Yesterday, Chronolytics published an overview of the Top 50 most popular watch brands of 2012 in their monthly newsletter. The overview is based on data of the biggest on-line watch market platform in the world (Chrono24), which receives approximately 40 million page impressions each month. Chronolytics collects, analyzes and reports this market data to the watch industry. These market studies includes trends amongst watch consumers, interest in brands and models, the effect of marketing campaigns, and so on.Click here for the Top 50 Most Popular Watch Brands Of 2013The Top 50 most popular brands has been based on the most searched-for watches on Chrono24 by visitors from the USA as well as ...
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Last year, Cartier launched the first three models of their Drive de Cartier' collection. Never before the brand released a new time piece that was, from a design and advertising point of view, so targeted to men as the Drive de Cartier collection. In general, the response was very positive. ?The Drive de Cartier?was picked up pretty soon after it was released, especially the time only' model.During the last SIHH, two more models are added to the Drive de Cartier' collection. They probably appeal to a part of the Cartier clientele, on which the previous three models might have been lost: that of the classic Cartier connoisseur.Purists will be pleased that Cartier reduced the size of the case...
When I started buying mechanical watches about 10-11 years ago, there wasnt much on the market (new) that I could afford. Last few years, this has changed drastically. One of the brands that offers mechanical watches for a decent price (for starters in collecting mechanical watches for example) is Orient. Orient is a Japanese watch company that exists for over 50 years and has a production run of 2 million watches per year. They are promoting themselves heavily on the web and are now also available in the US and Europe Actually, before I got this Orient CFH01001B from OrientWatchUSA to give my opinion, I didnt even know that a jeweller in my neighbourhood (I think its only 75 meters from my ...
Back in December last year, Oris invited us to Zermatt for a presentation of their 2019 models. And not only for a presentation, however, for a marvellous day of skiing as well. So far for our writing being totally unbiased.While most of the models are under embargo and will be presented during Baselworld this year, one model was already introduced publicly by Oris two weeks ago. The?Oris ProDiver Dive Control Limited Edition.The all new and limited Oris Dive ControlOris ProDiver Dive Control Limited EditionThe thing was that Oris introduced this model a few days before the havoc of SIHH 2019 broke loose. I see a high risk of the watch being snowed under and forgotten because of that. And I ...
I get a lot of e-mails lately, to quote my best price on watches I even have never held in my hands. So, to clear a few things, I do not sell new watches. I might sell some used watches occasionally, from my own collection or those of friends, but I dont sell new Breitling Bentley models or Patek Philippe Calatrava. People seem to think, after reading an article (some times full of bashing) they can order it right away.Oh, and I recently got two e-mails on the name Fratello Watches. To some it looks like a commercial name or website, but it is not. Fratello is Italian for Brother, which is Broer in Dutch, which is my last name. And Watches well, thats what it is about (most of the time at le...
Its Speedy Tuesday We all know the official Omega ambassadors that endorse the latest Seamaster, Deville, Constellation or Speedmaster watch. There is little fun in showing you these guys (or girls) here on Fratellowatches as you probably see them all the time in ads and event reports. As we did with the BMW head of design Adrian van Hooydonk a few weeks ago and with Porsche 911 nut Magnus Walker about a year ago, wed like to show you some real people wearing the Omega Speedmaster watch.As an example, we show you the watch of Dutch TV host Robert Ten Brink. With TV shows like All you need is love and Love is in the air, Robert Ten Brink connects (or tries to) people or re-unite them again wh...
When the omega Sea-Dweller reference 16600 was taken out of production at the omega facilities in Geneva, a lot of admirers probably shed a little tear. omega announced the Deepsea Sea-Dweller 116660 as the successor of the Sea-Dweller but many fans of the former model(s) just more appealing than the new bulky 43mm Deepsea. I urged the people who had a weak spot for the former people to get one while they still could in a little article (here). In 2009 I wrote One of the few things that gives me hope, is that they went from reference number 16600 to 116660 instead of using 116600. Will there be a 116600?. Now in 2014, there is a Sea-Dweller reference 116600. And yes, it is 40mm.I will not go...
Laurent Lecamp has a background in the luxury industry but began his career in fine watchmaking in 2010. As of January 1st, 2021, he is the managing director watch division at Montblanc. I sat down with him, virtually, and recorded our conversation.Lecamp likes to get his hands dirty. He founded independent watch brand Cyrus in 2010, basically doing everything from sales to development of the collection, finance, marketing, etc. Then he started at Carl F. Bucherer in 2014, becoming the CEO for the Japan market and board member. Lecamp stayed there for nearly six years until January 1st of this year when he joined Montblanc to become the Managing Director of the watch division.Montblanc 1858 ...
