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 world of vintage watches. Its 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 priceless, some of them still affordable. But all of them are interesting watches. In this second installment, we will take a look at the best watches from the 1960s.This article is the first of a series to cover the most important watche...

Roll up, one and all, March Mania has reached its second round! At this stage, our eight competing writers get a rest. Rob and Dave will present our weary warriors remaining four watches over the next four days, with each post featuring the winners of two first-round votes.Today we have the four top dogs from Mike and Tomas s groups. The writers aren t going head-to-head just yet, so the seedings attached to each watch stay put from the previous round. By the end of the week, we ll be down to the final two from each initial group of 12 as we barrel towards the showpiece final. As always, what we need from you is simple: vote for your favorite watch and let us know why in the comments below....

I thought I was totally over white dials. I thought I had given in to the dark side. Give me black dials, green dials, even a moody blue, and I ll be happy. I really didn t expect to be charmed by this goody-two-shoes, butter-wouldn t-melt, choirboy of a watch. But I can t help it. There is something about the levity of this design that just kind of works. Let s dive into the highlights of my week with the Sinn 105 watch.Okay, look: when we shot this watch, we chose to shoot it in a particularly summery way. We did that after it made us feel that way during the wear test, not before. The bright background may well be the most extravagantly colored thing about the images in this article, but ...

The AP Royal Oak 15202 is one of my big loves. I was amazed to see Audemars Piguet introducing a new variation on the Royal Oak Extra-Thin (or Jumbo, for the die-hards) 15202. A green dial version for the AP House concept boutiques.A few years ago, AP introduced its AP House, a place where you can feel at home while exploring its collection of watches. Due to the travel restrictions, I haven t been able to visit one yet (there will be one in The Netherlands I ve been told), but it is high on my list. I have been a fan of the Royal Oak for over 20 years, especially the 5402ST and its successors all the way up to today s 15202.Royal Oak 15202 Extra-Thin For the AP HouseAside from the absence o...

Roll up, one and all, March Mania has reached its second round! At this stage, our eight competing writers get a rest. Rob and Dave will present our weary warriors remaining four watches over the next four days, with each post featuring the winners of two first-round votes.Here come the last four standing from Gerard and from RJ s groups. The writers aren t going head-to-head just yet, so the seedings attached to each watch stay put from the previous round. By the end of the week, we ll be down to the final two from each initial group of 12 as we barrel towards the showpiece final. As always, what we need from you is simple: vote for your favorite watch and let us know why in the comments b...

Montblanc is releasing a mesmerizing new model today that pays tribute to Minervas rich heritage in the most sophisticated way. The brands latest timepiece, the 1858 Split Second Chronograph Limited Edition 18, comes on a never-before-seen case color with a classy complication.This is an exciting watch. Not only do we have an enticing complication (a manufacture rattrapante, no less) to fawn over, it s encased in a very unusual - one could?even say unique - case material. If you didn t know you needed a bit of Lime Gold in your life, you re welcome. With Watches and Wonders just around the corner (starting April 7th, so get it in your calendars), I m excited enough as it is. Releases like th...

Good news! We are, once more, looking to expand our team. Despite the difficult circumstances of 2020, Fratello continues to grow. While the shifting landscape of the watch industry presents new challenges, so too does it throw-up new opportunities for development. Our team is busier than ever, and the work we re doing behind the scenes has never been more exciting. If you d like to be part of it, read on…What is Fratello?Fratello was founded way back in 2004 by Robert-Jan Broer. From the very beginning, it has been a trusted resource for watch lovers, collectors, and industry professionals. As the oldest major watch blog still running, Fratello has enjoyed its role as a key player in ...

It takes some doing to do something different in the watch industry these days, and yet, there seem to be plenty of brands game for the challenge! However, stepping up to the plate and crushing a 400-yard homer is not the same thing. One brand that seems to be batting above average in its short history is SYE. I first heard of SYE (Start Your Engines) in the run-up to the Baselworld that never was. Having booked a highly anticipated meeting with the brand, I was forced to wait. Almost exactly one year later, I finally wound up with the watch in my hands. And, I have to say, it lived up to my expectations.If you re a regular reader of Fratello, you ll know I have a bit of a thing for affordab...

Among so many things that always remind me of my childhood, one of the most vibrant ones is the characteristic design of Swatch. Each time I walked past the vividly decorated Swatch store windows, I was amazed by all the high-spirited designs and the courage of the Swiss brand. In the gloomy Polish reality of the 90s/early 00s, stores like Swatch not only stood out from the crowd but also served as a source of inspiration and a reminder to dream big.However, at the time, as an unaware child, I didn t realize what Swatch s strongest point was (or perhaps my sweet spot). Today, it leaves no doubt that these were collaborations. You cant imagine how thrilled I was when Swatch announced its coll...

We re back with another episode of Wrist Game or Crying Shame after a one week hiatus. This week, we go vintage with an original Bulova Oceanographer Snorkel 666 Devil Diver. Before we do…The last time we got together, I showed you a beautiful 90s Vacheron Chronograph. Folks, you crushed hard on this one and gave it overwhelming support on the way to an 86% win. What a rush! Well, after several weeks of living in rare and expensive air, it s time for us to visit the dark side. This week, we look at a vintage Bulova Oceanographer Snorkel 666 Devil Diver. Let s see if you re willing to make a deal with you know who for this one.The Bulova Oceanographer Snorkel 666 Devil DiverIt s hard t...

