It s no secret that I like my watches colorful. Well, let me rephrase that: I like my G-Shocks colorful. And the brand never lets me down with its releases that come in various bright colors. But the new eye-catching Casio G-Shock GWF-A1000APF-1AER Frogman Poison Dart Frog takes colorful to the next level, even for a G-Shock. This commemorative model immediately stands out with a design inspired by the poison dart frog that lives in the Amazon rainforest. Experiencing the watch up close brought a big smile to my face. But underneath the fun look hides one of the most capable and serious G-Shocks available.The Frogman is one of the most well-known watches from G-Shock s Master of G series. Th...
Judging by how many variations of the Gallet Multichron Navigator we know, it is a surprisingly rare watch to come across. However, once we realize what the watch is capable of, it becomes quite easy to understand why.About six years ago, a Zenith Sextant watch sold at Phillips for a staggering 46,250 Swiss francs. I haven t followed the Zenith Sextant market, but I can tell you with certainty that in the last five years, I have spotted maybe three Gallet Multichron Navigator watches offered by dealers or in auctions. The price tags didn t reach the sky-high level of the previously mentioned Sextant, but even $10,000 for a 45-minute-chronograph watch is quite a remarkable result.The special ...
Today, I ll tell you all a little bit about my latest watch, the Brew Metric Gold. Over the last several years, I ve had the pleasure of getting to know John Ferrer, the owner and designer behind Brew watches. In that time, he has stayed true to his overarching design theme, but the refinement and execution have constantly improved. Having seen the steel versions of the Metric on the wrists of my fellow collectors and compared them to the Retromatic in my collection, the overall package is a step up. Once the latest version in gold PVD dropped, I knew I had to have one.Friendship has benefitsI ll be the first to admit that having a watch-focused podcast or writing about watches does have a f...
The search for my favorite timepieces under $500 was tough. Almost all of the options that immediately popped into my mind turned out to be slightly more expensive than the predetermined budget. As it turns out, price increases are not just a thing for expensive brands. But after some extensive clicking, I found quite a few watches that would make for my perfect daily wearer. Some of them are watches that I would gladly add to my collection, and some are familiar pieces that I already own. So let me take you on my small quest to find the perfect watch for under $500.Many of my Fratello teammates and I are excited to take up this challenge. It s fun to see whether there are timepieces out the...
Welcome to this week s episode of the Fratello Talks podcast. Today, Nacho, Lex, and Daan sit together once again. What s the topic of discussion? It s all about the money! More specifically, about luxury watch prices. In other words, the money that we (meant in the broadest sense possible) are asked to pay by watch brands for their products. Call it what you will - RRP, price tag, cost of horological indulgence… Whichever way you spin it - in Swiss francs, euros, dollars, with or without tax - as watch enthusiasts (and buyers), sooner or later, the price gets to us all. Therefore, when faced with an influx of new watches, which often go hand in hand with a nice long list of new prices...
Before you accuse me of writing a piece of clickbait, please allow me to explain how this article came about. The statement that the majority of Patek Philippe Nautilus owners dont care about the watch is the result of incidental and casual research with real people. And by real people, I mean a Nautilus 3700/1 owner who wears it in the wild, several watch journalists, and two fashion models, among others. Yes, the Nautilus is an icon created by an iconic designer for an iconic brand, but outside the world of watch insiders, that carries little to no meaning. Image, however, does have a lot of meaning outside the watch bubble. The Nautilus, the watch that transcends normality, bestows image ...
Were thrilled to announce the Fratello Aquastar Deepstar II Limited Edition, an exciting new collaboration available in the Fratello Shop on February 15th at 15:00 CET. This is the first time that Aquastar has worked with a partner to create a bespoke watch since the brand s resurrection in 2020. We couldnt be prouder, and we hope youll like this unique and versatile diver.In my mind, the best collaborations arise organically. Instead of sitting down, picking a brand, and deciding to do a watch, its far better when the finished product stems from real inspiration. The Fratello Aquastar Deepstar II Limited Edition is the result of such a process, and I love it!This video is blocked becaus...
Grand Seiko is known for attention to detail, exquisite finishing, and excellent dial work. Most of the brand s timepieces are time-and-date watches, bereft of superfluous details and meant for everyday wear. However, now and then, Grand Seiko pulls out all of the stops, crafting a piece that illustrates its horological chops. The new version of the Spring Drive Chronograph GMT highlights everything that makes Grand Seiko the brand that it is.The lion is the king of the jungle, or so the saying goes. The lion has been the symbol of Grand Seiko since the line debuted back in 1960. With the aim to make the best watches possible in terms of accuracy, durability, and beauty, the lion is a worthy...
It has been only 12 months since Seiko reintroduced the King Seiko name. Since early last year, we have seen a limited number of new releases added to the collection. It s good to see that the King Seiko line is not growing exponentially, which makes it easy to keep an eye out for any new references. An early new addition for 2023 comes in the form of the King Seiko SPB365. The watch comes with a special dial to celebrate the 110th anniversary of Seiko watchmaking. The dial features a unique pattern inspired by the Japanese geometric pattern known as kikkoumon. Time to find out more.The new King Seiko SPB365(J1) is definitely an attention grabber. The moment that dial catches your eye, it dr...
I don t get the logic behind introducing watches so close to Watches & Wonders - especially when you re a brand participating in the show. However, Vacheron Constantin decided to do so anyway, with this new Overseas Chronograph 5500V/110A-B686 with a panda dial. And to be honest, if this is a preview of what Vacheron Constantin will release this year, I think we re in for a real treat.Vacheron Constantin Overseas Chronograph PandaThe Overseas collection has been around for many years (since 1977 if we count the 222 model as an Overseas). The chronograph complication, however, was only introduced to this model in 1999. And now, Vacheron Constantin introduces a new Overseas Chronograph wit...
