Fratello Talks: How Useful Are GMT Watches?
Hello, and welcome to this week’s episode of Fratello Talks. This week, we ask ourselves: how useful are GMT watches? Lex, Morgan, and Nacho join forces to take an honest look at this most popular of complications and how useful it truly is in real life. They also share some personal experiences with GMT watches, explain the difference between flyer and caller GMTs, and talk about their favorite multi-time-zone watches they’ve owned. But before we get into it, you know what time it is… It’s time for a wrist check....
Breitling Introduces The Navitimer 36 And 32
Breitling, a staple in Swiss horology since 1884, is making waves yet again, this time with 20 new references. The private-equity-owned brand is introducing two new sizes to its iconic Navitimer collection. Adorned with radiant mother-of-pearl dials, lab-grown diamonds, and traceable 18K red gold, the Navitimer 36 and 32 are making a grand entrance. Boosting their presence is the star power of none other than Oscar-winning actor Charlize Theron.A quick throwbackIntroduced in 1952, the Navitimer wasn’t merely a pretty face framed by its trademark “beaded” bezel. It was initially designed as a tool watch for aviators and featured a circular slide rule for navigational calcula...
Hands-On With The Urwerk EMC SR-71
I have never mastered packing light, which bit me during Geneva Watch Days 2024. I carried a relatively heavy backpack with camera gear, a video kit, and a daily swag collection. That’s not normally an issue, but the heat and humidity in Geneva were no joke. Then, my colleague Dave Sergeant took me on a very scenic route to the top of the old town to see the new Urwerk EMX SR-71. Thankfully, it was worth the trip.People moan and complain about the abysmal weather in the UK, but when I think about my time in Germany or the very recent visit to Geneva, I’ll take the odd 17 day in August over the pounding heat in mainland Europe. Still, Dave, a UK citizen, was destined and determin...
The Best Watches Under $10K: Nacho's Picks
The time has come to wrap up our Best Watches Under $10K series, and I have the privilege of closing out this latest run. Doubling the budget from $5K unlocks a wealth of possibilities, and today, I’ll be looking to exploit those, even if it does call for a bit of finessing. Still, while I settled for three watches with our previous price points, I’ve managed to assemble five picks this time. And looking back at them now, it’s a slightly dissonant group of brilliant watches that come together to form a collection I’d be happy to own.Now, $10K is a respectable sum to most of us. It’s certainly more than I’ve ever spent on a single watch. So it’s worth...
Bell & Ross Vintage BR 123 GMT 24H Review
Bell & Ross is not only producing the rectangular aviation watches, but also has a fine collection of other models like the vintage series and the WW1 and WW2 collection (covered here and here). For me personally, the Vintage BR collection is very attractive as they offer very clean round watches at an interesting price point. Today, I will show you the Bell & Ross Vintage BR 123 GMT 24H that Bell & Ross sent us just before the holidays.Bell & Ross Vintage BR 123 GMT 24HDuring a diner with Bell & Ross not too long ago, they showed me a number of new models that were either just released or about to be released. One of the watches that drew my attention was this Bell &...
Speedy Tuesday the Omega GSotM (Grey Side of the Moon)
When I receive a watch for review, I always ask friends and colleagues their opinion about the watch. It's always good to ask watch lovers as well as casual observers for their thoughts because the latter, who are often difficult to impress, really let on when the watch is something special. I've reviewed some fantastic watches thus far, both new and old, but never before have I reviewed a watch that turned heads like the piece I'll discuss today. The Omega Speedmaster Grey Side of the Moon, or GSotM, stopped all comers in their tracks and you'll see what I mean when I say all.The Omega GSotM…is ceramic here to stay?Tantalum, aluminum, titanium, brass, PVD and ceramic; these are all se...
#TBT Bulova Oceanographer Snorkel 666 a Rare Vintage Bargain
It's increasingly difficult to find a deal in today's hot vintage watch market, but I think I have a great suggestion for you in the Bulova Oceanographer Snorkel 666. No, we're not talking about a chronograph this week, but, instead, that other species of sports watch that captures loads of interest: the diver. So, with that, it's #TBT time and let's talk some Bulova.Vintage Divers are Slowly Coming BackThe chronograph may be the current king of the marketplace (and we covered a striking vintage Bulova chronograph here), but it wasn't always so. It feels like dive watches were especially popular prior to the run up in chrono prices over the last 4-5 years and things have been quieter since t...
