Fluco Straps: German Made Straps In Many Colors (2021)
As I’ve grown older and my wrist has grown hairier, I’ve become more and concerned with what I use to cover it. Watch straps are a hobby within a hobby and it was one that took some time to reveal itself to me. When I was a young collector, I trusted brands a bit too much. I assumed that no watch head would ever look better on any other strap than the one its designers intended for it. Subjective as this conclusion may be, I believe myself to have been wrong. Now, I take great pleasure in seeking out new brands that have the ability to liven up my collection. One such brand is German maker Fluco.What do I like about Fluco? Well, it starts with the quality. For me, that will?alway...
Best Enamel Dials: AnOrdain, Voutilainen, VC, and Seiko? (2021)
Enamel dials are, to some degree, the darlings of the watch industry. A famously fussy material that takes great skill to work with and master. We sit up and listen when we see brands launching watches using enamel dials. Why? Because when done well, enamel dials look absolutely incredible, adding a level of depth and visual appeal quite unlike any other material. So, what are some of the best enamel dials in the business? Let’s take a look.??AnOrdainAs a Brit, I have to start this list off with a British company. At Fratello, we’re also quite fond of anOrdain as they’ve made waves over the last few years with a range of stunning enamel-dialed watches. The Scottish brand us...
Metal Casio G-Shock GM-2100 Vs. Resin "Casioak" GA-2100 (2021)
I considered underplaying the importance of case material when it comes to a brand known for its iconic silhouettes but I quickly decided I was being ridiculous. The conversation of what makes any Casio feel truly great on the wrist cannot ignore something as integral to that experience as the case material. And acting like the memorable aesthetics of the models we’ve come to adore over the past 40 years or so aren’t radically transformed by the material in which they’re brought to life is just as foolhardy an endeavor. Therefore, if you find yourself trying to decide between a “classic” resin-cased “Casioak” GA-2100 and its recently birthed metal co...
Hands On: The F.P. Journe Chronomtre Optimum
Rob and Lex are lucky boys! Wrapping up what looked like an absolutely killer week at Geneva Watch Days, the two of them got a chance to visit F.P. Journe. There, the debonair duo got hands-on with four of the master’s greatest works. A tad more thrilling than my view from a cubicle at the public library, I’d imagine. Biblical levels of envy aside, it’s my pleasure to give you a quick look at the fruits of their adventure. The first timepiece on the docket is the Chronomtre Optimum.This watch represents F.P. Journe’s quest for the ultimate in chronometric precision. While many brands are content to nab a chronometer certificate and call it good, Journe doesn’t ...
Getting To Know The Certina DS Powermatic 80 In Gold PVD (2021)
You could call the Certina DS Powermatic 80 in its new gold attire a dress watch. You would be selling the watch short, however. Change the light brown leather strap for a more adventurous color and in a different type of leather, or even a multicolor NATO strap, and you’ll witness a complete transformation. I tried on the yellow gold PVD version with a matching gold-colored dial that came on a light brown strap with a folding clasp. Let me tell you how we got along.The suit you wear only looks good when the shoes are of at least the same level. Wearing a virgin wool Kiton suit - the jacket alone is entirely hand-cut and sewn by around 25 master craftspeople in Naples who create an arc...
Is The Moonwatch Still A Good Buy After A Price Increase?
Last week, on September 1st, Omega raised its prices for many (or all) of its watches. On most models, we find an increase of 6%. This marks the second price increase from Omega this year.Since its introduction in early 2021, the retail price of the new Moonwatch Master Chronometer (reference 310.30.42.50.01.001) rose from $6,200 to $6,700 earlier this year and now to $7,100. Prices in the EU might vary due to the different VAT rates. This is an increase of 14% in a year and a half.The sapphire edition (on the stainless steel bracelet) increased to $8,100Price increases for all Speedmaster watchesWe also see the Speedmaster Calibre 321 in steel going up to $15,700, a watch that started with ...
