After a whirlwind fortnight of tennis, Italian tennis star Jannik Sinner has won his first Wimbledon title, beating his biggest rival, Carlos Alcaraz. Proudly present on the wrist of the 23-year-old Italian, as always throughout the tournament, was his Everose gold Daytona Sundust ref. 126515LN. On the wrist of the 22-year-old Spaniard was the standout Daytona ref. 126518LN in yellow gold with the blue turquoise dial. It completes a triumphant weekend for that started with Polish star Iga Swiatek taking the women s title in a great display of superiority against American Amanda Anisimova. After the match, the Polish player wore her Datejust ref. 278274 with a beautiful brown dial and Rom...
Theres something about watches with a story - even if the story is almost entirely made up. When I strapped on Albishorn s third model, the Thundergraph Himalaya, I wasnt just wearing a watch but also connecting to a moment in history. Inspired by the 1952 Swiss expedition to Mount Everest, this watch combines vintage charm, thoughtful design, and serious mechanical chops. And honestly, I didnt want to take it off.Like the Type 10, the Thundergraph takes inspiration from a vintage model that never existed. But thats a big part of what makes this quasi-California-dial watch so great.The Albishorn Thundergraph HimalayaAs soon as I unboxed the Thundergraph, I knew this wasnt yet another retro r...
Last week, we organized a sophisticated confrontation between two platinum dress watches. This week, we decided to keep it a little more low-key. Recently, Tissot introduced its new PRC 100 Solar Quartz with the state-of-the-art Lightmaster technology integrated into the watch s crystal. The demand for this new watch is already higher than the supply, so why not put it up against that other very popular quartz watch from Tissot, the integrated-bracelet PRX?Surprisingly, Tissot introduced its new technology in a revamped model hailing from the 2000s. The original 12-sided bezel makes a comeback, but the H-link bracelet is new. Wouldn t it have been more logical to introduce this technology in...
I have been on the hunt for a decent zip-up leather watch case for what feels like forever. It couldn t be just any case, though. I wanted something that didnt out itself as a budget-friendly compromise but also didnt cost as much as a watch itself. It had to be practical, hold a decent number of watches, and ideally offer a bit of character. Surely there was something out there that did just this? That sweet spot proved frustratingly elusive until I came across Bravo Watchwares Original Gradient Watch Box.At US$240, it promises a lot - a full-leather exterior, suede lining, eight slots, a good-looking build, and some playful colorways that make it stand out from the usual black-and-tan mono...
On June 26th, the Fondation de la Haute Horlogerie (FHH) celebrated its 20th anniversary in Geneva. The non-profit organization started the celebrations with a press conference at the lakeside Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Geneva. To honor the FHHs founding members, Audemars Piguet CEO Ilaria Resta, Girard-Perregaux Chairman and CEO Patrick Pruniaux, and Cartier Chairman of Culture and Philanthropy Cyrille Vigneron, representing Richemont, spoke a few words, and so did the foundation s current vice presidents, Pascal Ravessoud and Aurelie Streit. In this anniversary year, the FHH will reaffirm its mission with a renewed emphasis on inclusion and universal access. The organization wants to bring watc...
The days are long, sleeves are short, and it s a scorcher out there! So grab your favorite watch, apply a generous layer of sunscreen, and make the most of this sunniest of seasons. As is the tradition of Fratello, the members of the editorial team have been tasked with putting together a list of their summer watch picks. Now, if you re still wondering what a summer watch is, I m here to tell you that there are no complex rules. In essence, it has to be the kind of watch that gets you in the mood for and complements summer and all of its activities (leisurely or extreme as they may be). For me, it has to be a watch that is equally affordable, easygoing, lighthearted, and reliable.Come Septem...
