The Luxury Watch Company Luxury Watches News
New: The Lorier Worn & Wound Astra Stargazer
The new Lorier Worn & Wound Astra Stargazer is the latest limited-edition collaboration from the New York City-based publication. The partnership is close to home as Lorier, a well-known microbrand, also hails from the Big Apple. They’ve created an affordable, very cool watch that should sell faster than the newest SoHo clothing drop.I.................. September 30, 2024 More
Unveiling The Lorca Watches Model No.2 Chronograph
It’s been roughly 18 months since Lorca founder Jesse Marchant unveiled his debut watch. Praised by the press and enthusiasts alike, the Model No.1 GMT presented a unique take on a multi-time watch. Instead of following the typical GMT category codes, Marchant created a watch much more characterized by its overall vintage-inspired elements. T.................. September 30, 2024 More
IWC Watches And Polaris Dawn Mission Return From Space
Four IWC Pilot's Watch Chronograph Edition Polaris Dawn models in white ceramic with space-blue dials are back on Earth. Along with their wearers, they launched from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida at 05:23 EDT on September 10th, 2024. The four members of the crew and their watches safely splashed down off the coast of Florida at 03:36 EDT o.................. September 30, 2024 More
Introducing: The Formex Stratos UTC
Formex is arguably one of the most underrated watch brands out there. If you have had the chance to handle any of Formex's watches, you know they are very well-made spec monsters at sharp prices. Today, the brand releases its take on a pilot’s watch with the Formex Stratos UTC. The big news? The Formex magic doesn't stop at the exterior this .................. September 30, 2024 More
Hands-On: Breitling Super Chronomat Perpetual Calendar 140th
The 140th anniversary of Breitling has brought with it three stupendous watches. Navitimer, Premier, and Super Chronomat Perpetual Calendar pieces in red gold celebrate the milestone. We’ve managed to get our hands on each of them, so look forward to in-depth reviews of all three. Today, we start with the largest of the bunch, the Super Chron.................. September 30, 2024 More
Hands-On: The New Oris Artelier S In Black And Green
The Oris Artelier collection holds a special place in my heart. The very first luxury watch I bought was an Oris Art Blakey limited edition from that same collection. I still wear it quite regularly and enjoy its bass-drum-inspired dial a lot. I think it came out simultaneously with the James Morrison Academy of Music limited edition at the end of .................. September 30, 2023 More
Hands-On: The Praesidus Rec Spec MACV-SOG
Praesidus has quickly made a name for itself as a producer of great modern remakes of classic military watches. Not too long ago, I had the pleasure of trying out the wonderfully weird A-5 UDT. This time, I had a chance to check out the brand-new Rec Spec MACV-SOG. Behind this new model is a tale of how Seiko dress watches bought at local markets t.................. September 30, 2023 More
Meet The GS9 Club Europe At The Fratello Grand Seiko Paris Event
On October 21, Grand Seiko and Fratello will host an event for fans and enthusiasts of the brand in the Grand Seiko boutique at La Place Vendome in Paris. Not only will you be able to experience the latest Grand Seiko watches, but also to be introduced to the European chapter of the GS9 Club.During our last year’s Fratello x Grand Seiko event.................. September 30, 2022 More
The 10 Best Watches Under $1,000 Of 2022
At the Fratello offices, we often discuss affordable watches. The question of what “affordable” means, however, is obviously a very personal one. We decided to set the affordable budget for this list at $1,000. So what watches in this price bracket are the best in the long stream of new releases that were unveiled in 2022? We have compi.................. September 30, 2022 More
Seiko Presage Sharp Edged Kabuki Limited Editions
If you love Japanese culture, you will probably be familiar with the Japanese form of theatre known as “kabuki”. If you are unfamiliar with the name itself, you will probably recognize it when you see the image of a play below. Kabuki inspired Seiko to develop two new models for its Presage Sharp Edged Series. Both models feature dials .................. September 30, 2022 More
