Finding My Old Seiko SKX007 Is It Still A Great Watch?
My family and I moved to a new house last week. It was a stressful time full of packing, cleaning, moving, and unpacking. But apart from that, it was also a good opportunity to get some of our belongings in order. We finally got rid of some stuff that had just been sitting in the closet since the last time we moved. But there were also some positive surprises, one of which was finding my old Seiko SKX007 - in my wife’s underwear drawer.My wife thought that I hid it there on purpose. I think it simply fell off the dresser into that particular drawer. Anyway, I hadn’t exactly missed the watch, but I was, of course, very happy to find it again. And now that I’ve worn it for a ...
Meeting The Omega "Speedy White"
March is not my favorite month. It is still cold, windy, and often rainy in Germany. So, what is there to do to beat the early spring gloominess? Book a trip to a warm place with a subtropical climate, preferably across the pond. That’s how I ended up in New York…okay, eventually in Miami, but that came a few days later. As it happened, I was on a business trip in New York and Miami in early March this year when Omega dropped the new white-dial Speedmaster Professional. Sorry, I will never call it “Daniel Craig”; it’s a silly nickname. Like the killer in a whodunit novel, I returned to the “crime scene” months later. Yes, the location was Miami again...
Fratello On Air: Back From New York
We’re back with another episode of Fratello On Air. Balazs has just stepped off a plane from New York and is ready to record. In this episode, we kick off with a healthy dose of banter, touch on some news, and review the two watch shows that just concluded. Watch content starts after roughly 25 minutes....
Hands-On: Seiko Prospex SPB481, SPB483, SPB485
We watch fans are a funny breed. As enthusiasts, we are always craving something new. But when we are presented with something new, the first thing we do instinctively is find watches from the past to compare it to. Once we’ve pinpointed the references to existing timepieces, that often becomes a reason to disqualify a design. Why am I telling you this? Because the new Seiko Prospex SPB481, SPB483, and SPB485 will undoubtedly receive similar treatment. That enlightening conclusion results from some quick self-reflection upon seeing the three new models. My brain immediately wanted to find comparisons. But once I got past that instinctive urge, I greatly appreciated the new silhouettes ...
The new Milgauss: Available!
Since a few days, the new Milgauss has been hitting stores (authorised dealers as well as they grey market dealers) and visitor ‘page’ on TimeZone is probably one of the first to show his!This ref.116400 features an inhouse automatic movement (caliber 3131) and measures 40mm in diameter. As big as the current sportsmodels (Submariner, Sea-Dweller, GMT, Explorer II????etc). ‘Page’ also photographed his Milgauss next to the Daytona (ref.116520 or 16520).Click here for the post on the Modern forum over at TimeZone, it includes some larger pictures with more detail of the watch.Both photos taken by Page and published on TimeZone.A quick search on the new Milgauss on Ch...
New Xetum PVD Tyndall Carbon Fiber Limited Edition
Xetum, the Californian based watch brand from Jeff Kuo and Friend of Fratellowatches for years now, shows us their upcoming November release of the new Xetum PVD Tyndall watch. Now, there already was a PVD Tyndall timepiece, but this time Xetum introduces a limited edition model of 300 pieces only with a carbon fiber dial.Altough the official press release will go out in November, Xetum lets you know that you can be one of the first 75 to pre-order for this PVD Tyndall Carbon Fiber Limited Edition.Xetum PVD TyndallThe Tyndal collection has been there since 2011 (see our more in-depth story here) and is being produced in an environment-friendly manner. Something quite important to Xetum’...
Master Chronometer Explained New Standards By Omega
On December 9th 2014, I joined Omega’s press conference where they introduced their new standards and certification?and the?important role of?independent institute METAS. A long-winded and opinionated report about that announcement can be found here.Since then, Omega has worked hard to set-up the processes needed to meet these new standards and to realize them in such way, that it can be done for high production numbers. I will get back to the details of these standards later on, but let me get a few mis-understandings out of the way about the name and the role of METAS and Omega with regards to the certification.Chronometer, Master Chronometer, METAS: Confused?When Omega announced the...
