Watch Strap Review is back with another banger. From Hong Kong, we have the pleasure of introducing HasNoBounds to you all. HNB - as Kristine, the name behind the brand, refers to it - is a company that bloomed out of friendship. While HNB is only one and a half years old, it already has a rather exciting strap selection. Furthermore, the company is offering watch cases to its audience. Today, we are going to focus on HNB s strap game, though.We skipped the first two months of the summer only to return before the good weather was gone. While summer might not be the best time to wear a leather strap, any time is a good time to stash up your strap collection, period.HasNoBoundsHasNoBounds is a...
Okay, lets settle this once and for all. It s time to end an often-heated debate. Manufacture or not? seems to be the question that needs to be answered when were talking about Tudor and Longines watches. Does a Kenissi-equipped Tudor qualify as a watch with an in-house movement? And can a Longines with an ETA movement that was specifically and uniquely made for and only used by that Swatch Group brand be considered a manufacture watch? Lets try to find the final answers.Some things in watchmaking are pretty clean-cut. Take Swiss Made, for instance. When you see Swiss Made on a dial, those words carry a lot of meaning. On the website of the Federation of the Swiss Watch Industry (FHS), you c...
Another Friday, another Top 5! Last week, we dipped our toes into the world of modern sports watches with integrated bracelets. We took a look at some of the more affordable options. But what about the not-so-affordable options? As you would expect, it s a playing field with quite a few usual suspects. Having said that, they do make for impressive timepieces. That s why we decided to take a look at our favorite options without a budget cap. This week s list gives you simply five options for modern sports watches with integrated bracelets. No budget restrictions are necessary.As I mentioned last week, the most interesting development in the integrated-bracelet segment is the introduction of a...
Today, we ll discuss the new Synchron Military Poseidon Black Edition, the latest release from Rick Marei s retro-themed brand. In many ways, I think this watch qualifies as the most traditional Military model yet. Plus, with its more typical black dial, it makes for easier reading than past variants. Let s take a closer look.Synchron has been a nice little surprise since Rick Marei resurrected the name back in March 2021. Thus far, we ve been treated to two models that pay tribute to the 1970s Doxa Army. The watches have been fun, limited in nature, and, in my view, an overall treat for the eyes. Before we get to the latest Poseidon Black Edition, let s take stock of the brand s first two w...
Mille Miglia, the famous Italian endurance race, started in 1927 but suffered several interruptions (namely, World War II and cancellation after several fatal accidents). However, since 1987, the race from Brescia to Rome and back has been consistently organized annually in May. To be able to resume the race every year, they were looking for sponsors, and Chopard has been supporting Mille Miglia ever since. When it resumed, only cars built between 1927 and 1957 qualified to participate in the classic race. These days, theres a Green version of the race as well. I guess the Mille Miglia organization needed to get the green light from the government to keep the classic race going.Mille Miglia ...
Have you ever fallen for someone who you thought wasnt right for you? I have. Her name is Pam. Panerai Radiomir PAM00210, to be a little more precise. I had a massive crush on her for the longest time. But she didnt fit my image of what suits my style and character. And, admittedly, I thought she would look ridiculous on my arm.Okay, I reckon I have milked that spiel dry by now. Let me cut to the chase: I bought a Panerai! And, regardless of the doubt up front, I am over the moon. Let me take you on a little personal journey that finally led to this unavoidable outcome. This is why I bought my out-of-character Panerai Radiomir.Out of characterRJ asked me if I wasnt a little hypocritical as a...
It s chunky, daring, and creative. Today s hero is a shockingly simple parking meter watch combined with a minute-countdown timer. It even has a bit of a Breitling SuperOcean feel. Meet the Mondia Memory Parking Meter.Sometimes I ask myself how long I will be able to keep our #TBT column inspiring. What if I run out of interesting watches to share? What if, eventually, there are only dull, time-only three-handers left? The fact is that my list of watches for #TBT should last for a few more years. Plus, there are always fun discoveries popping up. Have you seen last week s Medana with an out-of-this-world crystal? I hadn t even come to my senses yet when another watch struck me! I was so exci...
