Hands-On: Hamilton Khaki Pilot Pioneer Mechanical
Hamilton is releasing a new military-inspired piece, the Khaki Pilot Pioneer Mechanical, after the remarkable success of the Khaki Field Mechanical.That watch took the industry by storm for its originality and price. The Khaki Field Mechanical looked almost exactly as its vintage counterpart and this was a huge chunk of the charm. The other favorable factor was the hand-wound movement inside and last not but least, the super affordable price tag. Today we have a look at the evolution of this model. Yet another re-edition, yet another military watch. But you don’t hear us complaining. The Hamilton Khaki Pilot Pioneer Mechanical is the modern reinterpretation of the legendary Hamilton W1...
#TBT: Zeno Tennis watch
I wanted to call it a poor man’s Richard Mille at first. After a week spent on my wrist though, I changed my mind. I would now call it a cool man’s Richard Mille. After all, there were only 600 pieces ever produced.Richard Mille did it!It was truly glorious when Richard Mille signed Rafael Nadal, someone who always refused to wear a watch. It had never even occurred to him to wear one while playing. Nadal was reluctant, so Richard Mille had a lot of convincing to do before they sealed the deal. Debuted at the 2010 French Open, the RM 27 Rafael Nadal Tourbillon weighed a mere 18 grams. Since then, two more models were introduced the RM 27-02 in 2015, followed by the current RM 27-...
Jorg's Top-5 Seiko Watches Still Available Under 500 Euros
Seiko has been showering us with new releases over the last couple of months. One thing we have noticed is that Seiko enthusiasts have been quite vocal about their favorite brand becoming increasingly more expensive. But the huge volume of releases means there is still plenty for every budget. Those comments inspired us to compile a Top-5 of Seiko watches that are currently available for under 500 Euros.Price discussions are nothing new. Admittedly, price discussions for Seiko are a bit different. That’s because the brand is the gateway into the world of mechanical watches for so many of us. And it would be a shame to see it give up that revered position.Top-5 Seiko watches under 500 E...
Summer Splash: Jorg Round 1 Breitling, Tudor, G-Shock (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 the Summer Splash. 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 comments section of this article.Eight writers will choose three of their favorite summer watches this time around and pitc...
A Brief History Of Time: Oris's Complete Brand History (2021)
Since 1904, Oris has strived to make fantastic watches at accessible prices. The brand prides itself on its dedication to this mission, seeing it as an inseparable part of its identity. Through the years, watch enthusiasts have come to love Oris for this commitment to value. Indeed, this is one of the core values upon which the brand was built over 115 years ago.In this installment of A Brief History of Time, we’ll explore as much as we can about where Oris came from, its struggles, its accomplishments, and its modern-day success. Admittedly, it’s a bit of a daunting task to fit such a long, uninterrupted history into a single article. Nevertheless, I hope you’ll stick with...
The Citizen NJ0150 Shows A Budget Doesn't Limit Freedom
A serious case of instant appeal. Not every watch has it, especially not with a bigger audience. But when the series of three Citizen NJ0150 watches landed on Robert-Jan’s desk, everyone agreed that Citizen is on to something here. The immediate standout in the lineup is the yellow NJ0150. Its bright-colored dial takes center stage the moment you see all these models. But I have a feeling the more normal blue and black versions will be the big sellers. I decided to take them for a spin and see how good the NJ0150 really is.It was only a couple of weeks ago when Robert-Jan called to inform me that my Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 had arrived at the office. I had to add that watch to my colle...
Bvlgari Sejima and Sorayama Limited Editions
For Geneva Watch Days 2022, Bvlgari surprises us with two new models designed by two famous Japanese artists. Architect Kazuyo Sejima and illustrator Hajime Sorayama used Bvlgari’s Octo Finissimo and Aluminium models as their canvases.It is not unusual for watch brands to dedicate special editions to celebrities. But it’s not so often that brands invite people outside the watch industry to actually design watches. If highly respected artists receive the opportunity to apply their skills and style to the design of watches, this promises results that excitingly differ from what we’re used to. In this case, we even face a culture clash between a brand that proudly showcases it...
