I know how important this watch is for Ben Clymer, so before going into details about this Omega Speedmaster Hodinkee 10th anniversary limited edition, allow me to address a few words to explain.10 Years of HodinkeeBen is a Speedmaster fan. He showed me his Speedmaster Mark40 that he received from his grandfather, and basically started his interest in mechanical watches. He also – always – shows me his latest Speedmaster purchases, and those range from early CK2915 references to the Speedmaster Speedy Tuesday (ST1) and the recent Speedy Tuesday Ultraman. He also was there with me when I bought my gold Speedmaster Professional in Munich when we were both there to talk at a watch c...

Two different price tags, two different styles, yet one of our readers asks us to help him to make a decision.?We already included the Longines HydroConquest in a previous You Asked Us article, but this time, the popular affordable diving watch is up against a brand from the same stable: Tissot. The Tissot Powermatic 80 Seastar 1000 is a bit cheaper and has a slightly different appearance, so it comes down to taste and,?perhaps, technical specifications.You Asked Us: Tissot Powermatic 80 Seastar 1000 or Longines HydroConquestOur reader Amar contacts us to ask about the Tissot Powermatic 80 and the Longines HydroConquest (2018 model). He adds: The Tissot is a bit cheaper but has 80 hours of p...

I had never heard about Minase watches, and that s perfectly explainable as they were only available in Japan till now. Minase is a company that started as a spin-off in 2005 of a cutting tool manufacturer by the name of?Kyowa Co. (1963). With an annual production of 500 pieces only, I am pretty sure that not many of you heard about Minase watches. Now, Minase introduces a limited watch of 40 pieces that will be available outside Japan. The Minase 7 Windows, referring to the number of sapphire crystals used in the case.Minase 7 WindowsAccording to Minase, all 500 watches have been hand-made in the workshops in Japan. Located in the Akita prefecture, which surroundings are similar to those in...

In January 2018, Baume & Mercier unveiled a surprising new caliber in a new timepiece at a very attractive price-point: the Baumatic BM12-1975A caliber will be exclusively available in the new Clifton Baumatic watch from September 2018 on, with prices starting at $2,750.What makes this release so remarkable is the fact that Baume & Mercier addresses several real-life problems of mechanical watches, namely– Sensitivity to magnetic fields (the watch is resistant to magnetic field of 1500 gauss)– Increased autonomy (120 hours or 5 days)– Chronometer precision (-4s/+6s per day over the entire 120 hour power reserve)– Durability (less frequent service intervals)A N...

MeisterSinger Makes Timepieces For People Who Refuse To Be Hurried by SecondsSince 2001, a unique type of mechanical wristwatch has been produced in the Westphalian city of Mnster C unique because it has just one needle-thin hour hand that shows the time precisely to the nearest five minutes. In this regard, company founder Manfred Brassler draws on the technical and cultural tradition of early horology.Less hectic, more heavenly: Lunascope, the first MeisterSinger with a moon phase moduleFor more information, visit www.meistersinger.com/en/collection/single-hand-watches/lunascope/infos/Clocks.htmlSingle-hand watches C a concept founded on traditionTower clocks from the Middle Ages also did...

For years now, theres the trend in the watch industry to introduce watches inspired by the brand s heritage. These watches are based on vintage watches with an updated design, technical specifications, and often have a larger size. It often results in a popular watch among collectors and enthusiasts. This has to do a lot with their looks that people often find familiar. Many different brands follow this trend, and in this case, we are talking about the new Hamilton (Hamilton Intra-Matic Auto Chrono).The original Hamilton panda chronograph. Photo courtesy of https://www.coolvintagewatches.com/Hamilton Intra-MaticIf you are familiar with Hamilton you might remember that last year they released...

When Grand Seiko was re-introduced in 1988, their first models had quartz movements. Then, in 1998, Grand Seiko introduced the 9S calibre movement. The first two mechanical calibres for Grand Seiko that were introduced in 1998 were their calibre 9S51 and 9S55. The latter might sound familiar to you if you are into Seiko watches, as it was the base calibre for the 8L35(b) movements used in the Marinemaster series for example. These first two Grand Seiko movements were regulated to perform well within chronometer standards and had a power reserve of 50 hours. Since then, the 9S calibre movements have improved by (a.o.) using innovative materials (resulting in an accuracy of -5/+3 seconds a day...

