#TBT Wyler Lifeguard Chronograph
Innovation is an oft-used word. Companies use it when talking about new technology or new ideas and while innovation allows us to progress, we're constantly reminded of the fact that innovation often doesn't work or can take some time to develop into something user friendly and effective. Consumer electronics, especially in former times, were classic examples of this and I can remember how bad my first MP3 player was in its functionality and user interface but these items have obviously improved. After a few discussions and some online research, I have yet to decide whether the innovations found in today's #TBT subject were truly positive or not, but they are discussion worthy and, best of a...
Habring2 Chrono-Felix Introduced
With an annual production of just 200 watches, the Austrian based?Habring2 is a small but very respected player in the watch industry. Owners Maria and Richard take a lot of pride in what they do, and this?Habring2 Chrono-Felix is showcasing just that.Let’s have a first look at the new mono-pusher chronograph with calibre A11C-H1 movement.Habring2 Chrono-FelixAfter spending three years on developing their calibre A11 movement,?Habring2 ensured that they are completely independent of?any of the industrial movement manufacturers on the market. This new calibre A11C-H1 is their latest addition to the A11 family and has been fitted in the Chrono-Felix chronograph watch.Silvery-White DialIn...
Hamilton X-Wind Limited Edition Hands On Review
On May 15th 1918, the first airmail service flight took place between Washington and New York. This flight officially established the airmail service in the United States. Mail service was contractual between the postal service and the operators of whatever means of transportations the post used. Whether it was railway or steamboat, the owners of these companies signed a contract to carry the mail. The US, however, had no commercial airlines at the time, so the airmail service was carried out by air force pilots (Major Reuben Fleet of the Army Air Corps and Lieutenant George Boyle) and planes. That first airmail service flight delivered 4 bags of mail including a letter from the Postmaster o...
VIITA Watches: TITAN HRV with ceramic, sapphire crystal and 10 ATM water resistance
Austrian smartwatch manufacturer launches Kickstarter campaignVIITA Watches is a Microbrand from Austria that makes smartwatches with the qualities of a classic watch.In addition to the noble design, the unique algorithm, the outstanding workmanship and the premium materials used set VIITA Watches apart from other smartwatch manufacturers.Titanium, ceramics, sapphire crystal and 10 ATMWith its new model, TITAN HRV, the Austrian company sets high standards in the smartwatch industry. Featuring a 1st grade titanium (aviation standard) body, a bezel out of zirconia ceramic Zr02, a sapphire crystal touch screen and 10 ATM water resistance, the TITAN HRV has everything what counts for a watch ent...
Introducing a New Omega Seamaster 300M Diver '007'
On Her Majesty’s Secret Service is the 10th novel in the James Bond series and the 6th movie about the British spy. For this 1969 movie, George Lazenby played 007 and faced Blofeld (again).To commemorate the 50th anniversary of the On Her Majesty’s Secret Service film, Omega introduces a special version of the Seamaster 300M Diver. This limited edition is based on last year’s introduced Seamaster 300M model that has a long history with Bond. Since 1995, Omega has its relationship with James Bond, with the Seamaster 300M 2541.80 (quartz) and 2531.80 (automatic) references on the wrist of Pierce Brosnan as Bond. Even though in recent movies Bond was wearing a Seamaster Aqua T...
New York City Speedy Tuesday Event Report
Last week we held our 6th Speedy Tuesday Event this year, this time in the city that never sleeps: New York.Different from the previous editions were the topics we had for the guests of the New York City Speedy Tuesday event. We added the platinum Speedmaster with caliber 321 to the presentation given by Omega’s VP Head of Product Management Gregory Kissling, but we also talked about a watch we haven’t touched before during the events: the Speedmaster X-33.We thought it would be an interesting topic, as the special guest of the New York City Speedmaster Tuesday Event happened to be astronaut Terry Virts. He is a former Space Shuttle astronaut and International Space Station comma...
Hands-On With The Jaquet Droz Grande Seconde Quantime
And now for something (not so) completely different. This is what came to mind when we found two watches from Jaquet Droz on our desk recently. Not so much different because of the looks, but more from realizing we haven't covered this brand a lot until now. But it's never too late. So we had a proper look at the Jaquet Droz Grande Seconde Quantieme in two versions.Seeing these in the (precious) metal reminds me of the time I visited the brand in La Chaux-de-Fonds in Switzerland. During this trip we got an insight into the history of the brand which dates back to? the mid 1700s. Back in the day, JD was known for creating timepieces and automatons. Both of which this brand is known for today....
