Pre-Owned Spotlight: It's Time For A Classy Dress Watch
Admit it: you're also glad you don't have to wear that rubber strap or that clunky bracelet anymore. Now that temperatures are dropping in the Northern Hemisphere, the classic leather strap is ready to take center stage again. It's time for a classy dress watch. Should it have a precious metal case? Yes, let's limit this search by two things: the case should be in either gold or platinum, and the price can't exceed the $10K mark. Challenge accepted!To be very honest with you, I don't care much for the colder months. Give me warmth, sunshine, the beach, and salty water too. So when the leaves start to fall and I experience my first shiver from a cold breeze from the east, my mood dampens. The...
Favorite Meteorite-Dialed Watches From , Omega, And More
What do you see when you look up at the sky at night? Stars? The Moon? I see possible watch dials. Okay, not always, but I have to admit I have a soft spot for meteorite dials. The idea of having a wafer-thin slice of a rock that fell from the heavens on your wrist fascinates me, and its look is something else. Meteorite dials come in all shapes and sizes. This Meteorite Monday, I invite you on a short trip to discover a few of my favorite otherworldly meteorite-dialed watches.Imagine soaring through space, crash-landing on a planet, and then being sliced up and put inside a watch. It happens. Poor meteorite. Lucky us. The accidental encounter between material from the heart of an asteroid o...
Hands-On: The Latest Grand Seiko European Limited Editions
Last week, I met with the Grand Seiko UK team at Japan House in South Kensington, London. The brand occupied a space at the cultural center and brought the latest European Limited Editions. The lights were bright, and the antireflective crystals worked overtime, but we managed a few decent shots.Earlier this month, we previewed the latest Grand Seiko European Limited Editions. The rose gold SBGY040 and stainless steel SBGW321 models are inspired by koi ponds. While I wasn’t in a Japanese garden, the serene surroundings of Japan House were an appropriate location for these watches.The new Grand Seiko European Limited EditionsLet’s briefly recap the latest Grand Seiko releases. The...
The Breitling Navitimer Perpetual Calendar 140th Anniversary
Today, we’ll examine the Breitling Navitimer Perpetual Calendar 140th Anniversary limited edition. This is the third hands-on review of these special celebration models. The Navitimer is arguably the most famous Breitling chronograph, meaning this piece had better be good!Thus far, we’ve gone hands-on with the Super Chronomat and Premier Datora Perpetual Calendar 140th Anniversary editions. The third and final watch is a Navitimer Perpetual Calendar, and it’s cosmetically very different from the others. The Super Chronomat is the sportiest of the trio and features a large 44mm case with an open-worked dial. Contrastingly, the 42mm Premier is the smallest and the most formal...
Watch Strap Review Detroit Strap Co.
We love our watches, there's no doubt about that. That's why you're here, right? There are all those other things surrounding them though; watch winders, watch rolls, tools perhaps but most importantly straps. No decent watch site can function without a strap review. That was in my head when I came up with this idea and presented it to the team.Nevertheless we gave it a twist. We would like to introduce some of the lesser known craftsmen to the wider audience. People whose work we find interesting or out of the ordinary. Who most of the time hand make their products at home, educate themselves and improve their technique so when their product reaches you and you put it on your timepiece you ...
Watch Strap Review Part 12. Difues Leather
I'm back with another episode of our favorite accessories series: Watch Strap Review. Last month I took some time off but I've returned and have so much to share with you. First and foremost I'm happy to announce that Watch Strap Review is back on the imaginary road again. We continue our travels across the globe to find you the best strap makers out here. Also, for the last two months of the year we thought we should give you an early Christmas present with a double-dose of WSR. In November and December you won't only have one but two episodes per month.The strap maker I am about to present to you comes from up north from a country you'd never guess. He's making straps, wallets, key chains ...
#TBT Vulcain Triple Date Chronograph
Gold. It's a metal, especially in its yellow tone that, in my lifetime, has never really been attractive to me. The fact that I've been on this Earth for less than 40 years likely speaks volumes about that, though. It's odd because I remember gold being the, well, gold standard when I was at a very young age, but I actually equated the metal with those of a much older age. My Grandfather generally wore a gold watch, as did my Uncles and so on. Even my Dad wore one at times, but he normally wore steel as it was less flashy and suited his active lifestyle more aptly. ?Later, when I entered middle school, some of the other pubescent tweens began donning gold chains, but that quickly shifted to ...
