Speedy Tuesday Auction Result Of The Omega Speedmaster Alaska III 145.022
Last week was very impressive auction week. First, the Omega Speedmaster CK2915-1 that sold for a over 230.000 Euro via the Swedish auction house Bukowski (click here for our report) and then there was the Daytona ‘Paul Newman’ reference 6239, owned by Paul Newman himself, that fetched a whopping $17,752,500 USD at the Phillips auction in New York.Another great watch that was sold during that Phillips auction in New York last week, is the Omega Speedmaster Alaska III reference 145.022. As you know, it was exactly this model that inspired the Speedmaster Speedy Tuesday that we’re so proud of, and several years ago we actually had one in our hands (read our story about the a...
You Asked Us: Is This Watch A Good Investment?
This week's You Asked Us is about the most asked question since about a year or two: Is this watch [name any model or brand] a good investment? Every single day we receive this question via email, our contact form, Whatsapp, or direct messages on our Facebook and Instagram channels. I thought it might be a good idea to give a generic answer to this commonly asked question, as we roughly give the same answer to this question all the time.You Asked Us: Is This Watch A Good Investment?Please don't feel offended if you read your own question to us below, they aren't bad or wrong, we just want to show the type of questions we receive concerning watches as an investment.What is a better investment...
10 Basic Tips For Better Watch Photography
Professional watch photographer Bert Buijsrogge shares his tips and tricks with you, which might immediately improve your watch pictures. He wrote a similar – but more generic – article for a photography magazine, but assumed it would be useful for those who like to take pictures of their watches as well.A Bit Of Background On MyselfMy interest in watch photography started after I ran into some watch forums, many years ago. My main goal was to learn about mechanical watches, but as a side-effect, I started to learn about photography as well. That was 10 years ago. Since then, I have learned a lot, photographed a lot, saw my work on magazine covers, did official watch brand campai...
A Tribute To Seiko's First Quartz Watch 50 Years Ago
It wasn’t only Seiko’s first quartz watch; it was the first quartz watch ever.? Quartz technology was used before, but on December 25 in 1969, Seiko introduced the first wristwatch with this technology.Today, Seiko introduces their tribute to that very first quartz watch from 1969. Meet Seiko’s 1969 Quartz Astron 50th Anniversary Limited Edition as it is officially called. It is inspired by that Seiko Astron from 1969, that we showed you here before, as part of our Seiko Visit in 2015.Seiko Astron – World’s First Quartz Watch in 1969Seiko 1969 Quartz Astron 50th AnniversaryQuartz movements are a somewhat tricky topic. I understand this, as you will find quartz w...
Artisans de Genve Introduces La Blausee
La Blausee is a return to the origins of the very first timepieces, its manual winding, and spectacular design makes it the perfect combination of both heritage and innovation.La Blausee a blend of heritage and innovationThis personalization is the encounter between Artisans de Genve and a watch enthusiast who wanted his timepiece to gather the essential values of traditions and watchmaking, while capturing the unique shades of a place that resonates with him. The serenity that prevails in Blausee has inspired Artisans de Genve a return to origins: a skeleton version of the Daytona with a manual winding.For more information, click here.The 4130 modified movement?La Blausee features an ent...
#TBT Tourist Everlight Part #2: Restoration
It was a test of my patience. Just when I thought I was there, I had to take a step back, disassemble the watch and work on it again. And this happened three times. Watching the bulb light up for the first time on my Tourist Everlight was truly a victorious moment.In last week's #TBT we uncovered the story behind the world's first electric lighting mechanical watch, the Tourist Everlight. Today we focus more on sourcing and servicing tips. It turns out that reviving the battery of a watch first introduced in 1957 is not so easy.I often press the pusher at two. And when my Everlight comes alive with a light as bright as the sun, it makes me happy in a way that no ever could.Everlights around...
This Week in Watches: October 24, 2020, The Halloween Edition
Happy Halloween! Welcome to the latest edition of This Week In Watches. We’ve not had a huge amount of new releases trickle into our inboxes, but there have been a few tasty ones. To be honest, I’m glad we’ve not seen a surge of cheesy, Halloween-themed watches (but there’s always one) - ain’t nobody got time for that…Breitling Chronomat 36 & 32 for womenIt was only a matter of time. The re-introduced Breitling Chronomat unveiled in Spring has now sprung into a full-blown collection in a variety of sizes. However, instead of upsizing from the base 42mm case, Breitling has taken things down a notch. To cater to those who prefer a smaller diameter and ap...
