Hands-On With The Ulysse Nardin Freak X Razzle Dazzle (2021)
The Ulysse Nardin Freak X Razzle Dazzle is an easy-to-spot watch. Its disruptive black and white attire is definitely not something you often see in the world of watches. The watch might remind you of a zebra, or of the WWI Dazzle paint job on ships. But does a wildly striped pattern camouflage beast and objects alike, or does it make them very confusingly conspicuous? What a razzle dazzle livery does without a doubt is to make you almost forget to mention the stunning flying carousel movement that normally would be at the center of attention.So, what is razzle dazzle and what does it do? Interestingly the razzle dazzle pattern is about being conspicuous rather than invisible. So strictly sp...
??Why I Bought The Omega Seamaster 300 Heritage Dive Watch (2021)
It doesn’t feel like much time has passed since my previous “Why I bought” article. My subject last time was the new caliber 3861 Moonwatch with sapphire crystal. I find myself reaching into my admittedly shallower pockets again for another brand new 2021 Omega watch under five months later. This time it was the turn of the heritage diving watch, the Seamaster 300. Another new watch isn’t doing my vintage watch street cred, nor bank account, any good. And I already have the Tudor Black Bay to fulfill my dreams of diving with Jacques Cousteau. So, where did the urge to own the new Seamaster 300 come from? Let’s find out.Firstly, what is the Seamaster 300? The Sea...
"Carat" Versus "Karat" And How They Both Relate To Watches (2021)
Happy Monday, dear Fratelli (or good day to you, whenever you’re reading this)! Today, I’d like to talk about a pair of words that I sometimes see misused among watch enthusiasts - “carat” and “karat”. As an American, I come from a country where both spellings are widely used in jewelry and watch-related media. And as the son of a jewelry-loving mother, I was fortunate enough to learn the uses of these terms very early on. Because of this, the difference between a “carat” and a “karat” always seemed clear-cut and super obvious to me, well into my early adulthood.As I got older, however, I noticed other Americans misusing these words...
Auction: Wally Schirra's Gold Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch
Not many people realize that it was NASA astronaut Wally Schirra who wore the Omega Speedmaster for the first time in space. Like most other active NASA astronauts, Schirra also received a precious gold Omega Speedmaster Professional BA145.022-69 during the famous Houston banquet in the Warwick Hotel on November 25th, 1969. Allow me to tell you the story of Wally Schirra’s gold Speedmaster.Update: Wally Schirra’s Speedmaster auctioned for $1,525,563.Schirra was the commander of Apollo 7, the command pilot on Gemini 6A, and the only astronaut aboard the Sigma 7 spacecraft in the Mercury-Atlas 8 mission. On the Sigma 7, he wore an Omega Speedmaster reference CK2998-4 chronograph th...
Introducing: The Benrus Series #3061
Steve McQueen is a name that resonates with watch collectors the world over. From the iconic shots of him wearing the TAG Heuer Monaco and his Submariner to his tenuous yet persistent “connection” to the Explorer II 1655, the actor and part-time racing driver has helped influence the world of vintage collecting. Now, another one of his on-screen watches is getting a revival, the Benrus Series #3061. Worn in the movie Bullitt, this model is getting the full cinematic treatment for its re-release.The Benrus 3061 has a familiar feel to it. Much like other field watches, the 3061 is of military heritage. Its mil-spec counterpart, the MIL-W-46374 was issued to American soldiers during...
A Case For Future Watches: The Crownless Case
A watch just wouldn’t be a watch without a crown… would it? Is the Apple Watch a watch? Does its rotary selector count as a crown? Is a digital G-Shock a watch? Where is its crown? If a brand were to produce an analog watch with no crown and - this is key - no avenue for user input or manipulation, would it be a watch? And if it were, would it be something people would ever be comfortable with? There are too many questions to have the answers to in one article, but the watch industry, market, and world exist at a unique place where forms have the luxury of fluidity and interpretation. I think a watch without a crown could be a radical step for the industry. But what is the crownl...
The Grandest Episode Yet Featuring Grand Seiko
Fratello on Air returns with an episode about one of our favorite brands: Grand Seiko! That’s right - it’s an hour of back-and-forth about a premium line that got its start during the ’60s. What are the favorite models from our hosts? Tune in and find out…...