In Detail Breitling Superocean Heritage II 42
We can’t wait to see what new Breitling CEO Georges Kern will make of Breitling. A brand that was in the need for a new direction for quite a while, in my opinion. It has such a rich and interesting heritage, that doesn’t stop at the famous Navitimer. Let’s see what will happen over the next few years, if designs and collections will drastically change.For now, I picked a watch that was introduced to us in BaselWorld: the Breitling Superocean Heritage II 42. A no-nonsense three-hands watch that grabs back to the past. The new Breitling Superocean Heritage II 42 is using the B20 movement, based on the Tudor MT5612. Let’s have a closer look.Breitling Superocean Heritage...
Your Speedmaster Story A Christmas Gift, Jim Lovell, And A Doctors Watch
A few weeks ago, we asked you to share your Speedmaster story with us, and with the Speedmaster community. Besides admiring other people’s Speedmaster watches, it’s the stories that make the watches truly special.The cool thing about Speedmasters is that there’s often a very nice story behind the reason for buying them. People tend to purchase Speedmasters for a specific and special reason. These vary. For example, maybe you joined the Speedy club because of your connection or association with the space program? Perhaps your first Speedy was a gift, an heirloom, or a blind trade? We are interested in hearing and reading these stories. And we bet you are too! For this week&#...
Frederique Constant Highlife 2020 Collection with integrated bracelet.
After more than 20 years, Frederique Constant found a perfect moment to resurrect its Highlife model. Watches with integrated bracelets are hot, and it was precisely this type of timepiece that was lacking in Frederique Constant’s line-up. But not anymore, meet the new Highlife!Here at Fratello, we’ve been Frederique Constant enthusiasts like forever. That already resulted in a Fratello-exclusive version of the Moonphase Manufacture, which you’ll find in our shop as well. After we had the possibility to lay our hands on the brands latest offspring last week, we are now happy to introduce you to the:Frederique Constant Highlife 2020 CollectionFaithful to the original collect...
The Top Watches with Integrated Bracelets
Integrated bracelets have been in vogue for several years and most brands now offer a choice in this highly competitive arena. We’re here to take a look at the contenders.The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak and Patek Philippe Nautilus are popular icons. Aside from the fact that both are 1970’s Genta concepts, they also share a major design trait. Namely, they feature integrated bracelets. This look seems to fit the current trend of what has become an ever-widening grey zone between dressy and sporty. And so it makes sense that these watches are blazing hot today and nearly impossible to source. But what’s a person to do if they’re not on a first name basis with their local ...
Two New Seiko 140th Anniversary Ginza-Inspired Watches (2021)
When Seiko celebrates an anniversary it's “go big or go home.” Whether it's that of a product line, or of the brand, you know to expect something pretty special when a 10-year mark is hit. You might think that the 140th is just ten years shy of a big one, and that perhaps it doesn't merit a proper celebration. Well, if you do think that, good for you, but Seiko begs to differ. In the end, we all come out winners and Seiko gets to launch two new watches for us to have a look at and enjoy.That's right! A whole two new watches. I told you that Seiko doesn't skimp on the celebrations. These two might look familiar, and you definitely have met before, it may just be hard to recognize ...
Wrist Game Or Crying Shame: Fortis Official Cosmonauts Chronograph
Hello spacefarers, are you ready for another mission of Wrist Game or Crying Shame? Today’s campaign will focus on that other space-related watch, the Fortis Official Cosmonauts Chronograph. Before we head to the launchpad…Last week was a tragedy. I tried my best to give you something special and you dismissed it with glee. Despite healthy specs, the Zodiac Super Sea Wolf sunk to the ocean floor like a lead weight! Just 40% of you wanted to accompany me on an aquatic adventure with this leviathan. This week, we head to the stars with the Fortis Official Cosmonauts Chronograph. As I am wont to do, this piece comes with a twist just to ensure I make things a little challenging. Are...
??Two New Grand Seiko Dive Watches: SBGH289 and SBGH291 (2021)
Just like that, Grand Seiko introduces two new professional divers watches. The Grand Seiko SBGH289, in steel with a blue dial, and the SBGH291, in High-Intensity titanium with a black dial. Both watches aren’t powered by Grand Seiko’s Spring Drive movement, but rather by its mechanical hi-beat caliber 9S85 movement.Divers watches have been a hot ticket item for many years, even to those who don’t dive (like me). It’s often about the aesthetics of the watch, but also about the technical characteristics of these pieces. They can take a little bit of abuse, you don’t have to worry about water or moisture, and often come with a useful rotating bezel (I often use th...
