5 Watches That Never Really Made It
Sometimes, I feel bad for certain watch brands. They’ve created amazingly beautiful watches, but due to the unknown name on the dial, the price, or bad marketing efforts, they never really made it. Today I want to share with you 5 watches that never (really) hit the big time.Perhaps unbelievable today, but that is basically how the Nautilus and Royal Oak also started out. Nobody cared. Look at them now. Another example is the Aquanaut. When it was introduced in 1997, as the “new Nautilus” for a younger generation, it was barely picked up. I am not saying the watches in this overview will be picked up at some point and become the “investor pieces” the aforementio...
Vertex MP45 Chronograph Watch Is Annoyingly Good
For someone who has around 75 watches in their personal collection, you might think I love buying watches. You would be wrong. I actually hate the feeling I get when I spend thousands on yet another watch. As such, I am always looking for reasons not to buy a watch. I like to think it helps keep my feet on the ground when it comes to reviewing these pieces for the community. When I first encountered the Vertex brand upon the company’s renaissance I was intrigued but unmoved. Now, years later, I’m sitting here staring at the Vertex MP45 Chronograph wishing I’d never entertained the idea of strapping it on my wrist. Sigh. It could well be a spare Christmas in the Nudds househ...
Summer Splash: Lex Round 1 Sinn, Casio G-Shock, Seiko (2021)
Roll up, roll up! The summer has hit The Hague and Fratello is keen to celebrate. After the fizzing success of March Mania, we are back with a new knock-out competition conceived to find the very best summer watch out there, according to YOU, the Fratelli. And guess what? You can win prizes! No, there won’t be a watch available this time but there WILL be some of the finest water-firing weapons money can buy: the Spyra 2 water cannon is reputedly the strongest of its kind ever made. Fancy getting your hands on one? Read on and take part in the poll and comments section of the Summer Splash.This time around, eight Fratelli editors will choose three of their favorite summer watches and p...
Buying Guide: The Best Swatch Watches From The 1980s (2021)
We like to talk about vintage watches a lot within the Fratello team. While the daily routine is largely focused on the most recent developments in the world of watches, the most fun for many of us lies in the sometimes weird and often wonderful world of vintage watches. It's a world full of history, remarkable watches, incredible stories, and quirky details. It inspired us to come up with a series of articles focusing on the best watches per decade from a select group of brands. Some of them are priceless, some of them still affordable. In this installment, we will take a look at the best Swatch watches from the 1980s.While the 1970s were a decade filled with tremendous change in the watch ...
Dear Zodiac, Bring Back The Red Point Divers
The ’90s was quite an era for dive watches. The decade saw many models released that continue to influence our expectations when it comes to divers today. Zodiac’s offerings were no exception. In the ’90s, the brand released a series of watches, each designated by a colored dot on the dial. To me, the most charming and interesting were the Red Point models, namely the Red Point divers. Today, I'll give you a small insight into the history of these watches, as well as highlight some of my favorite models from that era. And who knows? Maybe the folks at Zodiac are listening and will also find this a good idea. Regardless, I think the time has come to show these classic divers...
Things Watch People Do That Normal People Find Insane
I know we are among friends here on Fratello, so this is a safe space. And since we are safe here, perhaps it is time to admit that we watch people are an odd bunch. We display some behaviors that non-watch people may struggle to understand. And unless your partner is a watch geek too, you probably know what I mean by that look. My dear Fratelli, we have to talkI am not going to tell you to change. On the contrary, I love our collective oddness. Consider this some lighthearted self-reflection to arm ourselves against the cold outside world of non-watch people. They just don't get it, Fratelli, always remember that. It's them, not us.Watch people sharing #WOMWThis is one for the watch people ...
The Monochrome Armin Strom MdS3 Gravity Equal Force
Our friends at Monochrome have teamed up with Armin Strom for their third Montre de Souscription limited edition. The result is a unique new version of Armin Strom's Gravity Equal Force watch. In keeping with the online watch magazine's name, the new version comes in a gray color scheme. It is monochromatic but with the added warmth of maillechort, also known as German silver. Let's have a closer look.This new “Monostrom,” as I like to call it, is limited to 33 pieces. They follow the souscription model, where you make an upfront payment to get a production slot. To get your hands on one, visit the Monochrome shop on September 7th at 3:00 PM CEST.Armin Strom Gravity Equal ForceTh...
