Christopher Ward is introducing a new watch on this special day, the 5th birthday of their in-house caliber SH21 movement!It is the Christopher Ward C60 Apex Limited Edition dive watch; only 100 pieces will be made available. Mike France, CEO and Co-founder of Christopher Ward, comments: With the first of the Apex series, the C7, we introduced a semi-skeletonised architecture to expose the beauty and technical expertise of Calibre SH21. The C60 Apex continues and expands this approach and is the first Christopher Ward dive watch with an exhibition case back.Christopher Ward is located in the United Kingdom, where all designs are being made and where the watches are being sold. However, the p...
There wasn t much Longines news this year. After their move from Baselworld to ‘somewhere else , it remained very silent and the ‘somewhere else is yet to be discovered.Instead of ‘somewhere else , we received an e-mail with some novelties: the new Master Collection. Downloading the press kit in English leaves us with a technical specification sheet in Turkish (bravo!). As I can read some German, I ve tried that one instead, and it worked. Enough with the complaining, but it just baffles me how a brand like Longines gets surpassed in professionalism by the average Kickstarter brand when it comes to these things.We received two new models, but apparently, there are quite so...
Are you looking to buy an Omega Speedmaster but don t know where to start? We re here to help! Over the past 65+ years, Omega has created many variations of one of the world s most famous chronographs. The classic 42mm Moonwatch has been in the collection since 1965, and to the novice eye, little has changed since then. But if you look a bit closer, you will find that the Speedmaster evolved quite a bit in the decades that followed.In this Speedmaster guide, we ll give you an overview of the most important references of the Speedmaster (Professional) and some of its variations. Although this article isn t meant as a pricing guide, we will give some hints, of course. If you re already a knowl...
We break down the newest additions to the Panerai Luminor Due lineup.It s late August and we have news of five new Panerai Luminor Due models.? That strikes me as somewhat of a curious time of year to release a fairly large number of new models, but with summer over and people now turning their attention to the back end of the year (i.e. the winter and possibly bonus season for some) perhaps the timing makes sense.? Furthermore, it s probably best to discuss the Due collection, with its oft-maligned 30 meters of water resistance, outside of prime beach and pool season or it may simply serve to feed those rabid keyboard warriors.? And discuss we shall as we break down the five new models and ...
We take time with the Rado Golden Horse 1957.If youre following along here at Fratello, youll note that this is the second review of a Rado within a rather brief period of time.? Recently, I reviewed a green-dialed Golden Horse, a watch that I concluded would make a great daily wearer.? Ill keep saying this until the effect wears off, but its really nice to have Rado in the mix of brands that people like myself (whatever that means) would actually consider for a purchase.? Yes, the brands modern watches are definitely turning in the right direction.? Today, though, were going decidedly retro as we take a close look at the limited edition Rado Golden Horse 1957.The Rado Golden Horse 1957 R...
Every watch nerd knows a few WIS (Watch Idiot Savant) terms. They are interesting because they are made up by us, watch lovers. In this episode, I want to zoom in on another famous definition: safe queen.First, we talk about the term itself and then take a look at some queens of Fratello team members.What Is A Safe Queen?This question has gone through my mind for several weeks now. Watch related websites show slightly different definitions. For me, it is not an expensive watch in particular. Yes, it is valuable. But, what s valuable and what s not is personal. For one, a safe queen might be a brand new sought after stainless steel sports . Every ding can decrease the potential resell value. ...
Omega recently introduced two modern sports watches designed especially for upcoming Olympic Games Tokyo 2020. Let s have a look at them!Whether you re in the mood for The Land of the Rising Sun during cherry blossom season, or the sensory-overstimulated jungle of neon lights, manga, Maneki-Neko cats, and video games, Tokyo speaks to one s imagination. These new limited editions for the Tokyo 2020 Games also have a unique vibe to them, which might speak to specific customers.A Watch Game?The Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games are getting closer. Im quite sure that everyone has heard that this time, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) emphasis on making the upcoming games more sustainable, thus I...