Introducing: Tissot Telemeter 1938
For a story that started 84 years ago during a ski race in the Swiss Alps, Tissot's timing to reminisce with a vintage-inspired model was peculiar. Back in July this summer, the heritage watchmaker introduced the 42mm chronograph Telemeter 1938 in two color variants to do just that. Nevertheless, it is a story worth telling because it captures the .................. September 30, 2022 More
Bond Edition Of Wrist Game Or Crying Shame: Seiko 7549-7009 Golden Tuna
My name is Game, Wrist Game. Or is it Shame, Crying Shame? The name of this column, double agents, is up to you. Today, we reach back to a 1981 movie in celebration of a film that debuts today. I guess you know the theme, but do you know the watch? It’s the Seiko 7549-7009 Golden Tuna and do I expect you to talk? No, I expect you to vote! But.................. September 30, 2021 More
New For Only Watch 2021: The TAG Heuer Carbon Monaco (2021)
TAG Heuer has produced a very special Monaco for this year’s Only Watch auction. This year, the brand revives a collector’s classic in an all-new, carbon-cased construction. Inspired by the fabled Monaco “Dark Lord” of the mid-70s, this one-off piece is sure to strike a chord in the heart of the TAG Heuer collector lucky eno.................. September 30, 2021 More
Hot Take: Ollech & Wajs OW 350Cl
Today, we take a brief look at the new Ollech & Wajs OW 350Cl, a watch inspired by a Swiss military motorcycle. This is a fun one with attractive specs, so let’s twist the throttle and go for a ride.I’ve been following Ollech & Wajs over the last several years since the company has been going through somewhat of a rebirth. I mus.................. September 30, 2021 More
The NOMOS Glashutte Fratello Weltzeit "The Hague Edition" (2021)
Suppose you’ve kept an eye on our social media and the website over the last week or so. In that case, you’ll have first seen the announcement, and then the full reveal, of the NOMOS Glashutte Weltzeit “The Hague Edition” for Fratello. This project was the brainchild of our Managing Editor, Rob Nudds. The watch is available .................. September 30, 2021 More
Wrist Game or Crying Shame: Longines Legend Diver No Date
We’re back with Wrist Game or Crying Shame and this week we take a look at the Longines Legend Diver no date. But first…Last week, we featured another twin crown diver (that’s blatant foreshadowing) with the IWC Aquatimer Cousteau Divers. Despite its rough and semi-ready appearance, apparent mechanical foibles, and overt branding,.................. September 30, 2020 More
NOMOS Glashutte Ace Jewelers Tangente Amsterdam Limited Edition
We reported on it as soon as it hit the market. Now, just a few weeks later, we managed to get one of the last available pieces in hand for a quick review. And, I’ve got to say, that the new NOMOS Glashutte Ace Jewelers Tangente Amsterdam limited edition is a sterling follow-up to its three forerunners.The whole Ace/NOMOS collaboration is tak.................. September 30, 2020 More
Podcast Talking About Our Favorite Seiko Watches
In this 20th podcast, RJ and Rob talk about their very favorite Seiko watches from 2020 and mention their all-time favorites from Seiko.Our Fratello on Air podcast is available via Buzzsprout, Soundcloud, Apple Podcast, Google Podcast, Deezer,? Stitcher, and Spotify................... September 30, 2020 More
Balazs's Top 5 Iconic Vintage Angelus Watches
Vintage watch fans are an interesting bunch of enthusiasts. We have our usual suspects when it comes to watch-preference. These include the Omega Speedmaster, Submariner, or the Breitling Navitimer, for example. Needless to say, these are not the only models we love from said brands. However, when it comes to smaller, lesser-known companies, we te.................. September 30, 2020 More
Hands-On With The New Seiko Presage Green Enamel Dial SBP111
Where other brands get flamed for the constant flow of limited editions, Seiko seems to get away with it every time. This time, it is the Seiko Presage Green Enamel dial watch, reference SBP111.That might be because they are simply stunning releases, or that the Seiko crowd is not that bothered by it and are just happy when there’s a new rele.................. September 30, 2019 More
The Tool Watch To The Rescue!