Bvlgari Launches Octo Finissimo Skeleton 8 Days
Garnering eight world records in the same number of years, Bvlgari's Octo Finissimo is a gift that keeps on giving. Within a short space of time, the Roman jeweler has catapulted itself to the top of the horological game as a force with which to be reckoned. Thus, whenever there is another Octo release, we pay attention. Bvlgari is unveiling its Geneva Watch Days novelties as we speak. First out of the gate, we bring you the Octo Finissimo Skeleton 8 Days.An undisputed master in the ultra-thin-watch category, Bvlgari has put the Octo Finissimo in a constant quest to push limits. Despite having its latest record toppled only last month with Richard Mille's announcement of a new-record thinnes...
Frederique Constant Geneva Watch Days 2022 Releases
Recently, Frederique Constant has put a lot of effort into its sporty Highlife collection. However, if you prefer the brand’s more “traditional” work, today's releases are for you. The brand brings two new men's watches and three ladies' models to this year’s Geneva Watch Days. There is some gold, some steel, some diamonds, and a whole lot of Roman numerals.In short, these releases are very much in line with the classical image of Frederique Constant. Let's have a look at these five new additions to the brand’s collection. Frederique Constant Geneva Watch Days Release - Classics Heart Beat ManufactureFor the gentlemen among you, we have two n...
New: Hautlence Vagabonde Series 4 and Linear Series 1
Hautlence was founded back in 2004, and I’ve been following the brand since the early days. There are two things about Hautlence that immediately came to mind when I read about the release of two new watches and the start of a new era for the brand. The first was the complicated anarchist HL2.3 PUNK with its 84 spikes from 2019, a seemingly lawless creation made for the millionaire Sex Pistols fan - check it out at the end of this article. The second was how the two founders Renaud de Retz and Guillaume Tetu made me choose between a fancy or a fun dinner when I visited them in Neuchatel - I chose the fun one, which meant cheese fondue and lots of white wine. The brand is now gearing up...
Oris Divers Sixty-Five 12 Hour Calibre 400 And An Aquis Trio
Oris released a handful of watches today at Geneva Watch Days 2022. Lately, it seems the brand introduces so many new watches that it’s impossible to release them one at a time. I’m not complaining - not at all. The Oris Aquis sees new additions with 36.5mm models with shimmering mother-of-pearl dials. The release I’m most excited about, however, is a new Oris Divers Sixty-Five like we’ve never seen before. The Divers Sixty-Five 12 Hour Calibre 400 makes use of the brand’s top three-hander and a shift in style while staying true to Oris’s Divers Sixty-Five design. Is it a win? I think so.Oris seems to be on fire this year. In three months, the brand has gi...
Introducing MB&F's Legacy Machine Split Escapement EVO
When you think about MB&F, “sporty” and “wearable” certainly aren’t the first words that come to mind. The watches that the brand usually presents to the world are pieces of art on the wrist. They take on the most unusual shapes and forms, integrating some of the most advanced movements into amazing cases. And while these qualities carry over into Legacy Machines (LM) line, the watches in this collection are certainly a bit closer to the round-wristwatch archetype. Today, MB&F is adding two Split Escapement EVO models to the LM collection. And yes, the EVO line is indeed MB&F’s more sporty and wearable line of watches. Let’s take a look.U...
New Doxa Army Models Two Non-Limited Reissues
Doxa is well-known for its function-first dive watches with their unique aesthetic and bright colors. Until the release of the ceramic Doxa Army limited edition in April this year, little was known about Doxa's military involvement. But in late 2021, the Swiss government confirmed that special dive watches were purchased from Doxa for the Swiss Army.Doxa brought the design back in cooperation with Watches of Switzerland. One hundred pieces were made in black ceramic and quickly sold out. Today, however, the brand adds a pair of non-limited versions to its collection. Let's see what Doxa is bringing to the table at this year’s Geneva Watch Days!The history of the Doxa ArmyAlthough Doxa ...
Czapek Quai Des Bergues Watches In A Larger Size
As the watch world descends upon Switzerland once more for this year’s edition of Geneva Watch Days, each visitor to the fair will have their favorite brands in mind. Unsurprisingly, given my long history with the brand, Czapek is always at the very top of my list. While I, like many, would love to be anticipating the unveiling of new additions to the Antarctique collection (perhaps even the sneaky announcement of a second Fratello edition - one can dream), we know that won’t be the case as Czapek dutifully tends to its bulging order book before relisting that model for sale. Instead, the brand is revisiting its first caliber and bringing us two new editions of the Quai Des Bergu...
