Grand Seiko SBGY007 "Omiwatari" The Best Dress Watch Of 2021?
Grand Seiko has become synonymous with its incredibly textured dials - but there’s more to the brand than that, of course. Meet the Grand Seiko SBGY007 from the Elegance Collection: a Spring Drive powered dress watch whose dial pays tribute to the frozen waters of Lake Suwa. During most winters, a long ridge appears in the ice from one side of the lake to the other. Legend has it that this is the Omiwatari', or where the Gods themselves walk over the ice. When Grand Seiko puts it like that, then you know it must be good. And based on what we’ve seen so far, it is.The dress watch stylings of this Grand Seiko Elegance Collection SBGY007 are unmistakable. The case dimensions also re...
Hands-On: RZE Valour Field 38
I have been a keen follower of RZE since its debut. I have previously reviewed a few other watches from the young microbrand, and each one left a positive impression. The RZE Valour Field 38 watch is no exception to that pattern. With that in mind, let me say something about this watch - it is not a game changer. Don’t expect it to redefine any aspect of the watch industry in 2022. But, similarly, don’t be disappointed by this as that’s not RZE’s intent with the Valour Field 38.RZE has always aimed to produce well-built titanium watches that can faithfully accompany their owners in their day-to-day lives. The brand tries to offer watch styles that suit everyone’...
Hands-On With The Retter 22
This is just an assumption, but I imagine that most watch people know of the “Holy Trinity” brands. Even if you are not into watches, you may have heard of Audemars Piguet, Vacheron Constantin, and Patek Philippe. They're popular brands talked about in rap songs and movies. Similarly, you may know of watches called the Royal Oak, the 222, or another one that sounds straight out of a Jules Verne novel, the Nautilus. To keep things simple, Retter, a new brand from the United States, mashed up the best parts of these models into one watch. This is the Retter 22.?I honestly didn't know what luxury sports watch and affordable luxury meant until I saw the 22 in the metal. What I mean i...
Coffee Corner Watch Talk: Vertex, Raymond Weil, G-Shock
Last week, I had a most pleasant encounter with an AquaLion. No, I'm not suffering from heatstroke. It wasn't a sea lion, but a mechanical diver's watch made by Vertex. And I also saw a Freelancer on a motorbike. Not an unusual sight, you say? Correct, but in this case, I'm talking about the Raymond Weil Limited Edition Freelancer Chronograph Bi-Compax Limited Edition. The brand just introduced two chronographs that are inspired by a motorbike customized by the artisans of Meister Engineering. Another piece of fine engineering is the new metal bracelet on three versions of the Casio G-Shock GM-B2100 CasiOak. Good stuff for a Monday-morning watch talk in the coffee corner.Vertex popped onto t...
The Oris Aquis Relief Pops Its Cherry Again!
The Oris Aquis debuted barely over a decade ago. Thanks to its charming good looks and mass appeal, the dive collection has quickly blossomed into the Swiss independent watchmaker's top performer. The Aquis has since spawned a myriad of executions. Last year, and not a moment too soon after entering its teens, this flagship diver popped its cherry. Having won many hearts, the Aquis Date Relief Cherry has grown in size, returning in a bigger and bolder 43.5mm build. For those who couldn't get their hands on (or wrists in) it, now it's your chance.Who would have thought that a dive watch with a sunburst red dial would cause such a stir? Well, it did. It was fire. Rob knew it as he rushed out t...
The Oris Wings Of Hope Limited Editions In Steel And Gold
Thomas here, resident Oris fan. I’m happy to announce another summer release from Oris and another two limited editions, this time in partnership with the humanitarian organization Wings of Hope. Wings of Hope is a nonprofit that uses small aircraft to provide medical support to vulnerable communities. The watches are in the newest style of Oris’s Big Crown line, naturally - pilot-inspired watches for an inspiring pilot organization. They use the formidable Calibre 401 as well. And we see another gold option from Oris, elevating an already classy design.Oris is honing its craft. Sure, the Calibre 400 and its variants speak to the brand’s technical developments. But I’...
