Im not the resident micro brand writer at Fratello, but every once in a while, a watch slips through the cracks and lands on my table. This is what happened with this one, the Marloe Watch Company Morar Beacon.If you have not heard of the brand before, dont worry. Marloe Watch Company is a very young company that hails from the UK. It started out as a Kickstarter brand but slowly and surely grew out of that group. Mind you, many watch brands that start their lives on a crowdfunding site fail to stay afloat. So kudos to Marloe Watch Company for weathering the early storms that come to all new brands. The brand has achieved early success thanks to its willingness to evolve and continuously exp...
One of the finest arts in the world of watchmaking brings the new dials of the Breguet Classique 7137 and 7337 models to life. The time-honored craft of guilloche takes years to master. But for Breguet, the years of training required to operate these archaic machines, are clearly years well spent.When a watch collection is defined by its adherence to traditional styles and values, the use of genuine craft techniques is essential. A guilloche dial, produced using a rose engine machine, is not just a beautiful object because of its aesthetics, but also because of the effort that has gone into making it. It is not possible, however tempting, to achieve the same effect via laser engraving or hyd...
I never really liked Coke too much.I was always a Pepsi guy. No, Im not talking about the drink. I could not care less about the age-old debate of which soda is better. Im talking about two specific GMT-Masters. The choice is between Pepsi (blue/red) or Coke (black/red) bezel inserts.I shared the reasoning behind my decision to go with reference 1675 in this old #TBT article of mine. To me, the colors on the bezel were the primary factor. I liked the look of a vintage Sub, but I dug the GMT with its Pepsi insert. It added a pop of color to the watch. For the longest time, I thought that no other GMT would take its place. Until this week came…Dont worry, Im still Team Pepsi, but for th...
For quite some time, fans of Grand Seiko have been hoping for a more centralized presence in Europe. And finally, it seems those prayers have been answered. On April 1st, 2020, a new subsidiary of the Seiko Watch Corporation, Tokyo, will set-up shop in Paris. Say hello to?Grand Seiko Europe S.A.S., the Japanese giant s next step on its march around the globe.The wholly-owned arm of the Asian business will handle all the sales and marketing of the brand and its products across the continent of Europe. For those of us that a) love the brand, and b) work in the business of covering its moves and releases, this is incredibly welcome news. The products themselves are rarely in question. However, ...
UPDATED: At 154 years old, the Horological Society of New York is looking better than ever (must be the climate). Join the gang to celebrate more than a century and a half of togetherness at the 2020 Gala and Charity Auction, now due to be held on August 5th, 2020.Last year s iteration of the same event raised a handy $45,000. The money went towards the advancement of the art and science of horology. It is just one of the many ways in which America s oldest watchmaking guild, which was founded in 1866, contributes to the enriching of our industry. And if you d like to share in this celebration, you can! Tickets for the April 1st event are now on sale.And don t worry about being late to the p...
Brands go through many phases in their development. Rarely, a stark change in direction can reap dividends. But history tells a story. The most successful and enduring brands are those that are built around a core identity and stay true to it through thick and thin. For many years, Fortis has maintained its passion for flight. Now, with the launch of the Fortis Aeromaster PC-7 Team Limited Editions, that history has a new chapter.Certainly, not many people get the chance to operate a flying machine. And yet, man s mastery of the heavens inspires millions of people to turn their eyes skyward in awe. It is this sense of wonder that compels watch collectors to own and wear Pilot watches. They a...
In this Sunday morning column, two of our writers go head-to-head in an epic showdown for the ages. Strong opinions and hysterical hyperbole are welcome (so feel free to join in with the fun in the comments section below). And dont forget to let us know which watches youd like to see torn to shreds/effusively exalted next week. Well try and feature as many of our readers choices as we can. This week, we plumb the depths of the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore s character to see how it stands up under an uncomfortable level of scrutiny.I didn t expect to be sitting here on a 3-2 win/loss ratio after the way voting on last week s column began. The Vacheron Constantin was always going to be a...
