Bronze Watch Patina Project Speed Up The Ageing
Since I got my first bronze watch some years ago I’ve enjoyed it a lot. For the simple reason that this bronze watch stands out from all other watches in my collection. After having the pleasure of wearing the Pinion Axis in bronze?for a review, I acquired one. Bronze has proven to be a very popular material for watches, as many brands decided to use it over the past few years . The patina that appears over time makes a bronze watch very appealing, at least to me.Bronze Watch PatinaNormally, it takes time to get patina on your watch, but it surely gives a?watch a unique appearance. With a ?bronze watch, the same thing happens but in very little time depending on the alloy. With the Pin...
This Week in Watches August 17, 2019
Look at the brain on you, watch friend, it’s This Week in Watches for August 17, 2019.I must admit, I really enjoy Quentin Tarantino movies.? They’re stylish, long, full of crafty dialogue, great musically, ridiculously detailed, and tend to be obnoxiously violent.? Yes,?I can safely say that a new film from Tarantino qualifies as a must-see for me.? I was a freshman at university when we somehow made our way to the mall movie theater to see?Pulp Fiction and to this day, I still think it’s the most incredible film I’ve ever seen in a theater.? And so, it was this past Thursday night that?Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, the man’s 9th film, opened here in Germany a...
Podcast Omega's Brand Heritage Manager Petros Protopapas
We are honored to have Petros Protopapas, Omega’s Brand Heritage Manager, on our podcast. His first appearance on a podcast ever, and we talk Omega’s Constellation collection. From 1952 to now.Our Fratello on Air podcast is available via Buzzsprout, Soundcloud, Apple Podcast, Google Podcast, Deezer,? Stitcher, and Spotify....
Watch On Your Wrist? Fratello Instagram Contest 2020 Round 9
Welcome back to our Watch On Your Wrist? Instagram extravaganza! Tag your watch snaps with #fratellowatches to be in with a chance to win!Every week, we select four images. You can vote in the article for your favorite image. The winner moves on to the semi-final round (held every fifth week between the previous four weekly winners). Win that and you’re into the final, which will be held at the end of the year. There will be five finalists in 2020 and ten from next year on.Basically, if you like winning things - and there will be a prize for the champion of 2020 - this year represents your best shot. So get snapping, get tagging, and get sharing. And don’t forget to vote for your...
Free Grand Seiko Japan Seasons Magazine Get Your Copy Now
For Grand Seiko USA, we created a small magazine on the four special edition watches to celebrate the Japanese 24 seasons. Additionally, we cover the original 62GS design to have a better understanding of the current models. Last but not least, there’s an article on Grand Seiko’s Hi-Beat and Spring Drive movements.This magazine is created for the US market and can be found in a number of their boutiques. For you, we have a digital copy of the Grand Seiko magazine available for download. When you are a Grand Seiko fan, there’s probably nothing much new for you to discover, but I am sure you will enjoy it anyway!Grand Seiko MagazineThis 16-page magazine covers three articles....
NOMOS Glashutte DUW 3001 And DUW 6101 Neomatik Movements
When NOMOS Glashutte first began selling watches in the early ’90s, few would have predicted the brand’s longevity and growth. After a stellar first decade, during which it witnessed the rebirth of hometown heroes like Glashutte Original and A. Lange & Sohne, NOMOS was already regarded as a stalwart of German watchmaking. And now, 30 years into life as a cornerstone of the craft, NOMOS Glashutte is better prepared than ever for its next 30 years.The first time I ever had the chance to talk to NOMOS Glashutte‘s representatives in person was at SalonQP in 2015. The passion for the brand and its products was palpable. I’d rarely been as impressed as I was then. Liste...
Laco Augsburg 862125 And Aachen 862126 Taupe 39mm Watches
If you’re looking for an example of a well-established brand flexing the advantages of volume manufacturing with the intention of providing a beautiful pair of watches for less than $500, you’ve come to the right place. The taupe-dialed 862125 and 862126 fit into the Augsburg and Aachen collections easily and add another, surprisingly powerful string to Laco’s bow.When the 42mm version of these watches first hit the market last year, they were unavailable for a hands-on review. Despite that, I wrote an article on the pair for aBlogtoWatch. Honestly, it took me a good few looks before I started to warm-up to the taupe dials. At first, I found them too cold, too steely, too m...