Fortis Adds Blue Japan Edition To The Stratoliner Collection
If you're a regular reader here on the pages of Fratello, you're likely well aware of the Fortis Stratoliner. The new Stratoliner is a complete redesign and revamp of the old Stratoliner collection with the modern-day space traveler in mind. Not only that, but Fortis also sent the watch up to the stratosphere on a balloon last November to conduct real-time environmental testing on its new WERK-17 caliber (made by La Joux-Perret). No, the stratosphere is not actual space, but the next stage of the testing program will see Stratoliner watches launched into outer space on a sounding rocket.That's all pretty cool, right?! I was present at the Swedish Space Center along with Rob last year, and yo...
Two New Christopher Ward C63 Sealander Colorways
The Christopher Ward C63 Sealander collection was a game changer for small-wristed people. With case diameters not exceeding 40mm, the brand offers a wide range of complications, colors, and styles. From everyday automatic models to GMTs and chronometer-certified badass field watches. I reviewed a few Sealanders over the past two years and liked them all. In good Christopher Ward fashion, the brand just announced two additions to the ever-expanding Sealander family: the 36mm Automatic Mulberry Red and 39mm GMT Dragonfly Blue. And the icing on the cake: a brand new bracelet called the Consort (more on that at the end of the article.) The Base Models for The Two AdditionsTh...
Sign-Up For The Tokyo Speedy Tuesday 2023 Event
It has been a while, but we’re happy to announce the first Speedy Tuesday (ԩ`ǥ`ǩ`) event of 2023! It will be held in Tokyo, Japan, just like we did in 2019. On September 26, we will bring together the Speedmaster community once more with a fantastic event to celebrate all things Speedmaster. It’s the chance to gather with other passionate Speedmaster collectors, meet team members at Fratello and Omega, and get a hands-on look at Speedmaster highlights from the present and the past.You can now register for our Speedy Tuesday Event in Tokyo, Japan. It will be held on the 26th of September, so if you would like to join in on the action, make sure to sign up fast! Places will be...
Best Watches Under $3,000: Lex's Picks
Here's $3K, they said. Do with it what you want, they said. But you can only spend it on watches, they said. Pick three watches under $3,000 in the current collection and one “old” timepiece, be it vintage, neo-vintage, or relatively new but pre-owned. Challenge accepted! And you know what? Though it was called a challenge, it didn't take me all that long to come up with my three + one list.With the search for three + one watches under $3,000 fresh in mind, the first one I thought of was a watch that was once in my possession. I thought of my Nomos Club. It was a hand-wound watch with subtle color details on a shell cordovan leather strap. A lovely piece, but also not really my w...
Fratello On Air: Vintage Seiko And Speedy Bracelets
We’re back at Fratello On Air after a two-week break. Mike is moving to London and Balazs is busy with all sorts of Summer activities. But here we are and we’re ready to talk about vintage Seiko, buckles, and Speedy bracelets. We think today’s episode flows quite well and we hope that you enjoy the ride!...
My Goldilocks Omega Is Probably Not A Speedmaster
I have a confession I need to get off my chest. It’s been too long since I’ve carried around a guilty conscience, and you’ll let me have it in the comments if I deserve it. I am coming up to my second anniversary in a couple of monthstwo years of being a Fratello Editor without a Speedmaster. But, Moonwatch or not, I’m still looking at Omegas and might have found the one that fits me. Spoiler: It isn’t a sports watch or even a chronograph.Wearing a Speedmaster is not part of the Fratello contract, but I miss the #speedytuesday kinship, and it's not the first time I've written about this, either. Am I procrastinating for a reason, or am I just too picky? Maybe I...
Hands-On: Echo/Neutra Cortina 1956 Coppa D'Oro Delle Dolomiti
Today, I’m looking at a watch that pays tribute to the Coppa d’Oro car race. There are a few alternate hobbies and interests that seem to complement watch collecting. Perhaps none come as close as the fascination with cars. It’s the similarity that they are mechanical objects with the sole original purpose of being useful tools. A car takes you from A to B, and a watch tells you the time. However, automotive technology evolved over decades, and enthusiasts began to push their cars to their limits in speed or endurance; thus, car races were born. Watches still played their part as tools used to time these races and determine the victors.Formula 1 is perhaps the most famous i...
