Hands-On: Linde Werdelin Oktopus Titanium Red Review
Some time ago, Linde Werdelin sent us their Oktopus Titanium Red for a review here on Fratellowatches. During the last few years, Linde Werdelin’s collection has been sorted out and optimized by having two main pillars: the Spido and the Oktopus. Today, we review the Linde Werdelin Oktopus Titanium Red after having it on our wrists for a couple of weeks. After all, you can’t review something without having experienced it yourself.Linde Werdelin Oktopus II Double Date Titanium RedSince we’ve covered a lot of Linde Werdelin timepieces here during the last few years, we won’t go into the basics but focus on the review of this particular watch. Originally named Linde Werd...
The Omega Speedmaster Speedy Tuesday Limited Edition In Pictures
Introduced on January 10th 2017 and sold out within 4.5 hours and about 7500 people on the waiting list. And believe me if I say that I had some sleepless nights before the release over the number of 2012 pieces in total. The delivery of the Omega Speedmaster Speedy Tuesday Limited Edition started in June and is finally about to end. It has been a long ride, and a fun one, with the exception of the long delivery time of the watch. Fact is that Omega did a few things quite differently on this Speedmaster Speedy Tuesday Limited Edition than they ever did before, and that took longer than expected.Without wanting to focus too much on things that went wrong, the Speedmaster Speedy Tuesday Limite...
Four Highlights Of Fortuna's Important Watches Auction
New York-based Auction house?Fortuna has their Important Watches sale tomorrow (December 6th) with no less than 114 lots.??From those lots, we selected four watches for you to check out (and feel free to browse the other 110 lots of course).Let’s start with the 5512 that is featured above. Submariner 5512 Square Crown GuardsOne of the rarest versions of the Submariner, the reference 5512 with square crown guards, launched in 1959, replaced earlier models without crown guards to protect the crown from impact and water damage. It is thought that less than 100 examples of the Submariner with square crown guards were made; only about 30 are known to the market. Because of the damage the ...
Blancpain Trilogy Fifty Fathom, black sheep of the family?
Quite some time ago already, Jarle sent us a question about the Blancpain Trilogy Fifty Fathoms models. These models were initiated by Mr. Jean-Claude Biver (while at Blancpain) at the end of the nineties, and are in fact the first descendants of the illustrious Blancpain Fifty Fathom models from the fifties, sixties, and even seventies.You Asked Us! Blancpain Trilogy Fifty Fathoms, black sheep of the family?Picture through Flickr by Andi from Munich, GermanyLet’s start with the complete text of Jarle’s question:From: JarleSubject: Black sheep; Blancpain TrilogyMessage Body:In 1997 the most iconic dive watch reemerged from hibernation. It was the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Trilogy. ...
#TBT Timex Heinz Ketchup
I don't like ketchup, but I could not resist the charm of a magically levitating bottle of Heinz Ketchup on this three-hander' proudly signed Timex. I don't know why exactly, as there was no intentional process behind it, but this year I happened to wear the Angelus Chronodato to most of my important business meetings and pitches. This is my routine: when traveling for business, I usually pack four serious watches, always one modern Omega Speedmaster coupled with three other vintage pieces. When I was packing for a business trip to the other end of Slovakia last week, I threw in the Timex Heinz Ketchup just for fun.Timex Heinz KetchupTimex Heinz stage timeI was about to pitch a big corporate...
Tudor Black Bay Straps: RubberB, Crafter Blue, Everest, Vanguard
The Black Bay by Tudor is a collection of heritage-inspired dive watches with their Pelagos range covering the modern interpretation of a dive watch. Staying close to that heritage, the Black Bay is only available on distressed leather straps, riveted bracelets or fabric straps. Tudor do supply rubber straps that fit the end links of the Pelagos' titanium bracelet, but the Black Bay does not have an OEM rubber option. That’s left a niche in the market for third party manufacturers to thrive and develop rubber straps bespoke for the Tudor Black Bay’s lug and case design.Rubber StrapsBelow are 4 examples for comparison in ascending price brackets. For the purposes of this review, o...