Hands-On With the New Ming 18.01 H41 Diver
As a follow-up to our new release article on the MING 18.01 H41 diver, we go hands-on with one of the very few prototypes.When we broke the news on the MING 18.01 H41 diver, you may recall that I was waiting on a prototype version to arrive. Customs apparently had other ideas and the watch made its way to me nearly a week later. Had it arrived on time for the reveal, it would have been exciting. But in retrospect, I’m glad it was late because I can now give you some more informed opinions. I’ll also try to address the questions and concerns I’ve received via Instagram. And I’ve also added loads of pictures in the gallery, but ask questions if you have them. Shall we d...
Fortis Flieger F-43 Bicompax Chronograph Is A Blueprint For The Future
It’s the 13th of the month. You know what that means, right? That means it’s Fortis day. And to celebrate this, the very first Fortis day, we bring you news of the Fortis Flieger F-43 Bicompax chronograph.I was lucky enough to see the upcoming models from Fortis what seems like a lifetime ago at the Inhorgenta fair in Munich back in February. Ever since then, I’ve been trying to suppress my excitement. I love color. I really can’t get enough of brands trying something new and fully committing to it in the design. What we have here is a great example of that. The size of this piece (especially on the wrist) would be enough to make a statement without the creative use o...
Hands-on: Airain Type 20 Re-Edition Brown Limited Edition (2021)
Fans of vintage chronographs may well be familiar with the Airain Type 20. The first time I came across the brand was trawling through vintage watch eBay listings, on the hunt for a potential bargain - sadly, to this day, I have never found anything to cause me to pull the trigger. I don’t remember exactly which Airain model I saw on my searches, but it was indeed a chronograph and “could” have been a vintage example of the watch I’m looking at today. That is the Airain Type 20 Re-Edition Brown Limited Edition.Now owned by a Dutch team that resurrected Airain‘s sister watch brand, Lebois & Co, Airain originally operated out of Besancon, at the base of the Ju...
Dave's Thoughts A Week With The Omega Speedmaster (2021)
Well, folks, I am honored to be holding the fort during RJs summer holiday absence. Earlier this month, I was at Fratello HQ in The Hague when RJ shouted at me from his desk. He said he was going on holiday (yes, even RJ needs a holiday sometimes) and asked me if I could make sure that Speedy Tuesday went ahead as usual. He suggested lending me a Speedmaster for a week on the wrist type of review.While that may seem a little vanilla at first, I think I am probably the only member of the Fratello team that doesn't actually own an Omega Speedmaster. I know, I know: on paper, that is absolute sacrilege. For some of the team members, joining Fratello was the catalyst for their first Speedmaster ...
??The Building Blocks Of Time: Cartier, Casio and Bell & Ross (2021)
Why are most watches round? Why not triangles? And for those few watches that aren't round, why are they square? There are more than a handful in the realm of quadrangular watches, but we need only investigate the few with historic provenance, industry-shaking developments, and direct lines drawn from designs already present in time to gain the answers to these questions. These few are, of course, the Cartier Santos, Casio G-Shock Square, and Bell & Ross BR 03, all with many variations of their own to explore.Watches are round only for a couple of reasons. (Actually, watches are round for many reasons, but I'm trying to make a point.) First, the circular sweeping of the hands naturally p...
The G-Shock GMW-B5000TVB-1ER Titanium Virtual Armor
Before I take a closer look at the G-Shock GMW-B5000TVB-1ER, there’s something I want to address. There are probably many Fratelli who won't even read this article. They will see a G-Shock in the headline image and will think quartz. They will then think cheap, and then, not a proper watch. And from a certain viewpoint, they will be entirely correct. That would have been me not very long ago. If a watch didn't have a beating mechanical heart (or at the very least a Spring Drive), then it was of no interest to me. Quite apart from the fact that it looks like the market for quality quartz movements such as Grand Seiko's or F.P. Journe's is really heating up - a huge topic in itself for a...