There are case backs that are nothing more than the back of a case. And then we have case backs with beautifully crafted artworks from which you cannot tear your gaze.? ?Dont get me wrong, I have nothing against a plain flat steel case back decorated with a decent Heuer, Breitling, or Tissot logo. Even naked case backs have their own charm. But once youve seen a mass of case back steel converted into rich shapes formed into sculptural elements, a fully plain case-back might strike you as a missed opportunity. Lets forget the notoriously known Omega or case backs for a while and lets set the stage for some more interesting ideas that deserve the spotlight.#1 You-name-it engraved or embossed ...

The Speedmaster Rising Sun is probably not new to you, as a Fratello regular, but the truth is that it is still a very under-the-radar watch.In this video, Karina and I talk about the Omega Speedmaster Rising Sun, the limited edition for the Tokyo 2020 Games. The Games have been postponed to later this year, but the watches were already introduced in the Summer of 2018.This video is blocked because you did not accept marketing cookies. Change cookie settings Only in Japan – The Rising SunThe Omega Speedmaster Tokyo 2020 Rising Sun reference 522.30.42.30.06.001 was officially only for the Japanese market, just like the other four models that were part of the Tokyo 2020 collection. ...

Welcome, one and all, to the first round proper of March Mania 2021, here on Fratello. Are you a watch maniac like we are? If so, you re sure to love our month-long feature. 96 watches reviewed last year line up for a battle royale (no Happy Meals here) like nothing that s gone before. We need your votes. We want your comments. Help us decide the champion and share in its glory! Let the games commence…In this first round proper, your task is a bit different from your task in the preliminaries. Below you will find the eight remaining timepieces of each of our Fratello competitors in four head-to-head contests of two timepieces. The seedings in the preliminaries dictate the match-ups. So...

We take a look at the new Seiko Prospex 1970 Diver s Watch collection including a limited-edition tribute model to famed adventurer Naomi Uemura. These latest high-end Prospex models should please fans looking for an alternative to the MM300.These days, if you snooze off for a day or two, you miss something. Just a couple of weeks back, I focused heavily on the new 1959 Alpinist releases. In doing so, I overlooked the new Seiko Prospex 1970 Diver s Watch models. From a distance, I thought these were just some new variants of the Willard using the 6R35 movement. I was wrong, though. What we have here are new additions to the Prospex lineup with another new case and some differences to the dia...

As seen from the comments and engagement from some of our recent micro and independent brand articles, we have a portion of the Fratelli who are very interested in the indie community. Indeed it s one that I have followed for a long time and been an active part of. As such, I decided it d be nice to occasionally round up some of the projects I find worthy of mention here on Fratello. Here s what caught my eye this week.Echo/Neutra hits funding goal for the new Averau 39mmItalian microbrand Echo/Neutra has hit its Kickstarter funding goal for the new, updated Averau 39mm. The 42mm model was released in the middle of 2020 and hit its funding goal in around 45 minutes. The follow-up model has p...

Today, Blancpain introduces its Tribute to Fifty Fathoms No Rad. A limited edition (500 pieces only) that grabs back to its divers watch from 1965. In this video, Karina and RJ talk about the Blancpain Tribute to Fifty Fathoms No Rad.Additionally, we share with you two videos on the history of the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms. Enjoy!The Fifty Fathoms History – Part One C Blancpain:This video is blocked because you did not accept marketing cookies. Change cookie settings The Fifty Fathoms History – Part Two C Blancpain:This video is blocked because you did not accept marketing cookies. Change cookie settings Click here to go to our YouTube channel to see more watch videos....

The Blancpain Fifty-Fathoms from 1953 is the first modern dive watch. There were dive watches before but the introduction of the Fifty-Fathoms in 1953, set a new standard.Blancpain s Fifty Fathoms watch was originally designed for the French navy. French officers Bob Maloubier and Claude Riffaud started to work together on requirements in 1952 for a watch to be used during under-water missions. Diving watches at the time were essential tools, upon which men depended. In those days, they could make the difference between life and death.After testing some watches, they were quite disappointed with the results. That was until they met Jean-Jacques Fiechter, CEO of Blancpain from 1950 till 1980 ...

Welcome, one and all, to the first round proper of March Mania 2021, here on Fratello. Are you a watch maniac like we are? If so, you re sure to love our month-long feature. 96 watches reviewed last year line up for a battle royale (super-size Coke, please) like nothing that s gone before. We need your votes. We want your comments. Help us decide the champion and share in its glory! Let the games commence…In this first round proper, your task is a bit different from your task in the preliminaries. Below you will find the eight remaining timepieces of each of our Fratello competitors in four head-to-head contests of two timepieces. The seedings in the preliminaries dictate the match-ups...

If you like original watches packed full of conversation-starting elements, then youll love Minases 7 Windows, the brands latest collection. An obvious evolution of the 5 Windows concept, the 7 Windows collection is both smart in its construction and beautifully finished, with its Zaratzu polished parts. The 7 Windows is, first and foremost, an embodiment of Minases vision of the world - imperfect yet beautiful.Minase was born just over 15 years ago, in 2005. However, the brand was available exclusively in Japan until it began its international adventure in 2017. To mark that special occasion, Minase launched a limited 40-piece edition of the 7 Windows. It sold out quickly, and, despite dema...

Welcome, one and all, to the first round proper of March Mania 2021, here on Fratello. Are you a watch maniac like we are? If so, youre sure to love our month-long feature. 96 watches reviewed last year line up for a battle royale (and extra fries) like nothing thats gone before. We need your votes. We want your comments. Help us decide the champion and share in its glory! Let the games commence-In this first round proper, your task is a bit different from your task in the preliminaries. Below you will find the eight remaining timepieces of each of our Fratello competitors in four head-to-head contests of two timepieces. The seedings in the preliminaries dictate the match-ups. So its number ...