With Top Gun 2: Maverick on the horizon, IWC is here to ensure that pilots and fans of pilots watches alike can gear up appropriately for the long-awaited movie. To cater to different needs and tastes, theres a wide variety of Top Gun watches. Some in beige ceramic, some in blue, and black is also an option. But the color black means youre not looking at just any ordinary ceramic. No, black ceramic at IWC is called Ceratanium. Now, IWC strikes again with two new Pilots Watches in black Ceratanium: The Pilot s Watch Timezoner Top Gun Ceratanium and the Big Pilot s Watch Perpetual Calendar Top Gun Ceratanium.IWC and ceramic go way back. All the way back to 1986, with the launch of the worlds f...

As mentioned in our first story on Myth Busting, there is still plenty of fruit left on this tree. This particular myth is perhaps more meaningful than the last. For those of us who have already spent some years in this wrist-gazing niche, things have changed. The all too common sales pitch of In-House movements has never been so prevalent. What does In-House mean, and is it that important? Compare it to the automotive industry, and stand-alone Big Brands like BMW are proud to say they manufacture around 40% of the 3-series parts. Are watches so different that we should truly care? Well, I tend to say no. And the Daytona serves as a perfect example. So before we even get started, consider ...

It seems like just last week we were talking all about Norqains Adventure Neverest dive watches. In fact, we were. That trio of stunning divers was a perfect summer release. However, as summer starts to wind down, temperatures drop, days get shorter, and the leaves turn brown. A lot of you will also go back to work, and this will likely imply travel. So what better way to welcome the chilly days of fall than with a travel-ready companion in the form of a GMT. Especially one that will look just as good in the office or on the plane if you decide to hit the trails!We only covered it recently, but Norqain s previous release saw the brand give us three brilliant dive watches. Now, following the ...

When we first saw the Louis Moinet Space Revolution watch for the first time a while back, most of us at Fratello thought the brand s driving force, Jean-Marie Schaller had lost his mind. We thought it was a stunning piece of Haute Horlogerie and a micromechanical marvel, but we also thought the man has lost his marbles. Earlier this year the Space Revolution watch got a well-deserved GPHG nomination. We got in touch with Jean-Marie to talk about the watch, further explain it, and reveal the origins and workings of what must be one of the most original complications out there. But to be honest, the videos explain more than a thousand words.For Jean-Marie Schaller, its all about the spirit of...

Our favorite North Rhine-Westphalia-based producer of one-handed watches released their latest limited edition watch just last month. I am, of course, talking about the unmistakable MeisterSinger and its Edition Planet Earth model, created in collaboration with the WWF (World Wide Fund For Nature). I was given the opportunity to test this one in person and was excited to not only see that wonderful depiction of the Earth on the dial, as well as to experience one of their new vegan leather straps (more on that later). In teaming up with the WWF, the Mnster brand looks to do its part for the future of our planet, a cause that I think we can all agree is more than worthy.The MeisterSinger Edit...

It s been a long time coming but in the best of ways. I first saw the prototype for this bracelet more than six months ago and it got me pretty excited. Why? Because it looked to me to be a perfect reproduction of the bracelet many of us Speedy fanatics miss so dearly. I personally call it the Omega POTUS because of its similarity to the President bracelet. Welcome, one and all, to the Forstner 1450, and the happiest day for many die-hard Speedmaster collectors in a long time.Let s not pretend Omega hasn t made massive strides in the bracelet department with the latest Omega Speedmaster update. The brand smashed it out of the park with the recent modification to the component of a classic w...

China Lake is a dry lake in the scorching hot Mojave Desert in California. Its also the place where Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake is situated. This immense 51,000 km2 base 240 kilometers north of Los Angeles is home to many pilots. Pilots that dont wear green flight suits, but beige ones. This color better blends in with the desert sand of the Mojave Desert. As does the sand-colored ceramic case of IWCs camouflaged BP. I tried my best blending in with the IWC Big Pilots Watch Top Gun Edition Mojave Desert. Not in the desert but in my natural habitat, the city.You might be thinking China Lake in California? Yep, California in the US of A. The dry lake gets its name from 19th-century Ch...

