At last years SIHH Montblanc presented the 1858 Split Second Chronograph, providing a complication that is also known as a Rattrapante. This watch comes in a vintage design and with a movement in a typical traditional layout. The finishing of this movement is breathtaking. The actual sensation about this watch is its price.If you lurk around watch forums you frequently read about grail watches or even exit watches. Some unfortunate watch addicts try to make you believe that if they were able to obtain that one specific (and only) watch, they would be happy for the rest of their life without needing any other watch. Unfortunately, the nature of addiction is a different one. You know what I me...
I thought it would be fun to pick only one style of watch for this week s Pre-Owned Picks. And so I went for?divers watches. Besides chronographs, diving timepieces are perhaps the most popular type of sports watch.I have my share of divers watches and I am not a good swimmer, at all. It s also not really about being able to dive with them, and certainly not to 300 meters or more. It is far more about the build quality of these watches. A divers watch is a perfect everyday watch because it is water-resistant, can take a beating, and, by their nature, are highly legible. The downsides are that they re often bulky and less often suited to more formal occasions. Although not everyone seems t...
Grand Seiko s journey began in the 1950s. The best and brightest watchmakers working for the brand banded together with a lofty goal: They set out to create the company s finest watch yet. In December 1960 the inaugural Grand Seiko hit the market. It was the first installment of a story that has now reached its sixtieth year. Leading the celebrations is the Grand Seiko SBGH281.To celebrate this milestone, Grand Seiko is releasing four new models. We re going to take a look at the three watches released for men in this article, and follow-up with the ladies piece next week (so check back for that update also). These watches don t just mark this significant birthday, but also look towards the...
Honestly, how surprised would you be if, while wiling away the hours in the privacy of your home, an URWERK UR-100 GunMetal buzzed through an open window and landed on your dining room table, before two tiny (but very well-dressed) aliens hopped out and proclaimed Planet Earth as their own? Me? Not that surprised at all…Earlier this week, I wrote a quick article about the Konstantin Chaykin Mouse King watch and how releases of that nature bring me much joy. Today, and rounding out a rather cool week of releases, in my opinion, we have the URWERK UR-100 GunMetal for you. And it s a treat. In the same way that I have an emotional reaction to the Mouse King so too do I find myself going g...
We go hands-on with a real sleeper in the Seiko Prospex Field Compass.One thing Ill really miss about Baselworld from now on is the presence of?Seiko. For several years now, Ive truly enjoyed going to the Seiko booth and taking a look at all the novelties. Meetings are typically arranged by country, so that means attendees from the Netherlands see a different set of novelties than, for example, those from the USA. But a walk around the outside of the booth usually revealed some cool lower-priced Prospex models that I ve learned to ask to see to avoid the risk of not being shown them unrequested.With so many new models, the Seiko team often struggles to show us everything within a 1-hour time...
If you happen to be in New York between January and May 2020, the Horological Society of New York invites you to visit its inaugural exhibit: Highlights of the Collection of Bob Frishman.For anyone that s never heard about it, stumbling across the HSNY for the first time can feel like uncovering a secret and mystical enclave. The triangular, somewhat masonic logo compounds that sense of wonder. But unlike many secret clubs, anyone can join. The unofficial re-requisite? A burning passion for horology in all its forms. The fee? About one hundred bucks per year, which doesn t seem like a huge contribution to an institution that runs so many events for the watch-loving community.It was founded 1...
Today we will talk a bit about watches and a bit about sports. Particularly the NBA.Fratello Magazine is a watch platform. That s the way it s always been. So why am I talking about basketball? Well, for one, I love the sport. Ive been playing basketball since I was a kid and also follow the league for many years now. But that s not it. There is a serious, watch-related reason for it. There is a partnership between the worlds most known basketball league, the NBA, and a watch brand that we do not hear too much about. The partnership came to existence in 2015, naming Tissot as the official timekeeper of the league. In today s article, we will take a closer look at this collaboration that, in ...