Omega Speedmaster World Cup Group C: Mike
Welcome to the Speedmaster World Cup. In the absence of Euro 2020, we thought our beloved readers might enjoy a tournament of a different kind. 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 to the semis. Following that, a third-place play-off will precede the final round, due to be held on Sunday, December 13th (get the beers in…...
The Best Thing You Can Do With Your Watches: Wear Them!
I am an advocate for actually wearing watches, instead of just putting them in a safe or babying them. Recently I noticed that our friend and colleague at Revolution magazine Adam Craniotes using the hashtag #wearyoursh*t and that's exactly how I feel. And this almost always used to be the case, until interest rates dropped below zero, that is, and people started to look elsewhere to invest their money. It is probably partly our own fault (the watch community) as we always told the others that our hobby didn't cost us money, as watches often retain value instead of losing it. The others were neighbors, friends, colleagues, etc. And hey, who could blame them for listening to us in the first p...
The Allure of Japanese Independent Watchmaking: Part Three
I'm not stretching the truth if I proclaim the self-taught watchmaker Hajime Asaoka to be our collective eye-opener to the allure of Japanese independent wathmaking. At least this was my first look into the quiet world of Japanese Independent Watchmaking. Asaoka-san is a one-man band, nay I'd even call him a solo string orchestra, such is his increasing influence outside Japan. As his creations are highly limited in their production, and many of them a piece unique, the budget stretch to one of Hajime Asaoka's creations might be too far for many. For us mere mortals, Part Four of our story on Japanese Independent Watchmaking will cover his enigmatic sub-brand Kurono Tokyo. so stay tuned, as ...
The Citizen Homer HO140501: A Rare Beauty From The '60s
The subject of today’s article is the Citizen Homer HO140501. It's a watch that shares its general design with several other watches from the brand and the period, but it has some subtle yet key differences that we'll discuss. It's no secret that vintage Japanese watches are at or near the top of my favorite subgenres, and this rare piece helps to explain why.Slowly but surely, I'm getting around to covering the vintage Citizen watches that sit within my collection. It's a challenge for a couple of reasons. First, there's the endless battle of finding the time to photograph and write about these mysterious little gems. Second, there's the whole mystery part. Normally, when I write abou...
The Show 2022 A Slightly Different Watch Fair
Watch events are slowly returning. They are a fantastic chance to see the novelties and to try them on your wrist. To reduce the risk of attendees infecting each other, big international events have strictly limited the number of guests. Only a part of the Fratello team has been in Geneva this year. All the more, I welcome local watch events taking place close to my home - events like The Show.For far too long, Hamburg was considered an unfavorable place for the watch business. Munich was the German city where the watch industry expected to encounter a much more promising audience. Accordingly, Munich has been the venue for the respected fairs Munichtime and Inhorgenta. But times have change...
Tudor Pelagos 39 Coffee Corner Watch Talk
It's always a good thing to plan. I have nothing against spontaneous actions, but for stuff like watch shows held abroad, it's better to be prepared. So, please take note that Watches and Wonders 2023 will take place from March 27th through April 2nd in Geneva. Furthermore, on Saturday the 1st and Sunday the 2nd, the show will be open to the public. There will be 49 (!) brands present, including the most famous brands in watchmaking. Among the presenters are Tudor and Vacheron Constantin, and that's why this edition of Coffee Corner Watch Talk features a Tudor Pelagos 39 and a new Vacheron Constantin Overseas Chronograph, watches we probably will see new versions of come Watches and Wonders ...
An Ode To The Empty Dial Grand Seiko, , And More
An empty dial can be a sight for sore eyes. When I first went to the Grand Seiko dealer to have a look at the SBGW231 that I would later buy, it was the empty dial that jumped out at me. Just an applied GS and printed Grand Seiko at 12 o’clock, nothing more. It provided a visual calm and balance that I find utterly beautiful. It got me wondering, what is up with all this printing on other watches? Are dial printers getting paid by the letter? Do watch lovers want something to read on their daily commute?Could it be that we have just become desensitized to a lot of text on watch dials through mere exposure? Could it be that we unconsciously accept unneeded ugliness? Or does dial text of...
