The Best Watches Under $5,000: Lex's Picks
Allow me to start with a bit of advice. If I were to spend $5K on my first-ever luxury watch, I would want a familiar name on the dial. For your first big horological purchase, you’ll want a confidence-inspiring name. Once you have familiarized yourself with the world of watches and become more experienced, knowledgeable, and confident, that’s when you can leave the beaten path. In the beginning, though, you most likely won’t trust yourself enough to spend thousands of euros on a watch from a brand you've never heard of or seen on someone else's wrist before. I know I started my journey with well-known brands. And that's why in my Best Watches Under $5,000 list, you will fi...
Hands-On: The New Fortis Vagabond V-40
When you think of Fortis watches, the first that comes to mind is probably the famous Cosmonaut’s Chronograph. I would agree with that. But if we create a wider context, I would say that the Fortis catalog can be defined by its wide selection of sturdy and modern-looking tool watches. From the Marinemaster to the Flieger and the Stratoliner, they all have an instantly recognizable Fortis design signature. With the introduction of the new Fortis Vagabond V-40, the brand adds a series of GMTs with roots firmly planted in the past to its catalog. However, as you would expect from Fortis, the vintage-inspired design is combined with the best in modern-day production quality. Let’s fi...
Finding An Art Deco Oris Watch In An Old Suitcase
The allure of searching vintage and antique shops is strong for me. There is something about the appreciation for things from the past that resonates. Recently, on a trip to one such shop, I discovered a vintage Oris watch in an old suitcase.I saw it glistening inside the morass of trinkets and discarded objects - the unmistakable gleam of the flank of a tiny watch pockmarked with grime and a little surface rust. It was a sunny Australian afternoon, and I was at an antique shop in Sydney with my friend Jack. We had been there looking at some Art Deco furniture for his apartment. The shop sold mostly items discarded by the wealthy residents of Sydney’s upmarket areas. This was where its...
Omega Speedmaster FOiS Gen. 1 Vs. FOiS Gen. 2
It’s Sunday morning, and you all know what that means. Yes, it's time for a cup of coffee and another installment of Sunday Morning Showdown! This week’s battle is all about the First Omega in Space. The big question is: which one do you like better? Jorg will make a case for the first-generation Speedmaster FOiS (ref. 311.32.40.30.01.001), while Mike picked the recently released second-generation Speedmaster FOiS (ref. 310.30.40.50.06.001). It will be interesting because these watches are different in many ways. Ultimately, your vote will help determine the victor in this battle of the First Omega in Space models.The first-generation Speedmaster First Omega in Space (FOiS) is a ...
Omega Speedmaster Professional 105.012 Complete Set
It’s Speedy Tuesday! We get so many emails from readers who would love to buy a (vintage) Speedmaster watch, preferably complete with the original box and papers. Well, last week I’ve come across this advertisement on the omegaforums.net platform and it probably is a rare chance for you to buy a full vintage set of an Omega Speedmaster Professional 105.012.Omega Speedmaster Professional 105.012As you probably know by now, the Omega Speedmaster Professional 105.012 is considered to be the first Moonwatch model that actually was worn on the Moon by Buzz Aldrin. Neil Armstrong left his Omega Speedmaster Professional 105.012 in the command module since the (Bulova) board clock broke ...
Tudor Heritage Black Bay "Black" Live Photos
Ever since Tudor unleashed their Heritage Black Bay in 2012, the watch community embraced it! I honestly don’t know anyone who has criticized this timepiece for any reason. This is a rare thing, as it seems everyone has his or her own opinion about a timepiece, positive or negative. Only a few watches out there seem to be regarded as great, offering a lot of bang for the buck, original, authentic and so on. The Tudor Heritage Black Bay is one of them. Today, Tudor introduces the Heritage Black Bay “Black”. Fratello Watches had the opportunity to go hands-on with this piece before the official introduction today, which gave us enough time to fiddle around with it and have it...
Hands-On Seiko Presage SPB041J1 Review
PresageThis year, Seiko introduces the Presage collection to a wider audience. The collection already existed in some markets, but not in Europe for example. Let’s have a look at one of their novelties, the?Seiko Presage SPB041J1.60 Years AgoThe first wristwatch of Seiko was their Laurel timepiece, in 1913. A few decades later, in 1956, Seiko introduced their first self-winding watch. Exactly 60 years ago. To commemorate, Seiko introduced the Presage Chronograph with enamel dial. Limited to only 1000 pieces. We wrote about this watch earlier this year (here). Another Presage watch that Seiko released this year, is the Seiko Presage SPB041J. A dress watch with date and power reserve, al...