Photo Essay DTM Finals with Oris and Audi Sport
Our last photo essay from not too long ago was about the 6-hour race held at the Nurburgring in Germany. We were invited by Chopard and Porsche and had an amazing time there. Now a few months later and a couple of degrees lower we are back with a new photo essay from a new race. This time it was the DTM (German Touring Car Masters) and the companies graciously presenting us with some entry tickets; Oris and Audi Sport.PaddockOn a cold and grey October Sunday we were heading from our base in Karlsruhe to the nearby racetrack, the legendary Hockenheim ring. The weather was alright, it was no sign of rain but the temperature just would not go above 7 Celsius. It was already the end of the traff...
Monta Oceanking, design hommage having many details right 52Mondayz week# 43
A design hommage with many details done right, the Monta Oceanking. Its looks clearly remember us of dive watches as seen half way the last century. Modern techniques make sure this watch stands out from a crowd however.The Monta Oceanking on my wrist for 52Mondayz week #43Monta Oceanking 52MondayzAuthor Michael Stockton already wrote an extensive write up on the brand after Monta had decided to participate at Baselworld this year. Now I’m happy to have the opportunity to actually wear one of their watches this week.Design hommage to dive watches as seen half way the last centuryMid-century design hommageWe might see a Submariner in every dive watch with a black rotating minute bezel ...
New Oris Artelier Date Diamonds Models in 33mm
Right before the Christmas madness will break loose, Oris introduces to you their new Artelier Date Diamonds models in 33mm. A mid-sized case watch for women whereas the watch was previously only available in a small 28mm. This Artelier Date with 12 brilliant-cut diamonds on the dial might be a great gift (for your wife, girlfriend, or yourself of course!) for Christmas.Oris Artelier Date DiamondsStarting at 1800 Swiss Francs for the version on a leather strap and 2000 Swiss Francs for the one with the stainless steel bracelet, this 33mm stainless steel watch competes with a number of other ladies watches out there. What’s especially nice, is that Oris made sure to fit a see-through ca...
Mileneal Watches For Made For The Young Working Class
MILENEAL a new and emerging brand of men's watches will be catering to an exclusive niche – the young and dynamic working class mainly comprised of millennials, the watch design is a stylish combination of comfort, quality and versatility. Its inspired design is an ode to geometry and nature.The new micro brand's tagline is “be complete now”, giving the idea that that millennials or young working adults need not wait to save up and make money to buy that overpriced watch. Ironically, as time waits for no man, Mileneal aims to provide a solution to young working adults to own a timepiece that is of good quality, design & style. Filling that void on that bare wrist with t...
HUBLOT: BIG BANG MECA-10 BLACK MAGIC
An introduction to mechanicsPlates, axes, wheels, gears. For all those who spent hours building and dismantling technical constructions, experimenting in the engineering world, the Big Bang MECA-10 offers itself as a transitional object. It took two years to develop and refine a new manufacture movement with on-board mechanics. Atypical architecture with Meccano-type design. Following the launch of the first Big Bang MECA-10 models in 2016, the Black Magic joins the Big Bang MECA- 10 collection composed of the King Gold, Titanium and Full Magic Gold versions.Entirely conceived and developed in house, the HUB1201 is a skeleton mechanical movement with manual winding and a 10-day power reserve...
Venturist from Lebois & Co Buy The Watch And Become A Shareholder
Even though Kickstarters brought Lebois & Co a lot of success, the owners of this revived 80-year-old brand thought it was about time to become more serious. Last April co-founder Tom van Wijlick already let us know that Lebois & Co want to start a different route. The opportunity to become a shareholder of Lebois & Co was introduced. Now, six months later, Lebois & Co introduce to you their new watch that goes by the name Venturist. For a limited time, it is available as part of a unique proposition that allows you to purchase the Venturist along with company shares.This new step also perfectly fits into the strategy of the founders (read an interview with them here).Lebois ...
Omega Speedmaster 125 Production Number Update
When RJ and I discussed the topic for this week's Speedy Tuesday I had no idea how timely this is. See, for someone who loves vintage Omegas and especially chronographs (Seamasters and Speedmasters alike) the Speedmaster 125 is always in the back of their minds. It's an odd-one-out in a good way for so many reasons. Reasons which we will talk about below. So after our discussion, I said to myself; We've covered this watch numerous times, not sure if there's anything else left to say. Well, when I looked back in our archives I realized that the last article about the Omega Speedmaster 125 is from 2013. And that mainly concerns?Adrian van Hooydonk BMW Group's design director and his 125. One c...