Hands-On: Vertex M60 AquaLion
I was never going to push the Vertex M60 AquaLion to its limits. It's a watch that is built to withstand water pressure at a depth of 600 meters. Not even the diving Fratelli such as Gerard and Nacho reach depths of 600 meters. I took the rugged and capable AquaLion for a couple of swims in the North Sea, that's what I did. I also wore it in incredibly hot weather, sat with it on a terrace, and took it out for dinner. And guess what? It performed flawlessly, felt comfortable, and with its balanced aesthetic, even looked like quite the suave gentleman.What do most people want from a modern dive watch? For it to be waterproof. But that’s only because they want to be able to take a shower...
The Pointless Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean Ultra Deep
I’ve never been a huge fan of the Omega Planet Ocean. At most, I was amused by the orange bezel when the series was introduced in 2005. It was quite a contrast to the conservative and already-then very popular Seamaster Professional 300M. But I’ve always disliked that both the hour and minute hands of the Planet Ocean sport a broad arrow tip. Omega never used this before - neither on the Seamaster, the Railmaster, nor the Speedmaster - and I still see it as a mishap. So why am I attracted to the Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean 6000M Ultra Deep?Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean 6000M Ultra DeepWe wrote about this watch a few times before and got a lot of comments on it. In full, it is cal...
Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda GT: A 5Hz Chrono In Rose Gold
Parmigiani Fleurier's Tonda GT may have debuted only in 2020, but it turns out to be an integral precursor to the overnight success of the Tonda PF collection. The Swiss independent watchmaker's sports-luxe line is now in its second generation. Among the offspring are the Tonda GT panda chronographs in 18K rose gold featuring a super engine - a manufacture movement with a high-frequency COSC-certified integrated chronograph.The sports-watch vibesThe “panda” Tonda GT comes in several variants in both stainless steel and rose gold. I must admit the panda dial threw me off on first impression. Even though it was just a tweak from the first generation, somehow, I couldn't quite recon...
#TBT The Mondia Memory Parking Meter
It’s chunky, daring, and creative. Today’s hero is a shockingly simple parking meter watch combined with a minute-countdown timer. It even has a bit of a Breitling SuperOcean feel. Meet the Mondia Memory Parking Meter.Sometimes I ask myself how long I will be able to keep our #TBT column inspiring. What if I run out of interesting watches to share? What if, eventually, there are only dull, time-only three-handers left? The fact is that my list of watches for #TBT should last for a few more years. Plus, there are always fun discoveries popping up. Have you seen last week’s Medana with an out-of-this-world crystal? I hadn’t even come to my senses yet when another watch ...
Hands-On: Nivada Grenchen Chronoking "Paul Newman" Orange
Nivada Grenchen has been focusing on other watch models lately, but the brand still needs to find a way to surprise its chronograph fan base. While not a mechanical model, the new Chronoking, Paul Newman Orange, is a lovely, affordable timepiece for vintage lovers. While the watch is not a direct re-edition of a vintage model, it takes inspiration from an iconic Nivada from the past.The watch combines elements of a classic Chronoking and the Paul Newman version. The result is a pleasing, vintage-inspired timepiece that won't break the bank.Nivada Grenchen ChronokingThe Chronoking originally came to the market in the late 1960s. Nivada experienced massive success with the Chronomaster Aviator...
The Best Watches Under $3,000: Gerard's Picks
Choosing three watches under $3,000 might seem easy, but for me, it was more difficult than choosing watches below $1K. I mean, $1,000 is a lot of money, but at $3,000, it gets even more severe, requiring solid purchases. My problem was that I couldn’t easily find a $3,000 watch that meant so much more to me than my much cheaper choices. But don’t let me make it all too difficult. What watches would I feel good about spending my money on?So, after Lex, Daan, Thomas, and RJ showed their picks, now it’s my turn. As it turns out, my first choice wasn’t difficult at all. I already spent my money on this one, and it still makes me happy.My favorite watches under $3,000 - O...
Fratello Talks: Don't Baby Your Watches
Welcome to this week’s episode of Fratello Talks. This is a very special episode as it’s the debut of the podcast in video form. For you audio listeners, don’t worry; you’ll still be able to listen in from your favorite podcast-hosting app. On top of that, a video version of the week’s episode will be available on the site and the Fratello YouTube channel. This week, Nacho is joined by RJ and Morgan to discuss the topic of babying watches. As the title might have given away, we have strong feelings about this subject. Our advice, in short: don’t baby your watches! But before we jump into it, let’s check what the guys have on the wrist this week!...