These days, when you hear of a brand releasing watches in new colors, you probably think of the classic rainbow of bright hues that dropped with the Oyster Perpetual that countless other brands followed. Thankfully, Louis Erard is not so content to follow in other brands footsteps. With the launch of its new Excellence Petite Seconde models, we see three luxurious new colors that are not your average primary affair.After the original Silver and Terracotta Petite Seconde models, Louis Erard introduced a bit of jazziness with exotic dials. Malachite, Aventurine, and Lapis Lazuli distinguished three Petite Seconde models from their forebears. While the new colors we see today are not quite as...
Dear Fratelli, despite what Bulova may have led you to believe in the marketing campaign for these watches, today and indeed every Tuesday is a Speedy Tuesday. Nevertheless, we are still interested in the three new timepieces that these two brands are releasing today. The first is the modern remake of the famous 1968 T version of the Accutron Astronaut. Bulova has also announced two new versions of its Lunar Pilot chronograph. All three models have been recreated to match the looks of the original timepieces. The two Bulova models even share the original size as well. It s time to check out these three new watches from Bulova and Accutron.Let me start by saying that it still feels a bit weir...
While I ve long had an affinity for niche horology, plenty of people out there are just entering the deep rabbit hole of Swiss independents. From ADs to auction houses, the appreciation for halo brands like MB&F, Greubel Forsey, and De Bethune is rising rapidly, and I am rejoicing. Just like the traditional brands, MB&F has an evolved range, and ten years after its inception, the MB&F LM2 has now become an aquamarine grail. This is a new palladium version of the well-known Legacy Machine 2, but how is it a collab? Well, lets backtrack to the story of the brand.Collaboration is a founding principle of MB&F - that stands for Max Bsser and Friends, you see? In the case (no pun ...
A billionaire walks into a store and walks out with a few items. He ends up loving them so much that he offers to fund the business. This may sound like a plot in a feel-good movie, except it s not a movie at all. It is, in fact, how the story went, according to high-profile American investor Bill Ackman.Ackman has purchased a substantial minority stake in British watchmaker Bremont after buying several watches at its brand boutique in Mayfair London. In an interview with the Financial Times, Ackman recalls sending the founders a handwritten note that read, I admire your company, I love watches and I would love to learn more. The investment reportedly comes from Ackmans personal funds rather...
Fratello On Air comes at you with another brand-focused episode. This week, were talking about Doxa, and the picks are a bit less diver-centric than you might think. Have a listen and hear about watches that, surprisingly, dont have a dive bezel. This podcast player is blocked because you did not accept marketing cookies. Change cookie settings Yes, with the recent Synchron news, weve had our eyes on the brand that inspired the watch. Doxa is in play this week, and its a company we both genuinely enjoy. If youre a fan, perhaps youll already know our picks. If not, at least one of these might serve as a low-cost way of getting one on your wrist!Handgelenks KontrolleThe Handgelenks Kontrol...
What can you do these days to stand out from all the other vintage-inspired watch brands out there? Well, first of all, you can develop a watch with a design that s 100% spot on. Then you can fit it with an actual vintage movement instead of one of the movements that everybody else uses. That s easier said than done, of course, but it s exactly what Stijn Busschaert from the Belgian coast has done for the Meraud Antigua Chronograph that he s introducing today. The watch is a maritime racing chronograph with a great summer vibe and a Landeron 248 movement, both taken straight from the 60s.Watch collector and enthusiast Stijn Busschaert started the Meraud brand in 2018 when he launched his Bo...
A few weeks ago, we ve asked you to share a story about your watch box and the watches inside it. I kicked it off with my watch box with four watches and told the story behind each of them (you can find that article here). We received many (many!) stories from our readers, and today we ll share the first one by Philip Blumer.After we share all the stories, we will raffle off a Fratello Peli case and a few other accessories among the contributors. So far, I ve seen some very interesting contributions, and I am excited to share them here on Fratello in the coming days and weeks. Without further ado, here s Philip s story about his watch box.A reader s collection - Philip BlumerI m a firm belie...
Theres nothing like starting the day with a glass of champagne and a selection of interesting new watches. I know, coffee is also a good kick-start, but when you try out and try on the 2023 Cartier Tank Fran?aise in the boutique and youre given the choice between the two beverages, what would you do? Exactly. So I got the chance to have a closer look at all of the iterations of the redesigned Tank Fran?aise. Most of my attention went to the medium model in soft, shimmering yellow gold and the large model in steel.As you have probably already read right here, the renewed Cartier Tank Fran?aise comes in seven iterations. The collection includes four models in 18K yellow gold and three in steel...
The price segment in question today is extremely interesting to me. It is where most budding aficionados find their entry into the hobby, seeking the best options under $500. Perhaps coming from fashion watches, the stretch to a more serious watch at this price seems logical and manageable. But dont get me wrong, it is a ton of money, and anyone is fortunate to be able to drop it on a watch. So naturally, you expect something significantly nicer than those fashion watches. Ideally, your pick will be something that you will enjoy for a lifetime without feeling the urge to graduate to higher segments.So lets have a look at two watches that have struck me recently. Two very different watches th...
Have you ever wondered why chronographs are so hugely popular, despite featuring a complication that so many owners hardly ever use? I ve spoken to countless chronograph owners who told me that they never use the function, while many of those who do misemploy the chronograph seconds hand as a running seconds hand. To stay completely inclusive (yes, I see you back there, raising your hand!), the odd chronograph wearer who does use their chronograph for timing purposes does so while possessing alternative timing devices.Furthermore, owners of chronographs face the burden of higher servicing costs, and their watches suffer increased susceptibility to water penetration due to more case openings,...
