Wearing The Omega Speedmaster Alaska Project LE
Why wait until Tuesday if you can wear an Omega Speedmaster Alaska Project on Monday? I took a peek inside RJ's Speedy Vault and stared into the frosty face of what I think is the coolest Speedy of all time, the 2008 limited-edition Alaska Project. Okay, the original, 1970 Alaska Project II prototypes are even frostier, but those live in the unreachable realm of mythical watches. The 1,970 Alaska Project Speedmaster models may be hard to get nowadays, but they're still (somewhat) within reach.If you want to know all there is to know about the Omega Speedmaster Alaska Project you see on my wrist, please read the article The Original Alaska II and the 2008 Re-Edition. Today, I will keep it per...
Vacheron Constantin's Full Pink Gold Overseas Self-Winding 35mm
During the Watches and Wonders event earlier this year, Vacheron Constantin unveiled new 34.5mm and 35mm case diameters for its famed Overseas Self-Winding collection. The lineup features steel and pink gold models for the 34.5mm size and gem-set pink gold models for the 35mm size. In welcoming American artist Zaria Forman into its circle of One of Not Many talents, the brand is extending the Overseas Self-Winding 35mm collection with a pink gold model adorned with diamonds and a matching dial.Women's spending power is the story of the season. Billion-dollar grosses from the likes of the Barbie movie as well as the Beyonce and Taylor Swift tours are making headlines not just in entertainment...
Why Are Watch Brands' Most Expensive Offerings Less Desirable?
Watch brands’ most expensive offerings are often awe-inspiring pieces, whether visually stunning, technically mesmerizing, or both. But at Fratello, we have found that they are usually more of a cognitive tour de force than actually desirable. I admire a ceramic open-worked Royal Oak with a flying tourbillon, sure. But if I had AP money, I would get 37mm Royal Oak in steel with a blue dial. What's up with that?I have found the above to be true for many aficionados and collectors, from novice to seasoned. For some reason, the most expensive offerings aren't usually the most attractive to us. It is a topic worth exploring, and I am looking forward to reading your opinions in the comments...
New: Seiko Prospex Speedtimer GPS Solar Dual-Time Chronos
Do you want to hunt with the hounds and run with the hare? In that case, Seiko has got you covered. What? Is that too cryptic for you? If you want an ultra-precise quartz watch that connects to GPS satellites circling the globe and takes its energy from light but looks like a traditional, mechanical chronograph, Seiko has something for you. The Japanese mega-brand presents three Prospex Speedtimer GPS Solar Dual-Time Chronograph models with traditional looks and a high-tech powerplant, the caliber 5X83 you would normally find in the brand's Astron collection. Yes, this is your lucky day.Putting modern tech in a watch with a traditional and trusted look might sound good. What if I tell you th...
Three Weeks With Tudor's Black Bay 54
Tudor’s release of the Black Bay 54 in 2023 underlined the ongoing trend of smaller watches. In this feature, I consider what it’s like to live with Tudor’s Black Bay 54. This is less about specs and more about the vibe. Read on.While I appreciate a chunky tool watch as much as the next person, smaller watches just feel better on my wrist. You see, I have quite small wrists, each measuring around six inches in circumference. Thankfully, though, this has been a real advantage for me when collecting watches. For one, I have been able to thoroughly enjoy 34mm cases, which has opened up a wonderful world of vintage and neo-vintage watch options.My perfect case diameter starts w...
New Seiko Speedtimer SRQ051 And SRQ053 Chronographs
Seiko’s Prospex range is rapidly growing and not just with dive watches. After last week’s introduction of the new Marinemasters, we are now treated to two Speedtimer chronographs. The new SRQ051 and SRQ053 might look familiar. That’s because, last November, we saw two Speedtimer models inspired by the same 1972 Seiko chronograph as these watches. The first (SRQ047) came with an ever-popular panda dial, and the second (SRQ049) was a limited edition with a reverse panda dial. Today’s two new additions also have reverse panda dials. It’s time to check out what differentiates them from last year’s SRQ049.Those two watches from last November marked the start o...