During Watches and Wonders 2025, we had the opportunity to meet with Gerald Charles and view the latest releases. The other news is the 25th anniversary of the brand s founding by Gerald Genta in 2000. Therefore, some of the models we saw in Geneva were made to celebrate a quarter-century and contain a special logo marking the occasion. The Maestro GC39 25th Anniversary Edition intrigued us, which led to some time with the watch at our headquarters.When the Maestro GC39 25th Anniversary Edition was released during the large show in Geneva, we briefly covered the watch. We then saw it and asked to spend an extended time with the piece. Overall, as you ll see, our impressions are favorable. Ye...
It s Friday again. Then Saturday, Sunday, what? If you recognize this, you know your music. It s also a nice cue for our next list article with the best watches of the first half of 2025. This week, we re focusing on our five favorite chronograph watches that came out in the past six months. Some of them might be surprising, and others might be expected, but just like every year, the options are abundant.As always with these lists, there are so many great potential candidates that we will never do all the brands justice. In the end, though, it s all about making choices. After much debate, we devised a list of five chronographs we love. While general opinions on some of them are diverse, we ...
We told you to sit tight and catch that wave when it comes around. Well, surfs up, people, because todays the day the frosty Zenith Time+Tide Defy Skyline Skeleton White Surfer Ceramic comes out in a limited edition of 100 watches. Its the final Surfer of the trilogy and your last chance to catch this wave. If youre wondering what this watch is like on the wrist, heres a hands-on with the frosty white ceramic watch with an ocean-blue gradient open-worked dial. Spoiler alert: this watch is a hang-loose, good-vibes machine.Surfs up, Fratelli. Today, 100 pieces of the frosty Zenith Time+Tide Defy Skyline Skeleton White Surfer Ceramic (49.9309.3620/85.I001) become available. In case you want...
Orient Star made its big comeback to Europe a few years ago. Since then, the brand s M Collections have been taking center stage. While Grand Seiko draws inspiration from local nature, sometimes just outside its studio in Shizukuishi, Iwate Prefecture, Orient Star finds inspiration further afield. Much further indeed, as Orient Star bases its dials on heavenly bodies observed in the sky. That s only sensible given the Star part of the name that differentiates it from the Orient brand. Orient Star s new manufacturing technique for this launch reflects the Perseid meteor shower cascading across the night sky. This starry effect is seen on a new black dial in a limited edition of 160 pieces. An...
It s only been a few weeks since I wrote about the introduction article on the Venezianico Arsenale Platino. In the article, I expressed my desire to take that new model for a spin and compare it to the Arsenale Avventurina. These two special versions of the brand s integrated-bracelet sports watch stand out in the collection. Additionally, it s beneficial to get a feel for both watches, as there are some important differences worth exploring. Most notably, the Arsenale Platino is powered by a different caliber that is visible through a display case back. Also, the dials are inherently different, so I was excited to see which version I would prefer.This is my first encounter with the Venezia...
The Sun is shining, temperatures are rising, and my kids are finishing their classes. At last, our summer vacation is just around the corner. It s time to go through the watch box and pick my watches for a road trip through France and Spain. I ll probably end up with the Explorer 114270 as my summer watch again since it s just so damn handsome and comfortable. But what watches would I pick from this year s releases? That s what this article is all about. Let s dive in.Lex kicked off our series on this year s summer favorites with three watches that could ve all ended up on my list. I particularly like the Laventure Marine Type 3 as a summer option. However, as Lex already stole a few of my ...
Size matters. Thats certainly the case for the Oyster Perpetual that comes in no fewer than five sizes - 28, 31, 34, 36, and 41mm. This year, The Crown introduced three soft and shimmering pastel colors - lavender, beige, and pistachio. In addition, theres a new glossy black lacquered dial and a med blue dial that looks like the waters of the coast of Santorini. If choosing between these perfectly executed dial colors wasnt enough, choosing between a Oyster Perpetual 36 and 41 can be agonizing. Dont worry; keep breathing, and it will all be okay. Fratello to the rescue!The agony of choice regarding the 2025 Oyster Perpetual collection is real. Apart from the classic silver and the forest-g...