AnOrdain Acquires Fellow Scottish Brand Paulin Watches
The Scottish brand anOrdain has garnered significant attention here on Fratello. The brand's craftsmanship and striking enamel dials provide a unique and somewhat-bespoke approach to watchmaking in their price tier. I’ve been particularly interested in anOrdain throughout its development, mainly because of its beautiful enamel dials and relative transparency around the processes behind its watch builds. I would love to pick up a Model 2 from the brand’s collection someday. For now, though, let’s leave the watch-related daydreaming aside; there’s other news to attend to, and it concerns Paulin Watches!It seems fair to say that anOrdain has built success upon success wi...
Rematch With The Tudor Pelagos FXD
Do you have any idea how long I've been listening to our photographer Morgan telling me how badly he wanted a Tudor Pelagos FXD? Ever since he started with Fratello back in March. Yes, he desperately wanted to be part of the winning team. I am, of course, referring to the fact that the titanium dive watch, with its crisp blue dial and fixed lugs, won last year's Fratello Summer Splash. Anyway, not too long ago, he managed to acquire the dive watch of his dreams, and ever since, I've been looking at a very happy Frenchman. I decided to snatch the Pelagos off his wrist and see if the watch was also able to ignite a spark in my heart.I have a couple of very rational arguments for why I like the...
New: The Mido Ocean Star Decompression Timer 1961 LE
For the new Mido Ocean Star Decompression Timer 1961 Limited Edition, the brand decided to release a black PVD version. At first, this might be surprising due to the Decompression Timer’s colorful dial. If you think about it a little longer, though, it makes sense. The black overall aesthetic ensures that the dial truly pops. And not only does it make for a funky version of the watch, but it also offers great functionality. It’s time to find out more about this 1,961-piece limited edition from Mido.To those familiar with vintage watches, Mido giving a ’60s-inspired timepiece a black makeover may seem like a clash of styles. Admittedly, the combination of the classic looks o...
Comparing Green-Bezel, Black-Dial Subs: 16610LV Vs. 126610LV
surprised us all when the brand launched a Submariner with a green bezel in 2003. The stainless steel Sub was steadily monochromatic during the five preceding decades, so this was a bit of a shocker. The model was soon nicknamed Kermit. More than two decades later, it seems green is here to stay. We are in our third generation of green Submariners with the 126610LV, aka “Starbucks.” Time to do a little comparison!As mentioned, there is a third green Submariner, the 116610LV. This so-called Hulk is an outlier with its green dial. This makes it look radically different from the other two. So, today, I would like to compare the black-dial models, the first and the current Lunette V...
New: Longines Spirit Flyback In Steel And Gold
Since its introduction in 2020, the Longines Spirit collection has become very popular. That’s understandable due to its modern design and great finishing. It also helps that many different versions cater to anyone’s needs. In 2023, Longines added a Spirit Flyback alongside its regular Spirit Chronograph. Upon its release, the Spirit Flyback was available in stainless steel with a black or blue dial and matching bezel inserts. A black-dial/bezel version in titanium then debuted last October. Now the legendary Swiss brand is adding two steel and gold versions, with one featuring rose gold and brown and the other donning yellow gold and green.Apart from the Longines Spirit Flyback ...
Bremont ALT1-WT World Timer Review
Besides a chronograph complication, I tend to have a weak spot for watches that can indicate additional time zones. Having travelled quite a bit through different time zones in my previous field?of work, I understand the importance of being able to see the actual time in other parts of the world in a glance. It was with great pleasure that I’ve reviewed World Timer watches before here on Fratello Watches and basically asked Bremont if they could provide me with their ALT1-WT World Timer watch. And so they did. In this article I will share my experiences with the Bremont ALT1-WT World Timer accompanied with the photos that Fratello Watches’ Bert took in his studio.Bremont ALT1-WT ...
Boutique Edition of the Glashutte Original PanoMatic Luna
PanoMatic LunaAs you can see, the PanoMatic Luna is one of Glashutte Original’s ladies’ watches. The version we have here, is the latest addition to that collection. A Boutique Edition, that will – as its name suggests – only be available through the official Glashutte Original boutiques.Like any other PanoMatic Luna watch, it measures 39.4mm in diameter. However, the boutique edition comes with a beautiful blue mother-of-pearl dial. Let’s have a look.Boutique EditionThe GO PanoMatic Luna is one of the three ladies’ collections from?the Glashutte manufacture. The other ones, the Pavonina and Lady Serenade are perhaps more traditional ladies’ watches....
