Baselworld 2019 brings us a new Tudor Black Bay Bronze, this time with a slate grey fume dial.Today, we had the opportunity to take in Tudor s annual press release at Baselworld 2019.? It s an event that flows quickly with a narrated introduction to all the new releases followed by a more than adequate hands-on period with the watches.? We ll cover all the new pieces in upcoming articles, but thought we d kick things off with what will likely become one of the more popular releases: the newest Tudor Black Bay Bronze.The Third Tudor Black Bay BronzeIf you re keeping tabs, this is the third incarnation of the Tudor Black Bay Bronze.?Thus far, we ve had a brown dial and bezel (2016) and a dark ...
Yesterday, just prior to the start of Baselworld 2019, the new Breitling Superocean Collection debuted.? We had the chance to take a look at a couple different sizes.When most think of Breitling, chronographs come to mind.? With a stalwart such as the Navitimer (you can read our recent review of the new 1959 Reissue), other models often don t get the same level of press, but Breitling has actually been making dive watches since 1957 and they re quite popular.? With the new Breitling Superocean Collection, the brand updates its collection (versus the prior Superocean II) with an astounding five different diameters – 36, 42, 44, 46, and 48mm.? So, there s truly something for everyone and...
Slated for launch in the autumn of this year, CITIZEN unveils three new Caliber 0100 watches, named after the Eco-Drive movement, that delivers the worlds most precise time-keeping accuracy of within 1 second per year.Eco-Drive C The passion for precision and ecologyFor over 40 years, CITIZEN has pursued higher precision always with Eco-Drive. Since the advent of quartz watch technology in the 1970s, CITIZEN was quick to understand the shortfalls of quartz watches, namely the relatively short battery life, the inconvenient process of replacing batteries, and most importantly the environmental issues of battery disposal.In the search for a better way to power watches, CITIZEN began developin...
From St. Louis, the home of the Gateway Arch, we have news of the new MONTA Atlas, a rare slender GMT that should please both fans of the brand and prospective new customers alike.We ve been following MONTA since they first arrived at Baselworld a couple years back.? Since that time, the brand has repositioned itself slightly in terms of its value proposition and they seem to be doing quite well.? With a tight lineup that includes the Oceanking (a 42mm 300M diver), the Skyquest (a 42mm 300M GMT with rotating outer bezel), and the Triumph (a 38.5mm field watch), the brand has decided a new model for 2019.? Enter the MONTA Atlas, a bezel-less GMT that shares its case with the Triumph.A 38.5mm ...
SIHH was just two months ago and yet we have again something awesome and new from Panerai, the PAM00968.The Italian-Swiss manufacture is releasing a new model today; the Panerai Submersible Bronzo PAM00968. As you might remember 2019 is the year of the Submersible for the brand. Their SIHH line-up only consisted of said models, some of which we ve already featured for you. You can find those articles here and here. Today, however, Panerai is introducing a watch to the market that we have not seen in Geneva this January. The Submersible Bronzo PAM00968 isn t the first but the latest Panerai that comes in a bronze case. 2011 was the year when the brand came out with their first bronze case wat...
We take a look at the?Union Glashtte Belisar Moon Phase, a chronograph with a number of complications.Sometimes, you wonder who reads your articles, but there I was minding my own business when the good folks at the Swatch Group here in Germany shot me a note.? You see, I had mentioned a newly released Union Glashtte Belisar Pilot s watch (the Big Date) on one of my weekly installments of?This Week in Watches.??I had also stated that I knew little about the brand and had never held one.? Well, the team saw this and asked if I d be interested in reviewing their new?Union Glashtte Belisar Moon Phase.? I said yes despite the fact that moon phase watches aren t really in my wheel house.? Stil...
With BaselWorld around the corner, the industry is awash with speculation. How will the famous fair fare? Following the sudden, shock-inducing departure of The Swatch Group, uncertainty circles around how the show can remain relevant to the market.Personally, I cant wait to see it all unfold. BW has just released the floor plans. With a strategic reworking of Hall 1.0s (the main hall) layout to fill the void, the stage is now perfectly primed for a whole hoard of Independents to step into the starring role. Among them highlighted in the recent BW news is Claude Meylan, who has been solidly mastering its artistry since the 80s and is ready to show the world their true colours.Claude MeylanThe...