About 90% of my watch collection consists of tool watches. And I’m not the only one. This watch style is one of the most popular categories. Let’s spend some time on the definition of tool watches for this episode of Watches & Pencils.What is a Tool Watch?Sorry disappoint you, but there is no exact definition for a ‘tool watch.................. September 30, 2019 More
FORTIS: PC-7 Team Aeromaster Editions
Dynamics. Precision. Elegance.The motto of the Swiss Air Force aerobatic formation PC-7 TEAM is clear. True to this motto, the new AEROMASTER models from the traditional and still independent pilot’s watch manufacturer FORTIS are presented. Almost 15 years ago, FORTIS was selected as a partner and now has a very special edition up its sleeve .................. September 30, 2019 More
Yema Rallye: the race continues
At Fratello Watches we show a lot of?love for?Omega’s Speedmaster watch. But there is a new watch that?is accelerating and heading for a position at the top: Yema Rallye. This year there were several articles about this extravagant watch with a true motorsports connection. Michael wrote about his Obrey branded Rallye and Balazs revealed the f.................. September 30, 2016 More
Photo Essay Junghans visit and Meister Pilot Introduction
Since Mike and I are both hail from Germany it was only logical that we hook up with the brands around. So what brands you have here? Obviously some of the most influential non-Swiss watchmaking powerhouses in the history of horology. Companies like A.Lange & Sohne, Nomos, Glashutte Original, Tutima, Hanhart, Sinn and Junghans among many others.................. September 30, 2015 More
Fratello Watches Q&A with Apollo 15 astronaut Dave Scott
NASA astronaut Dave Scott (1932) was the 7th person to walk on the Moon during the Apollo 15 mission in 1971. Before the Apollo 15 mission, Scott was also pilot of the Gemini 8 mission and Command Module Pilot aboard the Apollo 9. On the Apollo 15 mission, he became the first to drive on the Moon in the Lunar Rover.Just like every other Apollo astr.................. September 30, 2015 More
Omega Speedmaster Grey Side of the Moon
We already showed you the Omega Speedmaster Grey Side of the Moon, or Lunar Dust as it was called at the time of introduction in BaselWorld. However, Omega is now officially introducing it to the public as ‘Grey Side of the Moon’, on Speedy Tuesday.The Speedmaster Grey Side of the Moon didn’t change since we’ve seen it in Ba.................. September 30, 2014 More
Congratulations to Only Watch 2013 $ 5,066,000 Raised For DMD
The much talked about Only Watch 2013 show raised a mind blowing 5mio Euro for research on?Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Over 300 people (including bidders) witnessed the auction in person and numerous bidders on-line and by telephone. A number of watches did not fetch their estimate, but some of them compensated for that, in full. What about the Pa.................. September 30, 2013 More
Van der Gang Watches
Besides watches made by fellow Dutch citizen Christiaan van der Klaauw, we now also have watches from another Dutch company called Van der Gang Watches. Their main model looks (to me) a lot like the IWC Portugieser Chronograph, I could be insulting them by writing this, but even the price is about the same. ?? If I had to design a watch for my bran.................. September 30, 2004 More
The Tudor Prince Oysterdate "Jumbo" A Vintage Value Prop
I am a big fan of vintage Tudor, as many of you will probably already know. Tudor, to me, is a brand that represents the very best of Hans Wilsdorf’s vision of creating mechanical excellence but without the posh baggage of . The vintage Tudor Prince Oysterdate “Jumbo” will scratch the Datejust itch but with a wonderful and modern .................. September 29, 2024 More
Raymond Weil Millesime Vs. Frederique Constant Moneta
Last week's Sunday Morning Showdown saw two very dressy watches pitted against each other. We continue the formal streak this week but in a much more wallet-friendly manner. These two dressy numbers were positively received here at Fratello, even if they don't represent the ultimate in horology. The big question today is: if you want to buy a reaso.................. September 29, 2024 More