Podcast Our Favorite Divers of 2020
It’s episode 25 and Balazs & Mike come together to talk about their favorite divers of 2020.Balazs and Mike are on the air waves for episode 25 on our favorite divers of 2020. We recorded this one several weeks ago after our return from the Netherlands. Now, the boys have figured out how to cut and edit. You’ll be hearing more from them!...
Omega Speedmaster World Cup Semi-Final 1: Snoopy 2015 Vs. Tintin
Here is the first round this weekend on the Speedmaster World Cup Semi-Finals. In the quarter-finals, we saw the Speedmaster Snoopy 2015, the Tintin ultimately dominate their match-ups for the win. Some groups had clear winners, others showed a proper fight.In the Semi-Final 1, we will see a battle between the reporter and adventurer Tintin and NASA’s watchdog Snoopy. Both cartoon characters, but with the difference that one didn’t make it on the watch due to a tough crowd that watches over Herge’s heritage and one that did make it to the watch, Snoopy. In the latter case, the cartoonist Charles M. Schulz that came up with Snoopy was a big supporter of NASA’s race for...
The Fast And The Fratelli Shootout: Balazs's Omega Vs. Gerard's Seiko
In Round 2 of The Fast And The Fratelli, two writers go head-to-head with their qualifying racing chronos! Here are Gerard and Balazs - a.k.a. the father and son at Fratello - with their first-round winners for your consideration.How come we now see the Omega Speedmaster Speedy Tuesday Ultraman competing with the Seiko Prospex Speedtimer SRQ037J1? That cause lies in the first round, where the Omega Speedmaster Ultraman made a clear win over a Zenith Chronomaster El Primero Revival A385. It was a 72 over 28% win. With 54 over 46%, the Seiko Prospex Speedtimer was less overwhelming but still a clear winner over the Tissot Heritage 1973. And so, here they are! The Omega and the Seiko roar at th...
Top Microbrand Watches Of 2021 Serica, Straum, Zelos, And More!
Happy December, folks! Now all focus turns towards a large man dressed in red, breaking and entering your property to leave gifts under a tree you've temporarily set up indoors. That's right, Christmas! It's this time of the year that we tend to reflect upon the last 11 months. Despite 2021 being a challenging year, it was nothing compared to 2020. We were fortunate to see watch shows back up and running (not you, Baselworld), and brands release more watches than in the previous year. So, here I want to take a look at my top microbrand watch releases of 2021.I've often made no secret of my appreciation for the microbrand scene. It was one of the things that really got me into watch collectin...
Strap Width: A Spec That Makes A World Of Difference
Strap width - often referred to as “lug width” - is usually only a topic of discussion if an odd size (17, 19, or 21mm) is used. So does the strap width only matter in terms of the availability of aftermarket replacement straps? I don't think so. In fact, it affects the overall appearance of the watch way more than we give it credit for. Let's explore that idea.I will refrain from using the term “lug width” (much to our copy editor’s elation). Technically, this term refers to the width of the lug, not the gap between the lugs. “Strap width” and “lug spacing” are arguably more accurate descriptions of what we are aiming for here.Odd strap ...
Titoni Presents The Miss Lovely With Interchangeable Straps
The century-old Swiss watchmaker Titoni has made its name crafting handsome watches with unbeatable value. Little did we know that the fourth-generation family-run independent brand also has a strong lineup of ladies’ watches. Among them, the Miss Lovely collection undoubtedly takes the feminine curves up a notch. The latest 33.5mm time-only model in stainless steel also comes with its own unique quick-change strap system, so going between a bracelet and a leather strap is effortless. And no fabulously manicured nails will be harmed while having fun with different looks.The lady of all ladiesTitoni's offerings for women typically consist of timeless, elegant dress watches. Some of the ...
Don't Wear Your Expensive Watch To The Office Unless...
In my previous working life, I worked for an investment bank, and seeing interesting watches around me in the office was pretty common. But this is different for many others. They are uncomfortable wearing their expensive watch to work for fear of negative comments or implications for their position.I also remember reading a discussion on the TimeZone forums many moons ago where someone wrote that it was not acceptable to wear a more expensive watch than your manager. Perhaps I am a bit na?ve and only thought this was an American Psycho kind of thing. Apparently, though, it’s real because quite recently, I noticed a few similar remarks in our comments.Wearing nice watches to the office...