We recently already introduced the Certina DS Action Diver Sea Turtle Conservancy to you. So, for general information on this special edition take a look here. However, this summer, I had the opportunity to test this watch underwater during dives in the Mediterranean. We thought it might be interesting to you to learn how this real dive watch feels like when applied to its actual purpose.Certina got on my radar via the re-edition of the DS 200PHM which we covered here. Which is late, I admit. One reason for this is that Certina only recently started to exploit their rich heritage, probably motivated by the current vintage trend (in watches). Another reason might be one I reluctantly admit: I...
Inspired by the iconic Memovox Polaris, a watch that was initially produced between 1965 and 1968 and aimed at the USA market, Jaeger-LeCoultre now introduces the Polaris Date.This watch is being launched exclusively for the US market until October 1st. Jaeger-LeCoultre speaks about a pre-launch, but I am not convinced you can talk about pre-launch when you re launching a new watch. Anyway, the watch will be available for the US market only at first, and then the rest of the world will follow. In total, there will be 800 pieces of this Jaeger-LeCoultre Polaris Date.Jaeger-LeCoultre Polaris DateAs you can see, Jaeger-LeCoultre used beautiful tones of blue for the dial. The dial consists of mu...
Get ready for some vintage inspiration. An original date version of the loved/hated chronograph, a playful diver from the 70s or a quirky and irreplaceable futuristic watch from the late 50s? You make the call.You buy the seller is one of my profound rules for scouring the vintage watch market. It means buying watches from a verified and trusted source is your best bet. It takes a lot of energy, time, integrity, knowledge, high morale and quality standards to establish the reputation of a trusted seller. Last month I sold you on the idea that every month we will pick some of the watches on our wishlists. As a trusted salesman always keeps his promises, let s take a look at the August dosage ...
We introduce a new series here on Fratello: Wrist Game or Crying Shame and we kick things off with the Omega Speedmaster 3210.52 Casino Dial.Welcome, watch fans, to something new here on Fratello.? Higher power-willing, I ll be bringing you this feature every Wednesday afternoon (European time).? The theme of Wrist Game or Crying Shame is pretty simple.? I ll present a watch in all its glory – or lack thereof due to my strict usage of seller s photos – and when you reach the bottom of the article, you wise people will be given the opportunity to vote on whether you think this watch is a fair deal or not.? Now, I ll make this clear, neither Fratello nor I am endorsing any of the w...
Revolution magazine and The Rake magazine collaborated with German watchmaker Sinn Spezialuhren and the 155 Bundeswehr Dark Star is the successful result.Successful result? Yes, this watch with a retail price of $2240,- was sold within two hours. The Sinn 155 Bundeswehr Dark Star was limited to 150 pieces only.Sinn 155Sinn happens to be one of my favourite watch brands, and I ve often written here that I regret selling my 142 with Lemania 5100 movement. This Frankfurt-based company makes some pretty stunning watches, and even though the prices do not compare to those in my early years of collecting (which watch does that anyway?), they never lost touch with reality. Sinn brings a lot of watc...
Already in 2018, we showed you the new Omega Speedmaster platinum moonphase watches, in green, blue and red. These watches were presented to us on platinum bracelets, with a weight of approximately 500 grams each.We don t exactly know why those watches (we showed them to you in this article) never made it to the market, but during the Time to Move event for press, Omega showed them once more. This time, with a leather strap and platinum clasp. Aside from the missing platinum bracelet, we didn t spot any other changes of the Omega Speedmaster platinum moonphase. However, we thought it was time to take one up close and share some of my thoughts with you for this Speedy Tuesday article. Meet th...