Timekeeping is a key element in most sports disciplines, so it should come as no surprise that the world of horology has long-standing ties to sports. In today s episode of Fratello Talks, we look at that link and discuss the presence and influence of watch brands in sports. Nacho is joined by RJ and Lex, who run through some of their most memorable watch brand/sport pairings. They also look at sponsored athletes and teams, official timekeepers, and the many other ways the watch world has made itself present in sports. Finally, they consider some hypothetical pairings that they would like to see. But, as always, we kick off the match with a wrist check.This video is blocked because you did n...
CIGA Design continues to develop its GPHG-award-winning formula, first showcased on the Blue Planet. A customized movement utilizing an in-house complication displays the time in a manner distinct from a typical watch. The perfectly round, interstellar-like case often houses a dial featuring our planet. Today, that changes with the new CIGA Design Label Noir Black Star as the dial takes on galactic proportions!With the Blue Planet II models, CIGA Design has now covered both parts of the globe, so turning to the skies is a natural next step. The latest release is a collaboration with Label Noir. This Swiss brand works with various watch companies to create unique-looking models, and as the ...
Last December, I had a chance to go hands-on with the Diver One Snow from Wren Watches. This brand is the brainchild of Wrist Enthusiast founder Craig Karger, and the first efforts went over very well with watch fans. Labeled as a passion project, the Diver One and its success might lead to something much bigger, especially seeing what Karger came up with for the follow-up. With the new Wren Diver 38, he took all that was good about the first model, made it slightly smaller, and added some upgrades. Recently, I was lucky enough to check out the new Diver 38 Seafoam version, the first of two new models. The second is the Diver 38 Aqua, and they make for an interesting evolution of Wren s firs...
Last month, I had the opportunity to attend Soccer Aid, a charitable football match held at Old Trafford in Manchester. Norqain was the official timing partner of the event and invited a group of people to see the game and hear about the brand s official UK launch. During the evening, we sat down with CEO Ben Kffer and asked him some candid questions about the young brand. After the event, I got the chance to go hands-on with one of this summer s hit watches, the Freedom 60 Chrono 40mm Enjoy Life Special Edition.I ve not had a lot of exposure to Norqain, but all that changed a few weeks ago in Manchester. A large group of us made our way to Manchester and enjoyed watching Soccer Aid. Norqai...
Some days, you just feel like not adhering to the rules, right? I have to say, I m quite a goody-goody, and I don t break the rules that often. When I do, though, it feels kind of good and gives me a kick. The best example is when I run a red light on my bicycle while cruising around Amsterdam. On my bike, I almost feel like I m playing a video game, avoiding cars, pedestrians, and roadwork. Swatch just launched its new No Rules collection, and it s perfect for those days when you feel like living life on your terms.Last week, we received an invitation to London for the launch of the new Swatch No Rules collection. The event took place at the boutique hotel Chateau Denmark on Denmark Street....
As watch fans, we re relatively accustomed to hearing about technical innovations. Normally, these result in benefits in timekeeping accuracy, power reserve, or shock resistance. However, many of these watches use traditional mechanical movements. Armin Strom s claim to fame is its mastery of the Resonance movement. Today, we ll provide an overview of the technology behind these calibers and what makes them so special.At times, it can be challenging to understand the intricate technical aspects of our wristwatches. That s what makes the Resonance movement by Armin Strom so paradoxical. On one hand, creating the movements is incredibly complicated, requiring significant breakthroughs. On the ...
Last year, Omega treated us (Speedmaster enthusiasts and collectors) to a generous selection of new models. The brand introduced the white-dial Speedmaster Professional, a new Speedmaster FOiS, two bicolor Moonwatch variations, and the Speedmaster Pilot. And lets not forget about the first introduction in 2024, the Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon Apollo 8 update. Omega included all of them in the regular collection, which means these were not special or limited editions. So far in 2025, weve only seen the Speedmaster Moonphase Meteorite.Omega highlights every new introductionI find myself yearning for the Baselworld days when Omega would unveil everything for the year all at once, with per...