A Visit To The Officine Panerai Manufacture In Neuchatel
Panerai ManufactureA few weeks ago, we were invited to visit the Officine Panerai Manufacture in Neuchatel. This manufacture was opened in 2014, but only few media have been invited to have a look in the actual production facility. Officine Panerai has a total of 600 employees world wide, of which 260 are located in this new manufacture in Neuchatel. The Panerai Manufacture is a large building, offering 10.000 square meters for the production of a number of their in-house developed calibers.AmazedBefore I continue my visitor’s report of the Panerai Manufacture, I have to admit that I was a bit sceptic at first. Sure, Officine Panerai has been making in-house movements since 2005. But t...
Our Catawiki Favorites Fratello Editors' Choices
We have partnered with Catawiki to bring you a selection of interesting watches they’ve auctioned. Different from the other auctioneers in the market, Catawiki started originally in 2008 as a website where collectors could manage and keep track of their collections (comics for example). Then, because of growing popularity of the website, Catawiki started to host weekly auctions for collectible objects, including comics, art, antiques, classic cars, books and… watches.Every other week, we will bring you our picks of Catawiki’s watch auctions. Give you some insights on the watch that has been sold and why we picked it. Because Catawiki has a very short lead time for their auc...
Hands-On: Longines Heritage Classic
With the Longines Heritage Classic, the brand pays tribute to a 1934 classic with sector dial.Before delving into the new Longines Heritage Classic, I’ll go ahead and admit something: I’ve long followed Longines and its Heritage collection.? As a watch collector and admirer who truly enjoys vintage watches, what could be better than one of the industry’s most storied brands deciding to recreate some of its most famous models?? Well, it sounds fantastic but if I’m being honest, models within the Longines Heritage collection have always left me just a tad cold.I’ll share a personal analogy but hopefully you’ll be able to follow.? I, like so many others, don&...
Breaking Records: Bvlgari Octo Finissimo Chronograph GMT
With the introduction of the Bulgari Octo Finissimo Chronograph GMT Automatic, Bulgari shows the world not only that they can produce record-breaking thin movements. They also cracked one of the most difficult design challenges by creating a chronograph version of the Octo Finissimo that fits the iconic design of the Octo Finissimo family.Bulgari has been very successful the last couple of years in breaking several ‘the world’s thinnest’ records with the Octo Finissimo line of watches. The impressive Octo Finissimo collection features the thinnest tourbillon movement, the thinnest minute repeater movement, the thinnest automatic movement, and now it also features the world&...
?Honey, I'm out with the dog sled! New Sinn model 206 ARKTIS II
In 1999, we surprised the watch industry with a special timepiece: the 203 ARKTIS was the first diving chronograph to feature Temperature Resistance Technology. This guarantees the functional reliability of the watch in temperatures ranging from C45C to +80C. In 2019, this watch will celebrate its 20th anniversary. To mark its initial introduction, we have developed a new edition: the 206 ARKTIS II.In keeping with its role model, the 206 ARKTIS II features a blue dial with sunburst decoration. To remain as true to the original as possible in other respects, we have also kept the screw push-piece look. Thanks to our D3-System, however, screwable push-pieces are no longer required in the 206...
Wrist Game Or Crying Shame: Seiko 6159-7001 Professional Diver
Hey there, it’s time for Wrist Game or Crying Shame where we offer up a watch for your bidding. Of course, it’s all for fun, so don’t forget to have some! This week, we’ll look at a freshly serviced Seiko 6159-7001 Professional Diver. But first…Last week, I showed you the Omega Speedmaster Teutonic. This early ’80s oddity is one Speedy that rarely makes it to Tuesday for most collectors, but you’ve apparently offered it a new lease on life. I say that because the “Jas” beat out the “Neins” in a 56% Wrist Game “gewinnen”. Thanks God, as the saying goes here in the Fatherland! Let’s see if we can keep the winni...
