A little research reveals that over 80 watch brands at different technical levels and price segments build timepieces outfitted with a tourbillon. Considering the mechanism s significant cost and complexity, thats a surprisingly large number. Likewise, mechanical chronographs, for instance, come in all shapes and sizes and prices, for that matter. Now, no disrespect, my dear chronograph, but the tourbillon is a revered symbol of complicated Haute Horlogerie. Well, it was… Does anyone still care or dream about a tourbillon watch? The amount of tourbillons on the market might suggest the correct answer is yes, but Im unsure.Before pondering whether tourbillons are still relevant and what...

Seiko releases six new additions to the Seiko Prospex Speedtimer collection. Three of them celebrate the brands historic relationship with Datsun, the iconic Japanese carmaker that made waves with its affordable yet impressive 240Z sports car in 1969. The other three become part of the regular Speedtimer line.The link between Seiko and Datsun runs deep. In 1971, a Datsun 240Z bearing the Seiko logo won the grueling East African Safari Rally. That motorsport connection now finds its way into three new limited editions, each infused with Datsun DNA. Lets take a closer look at the six new Seiko Prospex Speedtimer references.Seiko Prospex Speedtimer and the Datsun 240ZThree of these new watches ...

Watch modding is a topic close to many watch enthusiasts hearts.?It can also go from just a bit of fun to hugely controversial in the blink of an eye. In today s episode of Fratello Talks, Nacho, RJ, and Thomas dive into the topic, sharing their experiences with modding watches and highlighting some notable examples of both entry-level and high-end work. They also consider the brands perspective on having their watches modified and the potential dangers behind modifying a watch to appear more valuable than it truly is. So, whether you re a modding master or simply curious about trying it, tune in to learn more. Before we get into it, however, let s see what s on the wrist.This video is blo...

I must admit, I dont usually give clocks much thought, be they desk clocks, mantel clocks, or travel clocks. Theres a certain charm to them, sure, but theyve always sat outside my horological radar. That changed somewhat when I stumbled across the Kubernet Eternal Day on social media. I liked the look. I paused, read a little more. When I saw the words secular perpetual calendar, I sat up properly. This was something rare - something properly technical.Kubernet is a brand I hadnt heard of before. Founded in 2023 by Chinese watchmaker and horological researcher Chieh-Lin Ting, its based in Macau and rooted in the idea of reviving mechanical history through a modern lens. This clock, his debut...

Few watches have transcended time, trends, and geography quite like the Cartier Tank. The prototype emerged in 1917, during the turmoil of World War I, and displayed design inspiration from the robust geometry of the Renault FT-17 tanks on the Western Front. The original Tank was Louis Cartiers bold vision of modern elegance. Its clean lines and rectangular case defied the round norms of the era. This marked the beginning of a design language that would evolve through the decades. Nevertheless, the Tank has remained true to its roots while continually adapting to the cultural and aesthetic sensibilities of each generation.Page from a Cartier New York catalog (1974C75) presenting the Tank wat...

Earlier this month, I covered the release of the Norqain Independence Skeleton 40mm. I was relatively keen on the watches due to their compact case design and dimensions. It turns out that our readers also wanted to see more, so I messaged the folks at Norqain UK, and they quickly dispatched the stainless steel and black DLC versions for a one-week test drive. I m happy to share my thoughts!I ve always had a funny relationship with open-worked or skeletonized watches. Back in high school, I owned a faux version from Fossil when they were all the rage. Then, years later, brands such as Hublot, Zenith, and TAG Heuer turned the style into a mainstream sub-genre. It s not that I disliked these w...

Today, we ll take a look at the latest release from Hanhart. The German brand may be best known for its aviation chronographs, but there s a rather comprehensive catalog on offer. One example of this diversity is the company s dive watch, the Aquasphere. Until now, the sub-collection consisted of one watch. Now, there are two with the new Ocean Fade.Hanhart offers some of the best value in mechanical watches today. In fact, the pieces often receive near-universal praise in our comments section - that s no mean feat! Well-built watches, adjusted movements, and competitive prices make for a great combination. With all of that in mind, let s see how the new Aquasphere Ocean Fade fares.The Hanha...

