Lex Spends A Week With RJ's Speedmaster Replica 3594.50
In the second installment of our watch-exchanging mini-series, I'm taking RJ's Omega Speedmaster Replica 3594.50 for a spin. Replica? I hear you say. Yes, Replica, because back in 1997 when the model was first launched, that word did not have the bad connotation it has now. And to be fair, the Replica is some sort of replica of the very first Omega Speedmaster, the 1957 CK2915. I cherry-picked the Replica from RJ’s vast collection of “Speedy” goodness. I had tried it on before, but this time, I got to wear it for a while longer.Why did I pick the Speedmaster Replica 3594.50 when I could have picked something gold, something Snoopy, or something 321? Because the Replica is t...
Minase Divido 2.0 Urushi Dials And A New Ice Blue Version
If you are a Fratello regular, you should need no introduction to Minase's flagship Divido collection. Over the years, different members of the team have weighed in with a unanimous conclusion: the Divido is a (now not-so-hidden) gem. Exceptional casing and finishing aside, the Divido's dials come in three different styles - plain urushi colors, gold-dust urushi maki-e, and hand-painted shibo-urushi. The Japanese independent brand's latest introduction is a new color for the collection, the Divido 2.0 Ice Blue.Three urushi dial typesHow do the three dial types differ? Although they use the same urushi material, it's the techniques to apply them that set them apart and produce different aesth...
Hands-On: The Vibrant Titoni Impetus CeramTech ZrO2
Summer has been over for a while now, but we get a last glimpse of it with the all-new Titoni Impetus CeramTech ZrO2. With this release, Titoni expands its collection with six of these sports watches that combine stainless steel and ceramic cases and modern, attractive looks. As we expect from Titoni, the execution is impressive. We had a chance to go hands-on with the most colorful model in the range. Its light blue, yellow, and black combination makes this Impetus CeramTech ZrO2 an immediate standout. It’s also a great reminder of summer.I’ll be honest; when I saw an overview of the new Impetus CeramTech ZrO2 range, the one version we got for review would not have been my immed...
#TBT The Vulcain Cricket Calendar Waterproof S1521A
There was one particular Vulcain model that was missing from my Cricket collection - the late ’50s calendar model with the updated 402 caliber. And even after I found one, what a challenge it was to bring it back to its original glory!Not counting all the weirdos that I’ve presented over the last five years, a mechanical alarm will always be my most beloved of all the traditional watch complications. Nothing beats the moment when that rattling sound explodes out from under your cuff.The concept that has endured decadesI swear, almost every time, my Vulcain Cricket catches me unprepared, surprised, and confused for that millisecond until I realize it is just my alarm watch. Well, ...
Watch Packaging: Does It Matter? Talking About Boxes
This must sound familiar: you’ve decided to splurge on a new watch, and the salesperson is putting it inside its enormous, fancy-looking box. It makes the watch look like it’s worth even more than it already is, and it kind of feels nice to carry the weighty thing out of the shop. But then you arrive home, take the watch out of that box, store it somewhere, and never think about it again. So, how much does watch packaging actually matter?I’ll go over a few examples below, and then I’ll have my say on what I think would be the best way forward. But this article is also a request to you, dear Fratelli, to tell us what you think about current watch packaging. Make sure t...
Fratello Talks: Tudor Pelagos FXD
On this week’s episode of Fratello Talks, Lex, Morgan, and Nacho take a look at the Tudor Pelagos FXD. The guys have all four references so far lined up for a closer look. However, it’s not just the FXD that takes all the attention. We start with a look back at the birth of the original Pelagos and how the line expanded to include this fixed-bar dive watch. Since its introduction in late 2021, the FXD has become a fan favorite. However, the recent additions to the lineup have certainly stirred people’s feelings. The Alinghi Red Bull co-branded models gave watch enthusiasts a lot to discuss. The latest release, the US Navy-inspired FXD, took this Pelagos back to basics with ...
