Its Speedy Tuesday This week we have our friend and fellow blogger Christopher Beccan of Bexsonn?telling us about his vintage Omega Speedmaster Professional 145.022-69. This reference 145.022-69 was the successor of the caliber 321 Moonwatch (145.012) and especially in those first years available with a few different case backs.One of them is the one of Christophers watch, with straight text engraving. Then there is another similar case back with additional Apollo XI 1969 engraving and considered to be very rare. The other two are more common, the Seahorse case back without engraving (typically before 1970 but after October 1968) and the other one has the round engraving similar to the cas...
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A few days ago, we heard from Fratellos sparkling-eyed sweetheart, Balazs. In his very popular article, he referred to me as the annoying little Brit, which, thanks to the arrival of my new, black British passport is now officially true. I am annoying. I am quite little. And, alongside my Irish nationality by birth, I can now start singing God Save the Queen should the fancy ever take me. I earned this nickname by insisting he write a run-down of his Top 10 Badass watches. He complained before ably turning in a masterpiece. Pleasingly, the comments were engaged and plentiful. One of them asked me to chime in with my Top 10, and so here we areWhere to start? Mostly, we talk about watches that...
It is not often that we come across collectors who have this gold Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch BA145.022 in their collection. We have covered this specific model a couple of times in our Speedy Tuesday feature, but it remains to be a rare find and sight. The price on these watches drastically grew over the last couple of years, which might have something to do with the rare sightings of these gold Moonwatch models. Besides that, a number of collectors feel that the Speedmaster was meant to be in stainless steel.The first Speedmaster Professional in gold was introduced in 1969 and in production till 1973. A beautiful commemorative edition for the Apollo XI moon landing. The all-gold Speedmaste...
In case youre not fortunate enough to own a perpetual or annual calendar, were now in September. The 9th month. So thats three-quarters of the way through the year. Weve seen plenty of new releases, but some were better than others. I appreciate that its hugely subjective, so I thought Id do a roundup of my top five watches of 2021. Ill also be providing some of the reasoning why these watches made the cut. And who knows, maybe by the end of the list youll find yourself adding something new and unexpected to your own!Ill be honest, this was a tough list to compile. I went back over the Fratello archives to recall some of the earlier releases from 2021, but I think Ive pretty much nailed down...
This Patek Philippe reference 3940 in Platinum is a real beauty, captured by SuitbertW at the Patek Forum. Although these Pateks are quite small (37mm), I feel that I could get used to it.I am not very into yellow gold either, so platinum or white gold would be a perfect option!...
With the festive season just around the corner, its time to start planning the perfect gift for the stylish woman in your life. Imagine this: a Christmas tree, a velvety wine, twinkling lights, and Wait Whats missing from this scene?Watches, of course And lots of them Christmas is always the perfect time to treat yourself and your loved ones, and 2020 is no exception. This year we have seen many exciting launches. Which of them will conquer your loved one's heart during this magical season? Weve got a few suggestions for you in this, the best Christmas gifts for women who love watches.?Omega Tr sor Moonshine Gold for the Romantic Business WomanTwo years ago, Omega introduced the ladies Tr so...
Stepping into a Breitling boutique today is a totally different experience than entering a dealership when I just founded Fratello magazine. Most of the time, youd step into an interior that the grandparents of the current owner had proudly chosen and installed. Uncomfortable chairs (covered with velvet!) at an oak desk where the shop owner would show you the watches on a tray, matching the dark brown oak. Often a place where there was more information and passion for watches in the catalog than in the shop.Even today although the interiors are often improved you will encounter places where theres just a small collection of watches of the brands you are looking for (or at least not the exact...
I turned 40 this year and decided to finally pursue my long time wish to play golf. I have played field hockey as a kid and teenager so have some sense for ball sports. During my study and first jobs, I had some golf lessons but never pursued. This year I decided to go for it and started playing a couple of months ago.Watches and GolfBesides my concern what I needed to buy concerning golf equipment (it is really easy to loose yourself there I have to say, I found out that getting your stuff in the UK is so much cheaper than here on the mainland), I was also concerned whether I could keep wearing my watch during golf. Since a couple of the big watch brands sponsor golf players, it came across...
This years introduction of the new Omega Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch, Seamaster 300, De Ville Tr sor, Constellation, and black ceramic 300M? is a good reason to catch up with Omegas CEO and President, Raynald Aeschlimann.On the first (Speedy) Tuesday of this year, Omega introduced its new and improved version of the iconic Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch. A combination of the latest innovation when it comes to movements and heritage when it comes to design. Then, at the end of March, Omega introduced the other aforementioned watches. New models in each Omega collection: Speedmaster, Seamaster, De Ville, and Constellation. Big things!The new Omega De Ville Tr sorIn conversation with...
In this video, I talk about the Hamilton Khaki Navy Scuba Auto, a 43mm diver in stainless steel that weighs a whopping 212 grams.While the trend is towards smaller and lighter watches, this diver from Hamilton is the contrary. A big case and chunky bracelet. For those who prefer smaller and lighter divers watches, theres a 40mm version as well that you can wear on a rubber strap. But what we watch enthusiasts might prefer, does not always apply to everyone. So for those who prefer a big and heavy watch, this Hamilton Khaki Scuba Auto might be perfect.Hamilton Khaki Navy Scuba AutoHamilton is the brand that brings mechanical watches with a purpose, for a very attractive price. Although price ...
Are you tired of ambassador-led special editions? Well, it sure seems as if the watch industry isn't done with them quite yet. And while this practice may elicit (in some) a weary roll of the eyes, it is fair to say there are good and bad examples of ambassador-inspired watches. The partnership twixt Panerai and Mike Horn has always felt like one of the more natural ones. Perhaps that has something to do with its duration, Horn's earnestness, or the fact there aren't so many Panerai ambassadors to dilute the attention afforded the increasingly renowned explorer.Whatever it is, whenever Panerai releases a new Mike Horn watch, I find myself liking it. It's totally possible it's just a coincide...
