublot watches: How to produce carbon fiber and texalium?
Did you ever wonder what goes into the construction of a watch case and in particular a watch case made of high tech materials like carbon fiber?We visited the Hublot carbon case manufacturing workshop in Gland, Switzerland to find out. The following video explains the various steps in Hublot's process of making components out of carbon fiber and Texalium.We will also learn the trick that allows color to be added to a Hublot carbon fiber case, and how it yields the materia called Texalium.Want to know more about the assembly of the world's finest timepieces? Subscribe to our YouTube Channel, IBG Worldwide: https://m.youtube.com/channel/UCMX5ykcx0ieT4pkJwB5DBBAIBG Worldwide is a video platfor...
7 Real Watch Ambassadors
Watch AmbassadorsOnly yesterday, during a press event from a?watch brand, the topic of ‘watch ambassadors’ and ‘red carpet brands’ was being discussed with a colleague watch journalist. Here on Fratello, we touched the subject before (click here for my rant on watch brand ambassadors) so there is no need to do that again. Instead, let’s have a look at the real watch ambassadors. People who endorsed a watch that were not on the payroll of a watch brand. People who made a watch famous even, without knowing it themselves. Or realizing which impact they would have on the watch (brand).Steve McQueen – Although Steve McQueen endorsed the Heuer Monaco during the ...
The Phillips Heuer Parade Auction Opinion and Our Picks
Single subject watch auctions have clearly graduated from the absolute exception to somewhat of a normal occurrence. We've seen remarkable results from the Christie's Speedmaster auction of almost 2 years ago and the trailblazing Bacs & Russo team has done the same with auctions focused on the Daytona and the Datejust. For fans of a given type of watch, watching and/or participating in these auctions must seem a lot like the scene when the lucky children are first turned loose in Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory. For those who like variety or who don't favor the featured watch, it probably feels like a serious case of overhype. Well, whatever your interest level, today, I'll discu...
Staudt Praeludium Chronograph Hands-on Review
A young Dutch watchmaker living his dream, that’s basically what is happening to Yvo Staudt right now. A clever guy who has an eye for detail, who is capable of making watches and who understands what it takes to market his watches properly. Earlier this year, Yvo Staudt introduced to us the Staudt?Praeludium Chronograph as we reported here. There’s also a bit more background on Yvo Staudt himself in that article, so go ahead and have a read. Today, however, we will go hands-on with the?Staudt?Praeludium Chronograph. It will be about the watch, not the man.Staudt?Praeludium Chronograph ReviewOne of the first things that come to mind if I look at the Staudt Praeludium Chronograph ...
This Week in Watches: October 5, 2019
Dia dhuit, watch peeps!? It’s time for This Week in Watches for October 5, 2019!For this episode of This Week in Watches, we have?a lot to cover.? It seems that the entry of October has brands already thinking of the holiday season and where they’d like you to spend your money.? Let’s see if this week’s new treats provide that level of temptation.? Here we go!Breitling and OuterknownOne of Breitling’s squad’s happens to focus on surfing.? And when it comes to surfers, there are few who are better known than Kelly Slater, an American surfer with 11(!!) world championships under his belt – errrr, board shorts.? Slater also founded a company by the name...
Speedmaster Silver Snoopy Award 50th Anniversary Non-LE The Best So Far
The Speedmaster Silver Snoopy Award 50th Anniversary is here, and I am convinced this was not what you expected! A beautiful mechanical animation on the case back and powered by the caliber 3861.Meanwhile, our hands-on review of this new Speedmaster Silver Snoopy Award can be found here.Here it is, the Speedmaster Silver Snoopy Award 50th Annniversary. Finally, I might add, as we've been waiting for it for months. There was no Baselworld or Time to Move this year, so Omega decided to spread the introductions of their new watches over the year. October 5 marks the date on which Omega received the Silver Snoopy Award from the Apollo 13 crew in 1970. So, there's no date that's more spot on to i...