Hamilton Khaki Navy Scuba Auto Syroco Special Edition
Hamilton is a sponsoring partner of Syroco. This French startup is dedicated to maritime innovation, especially with the intention of reducing carbon emissions. Syroco’s team is currently buckling down to break the sailing-speed world record in an effort to show what is possible. Well, I when say “break,” I really mean shatter. The current record is set at 121 km/h. Syroco, however, aims to reach 150 km/h. The vessel that is meant to accomplish this will carry the Hamilton logo on its flank. Now the Swiss watch brand introduces a special edition to mark the occasion.The resulting Khaki Navy Scuba Auto (ref. H82385340) is a water-sports watch that reflects the Syroco brandin...
Fratello On Air: Geneva Watch Days 2022
Fratello On Air checks in with a new episode, and Geneva Watch Days 2022 is the subject. Balazs and Mike discuss some of the key new releases. As always, expect banter and clear views on what’s happening around us in the world of watches....
Seiko Astron GPS Solar 5X53 Dual-Time Gets New Options
Do you like it short and sweet? I hope you do because this article about the new dials and ceramic bezel inserts for the Seiko Astron GPS Solar 5X53 Dual-Time is going to be just that. But it’s not because I don't like the watches. On the contrary, I've been a fan since the very first satellite-connected, solar-powered Astron debuted in 2012. In the 10 years since then, the watches have shown a remarkable evolution. The Astron travel watch grew smaller, the movement got more efficient and intuitive, and the design became more and more sophisticated.The Seiko Astron GPS Solar 5X53 Dual-Time is new for 2022 twice over. The first iterations of this particular Astron debuted in May of this...
Fratello Editors' Geneva Watch Days 2022 Highlights
Remember Geneva Watch Days? It happened only last week, but it almost seems like an eternity ago. The last few days have allowed us to recharge our batteries, but we have not remained idle during that time. Not at all. We have all continued to mull over everything thrust upon us in the meetings that filled our tightly packed schedule. We’ve looked beyond the sensory overload that is the white-knuckle ride up and down the stairs, elevators, and narrow corridors of the Beau Rivage in Geneva, and we’ve fully digested everything we saw. Now, and only now, can we truly talk about favorites from the show. And that’s just what we’re here to share with you. Our editors on the...
Available Now: The Fratello Minase M-3 "Very Peri"
Today is an exciting day. No, not because it’s Tuesday; after all, Tuesday isn’t renowned for being an exciting day. It’s exciting because we are releasing our second collaboration with Minase in the Fratello Shop. Yes, the Fratello Minase M-3 “Very Peri” is here! For the first time, the M-3 is available outside of Japan, but this one houses some special changes that we think you’re going to love. Best of all, it’s available to whoever wants one!If you woke up this morning wondering if there was enough periwinkle in your life, I can confirm there wasn’t. Purple is one of those colors we don’t see enough of in the industry, so we decided t...
How It's Made: A Custom Strap For My Panerai Radiomir
If, like me, you have ever found yourself going down the Panerai rabbit hole, you have undoubtedly come across Panerai strap culture. If you haven't, trust me, it's a thing! Paneristi are more than typically likely to get something custom made for their prized square possessions. Browsing the internet, you'll find several aficionados who have acquired leatherworking skills just to make straps for Panerai watches. I figured I should dive in and share with you, Fratelli, what this is all about.I decided that I would ask my compatriot Olaf Lugten of DStrap?to make me a fully custom strap. Although Olaf doesn't limit himself to straps for Panerai, he is one of the OGs of the genre. As it turns o...
Blancpain Swatch:?Will The Watch Industry Get Disrupted Again?
Whether you love or hate the MoonSwatch, it worked miracles for the Swatch company! Since March 26th, 2022, Swatch has been back on everyone's mind again. I had never seen queues in front of a shop for a watch before. I’d also never seen so much coverage about watches on television, in newspapers, and other non-watch media. The no online sales approach infuriated many people, especially those who weren't exactly near one of the just 110 Swatch Boutiques worldwide. Now, with a new Blancpain Swatch collaboration debuting in a few days, will we see it happen all over again? Or will the partnering brands, strategies, and public reception mean it’s entirely different this time around?...
