Theres a new Armin Strom Mirrored Force Resonance in town, clad in rose gold and black. The 43mm 18k rose gold case features alternating brushed and polished finishes, and the large black off-center dial provides a strong visual contrast. The handcrafted sunray guilloche pattern of the dial, framed by a chapter ring with circular finishing, results from an in-house specialist working with a traditional rose engine lathe. The decorative technique is part of a long tradition, the watchs design and movement are contemporary and cutting-edge. The dark gray Alcantara strap is a dapper and comfortable choice.The Mirrored Force Resonance is Armin Strom s signature timepiece. The manually wound Cali...
Choosing my favorite Datejust wasn t a simple exercise. From 2021 through most of 2023, I acquired several vintage references. Each one was chosen for a reason. Hard-to-find dials combined with sharp cases and atypical bezels were my game. Two years later, these Datejust models remain as regular options in my wearing rotation. They re fantastic, fit beautifully, and run like diesel tractors. But there s one model that edges out the rest, and that s the 1601 no-lume lavender dial.Nearly two years ago, I wrote a thorough accounting of the Datejust 1601 I purchased from Wind Vintage. The watch was almost a missed opportunity, but luck stepped in at the end. Still, I covered that portion along ...
I am no stranger to Titoni, particularly its Seascoper line of divers. I have enjoyed reviewing various Seascoper models over time, from the regular stainless steel to the two-tone Seascoper 300 models to the stealthy black carbon Seascoper 600. For this review, I had a chance to try out something new within the Seascoper collection. The Titoni Seascoper 300 Chronograph is exactly what you would expect. It combines the brand s competent diver with a chronograph to develop a serious piece of kit. Let s learn more about the latest Seascoper and my time with it.When checking out a new Titoni Seascoper, I always look back at my favorite models with which I ve gone hands-on. My favorite thus far ...
Good morning and welcome to another Sunday Morning Showdown. Last week, we had a surprising matchup between two titanium high-beat chronographs that ended up in a tie. This week, we re curious to see what happens when we put two stainless steel integrated bracelet reinterpretations up against each other. In 2023, IWC brought back the Ingenieur, based on Gerald Genta s design from the 70s. In 2019, Chopard did the same with the 1980s St. Moritz and called it the Alpine Eagle. Both are high-end integrated bracelet sports watches with history, so let s see what happens when they battle it out together.The IWC Ingenieur sells for a bit less, at $12,900, while the Chopard Alpine Eagle costs $15,...
While Watches and Wonders rightfully garnered most of the attention this past April, other brands took the opportunity to show off their wares in nearby venues. Time to Watches was an event held next to Palexpo. I found myself there several times for appointments and had a particularly lovely time sitting down with Adnane Kerd, founder of Guebly. During our session, he revealed his young company s second watch, the CH1 Retrograde.With the surprising number of small, haute horlogerie brands in existence, a possible takeaway is that it s easy to create a new watch. While a pile of money might get it done, the trick is to create a cohesive design instead of a slapdash concept. Adnane Kerd, the ...
The internet and social media have transformed how we discover and interact with watches. In a sense, these channels have put the entire watch world in our pocket. They have democratized the hobby in several ways, spreading information and knowledge like never before and creating transparency across markets. This all comes at a cost, though. In this article, I want to explore whether social media creates a monoculture in the watch world and whether that s a good or a bad thing.The term monoculture comes from agriculture, where it refers to the practice of growing a single crop on a given acreage. In the sense I will discuss today, however, it relates to the convergence of experience, taste, ...
Another Friday, another list! This week, it s time for the second installment of our series on affordable watches. Last week, we discussed our favorite mechanical watches under $500 from big brands. This second article focuses on the best watches for under $500 from small brands. Call them independents or microbrands, you get the idea. The small brands have set a new standard in the world of affordable watches. They pushed the boundaries regarding value for money and introduced some interesting, creative takes on classics. We picked our five favorites after some lively debate. Let s find out what they are.Before we get into our list, here is a quick note on what we mean by small brands. It s...