Fratello's Top 5 Recent Field Watches
Another Friday, another Top 5! Last week saw us picking out our favorite blacked-out watches that have come out recently. There seems to be a lot of love for blacked-out watches, which is great. This week, we will focus on recently released field watches. We have seen several new releases with great variations and different styles, but they are sti.................. September 29, 2023 More
Fratello Talks: Japanese Watches
Welcome to this week’s episode of Fratello Talks. Today, we’re talking all about Japanese watches. What makes them special, brands we enjoy, and why they keep the Swiss on their toes. We cover a broad range of brands and price points available from Japan. From the humble Seiko to high-end brands like Credor and Minase. Whether you are j.................. September 29, 2023 More
Marin Instruments Skin-Diver
A long time ago, my watch journey began with dive watches. I was lucky to grow feet in the water, and I loved everything related to the sea. Plus, I've always been obsessed with watches, so the decision to buy divers was a no-brainer. Many of my watch friends own dive watches. Three Fratello writers’ GADA watches are divers. And much of the o.................. September 29, 2023 More
Hip To Be Square: Six Great Examples Of Angular Cool
I have no stats on this, but I’d bet that round and roundish watches beat square and rectangular watches in sales by a ratio of 9:1. And I’m just as guilty as the next man of not buying one yet, even if it’s only due to laziness on my part. But I’ve had a change of heart, and in fact, it’s hip to be square in 2023.Squa.................. September 29, 2023 More
Hands-On: Porsche Design Chronograph 1 And A 911 Carrera T
The 1972 Porsche Design Chronograph 1 is revered as one of the great racing chronographs. It may not enjoy the mainstream adulation of a Speedmaster or a Daytona, but it is certainly a niche icon. Any designer would be lucky to have a watch like this in his/her portfolio. But F.A. Porsche was no ordinary designer. Before he drew the Chronograph 1, .................. September 29, 2023 More
#TBT Fascinatingly Innocent Juvenia Architect "Protractor"
How many different hand styles do you know? Well, listing them off could keep us here all night. Yet, if you’re anything like me, you can’t stop staring in wonder when you see Juvenia Architect “Protractor.” It is unprecedentedly innocent, simple, amusing, different, and powerful all at the same time.I promised myself that o.................. September 29, 2022 More
?The Best Cartoon Watches: Omega, Timex, Bvlgari, & More
No, I’m not being ironic here. Embrace your inner child and let a cartoon watch liven up your day. It doesn’t have to be a cheeky-colored kid’s watch, either. The best cartoon watches can be discreet, and truly legit horology at that.For many people, cartoons are a blissful memory of childhood lost. Others, however, carry the enth.................. September 29, 2022 More
Six Months On: Omega Swatch Speedmaster MoonSwatch
It has now been six months since the launch of one of the year's most talked about watches. The Omega Swatch Speedmaster MoonSwatch sent shockwaves through the watch community after its announcement on the 24th of March. We all witnessed the phenomenon of people queueing overnight for the launch, hoping to get their hands on one. I witnessed this w.................. September 29, 2022 More
Horology Forum 8 "Moves New York" Afterthoughts
American watchmaking, watch culture, and watch market were in the spotlight during the Dubai Watch Week Horology Forum 8 Moves New York. The watch event, which took place last weekend in NYC's Meatpacking District, was comprised of panels, debates, and watchmaking and watch-photography masterclasses. And yes, while discussing the present state and .................. September 29, 2022 More
Seiko Speedtimer Prospex Chronographs SRQ035, SRQ037 (2021)
Although Zenith announced the ground-breaking El Primero automatic chronograph in January of 1969, it was beaten to the shelves (and ultimately the wrists of watch lovers) by the Seiko Speedtimer. By the time May 1969 rolled around, Seiko’s majestic entry in the chronograph dash had arrived in shops, nosing ahead of Zenith at the last as both.................. September 29, 2021 More