Although some people were sceptic about him at first, Daniel Craig has proven to be among the greatest James Bond actors. James Bond started wearing an Omega Seamaster Diver 300M in 1995 (GoldenEye) and continued to do so when Daniel Craig took over this role from his predecessor. This year, Omega celebrates the 25th anniversary of the Omega Seamaster Diver 300M watch and introduced a new and improved version of this watch in Basel. A new watch like this also needs a new face. And what is a better fit than Daniel Craig? Omega announces that Craig will be their new Seamaster Diver 300M ambassador from now on.Daniel Craig Represents The New Seamaster Diver 300MHowever, not everyone knows that ...

Formex unveils the Essence, an affordable COSC-certified Automatic ChronometerWhen something sounds too good to be true it very often is, but there are those occasions when its worth taking a closer look. Formex, known for their rugged watches, is about to launch a mechanical timepiece, rich in details and features, with a decorated Automatic Swiss Made movement that is officially COSC-certified. With the Essence, Formex brings a highly precise and top quality mechanical everyday Chronometer with a very affordable price tag. Early Bird Specials are available now.A highly precise and officially COSC-certified movement The Essence is powered by Sellitas highest quality grade SW200-1 Swiss made...

Omega invited us to join the finishing of the Volvo Ocean Race 2018 in The Hague. It is the city where the Fratello Watches HQ is located, only 10 minutes from the sea. It was a two-day program, where on Friday we would have a look on board on one of the Volvo Ocean 65 race boats and actually sail on one of them. On Saturday, day 2, we were invited to be on a RIB boat to watch a sailing competition between the Volvo Ocean Race teams. In the evening, the official Volvo Ocean Race 2018 prize ceremony, with the presence of our HRH King Willem-Alexander, who s known to have a thing for Speedmasters as well.Volvo Ocean Race 2018Gerard has quite some sailing experience, but I went in quite blank, ...

With the F1 of Spa-Francorchamps coming up this weekend we look back at our trip there some weeks ago. We joined IWC and AMG for the 24hrs of Spa and had the opportunity to wear an IWC Big Pilot s Watch. Having that watch on the wrist for a few days, I got quite used to it despite the fact that I feel that 40mm is the perfect size for a watch. That being said, let s have a look at the IWC Big Pilot s Watch IW501001 and if I would buy one.IWC Big Pilot s Watch First ImpressionsMy initial thought when opening the box was that it s clearly called Big Pilot s for a reason. With a stainless steel case that measures 46.2 mm it s one of the biggest watches I have ever worn. With a thickness of 15.6...

Perhaps Ive chosen to feature the Weekly Auto Orient King Diver on #TBT this week because Im traveling through China. As I sat up on an upper floor of a hotel on the Island side of Hong Kong looking directly at TST and Kowloon, I researched these relatively obscure watches and, amusingly, the only pieces I found for sale were on eBay and located in C you guessed it, Kowloon. Orient is one of those Japanese brands that receives relatively little press outside of Asia and the vintage models even less so. Today, though, well reverse that with a look at one of the brands earliest ventures into dive watches with the model you see here. In fact, todays piece formed the foundation for a well-known ...

A classic watch question almost; the Submariner vs Omega Seamaster. If we got a Euro for every time we were asked this question, we would have both in the meanwhile. Last week we received it again, for this You Asked Us feature here on Fratello. We thought it would be about time to answer this question in public, as it is probably interesting to many other watch enthusiasts as well (according to our mailboxes).The question we received was relatively short. Nguyen asked us: Please help me decide between buying a Submariner and an Omega Seamaster. What are the pros and cons of these watches and which one do you prefer?.You Asked Us: Submariner vs Omega SeamasterThe Submariner and Omega Sea...