Hands-On Mondaine SBB Gottardo2016 stop2go Review
Stop2goAbout a year ago, Gerard Nijenbrinks wrote a review on the Mondaine stop2go watch.?Just a small recap of the stop2go movement before we head over to the Mondaine SBB Gottardo2016 stop2go review:The stop2go system is powered by the Swiss made caliber?cal 58-02. This movement ensures that the watch runs exactly like the official Swiss railway station clocks. The second hand rotates the dial in 58 seconds, so a bit quicker than normal. Once at 12 o’clock, it stops for 2 seconds and advances again. In these two seconds, you also see the minute hand increasing exactly one minute marker. It is exactly the same movement as in the earlier Mondaine stop2go review we did.So what is new?Mo...
"We owe all progress to those who do not adapt."
Since 1990, Jo?rg Schauer designs and produces his distinctive watches. Thereby, Schauer prefers stainless steel for the watch cases, high quality mechanical movements and a clean and unique design language. His signature feature has become the 12-fold screwed bezel. Essential part is the technical screwing of all hand-finished Schauer watch cases.Due to its perfect surfaces, precision and a design reduced to its essentials, Schauer watches are real collectibles for 25 years now. Many editions are sold out for years.25 Years of Passionate Watch ProductionAs professional goldsmith and specialist for handmade watch cases, he quickly gained a good reputation among collectors worldwide. More tha...
Speedy Tuesday One Of Our Readers Talks About His Gold Speedmaster 3695.50.31
Gold Speedmaster 3695.50.31One of my first encounters with a gold Speedmaster was with the BA145.022-69, which translates into the famous yellow gold Apollo XI commemorative edition from 1969 with a burgundy bezel. It must have been late 1999 or early 2000 that someone showed it to me. It paved the way for my (later) craving to own a gold Speedmaster some day.Although Omega always had (and still has) a number of gold Speedmaster watches in their collection, you rarely see them in the flesh. Today, we feature an interview with one of our readers and Speedmaster fans, and talk about his gold Speedmaster 3695.50.31.Meet Tom, an avid Speedmaster fan and wearer.FW: Do you collect Speedmasters or ...
Introducing: Jaeger-LeCoultre Polaris Date
Inspired by the iconic Memovox Polaris, a watch that was initially produced between 1965 and 1968 and aimed at the USA market, Jaeger-LeCoultre now introduces the Polaris Date.This watch is being launched exclusively for the US market until October 1st. Jaeger-LeCoultre speaks about a pre-launch, but I am not convinced you can talk about pre-launch when you’re launching a new watch. Anyway, the watch will be available for the US market only at first, and then the rest of the world will follow. In total, there will be 800 pieces of this Jaeger-LeCoultre Polaris Date.Jaeger-LeCoultre Polaris DateAs you can see, Jaeger-LeCoultre used beautiful tones of blue for the dial. The dial consists...
#TBT My (wish)list of vintage watches for August
Get ready for some vintage inspiration. An original date version of the loved/hated chronograph, a playful diver from the 70s or a quirky and irreplaceable futuristic watch from the late 50s? You make the call.“You buy the seller” is one of my profound rules for scouring the vintage watch market. It means buying watches from a verified and trusted source is your best bet. It takes a lot of energy, time, integrity, knowledge, high morale and quality standards to establish the reputation of a trusted seller. Last month I sold you on the idea that every month we will pick some of the watches on our wishlists. As a trusted salesman always keeps his promises, let’s take a look a...
This Week in Watches: August 22, 2020 Hot Edition
Welcome to This Week in Watches for August 22, 2020 the hot edition. The searing heat is about to break in Europe, so take in the cool air and some new watches.UNION Glashutte Noramis Chronograph Sachsen 2020How do you like a hot red dial? The UNION Chronographs Sachsen 2020 is a COVID victim. This chrono was designed as a celebratory piece for the Sachsen oldtimer rally. That rally has been “postponed” to 2021. Union will make just 350 pieces of this 42mm stainless automatic chronograph. It features a reddish dial with a dashboard-inspired theme. An ETA 7753 based movement with 60 hours power reserve called the UNG 27.02 lurks within and the watch is 15.25mm thick. Pricing is $2...