When I shared my Five Facts You Probably Did Not Know About The Datejust article a few weeks back, I promised we would do more to celebrate 80 years of the Datejust. Well, here we are! I get to kick off a series of articles in which each Fratello writer shares his favorite Datejust of all time.Mine may not come as much of a surprise to my regular readers, but I will try to make a good case for it once again. Lets dive into why the steel reference 1601 is my favorite Datejust of all time!My Datejust storyIn case you are wondering why I am taking the lead on these 2025 Datejust celebrations, it is because the DJ holds a special place in my heart. This starts with my love of simple do-it-al...

Atelier Wen has created some of my favorite watches over the past several years. The brand s Perception series fits like a dream and is beautifully finished. Plus, the company is never content to leave well enough alone. Once a model has been released, the team continues to make minor updates to improve fit and quality. Today s release isn t about a minor change, though. The Ancestra Jiao is an entirely new model line, the third for the young company, and it looks fantastic.A month ago, during London Watch Week, I had the opportunity to meet with Robin Tallendier, one of Atelier Wen s founders. In addition to production pieces, Robin brought a handful of unreleased prototypes. Among these wa...

The Reverso took a prominent spot during Watches and Wonders 2025. Not only were the new Reverso watches the highlight of the Jaeger-LeCoultre booth, but they were also the talk of the town.Jaeger-LeCoultre ManufactureEarlier this year, before Watches and Wonders, I traveled to Jaeger-LeCoultre s headquarters in Le Sentier to see the new Reverso collection in great secrecy. When you visit the Jaeger-LeCoultre manufacture, you know you ll see some extraordinary things. Once you pass the entrance, it s all about watchmaking. Although the size of the manufacture is impressive, it feels like you re visiting a family-owned business that takes great pride in traditional watchmaking. The brand is o...

I always enjoy seeing ArtyA s latest releases. The brand often blends fun themes that appeal to rock stars and artists. Over the last several years, though, the Purity collection has ushered in a new design language. The watches are still quite modern, but the case shapes are more organic. Importantly, the case sizes work better for someone with a smaller wrist. The brand s newest release, the Purity Curvy HMS Mirror Titanium, looks like another beauty that I d happily wear.While ArtyA has a strong focus on sapphire-cased watches in head-turning hues, releases like the Purity Wavy show how using titanium can result in equally attractive statement pieces. Until now, the Curvy line has existed...

I am not entirely sure why, but back in 2022, I didn t participate in the Fratello EDC (Everyday Carry) series. That s great because it allows me to go all out this time. Some of the things I ll mention today have been with me for quite a few years now, while others are more recent acquisitions. One thing s for sure, though: I would heartily recommend all of these EDC items, as I love using every one of them, all day, every day.When I started listing the things I carry with me each day, I noticed some of these purchases are inspired by my Fratello colleagues. For example, I found my Borealis Tote bag by The North Face when I was looking for something similar to Lex s camouflage M/S Canvas Sh...

Nezumi is one of those microbrands that I always follow closely. I like its overall retro style, but that s only half of the story because plenty of brands release new watches based on historical designs. What makes Nezumi stand out is the use of color. The brand often uses less obvious color combinations. I like that design approach because it leads to stunning results, and it has ensured that many Nezumi releases have stood out in the busy microbrand world. But it doesn t always have to be all that different. Proof of that is the newest version of the Nezumi Corbeau with a black DLC bezel. I had a chance to find out more.The use of less traditional colors in the watch world has stood out t...