Nivada Grenchen has been focusing on other watch models lately, but the brand still needs to find a way to surprise its chronograph fan base. While not a mechanical model, the new Chronoking, Paul Newman Orange, is a lovely, affordable timepiece for vintage lovers. While the watch is not a direct re-edition of a vintage model, it takes inspiration from an iconic Nivada from the past.The watch combines elements of a classic Chronoking and the Paul Newman version. The result is a pleasing, vintage-inspired timepiece that wont break the bank.Nivada Grenchen ChronokingThe Chronoking originally came to the market in the late 1960s. Nivada experienced massive success with the Chronomaster Aviator ...
Choosing three watches under $3,000 might seem easy, but for me, it was more difficult than choosing watches below $1K. I mean, $1,000 is a lot of money, but at $3,000, it gets even more severe, requiring solid purchases. My problem was that I couldn t easily find a $3,000 watch that meant so much more to me than my much cheaper choices. But don t let me make it all too difficult. What watches would I feel good about spending my money on?So, after Lex, Daan, Thomas, and RJ showed their picks, now it s my turn. As it turns out, my first choice wasn t difficult at all. I already spent my money on this one, and it still makes me happy.My favorite watches under $3,000 - Oris Sixty-Five Fratello ...
Welcome to this week s episode of Fratello Talks. This is a very special episode as it s the debut of the podcast in video form. For you audio listeners, don t worry; you ll still be able to listen in from your favorite podcast-hosting app. On top of that, a video version of the week s episode will be available on the site and the Fratello YouTube channel. This week, Nacho is joined by RJ and Morgan to discuss the topic of babying watches. As the title might have given away, we have strong feelings about this subject. Our advice, in short: don t baby your watches! But before we jump into it, let s check what the guys have on the wrist this week!This video is blocked because you did not accep...
Going hands-on with one of the G-Shock MR-G series models is always an experience. G-Shock MR-G line is the brand s most premium line. It combines exclusive materials with ingenious technical solutions and an incredible level of quality and finishing. The brand s latest new offering is the G-Shock MRG-BF1000E-1A9 which celebrates G-Shock s 40th anniversary in style. On top of that, this new Frogman model also celebrates the 30th anniversary of the G-Shock Frogman models. The brand has made sure that it s not just any new G-Shock. This colorful Frogman is big, bold, and will cost you a pretty penny. And Casio will only produce 700 pieces of this limited edition. Rightfully a G-Shock for the h...
In all honesty, out of the three new Sinn T50 models, we should have covered the T50 GDBR first. It is the one model that is the most unique and most surprising. The limited-edition T50 Goldbronze is an extravagant statement, whereas the regular titanium T50 will probably be the crowd favorite. But the new T50 GDBR takes the cake when it comes to adding something unique to the world of watches. It s time for a hands-on with Sinn s stylish and modern titanium diver with a Goldbronze bezel. As it turns out, it might just be my favorite current Sinn model.I am not a fan of bronze watches. While there might be an occasional exception, in general, bronze watches are just not for me. That s also w...
Okay, this article will be different, but bear with me. The story I will tell you is one of watches, clocks, friendships, and the watch community as a whole. It s about pro skateboarder Alex Mizurov and me and how we linked up years ago. This eventually resulted in the release of arguably the world s first skateboard deck clock and Alex pulling the trigger on an amazingly beautiful Day-Date. It s story Tyme, people.I want to give you the whole story, so let s go back to the beginning. We need to travel back to 2020 and the depth of COVID quarantine.A skateboarder and a watch guyI had a colleague named Markus who was (and to a certain degree, still is) a skateboarder and a fan of the sport. O...