With Baselworld 2019 around the corner, we take a look at new releases in the Laco Erbstck Collection.We re definitely looking forward to Baselworld 2019 for all the normal reasons: new watches, seeing friends from around the world, and endless espresso.? Ok, we get tired of that last part, but you get the point.? On the other hand, there s no doubt that 2019 qualifies as a very different year due to all the changes at the show.? One thing we ve noticed is an increase in releases prior to the beginning of the show.? The new? pieces in the Laco Erbstck collection are one such example.? Now, we will meet with Laco at the show, so we ll come back with live shots next week.The Laco Erbstck Co...
Howdy folks, it s This Week in Watches for March 16, 2019!? Next week is Baselworld 2019, so note that we ll be taking a hiatus from TWIW next weekend, but never fear, my dulcet tones will return the following weekend.? And now…Mhle-Glashtte Sea-Timer BlackMotionThere s nothing like the smell of?umlaut in the morning and here we are with the Mhle-Glashtte Sea-Timer BlackMotion, a 300M water resistant adventure watch in 44mm.? The case is PVD-coated with TiC (titanium carbonate if I have my chemistry in check) and a Sellita SW 200-1 toils away inside. A water resistant black textile strap is fitted to the watch and has a rubber backing.? While PVD watches are anything but new, they ...
Today, were excited to bring you a hands-on look at something weve been anticipating: the Breitling Navitimer 806 1959 Reedition.For many of us, we thought this day would never come, but lo and behold, we have finally arrived and Breitling has? delivered a watch that should please fans of its impressive back catalog.? With the announcement of the Breitling Navitimer 806 1959 Reedition, we are getting a no excuses watch that ticks every box (aside from it actually being from 1959); theres honestly so little to complain about that it should silence even the most persnickety critics.? Well talk about why that is, what went into making this watch and what youll be getting should you be lucky eno...
It is no secret we love Grand Seiko here. Almost all of our editors have one, be it new or vintage. But are we open-minded enough to buy a Grand Seiko with quartz movement?In a recent article, we answered one of our readers questions about spending a significant amount of money on an expensive watch with a quartz movement. The watch we have here today, is a Grand Seiko GMT SBGN005G with a caliber 9F quartz movement. A watch for the traveller that needs a precision piece with the ability of reading the time at a glance in other time zones. There are cheaper watches that offer this functionality of course, but those who appreciate craftsmanship, superb finish and a companion for life might be ...
Today, we have news of the Rado Captain Cook Automatic 2019, a subtle update to a favorite that first debuted at Baselworld 2017.At Baselworld 2017, Rado truly surprised the watch media by reintroducing a long-forgotten name, the Captain Cook.? First introduced in 1962, the 35mm stainless steel diver had classic looks, decent capabilities and a specific trait that s highly desired by collectors: an inward sloping bezel.? We reviewed an original model a couple years back here on Fratello and you can see it above.Rado Captain Cook 2017Rado Captain Cook – A Well Played ReissueThe 2017 model brought things into this millennium – but just barely – by upsizing the case to a still...
Panerai is introducing two new Luminor Marina references, in 42mm and 44mm, with a new silver coloured dial and with a stainless steel bracelet.Today, Officine Panerai breaks the news with two new references for their Luminor Marina collection. The PAM00977 with a modest 42mm diameter case and the PAM00978 with the more ‘traditional 44mm diameter case. Both watches have the manufacture s caliber?P. 9010 movement. Where the SIHH show in Geneva last January was all about the Submersible, it seems that Panerai is now slowly adding some new Luminor watches to their collection as well. It is interesting to see that brands are releasing more novelties through-out the year, instead of showin...