The 4th recording of Fratello on Air, this time with Daniel Mller and Michael Stockton talking about several of their favourite watches and answering a listener s question.In this episode 4, Michael talks with Daniel (as RJ was on holiday during the recording) about the Top 3 watches in their collections that get most wrist time, about Daniel joining Fratello and about his role (Head of Operations) and answering a listener s question about their favourite sub-40mm sports watch. Below, an overview of some of the mentioned watches, and all the links to articles/websites and people mentioned in this episode. This podcast player is blocked because you did not accept marketing cookies. Change c...
If you are frequent on the Instagram watch scene, Im sure youve already come across Pastiche Patches.To me, Pastiche Patches falls into the same category as @adpatina or @ctournierwatchdraw. They fill a void in the watch community, a void we never knew before. But when we see their products, we need to have them, even if we have no idea what we are going to do with them. I mean, we – grown-up men and women C buy Lego sets of rockets and lunar modules. Build them then proudly display them in the living room. ?Or collect beer bottle caps that commemorate one of humankinds greatest achievement. Perhaps, just as I hinted above, collect vintage magazine ads of our favorite timepieces, frame...
Look at the brain on you, watch friend, it s This Week in Watches for August 17, 2019.I must admit, I really enjoy Quentin Tarantino movies.? They re stylish, long, full of crafty dialogue, great musically, ridiculously detailed, and tend to be obnoxiously violent.? Yes,?I can safely say that a new film from Tarantino qualifies as a must-see for me.? I was a freshman at university when we somehow made our way to the mall movie theater to see?Pulp Fiction and to this day, I still think it s the most incredible film I ve ever seen in a theater.? And so, it was this past Thursday night that?Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, the man s 9th film, opened here in Germany and my wife and I paid more tha...
We spent a serious amount of time with a very serious watch, the Minase Divido.Despite the noticeable drop in the number of exhibitors at Baselworld 2019, we were busy with appointments.? Additionally, some of us werent there for the duration of the show and missed the chance to meet with certain brands.? I was one who had to depart a bit earlier and as a result, I missed meeting with Minase at the Hyperion Hotel that stands just outside of the main conference hall.? It was a meeting I regretted missing because, as one who really loves Japanese watches, the brand appealed to me.? Plus, theres no getting away from the unique styling thats present on all of their models.? So, I figured it woul...
The new Certina DS Action Diver Titanium is a runner up for the nicest affordable, titanium sports watch on the market prize. Too bad there s no such prize…yet.It seems that finally, Certina has found its rhythm and place both in the watch industry and within the Swatch Group. Certina knows about its position in the Swatch Group but for a long time, it seemed that they were a bit lost as to what is their real strength. Like in many cases, the solution came from the past. Certina has always been a great divers watch manufacturer. Vintage or dive watch fans know this for sure. In the last few years, they released a bunch of different watches in their model lines. It was a bit all over th...
We spend time with the new Rado Golden Horse, a serial production model that just might change your thoughts about the brand.I know our readers come from all over, but I often wonder how many of you hail from my home region of South Florida.? And if you do, were you alive and cognizant during the late 80s into the 90s?? If you were, youd no doubt recall this special time.? Blousy silk shirts, billowy pleated chinos, gold chains, and slim loafers were all the rage.? And the cars- Forgetting the semi-performance rides that sported colors such as teal and mauve, this was the brief period of the gold package. ?If you could pony up for something like a Cadillac, Lexus or Infiniti (in pearl white ...
Recently we found our way to Germany to join A. Lange & S?hne at the Classic Days at Schloss Dyck. This picture-perfect location welcomed many classic cars in pristine condition. Upon our arrival, we found our way to the House of Lange. Here we joined the other guests for the program of the day and launch of the Lange 1 Daymatic.House of Lange at the Classic Days Schloss DyckClassic Days Schloss DyckStarting with a relaxing stroll around the exhibition area on the museum island, right next to the castle was already amazing. This is where all the masterpieces are on display, that participates in the Concours dEleganza. All cars are categorized from A to I, each with its own class covering...