Hands-On With The Eza Sealander In Bronze
It's already been a couple of years since the people behind Eza Watches first visited our headquarters in The Hague. This was shortly before the launch of the brand’s inaugural model, the Eza Sealander some four years ago.We've stayed in touch ever since and enjoy an occasional beer with watch talk whenever they’re in the area. Where they would have visited again to show us their new Eza Sealander Bronze, this time it was shipped to us due to the ongoing situation.Eza Sealander BronzeFrom the start we were rather enthusiastic about the revival of the Eza brand. And from the looks of it, so are people in the watch community. By saying that, this micro brand has been around for fou...
Karina's Top 4 Women's Watches under $1000 Fratello Watches
As a watch enthusiast, watches have always been my weakness. Indeed, my Omega collection could map the story of my adult life. Well, you're probably wondering if Omega was, in fact, the choice of my adolescence. Well, yes and no. I wore Baby-G to my primary and secondary school. As a student, I couldn't afford a crazily expensive timepiece so I happily made do with my first Constellation that I got when I was a kid. At that time, despite my love for Constellation, I wasn't even thinking that watches could actually become “a thing” for me. As you can imagine, there was not a single article to be found on The Top “X” Women’s Watches under $1,000. Also the discussi...
#TBT Top 5 Peculiar Watch Inventions That Never Caught On
Nothing makes my day as much as discovering horological anomalies. Anything that requires me to mine through forums, archives, and the minds of experts thrills me. The sense of adventure is real! And many of them are so fascinating that it's hard to pick just a few of them! Today, we’ll look at an unusual crown system and watch case, a witty strap, and off-beat bezel lock systems.Some of these historic enhancements never caught on and that's why you may never have heard of them before. Many of them were cumbersome or impractical. As that was the opposite of what they were designed for, they were shelved. At the end of the day, they only gave watch owners headaches and so they ended up ...
Ulysse Nardin Diver Lemon Shark Hands-On Review (2021)
After being quite impressed by the Ulysse Nardin Diver Lemon Shark when it first came out back in June, I was excited to get hands-on with it. I wasn't sure what to expect. It was cool, but I didn't instantly love it. There had been a bit of concern among the community that no matter how good the watch might look, it could never live up to its price tag thanks to the movement powering it inside, but more on that later. Despite this, I was looking forward to experiencing the Ulysse Nardin Diver Lemon Shark for what it was.I finally got my chance to handle the watch back at the start of August at Fratello HQ. Having hopped on a plane and gotten to The Hague, I had to hot step it over to get a ...
The Seven Watches With The Most Spectacular Lume Dials (2021)
Let there be light! Lume is often referred to because of its functional properties. But there is something magical about it. Not too long ago, I was researching the best Heuer/TAG Heuer watches from the 1980s. During that quest, I was reminded of the brilliance of the brand’s full lume dial diving watches from the 1980s. On top of that, our Fratello master of lume Lex wears his Chronoswiss Timemaster with a full lume dial regularly. It triggered me to find out more about the brilliance of lume dials and put the spotlight on some of the best lume watches. Fiat lux!At first, the idea was to select the best full lume dial watches from the past and the present. But during the research for ...
Dave's ??Top Daily Beater Watches Under $1,000 (2021)
The concept of a beater watch can mean different things to different people, but I think we can all agree that the essential part of the brief means that the watch has to handle the rough and tumble of everyday life. We often get asked about the top beater watches at specific price points and, while we have our own opinions, it’s very subjective.However, it can be interesting to learn about each others’ recommendations as sometimes you can learn about a real gem that you may never have heard about before. I hope that you might find something new and interesting on this list! So, without further ado…Doxa Sub 200 Whitepearl - From $950Doxa is a well-known and well-documented ...