Hands-On: The New Depancel Allure Chronograph MecaQ 36mm
Depancel has been inspired by 1970s car-racing designs since 2018. The new Allure Chronograph MecaQ in its reduced 36mm size extends this connection even further. Not only are the red and orange hues found on the three sub-dials and the tachymetric scale quintessentially 1970s, but the integrated bracelet also reinforces this feeling.Depancel Allure Chronograph MecaQ 36mmLet’s start with a bit of history. Depancel was founded in 2018 by Frenchman Clement Meynier, a former nuclear research engineer. Depancel is the contraction of the names Delage, Panhard, and Facel Vega, three French manufacturers whose cars were made for the pleasure of driving. Inspired by their philosophy and creati...
Chopard's L.U.C Watches, Wine, And Classic Cars In Dordogne
A few weeks ago, I joined Chopard on a trip to the Dordogne region in France. There, I could sit down and talk with Karl-Friedrich Scheufele, co-president of Chopard, and look at some of the L.U.C watches the brand has planned for 2025.Chopard Co-President Karl-Friedrich Scheufele - Image: ChopardThe past, present, and future of L.U.COther brands also do these previews, often closer to the launch date. They usually involve inviting watch media to the manufacture to give them a heads-up on what's coming, giving them a chance to create content about watches under embargo, and talking about the brand's direction. This time, I was happy to have a chance to interview Mr. Scheufele and ask him abo...
New: H. Moser Massena Lab Endeavour Chronograph
H. Moser & Cie. is not the type of brand that revels in its heritage. The brand's catalog consists of forward-focused offerings that are hardly ever sentimental in this sense. This is quite admirable as there is plenty of history to lean on, but the Schaffhausen-based company prefers to lean on its present-day prowess. Enter Massena Lab. William Massena's collaboration laboratory challenged Moser to pay homage to its chronographs from the 1940s. The result is a bridge between the old and the new - the Endeavour Chronograph.This is a 100-piece limited edition. To become one of its lucky owners, you will have to part ways with $28,800. Let's have a closer look!H. Moser & Cie.Moser has ...
Watch collector #4
Alan collects vintage wristwatches, amongst his collection are a lot of Timex watches and a vintage Explorer and Submariner. He describes his own site as:Watch pictures, diagrams, unusual images, watch info, stories and more……Enjoy!...
Omega Speedmaster Professional 3570.40
Omega has this almost annoying habit of introducing Limited Edition Speedmasters for about every event. However, try to get a NASA patch model (such as the Snoopy Award edition or any of the Apollo 11 editions) and you probably feel stupid for not see that one coming ??Speedmasters are, besides being linked to the NASA programme, also connected to racing. Initially, the Speedmaster was created as the watch for car drivers, as you can see on the picture below (pre-NASA programme).In 1968, Omega even produced a Speedmaster Professional with a so called ‘racing’-dial. Not to be confused with the later 1970s Speedmaster Professional Mark II with racing dial. This 145.012 (1968) model...
You never actually own a Patek Philippe
You merely look after it for the next generation. With this slogan, Patek Philippe seduces you to take the plunge on one of their magnificent watches. It creates some kind of justification to spend a tremendous amount of money on one time piece that could have bought you half a dozen other Swiss quality watches.One of my favorites is the Patek Philippe Nautilus (ref.5711/1A) in its purest form: stainless steel and with hours, minutes and date only. However, Patek Philippe also manufacturers the 5712/1A, which is basically the same watch in terms of design or look & feel, but it features a moon phase, date and power reserve indicator. These complications make it the ultimate luxury sports...
Tudor Heritage Black Bay Midnight Blue Review
When we first saw the Tudor Heritage Black Bay a few years ago (2012), we knew that Tudor had gold in its hands. An amazing timepiece that was inspired by Tudor’s own heritage (we did a report here and here on their vintage pieces). This year, just one day before the BaselWorld exhibition opened, we were invited to witness the new & old collection of Tudor. They decided to come back with a new version of the Heritage Black Bay, this time in the wonderful Midnight Blue color.Although we already showed you the Tudor Heritage Black Bay Midnight Blue watch in this previous post, we were able to wear the watch ourselves for a couple of weeks and will now share our?findings and photos wi...
Speedy Tuesday Omega Speedmaster Skywalker X-33 Solar Impulse Limited Edition
The watch I am about to discuss today is not new to this website at all. Over the years various generations (3 to be precise) of X-33 have been discussed on the pages of FratelloWatches. We did reviews; covered watches worn by astronauts and even did write-ups on personal stories connected to this model. Some love this watch, some say it's not true to the heritage of the Speedy Pro and I say it is a very interesting piece with a lot to offer. It's the perfect tool watch, for me something very similar to the Tissot T-Touch. Since you can find many in-depth articles about the various functions and models of the Speedmaster Skywalker X-33 I will not go into details. You are free to browse the p...