The Essence is one of Formex s most innovative and all-around watches. It s also the most popular one because of the specs it features for the price, and its comfortable wearing experience. Today, the brand introduces the Essence Space Ghost in stainless steel and a new 41mm size. But this is not just another Essence that s sandwiched in between the already existing 39 and 43mm models. Formex took the size adjustment as an opportunity to greatly improve the Essence. That s why it has a new micro-adjustment system on its butterfly clasp, comes with a screw-down crown, and, above all, features a meteorite dial.During our GADA series, two years ago, Vincent chose the Formex Essence 39 as his pe...
I bet youve read the expression When life turns you upside down, simply adjust your view! before. The saying came to mind when the latest version of the Montblanc 1858 Unveiled Minerva Chronograph Limited Edition arrived at Fratello HQ. This steel and yellow gold monopusher chronograph has an open-worked movement, and this in-house caliber 16.26 has also been flipped front-to-back. This spectacular maneuver has the hand-made and hand-finished movement proudly showing its regulating organ, column wheel, going train, and all beveled bridges. What a spectacle that is. And to ensure you dont miss out on any of the horological action, the middle case has five apertures. Why? To let in light and e...
What I love about Farer is that you recognize their watches instantly. Over time, the English brand has developed a collection with a very distinct style. The dial colors, the font types, and the colorful overall presence of the watches have gained Farer many fans. The latest addition to the line-up is the new Integra series, which consists of four different models with their own names. The watches are part of the popular category of modern sports watches. It s become a crowded space, but as you would expect, these new Integra models immediately stand out as Farer models. I had a chance to go hands-on with the Farer Integra Viridis. It features a beautiful green malachite dial that immediate...
Breitling announces two new Endurance Pro models for the IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship triathlon for 2025. The events occur in Nice, France, and Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, with the championship finale in Marbella, Spain. To coincide with the upcoming races, the Endurance Pro uses new color combos to freshen up for the exotic locales. Specifically celebrating the Andalusian region of Marbella, Spain, the turquoise and orange model uses a Breitlight case renowned in the Endurance Pro range. In comparison, the titanium model reflects Hawaiian culture with light blue accents and a sea and sunset-inspired IRONMAN logo at 6 oclock. Lets jump in.The Breitling Endurance Pro turns five this month. Who wo...
Calling the new Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra Turquoise watches in 38 and 41mm summer watches would sell them short. Because of the vibrant turquoise dial with a black gradient effect, these two newcomers dont look like Ibiza watches, but more like timepieces in the style of Terceira Island in the Portuguese archipelago of the Azores. On that island in the Atlantic Ocean, youll find Algar do Carv?o, a dormant volcano with a unique magma chamber that has become a cavern with a freshwater lake at the bottom.I can see you thinking, Ive seen these Aqua Terras before, haven t I? You re not entirely wrong. Last year, Omega?released 38 and 41mm Aqua Terra watches showing gradient turquoise dials. Then...
Since were celebrating the 80th birthday of the Datejust, we thought it would be a good idea to have Fratello writers pick their favorite one of all time. The biggest challenge of writing an article in the tail-end of this Datejust series is that other writers have already claimed some of my favorite picks. But no man overboard because there is plenty of Datejust goodness to choose from. Having said that, I changed the focus of my article from my favorite Datejust, which I would buy, to what, in my eyes, is the best Datejust ever produced. With that change of perspective, I picked the absolutely stunning Datejust ref. 16019 with a burl wood dial. It s rare, it s expensive, but it is my fav...