Hands-On With The New Traska Commuter 34 And 38
At the risk of sounding too enthusiastic, I'd say that Traska never ceases to surprise me. That’s not only because the brand expands its catalog exponentially each year but also because it continuously improves upon the quality. We see increasingly smoother finishes, better bracelets, and, perhaps more importantly, top-notch dials. Each new model or new iteration of an existing one is a step above what came before. And today, we'll look at two new models from the American brand - the Commuter in 34mm and 38mm sizes. These are two models, as the brand puts it, that nobody asked for but everybody secretly wanted.?As the in-house specialist on Traska, I've already covered a few models fro...
Collection Conundrum: Is Consolidation For Me?
How many watches are too many? Very rarely are we wearing more than one at a time, and I normally find myself wearing one per day. The bigger question is: do we gravitate towards certain pieces in our collections? Is there a requirement for collectors to wear every watch they own? I ask myself these questions regularly as I stand over the watch box(es) each morning. This is a self-reflection but, hopefully, one that you will find worthwhile.I didn't set out to be a watch collector. For those of us who grew up before cell phones (not even smartphones) were ubiquitous, watches were an essential part of the wardrobe. How else would someone be able to know what time it was? Our parents may have ...
Talking About Our $25,000 Watch Collection Picks
Fratello On Air returns for another episode, and this week, we’re talking about our recent $25,000 watch collection choices. Lists are always sure to create some sort of kerfuffle, and these articles were no exception. We discuss the watches along with some of the feedback. Enjoy the show!...
London Calling: The Big Smoke Is A Watch Lover's Paradise
Four months - that’s how long it’s been since I moved to London with my family. Aside from a week and a half in Florida, I’ve been here nonstop. Folks often ask me how it’s going in the overall sense, but they’re especially curious when it comes to watches. Well, I’m happy to report that on both accounts, the experience has been nothing short of amazing. London, despite the reports of its imminent demise, is alive and well!I won’t kid you; I’ve always wanted to live in London. Alongside Tokyo, this has always been my favorite city to visit for so many reasons. The history, the neighborhoods, the customer service, and the pubs (that might be num...
Hands-On: The Stylish Baltic Hermetique Tourer Bronze
Have we left the Bronze Age behind us and entered the Stone Age? It seems 2024 has been the year of stone dials. That doesn’t mean bronze watches have disappeared, but what once seemed like a rushing stream of new bronze timepieces has died down quite a bit. Still, we have seen some great additions to the bronze-watch universe, and the last one for Baltic was 2023’s Aquascaphe Bronze Marron. It made perfect sense as the Aquascaphe is the brand’s dive watch, and bronze has a long history in diving equipment. But how about a bronze field watch? It’s time to find out with Baltic Hermetique Tourer Bronze.I must confess that I have a love/hate relationship with bronze as a...
New: TAG Heuer Formula 1 Chronograph Oracle Red Bull Racing
TAG Heuer has partnered with Oracle Red Bull racing since 2017, and there have been seven watches commemorating their alliance. Now, to celebrate the team’s 20th anniversary, a new Formula 1 Chronograph joins the collection. As expected, this watch blends the team colors and a highly technical look to create a sporty timepiece.The Oracle Red Bull team marks its 20th anniversary. Looking back, the venture has won eight drivers’ championships and six constructors’ titles. Alongside Mercedes, this is the most storied team of the past two decades. Fittingly, a new limited-edition TAG Heuer chronograph is here, so let’s take a brief look.The TAG Heuer Formula 1 Chronograph...
New: Omega Seamaster Diver 300M Titanium Bronze Gold
Less than a month ago, Omega introduced two new Seamaster Diver 300M versions. Those instantly grabbed the number-one spot in my imaginary “favorite modern Seamaster” ranking by taking the watch’s current design and toning it down. On the off chance that you might consider those two a bit bland, Omega is back with something much fancier. Meet the new Omega Seamaster Diver 300M Titanium Bronze Gold.This new Omega Seamaster comes on your choice of a titanium mesh bracelet (CHF 9,400 / US$10,700 / $11,900) or a green rubber strap (CHF 8,700 / US$9,900 / $11,000). Let's have a closer look!The same but differentThis new model is extremely similar to the two watches released in N...