Another watch brand you might be successfully ignoring.Unexpected meeting with KelbertI have skipped on Kelbert multiple times in the past, even though I clearly remember spotting some of their watches over the years. Especially these fitted with Valjoux calibers. Why? Difficult to say C something else always piqued my interest more. I ended up with the Kelbert chronograph only after I started looking for Landeron 185 watches with unusual calendar style. It was during a time I was digging into different date mechanisms and this one particularly resonated with me for its understated opulence.Surprising date designWhen you look at the dial, it doesnt differ much from a typical tri-compax chron...
Today, well take a look at the Prometheus Zenobia, the latest watch made for the ever-growing Divers Watches Facebook Group.Weve now reviewed roughly a handful of limited edition dive watches made by various micro brands in collaboration with the Divers Watches Facebook Group (DWFG).? The group, headed largely by Andreas Gregoriades of Cyprus, continues to expand its membership as the largest watch group on the powerful social media network.? In fact, at time of writing, there are nearly 48,000 members!? With most of the members sharing a real enthusiasm for ocean-able timepieces, its enabled Andreas to work with smaller brands in order to create customized watches that members should enjoy....
Awesome vintage watches often come in odd packaging.Whether it is a funny shape, like the Zenith El Primero Big Blue with its TV Screen case. Or a household watch brands unusual model, such as Tissots Wood- and Stone watches. Not to mention a low-key looking timepiece concealing an awesome movement, as any Junghans chrono from the 50s with their amazing J88 movement. What if all 3 comes in one watch? In a timepiece that is from a household name from the industry. A chronograph perhaps, with a legendary movement. To top it off in a weird rectangular case. Well, I know at least one such watch, albeit Im sure there are many out there. Better yet, I have this watch in my collection and Im happy ...
Its finally here!? As the first model in what we hope will be a multi-pronged approach, we have official news of the Gold Omega Speedmaster Apollo 11 50th Anniversary Limited Edition.Its no secret that Omega releases a high number of variants based upon its legendary Omega Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch each year.? For Speedmaster fans, and we are most certainly loyal members of that group, the last several years have been fantastic.? The 57 reissue, the Speedy Tuesdays, the Apollo XIII Silver Snoopy are just some of the memorable pieces weve had the pleasure of seeing and enjoying.? But C and this is a big but C if youre a space fan, a history buff, or one who likes recalling one of hum...
This year for Panerai is all about the Submersible. The Radiomir and Luminor lines represent the heritage branch of the brand with a more subtle look and elegance. The Submersible family, however, goes back to the core of Panerai; diving.PAM00959These watches are more sporty, bulky and colorful than the aforementioned Radiomir and Luminor collections. Still making a sporty watch, especially if we are talking about a Panerai, does not necessarily mean +46mm monstrosities on the wrist. I know some of you guys dig those watches and I have nothing against Panerai at all. On the contrary, I used to own a Marina Militare a long time ago. Still, those sizes only look good for a very small percentag...
Today, Tissot surprised us by introducing a new mechanical chronograph. The Tissot Heritage 1973, where the number refers to the year when they first got involved in car racing.Before 1973, Tissot had played a role already in car racing, by being on the wrist of Swiss driver Harry Zweifel in 1957. Later on, Tissot started to design and produce watches that were inspired by racing, most famous is their PR 516 model.Tissot Heritage 1973However, in 1973 Tissot really got involved by sponsoring Alpine in the Monte-Carlo rally. Thanks to the Berlinettes, Alpine (and thus Tissot) took all three podium positions and 5 of the first 6 positions were actually by them as well. Alpine also won the World...
This year it s 350 years ago that famous Dutch painter Rembrandt passed away. He is known as one of the greatest artists in history and Holland s most renowned master. During the?year of Rembrandt?the artisans at Jaeger-LeCoultre re-created the ‘The Night Watch . Transferring the main characters of this iconic masterpiece on the dial. Together with boutique partner GASSAN they present the Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso in tribute to Rembrandt.Rembrandt van RijnBorn in 1606, Rembrandt grew up becoming an innovative master and is considered as one of the greatest artists. During his career he created many biblical and mythological scenes. Many of them in dark, high contrast and large sizes. Th...