Hands-On: Formex Reef GMT
I recently wrote about watch specifications being overrated. The Formex Reef GMT is possibly the worst watch for me to review immediately after writing that article. Why? Because Formex seems to have filled out a fantastical dream spec list and then built the watch to fulfill it. If you like playing wristwatch Top Trumps, this watch might be just right for you. But rest assured, there is more to this one than just the numbers.Formex has flown under my radar for some time. It’s one of those brands I was aware of but never really looked into. I decided it was time to change that, so I requested two watches for long-term reviews and spent some real time with both. I find that just going a...
Introducing: The Isotope HydriumX The Judge
Many of you reading this article will not be strangers to Isotope watches. The brand's unique diver is back in an all-new colorway and ready to pass judgment. Today, we take a first look at the Isotope HydriumX The Judge dive watch. This brand-new release is the second-darkest offering from the brand in the Hydrium line. And as much as Isotope dabbles in creating some truly colorful watches, there's definitely something about their stark architectural design that suits a less light-hearted livery. Those who agree will find this black and red incarnation of the Hydrium diver to be right up their alley. That’s not to say there's anything wrong with the brand's boldest offerings. These ha...
Watch Collection Of Stone Island Founder Osti
The late Massimo Osti was the founder and designer of Stone Island, C.P. Company, and other brands. He was the inventor of garment dyeing and heat-reactive and reflective jackets. His work is kept and maintained by the Massimo Osti Archive. Together with them, we went through Osti’s watch collection and share his favorite watches with you.Image via https://www.aphrodite1994.com/Massimo OstiGarment engineer Massimo Osti (1944 2005) created innovative and game-changing clothing brands such as C.P. Company, Stone Island, Boneville and later Massimo Osti Production and Left Hand. Osti was way ahead of his time with products such as a heat reactive jacket (1987) and a reflective jacket (199...
Hands-On: Union Glashutte Belisar Date Sport Pro
Sadly, I’m a tad too late with this review. The summer is over, and unless you are lucky enough to enjoy warm weather much more south or west of where I live, you will be testing this German diver next year. Then again, who said that a dive watch could only be worn during the hot months from June to August, right? Either way, I have the Union Glashutte Belisar Date Sport Pro here.It’s smaller than the regular Belisar Date Sport and has a better depth rating. It also carries a higher price tag, but let’s not jump the gun. Here are the details.Union GlashutteIf I need to bring you up to speed, here are a few facts about Union Glashutte’s past. Johannes Durrstein founded...
Speedmaster MoonSwatch Vs. Scuba Fifty Fathoms
Yes, here’s the battle that you all knew was coming. When the Omega Swatch Speedmaster MoonSwatch was introduced about a year and a half ago, it was an immediate blockbuster and still is. A sequel in collaboration with one of the other Swatch Group brands was inevitable. Two weeks ago, Blancpain and Swatch introduced the Scuba Fifty Fathoms. Its case is a Bioceramic version of the 42.3mm one from the Fifty Fathoms 70th Anniversary Series 1, and it houses an automatic Sistem51 movement. The quartz MoonSwatch far outnumbers the five versions of the Fifty Fathoms. But let’s see how the Scuba Fifty Fathoms holds up against the MoonSwatch “in the ring.”In general, the hype...
Under The Radar: Omega Speedmaster Flight Qualified Pilot's Watch
Last month, the Omega Speedmaster Flight Qualified pilot’s watch leaked on social media. Normally, we don’t respond to leaks or rumors, but the number of questions we received about this watch was (and still is) getting out of hand. At least for now, this new Omega Speedmaster pilot’s watch is only available to US military pilots. Apparently, according to one of the pilots involved, who is also active on the Omega Forums platform, you need to be able to prove that you are a winged aviator, pilot, or navigator to purchase one of these watches. Without further ado, let’s dive into this practically unattainable Speedmaster Flight Qualified watch!Omega Speedmaster Flight ...
Hands-On: Frederique Constant Classics Moneta Moonphase
During Geneva Watch Days, Frederique Constant introduced two high-end models with impressive special dials. Only a few weeks later, the brand now unveils a series of three quartz moonphase models in the more affordable segment. This move highlights the wide variety of watches the brand offers. Usually, the mechanical side of things is more relevant to watch enthusiasts. However, after wearing the new Frederique Constant Classics Moneta Moonphase models for a week, I found that there is a surprisingly charming side to them. The design of the three watches is clever and chic, and they would be great for people who love classic dress watches but don’t want to spend a lot of money.When the...