Hamilton Khaki Field Day Date Review ($895USD)
A while ago, we did a hands-on review of the hand-wound Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical and compared it to the original military GG-W-113 (Hamilton) watch (you can find that review here). With a retail price of just $420, that was very hard to beat. But what if you want a self-winding watch, or feel a diameter of 38mm is too small for you? Or, very important to some, need a date feature? Exit Khaki Field Mechanical and enter Khaki Field Day Date. A 42mm military looking watch with an automatic movement that has a date and day function. For less than $750 (~$895). Interested? Read on.Hamilton Khaki Field Day DateI will not go into the military history of the Hamilton like Mike has done in his...
20 Years Of Collecting Speedmasters How It Started
Exactly this month, it is 20 years ago that I bought my first Speedmaster. The perfect moment to share a story on my own Speedmaster and about collecting them.I've told the story about when, where, and why I bought my first Speedmaster many times during our Speedy Tuesday events, but I don't think I wrote it in an article. Twenty years ago, on October 1st, 1999, I purchased my first Speedmaster. It wasn't long after I learned that this watch actually the watch worn on the Moon. My father told me about Omega being the brand on the Moon when I was a young kid (11 years old or so), but he never told me it was the Speedmaster.Speedmaster 145.012-67A Speedmaster Professional with reference 145.01...
Hands-On anOrdain Model 2 (in White and Blue) Review
Get ready for this white dial anOrdain Model 2 to redefine your understanding of the words WHITE and SHINY. Yesterday, I received a text from my wife saying: “Did you take the anOrdain with you?”. This is serious. To explain: never before had I received that question from my wife about a watch I had on the wrist for a review. Never before, I got that question about any watch. But this one she wanted to wear! Without further ado, let’s have a closer look at the anOrdain Model 2.anOrdain Model 2Recollecting my first moments with anOrdainWhen I try to time-lapse my week with the anOrdain Model 2, I realize everything was just smooth, with memorable rewarding moments of joy in ...
Balazs' Top 5 Iconic Vintage Chronograph Calibers
What makes a watch fan fall for a particular timepiece? Is it the dial? Or perhaps the case shape? Maybe the complication of the watch in question? When it comes to vintage watches, and especially chronographs, the answer is often, “the movement.”In this article, I collected 5 vintage chronograph movements that I find the most iconic. Clearly, I could have done a Top 10 or Top 20 article. And I might in the future. Until then, however, I hope you enjoy the list of my Top 5 iconic vintage chronograph calibers, listed in no particular order.Angelus 215It is no secret that the Angelus brand is near and dear to my heart. Partly due to its connection to the Hungarian Air Force, and pa...
Hands-On Breguet Classique 5157 Review The One I Want
Sometime during the late 1990s, when I got into watches, Breguet was a brand that I positioned next to Patek Philippe, A. Lange & Sohne, Vacheron Constantin, and Audemars Piguet. To me, it was clear this was a high-end brand. It seemed the pinnacle of watchmaking, with an amazing history. Today I share my experiences and thoughts on the Breguet Classique 5157.Now, more than 20 years later, I still think of Breguet to be top-notch when it comes to watchmaking. I only pity that this manufacture has not been able to get the right amount of exposure like Audemars Piguet, Patek Philippe, Vacheron Constantin, and A. Lange & Sohne do. Is Breguet too humble perhaps?Breguet Classique 5157 Ext...
#TBT The Hard-To-Find Ernest Borel Flash
If you remember my saga last year about the Tourist Everlight, the world's first electrically lit watch, you will also remember the Ernest Borel Flash. It took me a few years to hunt it down, but here it is in all its glory. My admiration for the Everlight is endless. But I have to admit that the Borel Flash amazes me even more.Well, there is usually only one winner. To end up second, no matter the competition, and the number of contenders must truly hurt. The race to integrate electric lighting in watches started in 1956 with Ernest Borel and its patent that was filed on September 28th. I bet their smiles froze in Basel the following year when Ad. Allemann and his Tourist brand presented th...