Fratello At Geneva Watch Days 2022
It’s hard to believe that it’s already been a year! We’ve done the full tour around the sun since the last time the Fratello team made its way to Geneva Watch Days. The 2022 edition of the event marks only the third time that it is taking place, but it promises to be the best one yet. Founded amid the global pandemic, it looks like the hybrid physical/digital nature of GWD is here to stay, with many other events adopting this same concept. This year’s event will run from the 29th of August until the 1st of September. During this time, a part of the Fratello team will be on the ground in Geneva, visiting all exhibiting brands to bring you the latest news!The self-descr...
BOLDR Venture Singularity In The Darkest Musou Black
BOLDR Supply Company calls itself an outfitter brand for the adventurers of the world. The whole name and tagline certainly conjure up images of limit-pushing mountaineers and field equipment. But that alone would not be enough to stand out in a crowded segment. What seems to capture watch enthusiasts’ imagination are the microbrand's boundless inspirations for its thematic series. The latest release is a super-black model called the Venture Singularity, a nod to a supermassive black hole in our galaxy.A conscious companyBOLDR is a Singapore-based team that entered the microbrand scene in 2016. Touting an environmentally and socially conscious mission, the brand creates daily beaters t...
?New: The Laurent Ferrier Serie Atelier V Sport Auto 40
With the ever-more fervent emphasis on alternative propulsion and me, a diehard petrolhead, driving an electric car, is motor racing still relevant? It is if it’s done right, especially when the inspiration comes in the form of Easter eggs rather than completely spelled out. And in the Laurent Ferrier Serie Atelier V Sport Auto 40, the clues are as subtle as they are colorful.Laurent Ferrier has come to the fore as the quietly spoken alternative for the collector who already has a Patek and a few grails. For me, though, it’s also the choice of a more discerning breed of collector. The brand's image is one of understated style, with a certain motor racing cachet for those in the ...
Trilobe Unveils The Nuit Fantastique Brume
Two years after debuting the Nuit Fantastique, Trilobe presents its brand-new guilloche edition at Geneva Watch Days 2023. The highlight is the dual guilloche patterns on the dial, offering a mesmerizing textural contrast. The model comes in a gray shade that the French brand aptly names “brume.” As with all Trilobe models, the watch is designed in France and meticulously crafted in Switzerland. Furthermore, it upholds Trilobe’s concept of a singular time display.The Paris-based independent brand has this knack for crafting watches that encapsulate timeless elegance while also pushing the boundaries. This essence is evident in the Une Folle Journee (Crazy Day) models we hav...
Doxa Introduces The Ultra Stealthy Sub 300 Sharkhunter
One of the first things I think of when talking about Doxa is the brand’s use of bright colors for its dials and straps. Doxa employs a wide variety of vivid tones that stand out immediately with the characteristic design of the watches. The Whitepearl models showed that white also matches the aesthetic perfectly. Additionally, with the Doxa Army timepieces, we saw a different style despite still being colorful. And with the Sub 300T Clive Cussler, we saw that a worn and beaten look also works. Today, with the introduction of the new Sub 300 Sharkhunter, Doxa shows that a stealthy version with a gold sparkle works miracles. It transforms the hardcore dive watch into a great-looking, s...
Ulysee Nardin Introduces The Blast Free Wheel Marquetry
Generally, there is not a whole lot of buzz surrounding Ulysse Nardin. But every time the Le Locle brand releases a new technological marvel, we are stunned by the incredible craftsmanship. Indeed, some of the technological wizardry is quite astounding. With the new Blast Free Wheel Marquetry, Ulysse Nardin presents a watch that had me reading the press release multiple times. A first glance might tell you how the watch looks, but you need the context to understand what makes this timepiece so special. Once again, Ulysse Nardin has us paying attention to its latest release.When I think of the Ulysse Nardin timepieces that blew me away, the Blast Hourstriker that Balazs wrote about immediatel...