??Brandon's Watch Wish List JLC, Chronoswiss, Oris, And More
I’m a bit of an oddball when it comes to watch collecting. I just don’t like to buy watches that other people have. Or at least the ones that too many other people have. If you’re familiar with my collection at all, you may be shaking your head, screaming “Hypocrite!” by now. After all, the first two “good” watches in my current assembly were a Tudor Black Bay and a Submariner. How much more cliche could I possibly get? Hear me out, though.My Black Bay and Submariner were the first two “grails” I acquired. Mine are watches that, while fairly common, are loaded with memories and sentimental value. As such, they are pillars of my collectio...
Architect Designed Watches: Junghans, NOMOS, And More (2021)
Watch design is without a doubt one of the hardest forms of design to master. Watches are small objects and come with a long list of aesthetic and technical requirements. In its essence, the watch’s design always has to be serving the wrist of the wearer and the movement that powers the watch. That combination of aesthetics and technique makes watches fascinating, to begin with. But what happens when industry outsiders get involved in the art of watch design? Time to check out some of the creations from renowned architects and find out if we can learn from them.For me, watches are about aesthetics first and foremost. No matter how impressive the movement is, if the watch’s design...
What Are The Worlds Most Popular Watch Brands? (2021)
The inspiration for this article stems from a Fratello on Air podcast episode in May. In the episode, Fratello editors Mike, Jorg, and Balazs discussed watch cultures around the globe. While we are an international team at Fratello, we can only speculate on watch cultures based on our own experience. I set out to deliver the cold, hard facts that somehow reinforce the assumptions made as part of the episode. Using statistics, we will define the most popular watch brand and model around the globe. Before we start, take a guess on which watch brand stands above the rest, and let us know your thoughts in the comments.The data we will look at today was graciously provided by Chrono24’s ext...
Dumoreau DM02 A Dangerously Round Dress Watch
The second watch from California-based microbrand Dumoreau is extremely well-considered, rich, and original in detail. However technical the name of the Dumoreau DM02 may sound, the lively and organic design of the piece has a lot to offer for the budget.“What is that pink watch on your wrist?” asked my associate Ivan when he stormed into our office. He usually doesn’t pay much attention to watches, but it seemed this one got his attention in a second. Our table arrangement has us facing each other. Well, we would face each other if our heads weren’t swollen by the oversized monitors in front of us. We usually just talk and don’t see each other. I was fully focu...
Ben's Everyday Carry: Omega, Sennheiser, Pickett, & More
It’s time for another installment of Fratello EDC, the series in which we share our editorial team’s everyday carry items. This time, Fratello editor Ben shares his minimalist approach to his daily routine, but also the things he brings on the go for testing new watches.Welcome to the random assortment of items in my pockets. It feels like a public strip search by revealing the personal bits ‘n’ bobs I carry around. Like many of the team members, I don’t subscribe to the Instagram style of everyday carry. I’m referring to the posts showcasing a handful of knives, torches, and, invariably, a handgun for a shopping trip. For one thing, you cannot buy a handg...
The Best Watches Under $3,000: Thor's Picks
I still enjoy and possess mostly sub-$3K watches. Sure, I have way too many in my watch box, but I am such a vain man that I need choices. So this is my market, and I know it. Consider these my fave and, frankly, the best watches under $3,000 at the moment. Now I just have to be careful not to find more watches for myself as I'm seriously trying to consolidate my stash.Of the other editors’ takes on the subject, I just read Thomas’s article while nodding my head to his astute choices. That includes the Doxa Sub 300, one that I sold and miss dearly, but never mind. Here is my take on a sports watch, a dressy piece from a fan-favorite brand, and a watch that seems to come from anot...
Unraveling The Mysteries Of My Speedmaster 105.003-65
Owning a vintage watch can be an enriching experience. It can also be frustrating and unforgiving when someone brings up an issue or inconsistency. Today’s story is positive, but there were instances of concern. Thankfully, luck entered the picture and produced a happy ending with this Omega Speedmaster 105.003-65 Ed White.First, it’s important to note that the proximity of Tomas’s recent #TBT 105.003 article and today’s story is almost a complete coincidence. I say “almost” because his story resulted from seeing an Instagram post of my watch. I had my example out last week to prepare for today’s Speedy Tuesday installment. Go figure! Next, I wrote a...