Welcome back to Wrist Game or Crying Shame, a weekly series that makes you feel like a boss. Lets see if youll own todays candidate, the Explorer II 16570 Polar. But first-Last week, we did a 180 and featured an early 90s svelte dress watch from Vacheron Constantin known as the Les Historiques 31110. This one came in platinum and, if I may say so, truly looked the part. As for what part that was, lets give it the leading role as a winner because this watch took home a convincing 64% Wrist Game victory. You might also recall my remark that detractors lacked good taste? Well, my feelings remain unchanged.But for those detractors that loved the icy white color of the VC s dial, I ve got a tre...
A US Air Force veteran who was stationed in Thailand bought a brand new Daytona in 1975 (ordered it in 1974) for $345USD. He even received a 10% discount.In this episode of the PBS Antiques Roadshow, he hears about today s value of his watch. An estimate between $500K and $700K USD because of the condition of this watch and because it is very complete (warranty papers, the original brochure for the Cosmograph, two receipts, and the two original boxes). The watch has been rarely worn, as the owner found it to be too nice to be used in or near saltwater, so he kept it in the safe. The reaction of the owner when appraiser Peter Planes tells him today s value? Priceless.Enjoy the video!...
Origins matter. If a company or collection is built on solid foundations, it may be able to reach untold heights. The Linde Werdelin Spido series was inspired by an expedition to Mount Everest. Since then, new models are tested in extreme environments where only the brave dare tread.As you may have noticed (especially if you favor the annual calendar complication) it is now 2020. Most people agree this is the first year of a new decade. As such, brands are taking stock. They are paying particular attention to the messages communicated by their first releases of this new era. It is fitting that directors must possess 20:20 foresight to accurately predict what the future holds, but one safe(is...
If there s one thing I ve learned in all these +20 years of collecting Speedmasters, it is that ‘we also like to collect everything associated with these watches and the Moon program (or space). So for anyone looking to spend some money, here s a list of cool Moonwatch Accessories.If you re like me, there is a limitation on how many watches you can buy. I would love to add a few vintage Speedmasters I don t have yet, or that Apollo XI 45th anniversary edition from 2014. But that itch needs to be scratched. Thankfully, you don t always need to buy watches to scratch that itch. With such a cult following, many Speedy-inspired/-related curios exist. Many of them are a great alternative t...
Whenever people I meet struggle to understand why I love the world of watchmaking so much, I will, from now on, show them an image of the Konstantin Chaykin Mouse King. It will save me a lot of time and effort explaining the simple joy complicated machines can sire.It may be the year of the rat, but it is the week of KC. With the Kansas City Chiefs suiting up for their first Super Bowl appearance in more than 50 years this Sunday, you d think KC lovers couldn t have dreamt of anything more. Well, they shouldn t have neglected Konstantin Chaykin. The Russian master once again impresses and amuses with the continuation of his Wristmon collection.It all kicked off with the Joker, which seemed r...
Red is one of the most celebratory features for the Chinese New Year. As we step into a new Lunar year of the Rat, it s time for a bold creation for good luck and prosperity! The Vault V2+ Red CC is happy to oblige.The new Vault V2+ Red CC is a piece of mechanical art. It is a unique piece introduced by Vault, as a precursor to their upcoming new range V2. The V2+ showcases the brands bespoke capabilities, which go far beyond the ordinary customizing options. Two things are breaking new ground here: Firstly, the watch presents a new way to read time, requiring the development of a proprietary movement; secondly, the case is made of a carbon and red ceramic composite formulated explicitly for...
has a rich history of advertising built for decades. The brand has produced some of the most remarkable ads ever created by a watch brand. In this recurring series, we take a look at the most iconic ads has created over the years.One of the most exciting and fun things to do when diving into the history of a watch brand is to look at their advertising.? has always been a brand that has created some of the most remarkable ads in the industry, not least because they are connected to outstanding achievements and famous people. Some of the advertisements are stylish, some of them are thought-provoking, and some are blessed with an excellent sense of humor. All of them represent a certain time,...