Not too long ago, we did an in-depth review on the Longines Conquest Heritage 1954. A beautiful watch of a collection that referred to those very first models of this collection. However, not everyone is into these watches with retro designs. The Longines Conquest Classic Moonphase is something different though. This model grabs back to some ingredients of its heritage but is also a modern and up-to-date timepiece with regards to its appearance.Longines is to us a watch manufacturer that is able to create watches with very interesting complications at an affordable price. I dont want to use the phrase affordable luxury too much, as I dont like the term luxury, but thats basically what it i...
Welcome back to Wrist Game or Crying Shame where youre the head honcho in charge. This week, we look at a rather unique Omega De Ville Power Reserve. But firstLast week, I did my best to give you the right implement to sail the ocean seas with a omega Yacht-Master in gold. I rocked back and forth like a ten foot skiff on Lake Erie during a squall with my opinion on this thing. You landlubbers, however, sent this master of galleons down to Davy Jones locker with a 32% Crying Shame loss. It seems the only thing this watch was master of was losing Well, lets keep some of the glitz this week, up the technical quotient, and lower the price. Sound good? Then lets get into the Omega De Ville Power ...
Dutch movie Jackie, which is in the theaters as of today, is about two twin sisters who have been raised by their father, who receive a phone call one day from their unknown biological mother who lives in the US. The twin sisters, played by Carice (a.o. Valkyrie) and Jelka van Houten are sisters in real life as well. Both wear a Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Lady in this movie.Jaeger-LeCoultre have been favored in movies numerous times. What about Justin Timberlake wearing a Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Control in Bad Teacher, or Pierce Brosnan wearing a Reverso Duoface in the Thomas Crown affair. In the original Thomas Crown Affair (1968), Steve McQueen appearantly wore a Jaeger-LeCoultre as well. ...
Theres no doubt about it, the Oris Divers Sixty-Five is a bona fide hit.? When it was first released in 2015 in 40mm guise, it received near-universal praise and it has received continuous additions and updates since that time.? Currently, there are numerous dial colors and the case sizes available include the new 36mm diameter, a 40mm version and even 42mm variants.? Today, though, well focus on some pieces that debuted at Baselworld 2018, the Oris Divers Sixty-Five Bronze Bezel.I suppose if youre a reader of Fratello Watches, youre a detail hound.? If so, my unabashed love for the Oris Divers Sixty-Five Bronze Bezel wont shock you because its a relatively minor detail that easily makes thi...
All images can be clicked on for larger versionsAn imposing 44mm across and nearly 20mm thick, the U1000 is built like a submarine literally. Sinn uses submarine steel a special alloy also used by the German Navy for its subs for the case, bezel, crown and pushers. You know that slightly hollow feeling you get when you tap most watches with your fingernail? Not a sign of it with the U1000 its as though youre tapping an anvil. Even if you tap the crystal.That is the U1000 in a nutshell, really. Built to be a reliable, indestructible tool. The submarine steel case is water resistant to you guessed it, 1000 meters and is so strong and well sealed that it doesnt require a helium release va...
We show you the Top 10 Speedmaster articles in the last 12 months with the most reads.This means, of course, that more recently published articles received less views than the ones that were already there 12 months ago. However, it will give a pretty good idea of what you like to read here.The Speedy Tuesday articles appear every week on Fratello, since 2012. Weve written more than 360 Speedy Tuesday articles in total, which you can all find on this page. After our first Speedy Tuesday article in May 2012, it quickly grew out to become one of our most popular items here on Fratello. Also on Instagram, the Speedy Tuesday hashtag was quickly picked up. It became a thing. So much, that we also ...
Grand Seiko thrives on its legacy as an artisan. Its Spring Drive 8 Days Jewelry Watch (reference SBGD205) from the Masterpiece Collection captures the elegance of timeless design and the magic of the artistic crafts.This year marks a monumental moment in time for the house of Grand Seiko. 2020 heralds the Japanese watchmaker's 60th anniversary and debuts a new, cutting edge Masterpiece Collection. In honor of Grand Seiko's heritage and its watchmakers' desire to create a spectacular timepiece, the Masterpiece Collection revolves around the brand's history, its unique origin, and craftsmanship.I've always loved concepts that explore a breathtaking story. The release of reference SBGD205 is u...
The pursuit of perfection is a doomed undertaking. Take the creation of the perfect watch, for instance. Building an ideal watch that is entirely without technical and aesthetical flaws, defects, or shortcomings is the watchmaker's vision. Unfortunately, its one that will never materialize. But when you change perspective from creator to audience, perfection is something that can be perceived. Some hear perfection in Bach, see it in a statue by Michelangelo, or experience it when wearing a Cartier Tank Solo. And that experience can lead to strong feelings love, even. Let's try and find out why you can't help but love the Cartier Tank.The Cartier Tank was designed by Louis Cartier at the end ...
Omega didnt show us everything in BaselWorld, as we already noticed some images on Instagram from some Italian colleagues and collectors talking Seamaster Edizione Venezia. Just a few days ago, Omega officially announced this special watch that will only be for sale at the Omega Boutique and the T Fondaco dei Tedeschi by DFS (department store) in Venice.Omega Seamaster Edizione VeneziaThe Seamaster collection (1948) is actually the oldest line-up from Omega in the current families of watches. The Constellation was introduced in 1952, Speedmaster in 1957 and De Ville in 1967. The very first Seamaster models have little to do with the current line up of watches. The Seamaster slowly transforme...