Introducing: The New Panerai Navy SEALs Collection
The new Panerai Navy SEALs collection is the expansion of a collaboration that began in 2022. This time, there are three new limited-edition models and an ultra-limited piece that comes with an “experience.” Not only do we have more watches to choose from, but the pieces are now available outside of the USA at Panerai boutiques.Last year, the Panerai Navy SEALs collection debuted with a regular-production piece and two limited editions. The PAM01324, produced in a 162-piece run, was a Carbotech Submersible GMT. The PAM01323 was a similar, non-limited 44mm Submersible in stainless steel. Finally, Panerai launched a 20-unit Submersible Chronograph Experience model called the PAM013...
Talking With Jenson Button About Racing And Watches
With the Zandvoort race approaching, I had the opportunity to talk to former F1 World Champion Jenson Button about racing and watches. I am one of those guys who only started watching F1 when Max Verstappen entered the competition in 2015. Before that, I occasionally watched it when my friends or roommates were in front of the television to see Michael Schumacher clinch many Grand Prix victories. While it is often held against me that I only got into F1 due to Verstappen, it has now been nearly eight years that I have followed F1 passionately.F1 ZandvoortI was able to attend last week's F1 race in Zandvoort thanks to an invitation from . Zandvoort has a race circuit from 1939 that was an off...
Hands-On With The Praesidus A-2 Bud & Diz
I just watched Band of Brothers and The Pacific again on HBO Max, two very impressive shows of 10 episodes each on World War II in Europe and Asia, respectively. Closer to home is the story of my grandfather, who received a navigator’s watch from an American pilot at the end of World War II. Unfortunately, that watch was lost somehow after it broke down and got put in a drawer. My father, however, remembered that it had a light-colored dial.Praesidus A-2 Bud Anderson editionMilitary-spec watchesWatching those series encouraged me to hunt for military watches again. There's the Dirty Dozen for the RAF, but the US military used A-11 watches, initially produced by Bulova, Elgin, and Walth...
Fratello's Top 5 Gentlemen's GMT Watches
Another Friday, another list! This week, we look at five gentlemen’s GMT watches that stand out because of their distinguished presence. These aren’t your typical GMT-Master-influenced timepieces. No, this is a list of the more classical-looking GMTs, multi-time-zone/traveler’s watches that fly a little more under the radar. So don’t expect any colorful rotating bezels with large numerals here! You probably have an idea of where we are going with this, so let’s get into it.Just allow me to make a few quick remarks before we unveil our five picks. We are not looking for classic worldtimers or dual-time watches with sub-dials. While those can offer quite a distin...
Hands-On: The Blue Spinnaker Dumas GMT
Conveniently, “spinnaker” is one of those words that is the same in English as in Dutch - and French and German, for that matter. That makes it easy to remember this watch brand’s name. And with a name like Spinnaker, chances are that the brand has a link to the aquatic world. Indeed, its portfolio confirms this as most of it consists of dive watches. For my first hands-on taste of Spinnaker, I had a chance to check out the Dumas GMT, a hefty timepiece based on the brand’s Dumas diver. I was happy to find out more about this colorful GMT with a design heavily inspired by the famous professional dive watches from the 1970s.To say the Spinnaker Dumas GMT dented the desk...
A Perfect Sequel: The New Biver Automatique Dials It Up
Our schedules were full at Geneva Watch Days 2024, but one of the most anticipated sessions was a late-afternoon meeting with Biver. We knew the young brand had a secret new release on the way, but details were scarce. The team, including Pierre Biver, showed us the new Biver Automatique line comprised of four references. Thankfully, we didn’t have to wait long for the embargo date.We were excited to meet with Biver. After all, the name is highly familiar to anyone who follows watches and the industry. Last April at Watches and Wonders, the Carillon Tourbillon debuted with fanfare. I liked it, but I enjoy more scaled-back pieces sans complications. So when we heard rumblings about a si...
Complicated Times Call For Complicated Watches
The 2024 edition of Geneva Watch Days was the hottest ever. Not only did the temperatures soar to unprecedented heights (30+ degrees Celsius), but more brands also showed their goods than ever before (52), and the number of visitors compared to last year increased by more than 70% (13,800). Some watch insiders expected an event held under a dark cloud due to slowing growth numbers. But the vibe was very good in the five-star hotels and air-conditioned brand boutiques around Lac Leman where the event took place. Yes, we live in complicated times, as the participants and visitors at “GWD” underlined. But these complicated times call for complicated watches. It's avant-garde, ground...