How The Cosmonaut's Chronograph Made Its Way To The Stars
Space, the final frontier. When we talk about watches and space in the same sentence, our minds invariably drift towards one particular manufacture. That's right, Omega and its Speedmaster Professional. It's not an unjust association due to the whole “first watch worn on the moon” thing. It is also still the only timepiece sanctioned by NASA for manned spaceflight. However, other brands are also worthy of being mentioned in the same conversation. Indeed, some with a similar level of provenance. One of those brands is Fortis.A quick look at the brand's conception. It was founded in 1912 by Walter Vogt. Twelve years later, Fortis teamed up with British watchmaker John Harwood to re...
Hot Take: Grand Seiko SLGH003 9SA5 Hi-Beat (Live Pics)
Earlier this year, Grand Seiko introduced its new caliber 9SA5 movement in this beautiful gold watch, reference SLGH002 (you can read about it here). Today, Grand Seiko introduces a steel watch with this new hi-beat movement: meet the Grand Seiko SLGH003.Earlier this year, we went on a trip to Paris to see the Grand Seiko flagship boutique (click here for our boutique visit report) and to talk with Grand Seiko Europe President Frederic Bondoux. You can watch our conversation in the video of our Paris boutique report. What we didn’t tell you then, is that we already had the chance to see the Grand Seiko SLGH003 under embargo at the time. And believe me, it was tough to keep this as a se...
Hands-On With The Mido Ocean Star Decompression Timer 1961
It was only a question of time before Mido brought out this watch. And that time is now. The Mido Ocean Decompression Timer is a modern and bold recreation of the biggest star in the brand's heritage. The original design is there, but it comes with more muscle.Mido is not the first brand that would come to mind if you were asked to list the greats of deep-sea exploration. Yet it's there. Some of Mido’s classic models are in fact seen as dive grails. For example, an original Ocean Star Skin Diver Watch can easily fetch over $10,000 at auction. With the production run not even lasting five years, there aren't loads of them waiting to be picked up. Many of them lived an underwater life an...
New Patek Philippe Complicated Chronograph Watches (2021)
Buckle up, folks! You’re in for a ride. Somewhat out of the blue, we woke up today to the news that Patek Phillippe had dropped three new complicated chronographs. Patek is well-known for its mastery of the humble chronograph. So, what better way to cement that legacy than with variations of three of its most celebrated chronograph movements? The Manufacture is expanding its vast selection of chronograph watches by unveiling three new variations of the 5204, 5905, and 5930 models.Patek Philippe Reference 5204R-011: Split-seconds chronograph and perpetual calendarFirst up is Reference 5204R-011. The Patek Philippe Reference 5204 has lived in the brand’s collection since 2016. It c...
New Release: The ArtyA Multicolored Shams Crystal Watch
There are some watch brands out there that stick to the formula. These brands have found what works for them, and they stick to it. I won't name names (and don't necessarily think that there's anything wrong with following that path), but, every now and then, life calls for something a little more, shall we say, “out there”. That's where ArtyA comes into the picture. The ambitious Swiss brand is unafraid to innovate and keep things interesting. With its latest creation, the ArtyA Multicolored Shams Crystal, the brand throws caution to the wind in favor of making a statement.The statement brings together some pretty serious watchmaking techniques and materials to create a unique t...
Hands-On: The Hamilton Khaki Field Automatic Chronograph
Bund-strap haters beware, there's a new sheriff in town! The new Hamilton Khaki Field Automatic Chronograph takes the rugged good looks of the brand's beloved field watch and transforms them into a beefy Flieger-style chronograph offering. Hamilton has quite literally dared to go big in this latest offering in their Khaki Field lineup. But is this a watch that flies too close to the sun, or is it a bull's eye? As one of the few Fratello proponents for a bund strap, I was given a special mission to strap this one on and head to the front lines to see if this truly was a watch worthy of the leather it sits on.Size does matterBefore I get started, there's something you should know about me and ...
The Scottish Watches Podcast Celebrates Its 300th Episode
Only in the watch community could a podcast started by members of the community for fun gain as much momentum as the Scottish Watches Podcast has. With its origins in a joke comment made on Instagram in late 2018, it has been the pleasure of many of us to see the growth and development of Rikki Daman and David Sharp's podcast over the past three years. David and Rikki have been joined by some incredible guests, such as Max Busser, Jean Claude Diver, George Bamford, and more. Now, in celebrating their 300th episode (a first in the world of watch podcasts) they will host Alexia and Evelyne Genta for a very special show.The chart-topping show has become a staple of watch enthusiasts’ podc...