Omega Seamaster 300 in the L'Odyssee Movie
Jacques Cousteau – L’OdysseeA few days ago, The Odyssee (or L’Odyssee) movie has been released in France. It is a biopic about the life of Jacques Cousteau, his wife Simone and his sons Philip and Jean-Michel. It won’t be in the theatres before January 2017 here in The Netherlands, but it will be on my to-do list that month.From the Wildbunch (distributor) website:“Summer, 1946. The Cousteau family – Jacques, his wife Simone and their two children Philippe and Jean-Michel – live in their beautiful house by the Mediterranean sea. By day they dive, by night they watch the stars. It’s paradise on earth. But Jacques is never content. He lives and b...
#TBT Breitling Navitimer All Black Hands On with An Icon
Breitling Navitimer All BlackToday on #TBT, we'll take a look at an all-time classic, the Breitling Navitimer All Black. It's a watch that I never thought I'd have a chance of owning, but thanks to fellow Fratello member Gerard, and especially to my wife, I've been fortunate to add a beauty to my collection. It's funny, it was almost a year ago this time that I wrote about another Navitimer that I had sourced: it was a rare transitional reverse panda model purchased from Rene. So, once again, it seems that Autumn is Navitimer season and with that, let's take a look at a very special chronograph.Adding the Breitling Navitimer All BlackWhen I picked up the aforementioned transitional Navitimer...
NOMOS At Work Series 14 New Watches
In all honesty, even though I love this brand from Glashutte, I don’t own a NOMOS watch (yet) nor was there one – seriously – on my radar. Reason? They are too small for me (or I am too big for them), that’s basically the reason. Now, NOMOS introduced 14 new watches as being part of their ‘At Work Series’.These new NOMOS At Work Series are not entirely new though. They are based on existing watches from the Tangente, Metro, Orion and Tetra collection, but have one thing in common: they have large(r) diameters, new dials and are ultra-thin.NOMOS At Work Series in 39mmAs I’ve written above, I love NOMOS watches and some times I just wish I had the smal...
The Omega Speedmaster World Cup Is Coming To Fratello
It is my great pleasure to announce that the inaugural Speedmaster World Cup will kick-off on Fratello on Saturday the 24th of October (that’s THIS weekend).In the absence of Euro 2020, we thought our beloved readers might enjoy a tournament of a different kind - The Speedmaster World Cup! We've assembled eight groups (ACH), each governed by a different Fratello team member. Each writer has been assigned four watches, which they will pitch to you during the group stages.All we need you to do is vote for your favorite to move on in the competition. The next round will be the quarter-finals, which will see the eight group winners go head-to-head for your votes. The four winners progress ...
Your Speedmaster Stories #5 Thinking Of My Wife Aimee
What I have learned from your Speedmaster stories so far, is that there’s often more involved than just buying a watch. Sure, there are people collecting Speedmasters for no other reason than love for this chronograph. But so far, the stories we’ve received are also about emotional reasons to buy a Speedmaster.This week, we have a story from Rosier about his Speedmaster “From The Moon to Mars” to commemorate his 25th anniversary at work, but also a story from Kirk and why he bought his Speedmaster. A heartbreaking story, yet Kirk shared it with us and I am honored to share it with you as well.Your Speedmaster StoriesOn the one hand, Kirk’s story makes collecting...
5 Watches To Hold On To For The Next Generation
Who amongst our readers has proclaimed that their luxury wristwatch purchase was an investment? Okay, that was just a wall of noise. Let me refine the question. What about justifying the cost because you can pass the watch on to the next generation when the time is right? Alright, I hear you - this is a crowd I can work with.Even for affluent people, putting down big bucks for a flashy timepiece inspires a slight level of guilt. That money could have bought a family holiday, a new lawnmower, or even a new business venture. Regardless of the options, we choose to swipe our cards on fancy high-tech tickers we strap to our wrists. To compensate, we employ all sorts of reasons to convince oursel...