Watches & Pencils #19 Epic watch hands
Watch HandsMost of the evergreen watches evolve through time. Development of colors, watch hands, fonts, proportions and sizes. Often small changes, making the watch to morph from one to another reference(number). We could even say that multi-generation watches evolve?through time like we do. They try to adapt to our taste and needs and improve themselves. For example, optimize their legibility or add a new function. Instead of discussing several models in total I would like to zoom in. This time on hands. Let's take a loupe and zoom in on some iconic pointers!Lightning HandThe Milgauss has a rich history starting from the early 1960's (ref. 6541). It is the icon in terms of anti-magnetism ...
Speedy Tuesday Astronaut's Knife from survival to toolbox
Knives have always been present in manned space flight, mainly as a survival tool. Although this subject is not very well documented, it is interesting to understand why knives were taken into space and to see what these knives look like.??Astronaut-gear is interesting. It has strong appeal, especially to men. It looks cool, must be built to exceptional expectations and it is used in high-risk or even dangerous situations; it is pure heroic stuff. The looks of space-items automatically attract attention. Think about space suits, bags, vehicles, instruments, pens and other utensils. The Moonwatch is extra interesting because it is a NASA qualified instrument that has been on the moon and in S...
Launch of the Longines Conquest VHP GMT Flash Setting in Rome
Last weekend we joined Longines to the capital of Italy for the launch of their latest watch. After the launch of the Longines Conquest VHP last year they have been working on a cool GMT version which has some nifty features. So without further ado let’s have a look at the presentation in Rome of the Longines Conquest VHP GMT Flash Setting.Conquest VHP GMT LaunchAfter all guests had gathered at the ‘La Lanterna‘, the man himself, Walter von K?nel (president of Longines) with?Juan-Carlos Capelli (Vice-President and Head of International Marketing) at his side?presented the addition to the V.H.P. line. Proudly presenting the Longines Conquest VHP GMT Flash Setting. As this ne...
#TBT Vintage Watches (Wish)List For September
Today we have a trio of watches: an Alien watch with a crazy faceted crystal, an unreal spider web watch from a brand you've never heard of before and a marine miracle and fascinating colorful dial.Question of the week. Ehm, life.One of the biggest riddles in a watch collector's life is to figure out the right number of vintage watches to have in one's collection. I can assure you there are a lot of approaches, opinions and recommendations on this topic. Rather than trying to solve the question for you, we will add some vintage inspiration that might reignite your collector's spirit.Technos Kaiser SignalDid you like our recent #TBT on the flashing red dot Mondia TopSecond? While browsing dea...
Panerai Submersible Marina Militare Consubin Experience
This report is about the kick-off of Panerai’s new approach to Limited Editions, the Panerai Comsubin Experience. Panerai now offers buyers a unique experience when they purchase one of their special and highly limited models. This year, at SIHH 2019, we saw three different models offered, each including an exceptional package.We explained this already briefly in our article on an interview with Mike Horn; these three special editions are linked to two Panerai ambassadors and Panerai's history employing the Italian Navy or Marina Militare. Concerned models are the Submersible Chrono Guillaume Nery Edition (PAM983, 15 pieces), the Submersible Mike Horn Edition (PAM985, 19 pieces), and t...
This Week in Watches: September 12, 2020 Olio Edition
Welcome to This Week in Watches for September 12, 2020 the olio edition. Olio is one of those crossword answers that refers to a collection of things. Boy, do we have a mix today!Before we dive into the olio, I thought I’d take a brief moment. Yesterday was the 19th anniversary of the September 11th attacks. In some ways, that awful day feels like yesterday. Many of us recall where we were when we first got news of these terrible events. Some of us have a personal connection to those who were lost or to those who aided in the rescues or ensuing repairs. It was a terrible day, but by and large, people came together and emerged once again. Never forget…and I’d say it’s ...
Opinion On The New Submariner From A Sub Owner
The new Submariner lineup hobbled the internet the other week. Now that the dust has settled to some degree, I thought I’d weigh in with my thoughts.Love it or hate it, you can’t deny that news is big news. And there’s probably no bigger topic in the watch world than a new Submariner. If we were talking cars, this is akin to a new Porsche 911, a new Corvette, or perhaps a 4-series BMW. By the way, for as awful as 2020 has been, we’ve gotten new editions of those icons too! But back to watches because as the owner of what I personally think is the last “classic” Submariner in the 14060M, I always ask myself one question when a new one comes to light. Would...