Hamilton Ventura XXL Bright Bigger And Bolder
The Hamilton Ventura’s connection to Elvis is one of those famous-owner stories that never gets old. Ever since the King made it “his watch” in 1961, the avant-garde timepiece has been immortalized. Through the decades, the Ventura has spawned countless sizes, colors, executions, and movements. The latest iteration takes inspiration from a neon city at night as the energy and vibrancy come alive. The Ventura XXL Bright features a dial that illuminates with red detailing and comes in a super-large size for the big-wristed or big-spirited among us.From bygone times to avant-gardeHamilton started life producing pocket watches as the Railroad Timekeeper of America (which we jus...
Parmigiani's Rose Gold Tonda PF Gets New Alligator Straps
The stars truly aligned when Parmigiani Fleurier launched the Tonda PF collection in 2021. The collection epitomizing discreet elegance was unveiled to critical acclaim. Subsequent releases featuring the character-defining integrated bracelet continued to seduce the market. Now the Swiss watchmaker is adding a new dimension to the collection with a simple update to the accessories. The Tonda PF has suited up its three rose gold models - the Micro-Rotor, the Chronograph, and the Annual Calendar - with the introduction of alligator straps.Watches with integrated bracelets may be popular, but not everyone wants all-metal armor. Even fewer are game for rocking full-on rose gold wrist gear. I'm s...
Fratello REM Speedmaster Strap: This Is Not A Replica
For this month's Fratello REM strap, we took one of our team's favorite Speedmaster references as a starting point. The Omega Speedmaster '57 reference 3594.50 - also known as the Broad Arrow - officially debuted in 1997 as the Speedmaster '57 Replica. This watch flew under the radar for many years, but recently, it seems to be receiving some well-deserved attention.Omega Speedmaster ’57 3594.50We have covered this watch several times here on Fratello. Three of us here own this reference and can't stress enough how nice it looks and wears in the flesh. I can't speak for the others and their Speedmaster 3594.50 watches, but mine is pretty special to me. It’s not only because I lov...
G-Shock G-D001: The Most Expensive G-Shock Watch Ever
It’s not often that a G-Shock is featured in a luxury watch auction. We expect pieces from F.P.Journe, Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet, and even the more extravagant MB&F to make an appearance. But this year, Casio’s very mature sub-brand is turning 40 years old. This, of course, calls for something unique to happen. That’s why the one-off G-Shock G-D001 was developed and will be auctioned at Phillips this December. And it could very well become the most expensive G-Shock ever made.G-Shock’s Dream Project #1 ref. G-D5000-9JRG-Shock Dream ProjectThis is the second time that G-Shock has released a so-called “Dream Project” watch. Dream Project #1, the G-...
What Actually Happens During A Regular Watch Service?
As an owner or collector of mechanical watches, you look after your prized possessions. Responsible ownership includes regularly taking your watches in for service. Many people, however, are shocked when they first find out that a regular watch service can cost hundreds of euros/dollars. So the question naturally arises: what actually goes on during a watch service?This article is primarily for relatively new watch aficionados. The subject may already be quite familiar to seasoned collectors. But, then again, you never know. You may learn something after all. I, for one, did while writing it.Look closely at the rubies to see the grime that has accumulated over timeWhy does a watch need to be...
Hands-On: Studio Underd0g 02Series Full Mo0n Field Watch
At the end of my recent introduction article on the Studio Underd0g 02Series, I said I would get some hands-on experience with the new watch. And here it is! For a couple of weeks, Studio Underd0g graciously provided one of its 02Series Field Watches for review. While I could view all four watches in person, only the Full Mo0n was in my temporary possession. This is partly because the watch felt most at home on my wrist but also because it highlights the key new features of the collection. Namely, the Full Mo0n includes the luminescent dial, unlike the black-dial Midnight. The more extroverted Pink Lem0nade and Steffany Blue dials also have seven layers of custom-made Super-LumiNova pigment....