New: The Ming 20.01 Series 3 In Rose Gold
It’s easy to fall in love with the dials in Ming’s watches. They’re often multilayered and offer unique material applications. The brand’s use of luminescent materials and simple, modern designs has me wondering what’s next after each release. Today’s 20.01 Series 3 delivers the answer, and this might be my favorite look yet.We’ve discussed at length how Ming offers special, inventive details regardless of the price point. For example, the entry-level 17.09 featured a guilloche dial, and the latest 37.09 Bluefin added the kind of multilevel goodness usually reserved for more expensive models. Today’s subject, a flagship Special Projects Cave mo...
Our Favorite '90s And Early '00s Watches
This week, Fratello On Air returns with our favorite watches from the ’90s and early ’00s. It’s hard to believe that this period is roughly 30 years old! This was a key era for watches and saw the birth of models that still exist or are highly revered today. Join us as we take a trip down memory lane. For our listeners, the watch content begins after approximately 14 minutes....
Hands-On: The Latest Cartier Tortue Hours/Minutes
We love to provide proper, useful consumer advice here on Fratello. Unfortunately, I won’t be doing that today. Instead, I’ll be writing about my experience trying on one of my favorite releases of this year, the Cartier Tortue Hours/Minutes. This is a watch that, even if you could afford it, isn't available anymore. I thought I'd share that sad news before waxing poetic about the watch to protect you from disappointment later on.In short, this is perfectly useless consumer advice. Still, we don't always have to get what we want, do we? There is beauty in admiring something from afar. Join me in an exploration of some lovely unobtainium.The Cartier Tortue AppealI am not the first...
James Bond's Seiko Watches
From the press release by NAWCC:On September 10 2010, the National Watch and Clock Museum will unveil for the first time a complete collection of all eight James Bond wristwatch models provided by Seiko UK! These eight watches have been identified for the “Bond Watches, James Bond Watches” exhibit by Mark Mills (former Technical Support Manager with Seiko UK).? Mills was Eon Productions’ contact person at Seiko from 1977 through 1985.Dell Deaton of JamesBondWatches.com and Guest Curator for Bond Watches, James Bond Watches, was given unprecedented access to documentation and Mark Mills' personal recollections with the support of Seiko Watch Corporation in Tokyo, Japan. Prio...
Omega Speedmaster 50th Anniversary Limited Series
Omega Speedmaster 50th Anniversary Limited SeriesWhen OMEGA introduced the Speedmaster in 1957, they never could have guessed that it would take off to these great heights. As far as we know from their own documentation and advertisements, it was a watch meant for those who needed to time certain activities. Sports or racing, it didn’t matter. In this article we focus on the Speedmaster 50th Anniversary Limited series that Omega introduced 50 years after the original introduction.The brochure above shows a few early Speedmasters and there is no clue or hint about NASA or the Moon race. In all these years, since 1957, only small tweaks and updates were applied to the watch and it evolve...
Quick Guide on Vintage Bullhead Chronographs
Since the late 1990s producing large watches became a trend that I think Panerai started. Obviously there were larger watches before but the Florentine brand was the first to gain huge worldwide success with their over sized timepieces –? even if the design was not new but a re-modeling of their early divers from the 1940s. After that things got out of hand quickly and for some reason watch manufacturers thought the only way to go is bigger and bigger. Panerai was the barrier breaker, or were they not?When we think about the 1950s and early 1960s we picture the watches of our father, grandfather or uncle. Really nice, round, classic shapes, Omega Seamasters, Datejusts, Longines, Doxas...
Omega Seamaster Diver 300M ETNZ Hands-On Review
Watches are so versatile. From dress watch to tool watch, the opportunities to pick the one that fits you best?are endless. Personally, I tend to buy larger watches, usually chronographs with dark colored dials. That's my thing. That's why I was really looking forward to this piece that I had the pleasure of wearing for a few weeks. It is so out of the ordinary for me with its colors, but because of the timeless design it felt like a friend you have not seen in a while whom you finally reconnect. I truly enjoyed every second it spent on my wrist. I wear it as I type the article now but in a few days I will have to kiss good-bye to this Omega Seamaster Diver 300M ETNZ.Omega Seamaster 300M Bac...