Seiko Introduces Three Speedtimer Solar Chronographs
I’ll be honest, with the ongoing stream of releases that Seiko puts out, the solar-powered models are generally not the first ones I gravitate toward. Seiko simply has so many great mechanical watches in its collection that the solar-powered timepieces usually fall the wayside in my mind. But when they look as good as the new Prospex Speedtimer Solar Chronographs, I am all eyes and ears. The new Seiko Prospex SSC911, SSC913, and SSC915 comprise another compelling offer from the Japanese brand. Let’s find out more.It doesn’t often happen that a new release catches your eye and you feel immediately at home with it. It’s not the excitement of discovering something new in...
Louis Vuitton Akrivia LVRR-01 Chronographe Sonnerie
One of the first things to notice about this incredibly complex watch is its size. Upon reading the specifications, you’ll find that it only measures 39.5mm in diameter and 12.2mm in height. And what's so special about that, you may ask? Well, today, plenty of simple three-handers on the market consume more space. But this Louis Vuitton Akrivia LVRR-01 is not so much about thinness or diameter. Rather, it's about a collaboration between two giants, one in size (LVMH) and the other in independent watchmaking (Rexhep Rexhepi). Combine the two, and you will see a watch with impeccable finishing, an innovative mechanical movement, a unique case design, and an artisanal dial.LVRR-01 Chronog...
Why Are Looks Not Allowed To Matter In Liking A Watch?
We at Fratello have been noticing something in our comments section and on social media. For some reason, when discussing watches, their looks seem to be considered inferior to specs, technology, and craftsmanship among aficionados. It seems we feel a need to defend our preferences based on measurable, objective arguments. But watches are unnecessary luxuries that pull on our heartstrings, aren't they?Is it true that we pick our watches with our minds over our hearts? Or does the measurable stuff actually arouse us as much as online discussions seem to suggest? I absolutely want this watch on my wrist; its power reserve is just so sexy. HmmI don't think so. Do looks matter a little more than...
Fratello's Top 5 Modern Straight-Lug Speedmaster Models
Another Friday, another list! Last week, we explored five of the many vintage Tudor options out there. For this week, we decided to dip our toes into the extensive world of Omega Speedmasters. Of course, we have our series of Speedy Tuesday articles to explain everything there is to know about the famous chronograph. But for this week’s Top 5, in light of the release of the new Speedmaster FOiS, we focused on modern Omega Speedmaster models with straight-lug cases. Let’s find out what your best options are!Before getting into the list, it’s good to remind ourselves of the original Speedmasters with straight-lug cases. The first reference was CK2915, and CK2998, 105.002, and...
Hands-On: The Nivada Chronoking Mecaquartz Inter.bezel
Geneva Watch Days is the year’s second-largest watch fair after Watches and Wonders. While the brands, except for a slight overlap, are different, many journalists love the show for several reasons. Unlike the ultra-controlled Watches and Wonders event, GWD allows us to sit directly with brands and their watches in a laid-back, casual atmosphere. Often, we may even see something that has yet to be released or come home with a watch for a review, saving shipping time and hassle. That is how I got my hands on the new Nivada Chronoking Mecaquartz Inter.bezel.If you feel like you’re experiencing dej vu, don’t worry - you’re not. The Chronoking Mecaquartz has been out for...
Shopping For A Deliciously High-End Chronograph
It has been a while since I published a Pre-Owned Spotlight, so I figured I should return in style with watches I can only dream of owning and wearing. Today, I will go on a pretend shopping spree for a pre-owned, high-end chronograph. Do I need a pre-owned, high-end chronograph? Yes, I do, thank you very much. Hear me out: I have a deep passion for pizza, and I cannot see the oven's timer from where I sit on the couch. I honestly don't have a clue how I could solve this terrible conundrum without a Haute Horlogerie chronograph.So, with that justification out of the way - my wife doesn't buy it… - let's explore three fantastic chronographs that would surely get the job done.Image: Euro...
The Breitling Premier Datora Perpetual Calendar 140th Anniversary
The Breitling Premier Datora Perpetual Calendar 140th Anniversary is the dressiest release from the trio of red gold beauties. Its inky black dial and traditional case design make it a beauty that can be worn in various situations. Today, we’ll look at this complicated chronograph in more detail.I remember when the Premier returned in 2019. I reviewed a 42mm panda-dial automatic and was impressed with the finishing. Since then, Breitling has introduced more Premier models, including a hand-wound version in a 40mm case. More complicated versions came in 2021 with the Datora and Duograph. The Premier Datora Perpetual Calendar is the most audacious offering yet and is part of a trio celeb...