It s This Week in Watches for March 14, 2020 and we re doing our best to keep you connected during these uncertain times.TAG Heuer ConnectedThis past week, TAG Heuer released its third generation Connected watch powered by WearOS from Google. Now in 45mm, these watches will be offered in one of three stainless versions and a black matte titanium edition. Unlike prior editions, these watches look a lot more like traditional watches. This means sculpted lugs and the option of a traditional bracelet that s more in keeping with the brand s mechanical pieces.The new Connected still requires a connection with a nearby smartphone for most of its features. On the other hand, the features have improv...
Who doesnt love a good barn find story?We all know the feeling when we hear about yet another barn find watch story; amazement and excitement mixed with a bit of jealousy and sadness (okay, maybe a lot sometimes). It is genuinely amazing to those of us within the community that barn finds are still possible. Firstly, everybody says that the vintage market dried up years ago. Secondly, because it seems almost impossible that not everyone in the entire world is aware of the luxury watch market…We feel excitement for the fact that theres hope that you will also find something cool one day. Jealousy, well, thats pretty obvious. Lastly, sadness when reality hits you and you realize that you...
My first sports was a Sea-Dweller 16600, and I think it is still one of their best looking divers watches in the collection. For this week s episode of Pre-Owned Picks, I selected Sea-Dwellers from 5 different generations. From the first reference to the current steel model on steroids.I was so proud back in 2003 when I purchased my Sea-Dweller 16600 from 1996. It was a bit of a stealthy Submariner, without that cyclops but with the chronometer-certified movement inside. Water-resistant to 1,220 meters, and with the cool-looking helium valve in the case band. The sapphire crystal was thick and sat much higher on the watch than on the Submariner models. The package included a divers exten...
The AVI-8 Spitfire Type 300 Automatic is one of the latest watches from the Aviation-obsessed brand. It also happens to be one of the most accomplished in terms of specs, design execution, and price. I spent a week alternating between two of the four available colorways and heres what I think about it-To be quite frank, Im finding having my preconceptions shattered so regularly quite exhausting. Ive covered AVI-8 releases in the past, but Id never had the chance to go hands-on with the brands products before. And then, just like buses, two came along at once. I didnt really start out with a negative view of the brand; rather, I was just a little apathetic. Small, new brands are popping up al...
With news flooding in thick and fast, you could be forgiven for missing the announcement that Grand Seiko is set to open a new Studio facility. As the brand hopes to kick-off its next 60-year cycle with a rush of positivity, the Grand Seiko Studio Shizukuishi promises to boost production capacity for the future.A lot lies in wait for us in Summer 2020. Mostly, of course, unanswered questions when it comes to travel plans and the potential cancellation of major sporting events (like the Tokyo 2020 Olympics). But there is one thing about which we can all be very excited… The opening of the Grand Seiko Studio Shizukuishi, scheduled for June.The Studio will house the specially-trained watc...
Grand Seiko is introducing a new version of their Hi-beat movement, the 9SA5. And what better way to do it than in an over-the-top gold Grand Seiko limited to 100 pieces only?At least Grand Seiko now has our (and your) attention with this new reference SLGH002 with a retail price of $45,000. Besides the awesome looks of the 44GS case and the use of gold, what is it that makes it so special?For Grand Seiko s 60th anniversary, the brand has created a beautiful watch that looks like the 44GS design from 1967 and they ve made it of 18K yellow gold. If that s not impressive already, Grand Seiko also uses this (relatively) small batch of limited edition watches to introduce something pretty import...
Good morning. In an attempt to deliver you some news you may have missed without causing you to choke on your cornflakes, I will preface it with this: It is wholly unsurprising. In fact, it is such a common occurrence, that perhaps I should start reporting when A. Lange & S?hne doesn t win at the Golden Balance awards…Awards are good. They provide us with some idea of industry direction. That s never absolute, but they can be useful for ascertaining more what the industry itself wants us to pay attention to (irrespective of what the buying public are voting for with their wallets). Major awards like the Golden Balance are useful to those of us who cannot afford to buy many of the w...