With only 300 pieces ever produced, the prices of the Prim Orlik easily fetch north of $10,000. The Prim Orlik is undoubtedly the most sought-after watch to ever come out of the Czechoslovak industry. Many international buyers would immediately buy. But sadly, there are no offers. Only very seldom does one pop up for sale, and when that happens, its often offline.Pioneering Prim OrlikThe Prim Orlik thoroughly deserves its cult status. Its the first Czechoslovak watch with a stainless-steel case, the first Prim water-resistant watch, the first Prim watch with Incabloc, the first Prim watch with radioactive luminant, and the first Prim watch with a plastic strap. And, most importantly, the Pri...
Launched only 15 years ago in 2005, the Hublot Big Bang has since had a tremendous impact on the Swiss watch industry. Now, for the first time, the Big Bang is paired with an integrated bracelet in 3 different materials.Start by Breaking the RulesAround the 1980s, the Swiss were still coming to terms with a luxury sports watch in steel. Not to be outdone, Hublot ruffled more feathers with a gold watch on a rubber strap. What was once a real novelty for the industry, seems fairly commonplace now. But 40 years ago, there was a level of uncertainty for the future of Swiss luxury timepieces. Hublot, a relative newcomer, set-out to shatter centuries-old traditions. More established brands eventua...
In the past years, Ive captured numerous watches from all kinds of brands. While most of the images are only used once or twice, some never see the light of day. Revisiting my archives is, therefore, a great pleasure, as I often come across images of a special watch I had forgotten, or just a shot that came out better than I thought it would. So to give those shots the attention that they deserve, were going to share them in this new series called Bert s Photo Book.I ve previously shared some of my favorite close-up shots in my?watch macro A-Z?article, but now it s time for a bit more variety. I could probably fill a few dozen topics with similar photos when I dig my way through my vast phot...
Happy weekend folks! It s time for This Week in Watches for January 25, 2020. Let s begin…Parmigiani Fleurier Kalparisma with Snow SettingWell, we hope you like ice because our first piece for This Week in Watches just happens to be the Parmigiani Fleurier Kalparisma with Snow Setting. The front of this 42.57mm x 30.15mm white gold watch is absolutely layered in roughly 6 carats of diamonds. In fact, between the case, dial, and buckle, there are 1,379 of the bright sparklers on this watch! Somewhere inside all the bling, the PF342 in house automatic does its thing with a chronometer rating. Parmigiani uses a black crocodile strap. If you re interested, figure on handing over $119,800. ...
A brilliant idea in a sci-fi package: Meet the Citizen Multizone 7400-70015C with five pushers and seven hands. What you see here today is the worlds first multi-band radio-controlled watch. And what a mindblowing gadget it is. Thanks to Citizen and their ref. 7400-70015C creation, we can once again travel back in time, this time to 1993.Quartz Time It wasnt premeditated, but the first two watches introduced in our new TimeTravel series happened to be quartz. The best part? Both the Tissot RockWatch and the manual wound quartz Seiko 8T23?garnered a lot of interest from you, our Fratello Magazine readers. Believe it or not, again without particular intention, we dug out yet another jaw-droppi...
I enjoy working on this series because it keeps me engaged with all the wonderful watches available on the pre-owned market. As a result, my appetite for new (pre-owned) pieces never dips and my wishlist never stops growing.And that list makes for interesting reading. There are all kinds of things on it. Not only watches I consider grails but also watches I d just like to own at some point. You can t beat having a watch on your wrist and experiencing all the little nuances that only become apparent over long periods of time. And the best thing about the pre-owned market is that gives you a chance to buy models that are no longer available new. So your wishlist doesn t need to feel like a rac...