Unfortunately, theres no In-N-Out Burger in The Hague. Since the American regional chain of fast food restaurants has locations primarily in California and some parts of the Southwest, having a burger at an In-N-Out is a very geographically dictated fast-food privilege. That s a real shame because I once had the pleasure of having the much-talked-about Animal Style burger at In-N-Out in LA. Animal Style refers to a mustard-cooked patty, and the burger includes grilled onions, pickles, and an extra spread of Thousand Island dressing. Now, to the Animal Style watches you see here. Were introducing two very different watch beasts from Jaquet Droz and Franck Muller. One is the watch equivalent o...

Time flies when youre having retro fun, doesnt it? With an original introduction date a full decade ago, the Oris Divers Sixty-Five collection feels like a brand staple. I have always found the chronograph version to be one of the more appealing models. Well, today is my lucky day because I get to go hands-on with the latest Oris Divers Sixty-Five Chronograph in silver and ocean green.The new version comes with your choice of a sustainably sourced deer leather strap ($3,750) or a stainless steel bracelet ($3,950). Lets have a closer look!The Oris Divers Sixty-Five ChronographAt its heart, the new Oris Divers Sixty-Five Chronograph is a color variation on the existing watch. Now, you would su...

Hublot is easily one of the most controversial brands among watch enthusiasts. Many are quick to judge, but few put in the effort to get to know the company. If that sounds like you, I hope to help you on your way today! This is basic Hublot knowledge - what every watch enthusiast should know about the brand.While most watch enthusiasts know the year was founded, Omegas key collections, and which Jaeger-LeCoultre models are most relevant, we find that many seasoned aficionados lack such basic knowledge about Hublot, which inspired todays article. Lets jump in!Basic Hublot knowledge: the brands conceptionHublot is one of the younger companies among the bigger watch brands. Its earliest creat...

It s Sunday, so it s time to wake up with a nice cup of coffee and another Sunday Morning Showdown. This week, Mike and Jorg picked two absolute heavy hitters to face off in this battle of stainless steel chronographs. Mike picked the current Cosmograph Daytona ref. 126500LN, while Jorg picked the Omega Speedmaster Calibre 321 ref. 311.30.40.30.01.001. Which of the two will be crowned king of the stainless steel chronos? Let s find out!Much to our surprise, we have never had a Sunday Morning Showdown with these two models. Some of us were sure that we had pitted them against each other before. As it turns out, we haven t. So this gives us a great opportunity to find out which chronograph yo...

Omega didnt make a fuss about these two new gold Seamaster Diver 300M references and just sneakily added them to the catalog. And I wonder why there was no press release on them, like there was on the new steel Seamaster Diver 300M with orange accents the other week. Anyway, that decision was made, but even though these two watches were not officially released with the same attention as the steel one, I feel they re worth mentioning here.Seamaster Diver 300M ref. 210.52.42.20.04.001The two Seamaster Diver 300M watches in goldSo, here they are - two new Omega Seamaster Diver 300M models, one in 18K rose gold and one in 18K yellow gold! Omega developed its Sedna rose gold alloy in 2012 to make...

You dont realize you want it if you can t imagine it. Luckily, free-spirited watch brands like Konstantin Chaykin and Behrens have enormous imagination. When they collaborate, they reach new levels of watch madness. These two brands worked together for the first time three years ago and have joined forces again to create something that perfectly combines their styles. The lightweight trapezoidal watch with a caricaturist face is called the Behrens Konstantin Chaykin Ace of Hearts, and this transparent creation comes out in different colors and materials - titanium, black and white carbon, and pink and light blue sapphire.If you have seen the watch, you will remember it. In 2022, Chinese br...

Its funny how one s everyday carry (EDC) can change in just a few years. Even though I have been applying the buy once, cry once philosophy for many years, it seems I cry more often than I would have thought.Many things from my 2022 EDC article have either been replaced or moved to the background. With the latter, I still have them but find myself carrying other items instead while occasionally using the old ones. Pens are a good example. I used my vintage Pelikan 400 tortoise a lot then, but now I use another pen. In addition, I retired the orange four-pen holder, as its a hassle carrying four pens every day. Now I have a pouch with one rollerball and one fountain pen. I still use the Victo...