Wrist Game or Crying Shame: Cartier Santos
Welcome to Wrist Game or Crying Shame where we take the vote to the streets each and every week.? This week we go in a very different direction with the one and only Cartier Santos.Before we class things up, let's focus on last week's subject, the Omega Ploprof.? We featured an all-steel 1200 meter modern Ploprof for your perusal and guess what?? Despite those persistent hipsters, stylemakers and influencers telling you that little watches are back in style, you still like to bring muscle to the party.? It seems that a full 61% of you would rather strap this creature from the black lagoon to your arm versus not.? Maybe that will make Omega rethink its decision to pull its plug on this big ca...
Tropic Sport Strap Review The Return of a Vintage Icon
Tropic Sports straps are making a comeback, so we take a look at them.How it all started for meI was still just a vintage-watch-rookie, a regular at forums, especially WatchUSeek's Omega group, when I came across a watch on eBay. It was about 15 or so years ago, and the timepiece in question was a cheap diver by the name of Cordura. I think I bought it for $25. It had a large case, a cool bezel, and a black plastic-looking strap with big holes. I liked the look, so I pulled the trigger as we used to say in the forum. The parcel came a few weeks later, wrapped in kitchen towels and old newspapers. The strap looked old, it was pretty stiff too, so I took it off and threw my Cordura on a NATO. ...
Pre-Owned Picks Vacheron Constantin Overseas And Others
During the summer, I went hands-on with three variations of the Vacheron Constantin Overseas Perpetual Calendar in pink gold. To say I was a bit spellbound would be an understatement. Of all the watches that have come my way this year, the full gold Overseas was my favorite. But like any sin, it comes at a price. Which is why this week, I am selecting four classic Vacheron Constantin watches that inspire the modern collection.VC may well be best known for its art deco and opulent collection of classic timepieces. In an age that generally requires strict trend conformity, Vacheron Constantin steadfastly believes in its traditional watchmaking and design. You don't survive 265 years of continu...
Hands-On With The New Certina DS Super PH500M Dive Watch
It seems that Certina can’t put a foot wrong when it comes to diving watches. If you want a mechanical, Swiss made, budget diver, chances are Certina has something for you. Recently, another fine example - the Certina DS Super PH500M - landed on my desk. The story of this watch is like a movie that takes us from the Caribbean Sea to Germany.Along our journey, we’ll meet NASA engineers and aquanauts. We’ll also spend some time in futuristic underwater habitats and learn about the visibility of colors underwater. Are you ready? Let’s dive in then (sorry for the pun).DS-2 Super PH500MThe Certina DS Super PH500M takes inspiration from one of the brand’s legendary vi...
Up Close Bvlgari Octo Finissimo Tourbillon Chronograph Skeleton Automatic
During the last watch event we attended, Bvlgari introduced to us its Octo Finissimo Tourbillon Chronograph Skeleton Automatic. According to them, it broke another world record, that of developing an ultra-complicated movement with a thickness of just 3.5mm.Somehow, I feel that this new watch got a bit snowed under by the introduction of the more affordable Bvlgari-Bvlgari Aluminium collection. Of course, watches with a price tag under $5,000 speak a bit more to the public than a watch that is for the lucky few. However, the new Bvlgari Octo Finissimo Tourbillon Chronograph Skeleton Automatic deserves a proper amount of attention as well.Octo Finissimo Tourbillon Chronograph Skeleton Automat...
Hands-On: The Tool Watch Co. Arctic Titanium Explorer's Watch
Anyone with an interest in watches knows that Kickstarter brands are a dime a dozen. They come and go, sometimes releasing a watch that gets talked about for a few weeks, then quickly forgotten. However, we also know that with the right formula, greatness can also emerge from the popular crowd-funding platform. Brands like Zelos, Furlan Marri, Xeric, and Brew Watch Co. have since gained popularity and become well-respected, and gathered quite the following of enthusiasts. So, it seems that the platform presents a unique make-or-break opportunity for fresh new brands to get a start. But did the Tool Watch Co. Arctic have the secret formula? I got to spend some time with it to try and find out...