Welcome back to A Brief History of Time. Our spotlight this week is on the story and watches of Bvlgari. In Part One, we saw the founding of the brand by Sotirio Bulgari as a Greco-Roman silver specialist in 1884. We learned about its rise to international acclaim in the early 1900s examined its first important watch design, the Serpenti, in the 1940s. We looked at the release of several high-fashion watch icons, like the Roma, the Aluminium, and the Diagono in the 70s, 80s, and 90s. Finally, we saw Bvlgari get serious about watchmaking, as it acquired Gerald Genta and Daniel Roth, began production of in-house, high horology movements, and became a vertically integrated manufacturer in th...

Anyone with an interest in watches knows that Kickstarter brands are a dime a dozen. They come and go, sometimes releasing a watch that gets talked about for a few weeks, then quickly forgotten. However, we also know that with the right formula, greatness can also emerge from the popular crowd-funding platform. Brands like Zelos, Furlan Marri, Xeric, and Brew Watch Co. have since gained popularity and become well-respected, and gathered quite the following of enthusiasts. So, it seems that the platform presents a unique make-or-break opportunity for fresh new brands to get a start. But did the Tool Watch Co. Arctic have the secret formula? I got to spend some time with it to try and find out...

Weve all seen watches made from carbon fiber. But, this futuristic-looking material imparts more than just aesthetical benefits to watches. Its strong, and its lightweight, and, depending on your tastes, it looks pretty darn cool too. That said, what actually is it? Lets find out!Thankfully, it s is one of those materials that give a lot away from the name alone. Carbon fiber primarily comprises carbon atoms bonded together into long chains or fibers. As weve already established, these fibers are incredibly strong and lightweight; two characteristics most welcome in watchmaking. It is around five times stronger than steel and twice as stiff. Though carbon composites are more robust and stiff...

We like to talk about vintage watches a lot within the Fratello team. While the daily routine is largely focused on the most recent developments in the world of watches, the most fun for many of us lies in the sometimes weird and often wonderful world of vintage watches. It s a world full of history, remarkable watches, incredible stories, and quirky details. It inspired us to come up with a series of articles focusing on the best watches per decade from a select group of brands. Some of them are priceless, some of them still affordable. In this installment, we will take a look at the best Swatch watches from the 1990s.This week we will continue our journey through watch history to find the ...

The town of Delft plays an important role in the history of The Netherlands. Nothing watch-related, but it was in Delft where William of Orange, the forefather of the present king, was killed back in 1584. You can still visit the scene of the crime and see the bullet holes in the wall of the Prinsenhof. So, we know that Delft played a crucial role in Dutch history, and now it seems to take center stage in the future of Dutch horology. Holthinrichs Watches is from Delft and so is Delft Watch Works. Lets have a closer look at the latter s debut watch, the curvy Delft Watch Works Oostpoort, available in three colorways.There must be something in the water in Delft. Something that wasnt there be...

We ve mentioned the importance of a proper way to transport your watches when traveling before. And there is no better way to transport your watches than using the Bennett Winch watch rolls. Available in one, two, or three-watch variants, these are the best watch rolls we ve had the pleasure of using so far.Bennett Winch s backgroundBennett Winch produces a variety of products aimed at seasoned or professional travelers. Mainly all sorts of bags, but a few accessories like wallets, cardholders, and watch rolls as well. All products are handmade in England, using traditional skills and materials. Their products are designed for those who seek to own fewer but higher-quality items. Seasonal tr...