Hands-on: The Curvy Delft Watch Works Oostpoort
The town of Delft plays an important role in the history of The Netherlands. Nothing watch-related, but it was in Delft where William of Orange, the forefather of the present king, was killed back in 1584. You can still visit the “scene of the crime” and see the bullet holes in the wall of the Prinsenhof. So, we know that Delft played a crucial role in Dutch history, and now it seems to take center stage in the future of Dutch horology. Holthinrichs Watches is from Delft and so is Delft Watch Works. Let's have a closer look at the latter’s debut watch, the curvy Delft Watch Works Oostpoort, available in three colorways.There must be something in the water in Delft. Somethin...
Does Bennett Winch produce the best watch rolls money can buy?
We’ve mentioned the importance of a proper way to transport your watches when traveling before. And there is no better way to transport your watches than using the Bennett Winch watch rolls. Available in one, two, or three-watch variants, these are the best watch rolls we’ve had the pleasure of using so far.Bennett Winch’s backgroundBennett Winch produces a variety of products aimed at seasoned or professional travelers. Mainly all sorts of bags, but a few accessories like wallets, cardholders, and watch rolls as well. All products are handmade in England, using traditional skills and materials. Their products are designed for those who seek to own fewer but higher-quality ...
The Allure of Japanese Independent Watchmaking Part Two (2021)
Does a Dufour comparison seem far-fetched, or perhaps too easy to reach for? This name hangs on a high branch of the horological tree, and I don’t reach for it on a whim. As with Naoya Hida & Co in my story here, the duo (that would be Dufours plural) of Kikuchi Nakagawa is yet another example of the quiet classicism we have come to expect from the more well-known purveyors of Japanese independent watchmaking. I find it intensely compelling when so much effort is put into the execution of beautifully simple three-hand watches.You might find my personal non-chronograph bias shining through, but perfectly balanced minimalism is a visual delight. Though the term minimalism is a matter...
The Swatch SCJ101 Grand Prix Chronograph Keeps Coming Back
Have you ever owned the same watch three times? I guess that for most (sane) individuals the answer to that question is no. However, in my case it's not only yes, but the watch in question is one that you might not expect someone to have owned on three separate occasions. Sure, a Speedmaster collector might have owned a number of Moonwatches from different years, or a collector might have several Daytonas or Submariners. But it's not often that the repeat purchase is a plastic Swatch chronograph from the early 90s. However, today I'll be telling you the story of my Swatch SCJ101 Grand Prix, all three of them, that is.The Swatch Grand Prix recently became the focus of a lot of unexpected att...
Hands-On: This Is The Ressence Type 8
It is only about five or six years ago that I was grabbed by the unique style of the Ressence brand. I fancy Ressence’s style and approach so much that I have, in the meantime, not only been able to build up a lot of experience with my own Type 1 Squared but also with the high-end Type 2 and the Type 5 Diver. So it’s a great opportunity that I got the chance to try and compare the new Ressence Type 8 for a week.Collectors often use the term “entry model” when discussing a lower-priced watch from brand X or brand Y. Often, these watches are recognizable as such and characterized by a steel case with a simpler movement and dial than their higher-end equivalents. But for...
Watch Strap Review 63 Eatsleeplay From Singapore
It's rare that I get one specific type of strap from an atelier. Brands usually strive for versatility and, as such, have a wide variety of goods to offer. You have the occasional company like Erika's Originals, which is known for one specific product. For the most part, however, I get a bunch of different straps in the parcels. This time, though, I received two similar straps, but not just in any old design. These straps are Bunds, which are among the most controversial products you can put your watches on. Some love Bund straps, and others hate them with a vengeance. Eatsleeplay from Singapore belongs to the former group. Although the company offers other products in its lineup, the watch ...
Hands-On: Sinn UX And Sinn 240
Today, we take a look at two long-existing references from Sinn's impressive catalog. We have not covered these specific models on Fratello before, and I think we should. Here we have a tough-as-nails diver in the UX and a capable pilot's watch in the 240. Both aim to perform a task with reliability and perfect legibility under any circumstance. But does that come at the expense of some refinement?Sinn offers other watches geared more towards a comfortable daily wearing experience. These two are more hardcore. Let's find out if I can pull them off or if my laptop lifestyle is a bit too indoorsy for these brutes.Sinn UXThe first of the two Sinns we have here is the UX. It is arguably the tool...