#TBT A Wonder-Packed Zodiac Autographic Ref. 666
According to an early ’50s print ad for the Zodiac Autographic ref. 666, “No motorist would buy a car without a petrol gauge.” It’s amusing but true, I can’t help but think it’s such a witty way to put a bug (or watch) in your mind.Zodiac stole my heart a few times in the past. My sunshine Zodiac Sea Wolf 1781W is one of the most vivid vintage watches I have ever encountered. If you are searching for a distinct and not-so-mainstream timepiece, get this orange and gray gem with a Bakelite bezel. I bet you won’t let it off your wrist for the entire summer. If you are a chrono lover, the Valjoux 72-powered Zodia-Chron Hermetic is another special piece, ...
New: MoonSwatch Mission To The Super Blue Moonphase
The news of the MoonSwatch Mission to the Super Blue Moonphase has been out for a couple of weeks. This latest addition to the MoonSwatch lineup is the third of the Mission to the Moonphase models. It will be available until the full blue moon on August 19th. With this short sales window, Swatch is trying to draw people to its stores for this new product. Will it work? We’ll have to wait to find out. But for now, we can say that the Mission to the Super Blue Moonphase looks like a very nice new MoonSwatch indeed.It’s been roughly a month and a half since Swatch announced three new regular MoonSwatch Mission on Earth models. I loved the Lava and Polar Lights editions because the c...
Introducing: The Seiko Prospex SPB473 Limited Edition
Today, Seiko introduces a limited edition of a recently updated watch. This is the new Prospex SPB473, which has the specifications of the old, beloved SPB143. This version dials up the summer vibes with a bright faded dial inspired by the Greek island of Zakynthos. There is plenty to unpack, so let's dive in!The new Seiko Prospex SPB473(J1) is limited to 1,000 pieces for the European market only. It has a price of $1,500.Seiko SPB473 - A farewell edition?Last March, Seiko announced the SPB453. This new diver took the very popular SPB143 and refined it with a new caliber, subtler proportions, greater water resistance, and a less conspicuous date. Although Seiko didn’t tout it as an off...
Fratello Talks: Our Favorite Affordable Watches Vol. 1
Hello, and welcome! You’re listening to Fratello Talks. This week’s episode features RJ, Daan, and Nacho, three members of the Fratello team who join forces to wax poetic about some of their favorite affordable watches. This is the first volume of what will almost certainly become a recurring topic for the podcast. There are simply too many great watches with reasonable prices to cover them all in one episode. But over the next 26 minutes and nine seconds, you’ll hear all about a handful of them, with the primary focus placed on three. These are the same watches you’ll find on the guys’ wrists this week. So, without further ado, let’s jump into a wrist che...
Lemania 5100
I decided I really have to save up for a Lemania 5100 driven watch ?? 2004 is probably the last year of production (introduced in 1978), and this movement is really worth the ‘investment’.This chronograph movement is very sturdy and reliable and was/is used in Omega Speedmaster models, Sinn, Tutima, Bell & Ross and even in Alain Silberstein’s watches. Except for the last one, all are very functional ‘tool’ watches so to speak.I think I want something like this, or a vintage Omega Speedmaster Automatic ST176.0012:Sinn 142ST...
Fratello's Give Away: Di Modell Rallye Wapro Strap
To continue the give aways here at Fratellowatches, I present to you the Di Modell Rallye Wapro strap, offered to you by our sponsor UK Watch Strap. Di Modell, famous for their high quality straps from Germany, are also seen on Sinn? Spezialuhren for example.The Di Modell Rallye strap is a classic ‘racing driver’ strap, like the one on the recently introduced TAG Heuer Monaco ’55’ Porsche Club of America edition, limited to 55 pieces (read about it here). It is a padded black calf leather sports watch strap, with sporty looking perforated design. It will make your Speedmaster, Monaco or even vintage Submariner look amazing!(The strap above is not a Di Modell strap, s...
Keeping time with the Barrington watch winder
Watch collectors buy watch winders for different reasons. Some use them to keep the other watch(es) on time, some?just like the looks of it or buy one?because they can.?For me personally it was the lack of quick-set in my vintage watches.?When my interest in watches shifted to vintage timepieces this became a bit of a?problem for me. Changing the date to the correct setting required me to change the time 24 hours for every day the date would be off.Watch winders come in all kinds of variations and combinations. Even safe builders like Stockinger offer a custom number of winders built into their bespoke watch vaults. For those interested in a?single winder, we found these Barrington single wi...