This week, on Fratello Talks, RJ, Thomas, and Nacho are asking the question: Does storytelling still sell watches? For decades, brands have built emotional bridges to their customers with tales of adventure, endurance, and achievement. Think of the watches strapped to astronauts on lunar missions, divers exploring the oceans depths, or pilots navigating across continents. These stories transformed watches from mere tools into symbols of aspiration and identity. But the landscape has changed. In 2025, collectors have instant access to reviews, historical records, and technical specs. Marketing claims are scrutinized in seconds, and many enthusiasts are less willing to buy into the myths. So, ...
UK-founded independent watchmaker Isotope Watches made a name by releasing remarkable watches that stood out through their original designs, whimsical details, and robust engineering. The brand helps you break from convention and embrace the eccentric side everybody has, no matter how deeply tucked away. You could do that with the four new Isotope Watches Hydrium limited editions, restricted to just 20 and 100 pieces (respectively). Try the taste of The Wasabi, feel the Ooh La La, visit Coconut Island, or race the British Racing Green.Three years ago, the Isotope HydriumX Will Return with its dial inspired by the iconic Will Return clock door sign that tells when a shop will be open again, t...
I am sure that most of you have read about Switzerland being hit with the harshest tariffs of all European countries last week. A whopping 39% tariff on goods imported to the US from the Alpine country came into effect on August 7th. The watch world is shaking as a result. Today, I would like to look at what the US import tariffs on Swiss watches entail and what it means for brands and consumers inside and outside the US.The new 39% tariff results from failed negotiations between Switzerland and the US. As such, this latest figure replaces the earlier 10% tariff until further notice. Lets dive in to see whats what.US import tariffs on Swiss watches-a developing storyThe first thing that is c...
I ve written several articles about Armin Strom. From normal reviews to a closer look at the brand s resonance calibers, it s fun to take a closer look at this brand. But why is that? In my view, the brand stands out among other haute horlogerie brands for several reasons. The watches seamlessly combine technical chops in wearable sizes.Armin Strom creates impressive movements, including their Resonance line. However, they ve also created recognizable traits such as the hallmark finger bridges. The small company also places a strong emphasis on hand-finishing and in-house production. In most cases, the watches are over 90% created at the brand s headquarters in Biel/Bienne, Switzerland. This...
Unimatic has been busy introducing a string of clever new releases. Only last week, I did a hands-on review of the brand Modello Uno Heritage GMT Diver from a series of nice vintage-inspired models. Today, we get treated to a new trio of models who are taking a different road. The three Modello Uno ProDiver models incorporate a series of modern dive characteristics into the brand s most popular model. The watches take after the initial duo of ProDiver models that were introduced in 2023. The most exciting of the three new models is a lightweight titanium model. I had a chance to take the orange dial stainless steel version for a spin to get an idea of the new Unimatic Modello Uno ProDiver co...
Last week, on August 7, 2025, Captain Jim Lovell, Apollo 13 Commander, passed away at the age of 97 in Lake Forest, Illinois.Jim Lovell. Image via NASAJim LovellBeyond Apollo 13, Jim Lovells NASA career was filled with key assignments. He first flew as pilot-alongside Frank Borman-on Gemini 7 in 1965. This nearly 14-day endurance mission served as a crucial test of long-duration human spaceflight and served as a target vehicle for the first crewed orbital rendezvous with Gemini 6A. He then commanded Gemini 12 in 1966, with Buzz Aldrin as pilot. This mission advanced extravehicular activity (EVA) techniques and brought the Gemini program to a successful close.In December 1968, Lovell served a...
Welcome back to another episode of Fratello On Air. This week, we answer a listener s question about the watches new collectors should consider when entering the hobby. It s a question that has been asked many times, but, frankly, it s been a while since we ve tackled it. For our listeners, the watch talk begins after 23 minutes.This podcast player is blocked because you did not accept marketing cookies. Change cookie settings Years ago, when we were new collectors, the Seiko SKX007 was the natural response when someone asked about the best first watch. It was affordable, tough, and had enough chops to be taken somewhat seriously. However, that watch is long gone, which leaves an opportu...