This early up-down Breitling ref. 174 chronograph powered by a Venus 170 is truly a rare piece, especially in a black dial version.It would be a killer chronograph if it had a 38mm case. Well, it doesnt, but it still makes for a spectacular timepiece. The design, originality and unique feeling under your fingers when you start playing with the timer functions all contribute to the wow factor of this 33mm Breitling chronograph.Baby BreitlingBigger Breitling watches easily fetch north of $2,000 and getting a decent piece has become more and more challenging. As Mike used to joke, a smaller diameter Breitling is just too small for WatchFred?(check his Instagram, if his name doesnt ring the bell...
Welcome to the jungle that is Wrist Game or Crying Shame, the weekly internet voting game that allows you to choose whether a watch is cool enough to grace your supple wrist! This week, we take a look at the Panerai Luminor Base Logo.? But first…Last week, I showed you the Precision 6694. To jog your memory, this is a sweet 34mm Oyster with a manual wind movement. At just over $3,500, it walked away with a respectable 68% Wrist Game win. I d call that a solid week s work despite the normal whinging about featuring a . Well, this week we are back with yet another finger flexer in the Panerai Luminor Base Logo. Let s see if adding 10mm of diameter is a good thing for you or not!Panerai ...
The Grand Seiko 60th Anniversary Limited Edition models are here and we re treated to amazing engraved details that are meant to evoke Shizukuishi - the home of the brand.Shizukuishi is the location in Japan where Grand Seiko watches are expertly crafted. It also happens to be a mountainous area well known for its natural beauty. In order to celebrate the area and the birthday of Seiko s upper tier marque, we have the Grand Seiko 60th Anniversary Limited Edition models. Two watches were created for this anniversary and we ll see that both boast some amazing detailing.SBGW263 - Platinum and Engraved by HandThe first and most exclusive piece within the Grand Seiko 60th Anniversary Limited Edit...
The Speedmaster Professional Gemini IV? is an example of a sleeper limited edition. Not anymore of course, but this watch wasn t very much sought after in the first few years following?its introduction in 2005. Since then, its popularity has trended upward. As such, it can be viewed in a similar fashion to the original Snoopy Award from 2003.Nowadays, the Omega Speedmaster Professional Gemini IV is loved by many enthusiasts. This is mainly due to the beautiful dark blue color and silvery-white subdials. It is a blue Panda, you could say. And that is as rare as it sounds (in the wild or on the wrist). It commemorates the Gemini IV mission from 1965. That was the second crewed Gemini mission w...
NOMOS Glashtte has done it again. The Tetra series has a history of striking visuals, with well-received micro-ranges such as Petit four and the Berlin set. Unsurprisingly, the brand is following the same formula again with the Tetra symphony collection.The symphony line-up has been released to honor a very famous German: Ludwig van Beethoven. Also obsessed with quality and timeless classics, his famous music is still heard around the world today. Fall 2020 will mark his 250th birthday, which provided the quirky Glashtte manufacture the ideal opportunity to celebrate in its own inimitable way.The Tetra collection is known for being a very creative corner of the NOMOS catalog. With this off...
Grand Seiko thrives on its legacy as an artisan. Its Spring Drive 8 Days Jewelry Watch (reference SBGD205) from the Masterpiece Collection captures the elegance of timeless design and the magic of the artistic crafts.This year marks a monumental moment in time for the house of Grand Seiko. 2020 heralds the Japanese watchmakers 60th anniversary and debuts a new, cutting edge Masterpiece Collection. In honor of Grand Seikos heritage and its watchmakers desire to create a spectacular timepiece, the Masterpiece Collection revolves around the brands history, its unique origin, and craftsmanship.Ive always loved concepts that explore a breathtaking story. The release of reference SBGD205 is underp...