Summer Splash WILD CARD R2: Seiko, Doxa, Squale (2021)
Here we have the second of three Summer Splash Wild Card rounds for your voting pleasure. It’s been a blast combing through your selections. You will notice that I lifted every single suggestion I could find (apologies if I missed any - given my track record throughout this contest, it is highly likely I’ve screwed up somewhere). You may be surprised to see your name or selection on this list, but you shouldn’t be! We read and consider every comment left on our articles and we’re doing our best to get back to all of you in due course. Thanks for your continued engagement. Now I turn things over to you to select your top two in this round…The top two will go thro...
Podcast: Straum Discusses The Life Of A Small Independent (2021)
Today on the Fratello on Air, Rob is joined by the boys from Straum watch company, way up in Norway. This emerging brand is the result of five years’ hard work, a huge personal investment of time and money, and the inspiration offered by Norway’s myths, legends, and landscape. The brand’s Oppav model ranks near the top of several Fratello team members’ wish lists so we thought it’d be a good idea to get the lads on the show to find out more....
The $100 Vintage Tissot Seastar Navigator Restoration Project (2021)
Put yourself in my shoes. You're a young guy, who until not long ago didn't even have a salary. One foot is still firmly planted in the student life, and the other is about to touch down into responsible adulthood. At some point or another, we have all found ourselves in this limbo stage in life. One thing is clear though, you can love watches as much as you want, but those three to four-figure prices are definitely not easily reached. As I make my way through the watches in my collection, you will quickly find that more often than not, they are vintage watches that were bought for a fraction of what their price should be - such as this Tissot Seastar Navigator. Never in the best condition, ...
Fratello Collector's Week 2.0 Back By Popular Demand
Time has passed, the seasons have changed, and though it has not yet been a full year, Fratello Collector’s Week is back! You might remember that in the early days of February this year, we celebrated our very first Fratello Collector’s Week (FCW). The response from the Fratelli was overwhelming. The vast majority of you wholeheartedly enjoyed following along with our editors’ collecting journeys, hearing their advice, and learning from their mistakes. With that in mind, we decided to celebrate collectors once again this year. So today, we kick off Fratello Collector’s Week 2.0 - one more week all about collectors and collecting - with stories and advice from a handfu...
Hands-On: The New Orator Sportsman Prototype
Any vintage-watch nerd remembers the Orator Sportsman. I guess it’s partially because of the vigorous “diamonds” bezel that would make it a perfect watch not only for divers but poker players too.When I shortlisted it among the top 7 vintage watch bezels that would never be made today, I had no idea it was in the making already. Technically, it’s done today, but it is “just” a reinterpretation of the famous predecessor. When I got a message a few months ago from Christian Schmitt, one of the brand’s refounders who decided to raise Orator from the ashes, I was instantly in. Christian sent me prototypes for both versions of the revived Orator Sportsman...
Coffee Corner Watch Talk: Business Edition
Face it, summer's over, and it’s time to get back to business. And what better way to restart your work rhythm than with Fratello’s Coffee Corner Watch Talk: Business Edition? It’s Monday morning, and we're ready to crunch some numbers and have a look at the world's watch market. On top of that, there are two different Air-King references to talk about - one to wear and one to have. So grab a coffee, have a read, and also have a look.According to Mercury Project, a Swiss-based consulting company focusing on the watch and jewelry retail industry, the first half of 2022 has been a superb watch year. Groups like LVMH (Bvlgari, Zenith, TAG Heuer, Hublot), Richemont (Cartier, I...
Citizen Promaster Mechanical Diver 200M Comes To Europe
Fresh off the boat is the Citizen Promaster Mechanical Diver 200M in two variants. This debut series of NB6021 models is the revival of a 45-year-old mechanical dive watch in the Japanese giant's archives. The modern interpretation focuses on technical updates while preserving the look of the original design. The retro-inspired Promaster Mechanical Diver is crafted in Citizen's proprietary Super Titanium, and it comes in both blue and black versions.Citizen says it has kept the new model’s design entirely faithful to that of the 1977 Challenge Diver. Of course, not many of us can travel to the company's museum in Tokyo to see for ourselves. Luckily, our resident vintage-collector extra...