Omega Seamaster Anakin Skywalker It Hasn't Turned To The Dark Side.. Yet.
Omega made a lot of weird and funny looking watches during the 1970s, I guess the Seamaster ref.145.023 is one of them. It has been introduced in a black ceramic version and a high polish tungsten-chrome finished version, both from the early 1970s and identical in terms of dimensions, used movement and rarity. Chronograph legend Chuck Maddox nicknamed the tungsten-chrome Seamaster ref.145.023 as being the ‘Anakin Skywalker Seamaster’ and the black finish model as the ‘Darth Vader’ Seamaster. On his website, he described the two watches in detail (click here).Today, I noticed that a German watch dealer has a Anakin Skywalker Seamaster for sale, in very nice condition a...
UNION GLASHuTTE Belisar Chronograph
It radiates retro charm, but is far from being old-fashioned: The new Belisar Chronograph from Union Glashutte effortlessly combines a nostalgic look with proven sportiness and, at the same time, shows the excellent flair possessed by this German watchmaking brand when it comes to modern details and high-quality finishes. The watch houses a mechanical chronograph movement with up to 60 hours of power reserve.Carefully selected details, such as the rounded cream dial and the train-track minute scale, whose arrangement can also be found on the totalisers, ensure that this timepiece has an exquisite vintage look, perfectly rounded off by the brown leather strap with contrasting cream-coloured s...
Top 25 Watches Under 1000 Euro
Entry-level watches are uber popular. Why? Because of the ever-increasing prices of some brands, a lot of watch enthusiasts search for affordable (luxury) watches. Watches that they can wear on an everyday basis. We’ve put together a Top 25 of watches below $ 1000 Euro (list price) based on demand. In this price segment it is definitely possible to buy a watch with an individual or even unique design, solid and well-finished case and small complications. We asked ourselves which watches under 1000 Euro have the high demand from the watch consumer. With the help of Chrono24?we focused on the on-line consumers from Switzerland, Austria and Germany and their demand for mechanical and quar...
ADAC GT Masters in Hockenheim with Certina A Photo Essay
Living in the South West of Germany has its perks; it's the warmest area of the country, the scenery is breathtaking and France and Switzerland are just a stone throw away. Two of the legendary Germany circuits are also within short driving distance. The Nurburgring is only a few hours drive for me but Hockenheim is only 30 minutes away. A few weeks ago with?Certina, we spent a Sunday on the circuit for the ADAC GT Masters. It was a fun afternoon with great watches and awesome machines. Because we know you’ll probably love cars (besides watches), here is our photo essay of the race. Enjoy!ADAC GT MastersFirst of all, we would like to thank Certina?for the great event, lovely hospitalit...
Panerai PAM00424 California Dial Hands-On Review
In 2006, Panerai introduced their PAM00249 (Radiomir 1936) that featured a California dial. Limited to 1936 pieces only, and collectors jumped on it. Before I head over to my review of the PAM00424 (Radiomir California 3-Days), a few words on the dial first.California DialsThe term California dial is said to be coined by dial maker Kirk Rich, who did dial restoration and refinishing in the 1970s and was located in Los Angeles. In short, the California dial is a combination of an Arabic and Roman dial, as can be seen on the images. According to this story, this dial layout was at some point referred?to as California dial because clients of Kirk Rich found it easier to use that name than talk ...
The All New Arctic Sport E.C.Andersson's Most Legible Watch Yet.
E.C.Andersson Watch Co. is on the frontline of bold Scandinavian watch design, using sophisticated clear-cut lines merged with a progressive attitude. That's particularly evident in the all new Arctic Sport, the third iteration of the Calypso collection.The Calypso Arctic Sport is made with the dark Scandinavian winter in mind, targeted to outdoorsmen that often find themselves in nature without access to electric or natural light. The anti-reflective dial, however, is as legible during the few hours of sun, when snow may cast a blinding glare.The light gray dial has a matte sand-like texture to counteract reflections, while working as a perfect contrast to the matte black indices. The large...