Does a Dufour comparison seem far-fetched, or perhaps too easy to reach for? This name hangs on a high branch of the horological tree, and I don t reach for it on a whim. As with Naoya Hida & Co in my story here, the duo (that would be Dufours plural) of Kikuchi Nakagawa is yet another example of the quiet classicism we have come to expect from the more well-known purveyors of Japanese independent watchmaking. I find it intensely compelling when so much effort is put into the execution of beautifully simple three-hand watches.You might find my personal non-chronograph bias shining through, but perfectly balanced minimalism is a visual delight. Though the term minimalism is a matter of in...

Have you ever owned the same watch three times? I guess that for most (sane) individuals the answer to that question is no. However, in my case its not only yes, but the watch in question is one that you might not expect someone to have owned on three separate occasions. Sure, a Speedmaster collector might have owned a number of Moonwatches from different years, or a collector might have several Daytonas or Submariners. But its not often that the repeat purchase is a plastic Swatch chronograph from the early 90s. However, today Ill be telling you the story of my Swatch SCJ101 Grand Prix, all three of them, that is.The Swatch Grand Prix recently became the focus of a lot of unexpected attent...

Not many words stir up emotions and a sense of adventure like being asked to get packing for a #Safari. You might consider it a hashtag, travel goal, or lifestyle. It evokes adventure, warmth, and dusty dunes. Like me, you might even have memories of a mythical rally, where cars as unlikely as the Mercedes SL and Porsche 911 battled through the desert. The word Safari will conjure up images of consummate style with a dusting of sand. You might be an urbanite at heart but will feel the need to google flights to Tunisia or Dakar after reading this, while wearing gnarly-soled suede boots. So pack your finest duffel bag and read on.Seiko SNJ029 SafArnieA demure 38mm skin diver is all well and go...

Does the top condition rule apply to every watch? Today we will challenge the holy mantra that pristine condition is the ultimate key in determining how much we can enjoy a watch. For the purpose of this study, we will be looking at none other than the top collectible Seiko 62MAS diver.That morning I woke up quite early. It was not even 7 am when I put my daughter in her bike carrier and headed to the bakery to grab some fresh croissants before my wife and son woke up. I didnt want to make much noise before we left, so I grabbed the first watch I had on hand. Symbolically enough, it was last year s prime acquisition, a small crown Seiko 62MAS that came fitted on the most badass bracelet ever...

As the final months of 2021 draws closer and the year of the Ox comes to an end, Vacheron Constantin thinks ahead not to January, but to February first. This is when Chinese New Year celebrations will take place and the year of the tiger will begin. The Swiss brand marks the transition into the new year with two limited edition watches that pay tribute to the auspicious animal. A symbol of good luck that drives away evil spirits, the Tiger also represents power, authority, and strength. Brought to life by Vacherons highly skilled craftspeople these watches are true horological masterpieces with added symbolic value. These pieces will surely take a place of pride in just a lucky few collector...

Independent watchmakers are definitely some of my favorites in the industry. In fact, I d go as far as to say they are my favorite. I love the creative freedom they can enjoy, not shackled by huge investment groups and boards of directors, each with their own conflicting ideas of what the product should be. That kind of approach works for some brands, but it leads to dull and sterile watchmaking for others. However, there are still plenty of small, independent watchmakers striving to invent and push the boundaries of their own creativity. So here are a few that you might not have heard of…Photo credit: SJX WatchesAkriviaFounded in 2012 by Rexhep Rexhepi, Akrivia has gone from strength ...

This is going to be a highly debatable list. Its going to be far too short of a list. Thats also why its going to cause some annoyance amongst sneakerheads and time geeks alike. First of all, there isnt room for all the iconic trainers of the past - you will find either your favorite shoe or even brand missing - and why I paired the shoe with a certain watch was a very subjective process. This is not exact science people, its a gut feeling. But it comes from a true love for both sneakers and watches, so please keep that in mind. So, with that disclaimer out of the way, here we go! The 11 most iconic Sneakers and the watches that go with them.Before we really start, please take note that your...