Parmigiani Fleurier recently released four new references under a new name - Tonda PF Sport. These new watches are intended as the weekend alternative for Parmigiani collectors. In short, they are sportier versions of the integrated-bracelet stainless steel Tonda sports watch. That s right - a sports version of a sports watch. Does that make sense? Lets find out.Of course, stylistically, the existing Parmigiani Tonda PF models arent exactly thoroughbred sports watches. They may have the robustness and specs to qualify, but they certainly lean towards the elegant side of the sports-to-formal spectrum. So that leaves space for a sportier version. But wasnt the Tonda GT already occupying that s...
We have been able to get a few special Omega Speedmaster Professional watches in the Fratello Shop. These watches have been part of an extensive collection from a Speedmaster fan. Included are a Speedmaster Japan Racing (2004), a Speedmaster Apollo-Soyuz 35th Anniversary (2010), a Speedmaster Tokyo 2020 Rising Sun (2018), a Speedmaster Albino (1997), a Speedmaster Alaska Project (2008), and a few more. These are all complete sets and are in amazing condition.Omega Speedmaster Tokyo 2020 Rising SunI was on holiday in Spain in the summer of 2018, sitting next to the hotel pool, when suddenly, I saw on my phone that Omega had introduced this watch for the Japanese market. After inquiring at Ome...
To kick off the new year, the editors here at Fratello usually each pen a story on what their plans are for the coming year. This breezes past irrelevant events like house moves, childbirths, and the like. Its all about watches, of course, and the hunt for new wristwear for our collections.We are all collectors of watches, even if some of us occasionally claim not to be. And I had a clear plan this year. It involved a rectangular watch of the small kind. Yes, that meant either a Reverso or a Cartier, not an open-worked, high-tech, 42mm version of a regulator, thats for sure.What made me choose 42mm complexity over a rectangular French icon?My plan went astray big time as this is neither smal...
Were back with Fratello On Air, and this week, we discuss alternative watches to those already in our collections. The idea came from a listener of the Whiskey & Watches podcast. It was then covered by the folks on Wrist Cheese Radio and the Spirit of Time podcast. We put our own spin on this idea, as you ll soon hear. This podcast player is blocked because you did not accept marketing cookies. Change cookie settings We re uninvited guests to the party! A few podcasts we know and enjoy have all taken their shot at a similar theme or alternative watches to something they already own. In our case, we choose watches from each other s collections, throw them away, and then suggest a repl...
I dont think a day goes by without me looking around for interesting watches to buy. It also makes me feel old, though, as I remember when you could buy watches for less than $3,000, and it doesnt feel like that long ago. Thats why the team also decided that we must add a bonus watch from the pre-owned market. Not that this brings me back to 2005 regarding prices, but at least theres some wiggle room.For the sake of this article, $3,000 is my maximum to spend on a watch, and I need to consider the retail price here. No discounts, baby! And even though this doesnt buy you a (pre-owned) watch from or Omega anymore, theres still enough to choose from!Sinn 103 Ti ArI didnt have to search for l...
In April of this year, I published an article called Watch Prices Keep Rising - Is Greed Killing The Watch Industry? It was a rumination on some of the more extreme price hikes we have seen and how they may affect brands in the future. I wrote it from a personal sense of concern and distaste, expecting most watch lovers to agree. To my surprise, some pushback came from within the Fratello office.Two of my colleagues were quite happy with the ever-increasing watch prices. They had both recently bought watches that had their prices increased afterward. From their perspective, the brands were looking after them. Also, we have spoken to a few brands in the meantime. In short: I think it is time ...
Oris is no stranger to environmental conservation efforts tied to limited-edition watches. Due to the relation with its aquatic timepieces, what began as a dedication to ocean conservation expanded to the recent Change for the Better campaign. This campaign encompasses many forms of preservation and improvement projects, which Oris gladly collaborates with. Sometimes, the partnership blossoms into sequels, such as the latest Oris Aquis Dat Watt Limited Edition II. This is not the first LE sequel, as you may recall the Great Barrier Reef I, II, and III. In fact, the Oris Aquis Great Barrier Reef III shares much in common with the Dat Watt Limited Edition II, which I will detail in this articl...