Hands-On With The Ulysse Nardin Diver X Skeleton LE (2021)
Time for a treasure hunt. And, as you would expect, X marks the spot. The treasure you're seeking is the Ulysse Nardin Diver X Skeleton LE. There are only 175 pieces of this watch around waiting to be discovered. The reward is a provocative and polarizing watch. A watch that helps you to get in touch with your inner buccaneer because of its outrageous styling without compromise. Ulysse Nardin has been about adventure, discovery, and marine chronometers since 1846. And this latest creation revives that adventurous spirit in a futuristic fashion.The Diver X Skeleton looks to be the result of a Ulysse Nardin Diver and a Blast from the Executive Skeleton, slamming into one another. That's exactl...
Top 5 Pulsometer Watches: Longines, BOLDR, And More (2021)
Often referred to as a “doctor’s watch,” a pulsometer chronograph is a handy tool that makes checking one’s heart rate a breeze. Don’t worry, though. Despite the nickname, you don’t need to have a Ph.D. to use one. As one of the most straightforward chronograph scales out there, all it takes is a bit of curiosity, and, well, access to one. Thankfully, whether you’re a medical professional, a cardio-loving athlete, or a chronograph nut on the prowl for something different, there is a pulsometer watch out there for you.Today, I’m bringing you my top five picks for the best pulsometer chronographs on the market. If you’d like a refresher on ...
Hands-On With The Yonger Bresson Le Singulier Trio (2021)
Designed in partnership with the expressive Franck Muller Design Team, assembled in the French Jura mountains, powered by a? Japanese Miyota. This entry-level mechanical skeleton watch goes on Kickstarter for a?bargain price. I was never a fan of skeleton watches. But the universe conspired and a skeleton watch happened to drop into my hands. Now, I can't help but feel that all watches in the world should have see-through dials. Laying your eyes on a swinging rotor or the rapidly ticking escapement in the case of the Yonger Bresson Le Singulier, is truly magical.Yonger BressonI tipped my hat to the Yonger Bresson Le Singulier as soon as it hit my mailbox, as we do not see the skeleton concep...
Apple Watch Ultra A Blessing Or A Curse?
Yesterday, Apple introduced the Apple Watch Ultra, the company’s biggest and best watch thus far. According to Apple, it's the ultimate sports watch. The Apple Watch Ultra is also the most expensive in the range with a retail price of $799 (or $999).The price, quality, and usability of the Apple Watch Ultra put it in a slightly different perspective than the regular Apple Watch. What does this mean for the watch industry and the watch-buying public? Let’s look at the Apple Watch Ultra first, then try to break that down.Apple Watch UltraChances are that you've seen the Apple Watch Ultra announcement. If not, in a nutshell, this new 49mm model has a titanium casing with a sapphire ...
#TBT The Gallet Multichron Officer Is A Truly Rare Specimen
I know it sounds a bit haughty, but with hundreds of watches rotating on my wrist, it has to be something different to leave an extraordinary impression. The Gallet Multichron Officer truly did.If you are humble, attentive, and curious enough, any watch can leave an impression. I believe that our eclectic and rich #TBT selection in the last few years only confirms that.The great selectionI wore daring and extravagant pieces. I wore timepieces with fascinating complications. I’m not too far off when I say that I’ve probably tried about 400 watches in the last three or four years. I wore iconic pieces that everybody wants to have in their collections. And with the same joy, I wore ...
?Geneva Watch Days 2022: The Ones That Got Away
This week for us has been marked by slow digestion of the barrage of news from Geneva Watch Days. What started as an impromptu phygital event incited by Bvlgari CEO Jean-Christophe Babin two years ago has proven to be a stayer and, what's more, a proper contender in its third year. Watches And Wonders might be large, but for independent cool, nothing beats GWD.Even with our extensive coverage at Geneva Watch Days, the ones that got away include some pretty out-there pieces. As we only had a couple of frenzied days in Geneva together with what seems like four months’ worth of press releases, we missed a few. Sifting through the compressed news, a few weird and wonderful watches emerged ...