This is a story by one of our readers, Vincent. As a kid he watched the launch of Apollo 17 live, sitting on the hood of his dad s car parked near the Kennedy Space Center. Now, more than 45 years later, he decided to buy a Speedmaster to honor those astronauts and remember that magical night in December 1972.He wrote us an email with a great story that we would like to share with our readers. Vincent added:Thank you for the website you created. It would be an honor if you shared my story with your readers. Your work opens up the daunting world of watches to newbies like me. I would have never found my watch and new joy without Speedy Tuesday.Without further ado.Apollo 17 Launch And The Spee...

Have you ever been accused of being a snob because of your (expensive) watch hobby? Then he or she probably doesn t know you well enough, or simply doesn t understand what your passion for watches is about. My horological heart will tick with more VPH?when I see something nice regardless of the price. As I found myself spending a decent amount of Euros on new straps this week, I also wondered if I am able to find a nice watch for the price of a strap or two.Three Cool Watches Under 100 EuroActually, I ve found three nice watches that are available for under 100 Euro. Three very different watches, that I consider interesting for three different reasons. Two new watches, and one vintage. The v...

Since I got my first bronze watch some years ago I ve enjoyed it a lot. For the simple reason that this bronze watch stands out from all other watches in my collection. After having the pleasure of wearing the Pinion Axis in bronze?for a review, I acquired one. Bronze has proven to be a very popular material for watches, as many brands decided to use it over the past few years . The patina that appears over time makes a bronze watch very appealing, at least to me.Bronze Watch PatinaNormally, it takes time to get patina on your watch, but it surely gives a?watch a unique appearance. With a ?bronze watch, the same thing happens but in very little time depending on the alloy. With the Pinion Ax...

Before I start talking about this Prospex SRPC91K1 watch, a few words on the ‘Save the Ocean reference. Fabien Cousteau is a grandson of Jacques-Yves Cousteau. When Fabien was only 4 years old, he learnt to scuba dive. He spent his early years aboard his grandfathers ships Calypso and Alcyone. With a special interest in sharks from an early age on, he?launched his first expedition in 2002 without family help: a dive where filmed his interactions with bull sharks in the Bahamas. Since then, he created a number of documentaries on sharks. In 2014, Fabien Cousteau spent 31 days underwater filming and collecting scientific data as a tribute to his grandfather. His career as explorer and f...

Back in 2009, Linde Werdelin showed me their (then) new 3-Timer and I was smitten by it. Actually, I ordered the Linde Werdelin 3-Timer with brown dial and matching brown leather strap on the spot. Then, in the years after, the collection changed quite a bit at Linde Werdelin and so did their pricing model. The 3-Timer disappeared and instead, Linde Werdelin came up with the Spido and Oktopus collections. Beautiful watches for sure, but in a different price category as those 3-Timers, 2-Timers and Linde Werdelin One models.Not too long ago, Linde Werdelin noticed an increased interest in those discontinued models and decided to bring back the 3-Timer. A very cool collaboration was done with ...

Oris has a good habit of bringing limited editions in their Aquis line to contribute to ocean conservation. This week we received a question from Apostolos, I guess one of our readers in Greece.You Asked Us: Will the dial of my Oris Aquis Clipperton fade in bright sunlight?Here s the original text of Apostolos question:Subject: WATCH DIALS AND SUN EXPOSUREHello,I recently bought an Oris Aquis Clipperton. Its graded blue dial is a real joy. The question is, is it ok to use in direct sunlight regularly, or it will soon fade and lose its fantastic contrast?Thank you,ApostolosMr. Ulrich Herzog explaining Oris contributions to Ocean conservationOris Contribution to Ocean ConservationAlready in ...

Last week we showed you an (updated) overview of all gold Speedmaster Moonwatch models from 1969 till 1995. Let s continue with these gold Speedmaster watches from 1995 onwards. This article goes back to 2015, but since then, a number of watches in gold have been added to the Speedmaster family. We will keep it Moonwatch only though, so no gold Speedmaster Racing or other 9×00 caliber models.We ended part I with a 1995 gold Speedmaster Professional that was commemorating the MIR mission of July 1993 – July 1994, where 7 of these gold Speedmaster Professional watches were on board of the space station. Probably the rarest model of all gold Moonwatch models. Also, at the end of the ...