The Casio G-Shock GW-5000 an offspring from the first G-Shock in 1983
Back to basics. In 1983, designed and developed by Kikuo Ibe, Casio introduced the first watch according to their Tripple-10 concept. Waterproof to 10 bar, drop-proof to 10 meters and 10 years battery life. The Casio G-Shock DW-5000C was born and could withstand a pressure of even 20 bar.This weeks 52Mondayz watch, the Casio G-Shock GW-5000, is a direct offspring from the very first G-Shock in 1983. What happened between 1983 and now?The illustrious GW-5000 on my wristCasio G-Shock GW-5000After the introduction of the G-Shock DW-5000C, the model was slightly changed with a different module and dial in 1987. The type indication became DW-5600C. The G-Shock still had a solid metal inner casing...
Watches & Pencils #30 Vacation Watches
It's holiday season and so I thought it would be a good time to publish an episode about watches and vacations. Prepare for a relaxed and sunny episode. Pack your suitcase:What to wear?!Overall most of the people choose their vacation watches from a practical point of view. Some things to consider:Water resistant: for safe dives into the swimming pool or sea.Price: depending on your destination it can be better not to bring your 5k+ watch. For example, on a campsite where you installed your tent.GMT function: can come in handy when you want to contact home now and then.Luminous hands: to keep track of the time when you are in darker environments, such as the campsite.Rubber strap: more comfo...
A Guide to Buying Watches at Catawiki
There are a number of online auctions and marketplaces out there, but one particularly great platform for purchasing watches online is Catawiki. They auction off over 2,500 watches every week and each watch must first be reviewed and approved by their team of 12 watch specialists. The expertise of the staff combined with their secure payment system makes Catawiki a trustworthy place to buy watches. They've shared some top tips on how to buy watches online below.1. Know what you wantThe hunt for a watch is much easier if you exactly know which brand and model you want. This is a very personal decision. Some good questions to ask yourself before starting your search are why do you want a watch...
Speedy Tuesday Why Vincent Bought A Speedmaster 46 Years After The Apollo 17 Launch
This is a story by one of our readers, Vincent. As a kid he watched the launch of Apollo 17 live, sitting on the hood of his dad’s car parked near the Kennedy Space Center. Now, more than 45 years later, he decided to buy a Speedmaster to honor those astronauts and remember that magical night in December 1972.He wrote us an email with a great story that we would like to share with our readers. Vincent added:”Thank you for the website you created. It would be an honor if you shared my story with your readers. Your work opens up the daunting world of watches to newbies like me. I would have never found my watch and new joy without Speedy Tuesday.“Without further ado.Apollo 17...
Wrist Game or Crying Shame: Omega Speedmaster 3210.52 Casino Dial
We introduce a new series here on Fratello: Wrist Game or Crying Shame and we kick things off with the Omega Speedmaster 3210.52 Casino Dial.Welcome, watch fans, to something new here on Fratello.? Higher power-willing, I’ll be bringing you this feature every Wednesday afternoon (European time).? The theme of “Wrist Game or Crying Shame” is pretty simple.? I’ll present a watch in all its glory – or lack thereof due to my strict usage of seller’s photos – and when you reach the bottom of the article, you wise people will be given the opportunity to vote on whether you think this watch is a fair deal or not.? Now, I’ll make this clear, neither Fr...
Pre-Owned Picks Steel Patek Philippe Watches For Less Than $9,000
This week in Pre-Owned Picks, I am selecting watches from Patek Philippe in steel cases that could be yours for under $9,000. Yes, a four-digit steel Patek is a steal. But you will not find an Aquanaut or Nautilus at that price. Sorry! But that's not to say the choice is restricted to quartz pieces for ladies. You may find something quite fascinating in the line-up.For a brand as prestigious as Patek Philippe, the common case material is gold. Patek elects to use the more alluring precious metals to complement the elegant case designs and delicate movements. Casting a case in stainless steel is almost an affront to the Swiss forefathers. As such, the steel Patek has become a rarified oddity ...