Yesterday was the big day for Speedmaster fans all around the world The introduction of the new Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch Master Chronometer.Four new models basically, two steel variations and two in gold. You can read all about the new Moonwatch here. Rob and I decided to host a podcast on the new Moonwatch and answer some of the hottest questions weve read in the comments and on social media....
Today, it is the press day for BaselWorld 2010. However, tomorrow the doors are opening for everyone whod like to attend the biggest watch expo in the world. I will be there, together with Ernie Romers of WatchUseek and Frank of Monochrome.Soon, we will know if there will be a new omega Explorer or a new Submariner in stainless steel ??Please keep an eye on my own forum over at WatchUseek, where I will be posting daily blogs, stories, pictures, movies etc of this superb event!...
My first encounter with a Cartier Santos was in my late teens (early-mid 1990s). The owners of the local cafeteria annex snooker place were completely Cartier powered. Cartier Santos on the wrist, wearing Cartier glasses, fingers covered with Cartier rings, and on the other wrist Cartier bracelets and so on. I knew about this watch, but I cant recall where this specific knowledge came from. I guess this is applicable for a lot of people that would recognize a Cartier Santos for just being a Cartier Santos. I actually do remember that I asked the end-boss of the cafeteria about his Santos watch. He proudly told me he was a Cartier fan, and collected many things Cartier. When I dig a bit deepe...
I came up with the idea for this article almost two years ago. Anytime I spotted something unusual that belongs to this category, I saved it. Last week I?finally shortlisted the TOP 10 craziest seconds hands Ive seen (so far). Let us know which models you would add to this list in the comments section below.Its probably no surprise to learn that a few odd-ball brands have made it onto this list. Strangely, however, you more established (and often more conservative brands) such as Longines Citizen also make an appearance. Alongside some classic central seconds hands, Ive added a couple of curveballs for your pleasure. Enjoy!Sicura SatelliteIt's humongous, my wife says looking over my shoulder...
Enamel dials are, to some degree, the darlings of the watch industry. A famously fussy material that takes great skill to work with and master. We sit up and listen when we see brands launching watches using enamel dials. Why? Because when done well, enamel dials look absolutely incredible, adding a level of depth and visual appeal quite unlike any other material. So, what are some of the best enamel dials in the business? Lets take a look.??AnOrdainAs a Brit, I have to start this list off with a British company. At Fratello, were also quite fond of anOrdain as theyve made waves over the last few years with a range of stunning enamel-dialed watches. The Scottish brand uses vitreous, or Grand...
Yesterday I was visitting Gerards watch store and while I was there drinking some coffee, I browsed the latest Antiquorum catalogue for the upcoming auction of the 15th of June.Just now I noticed a post by Felipe on WatchRap.com which describes (in pictures and text) some of the highlights of that auction. Felipe visitted the auction preview in New York in person with some watch friends and took a lot of pictures.This Patek ref.2499 for example, estimated between 200.000 and 250.000 USD:Picture by Felipe.See for your self....
I'm sure most of you got started in the watch hobby a while before we got into this weird isolated way of living. Well, not me Alright, I got a Seiko Kinetic Perpetual when I was in high school, and that was quite a serious watch for me at that time. But it was not until January last year when I got my Oris Art Blakey that the bug truly bit. From then on, Ive been hooked. This is a look back at the first year of an obsession I know many of you shareI think all it really took was a connection. Finding a simple emotional link to a watch seemed to open the floodgates. I never expected it to happen the way it did, but the Art Blakey stirred something in me and that was that. My dad really made m...
The Grand Seiko SBGA231G from their Sport Collection is not the first model that comes to mind when thinking about their watches. Perhaps it is the very competitive market for diving watches, whereas in the market of all-rounders, the Grand Seikos seem to do pretty well. So why is it that we don't see not much talk about the Grand Seiko SBGA231G or SBGA229G for example? Is it because its looks are too close to those diving watches from Switzerland? Let's have a closer look at the SBGA231.Grand Seiko SBGA231GThe SBGA231G is the Grand Seiko' update of the Seiko' SBGA031. This means that after Seiko and Grand Seiko were separated two years ago, all models received a new dial that only indicates...
Omega likes to celebrate some of the Apollo missions. Although you might think this is a recently-adopted practice of the last few years, it started in 1969 with the gold Speedmaster commemorating Apollo XI. Here we pick-up on a lesser-known animal The Omega Speedmaster Professional Apollo 15 35th Anniversary model.Omega likes to celebrate some of the Apollo missions. Although you might think this is a recently-adopted practice of the last few years, it started in 1969 with the gold Speedmaster commemorating Apollo XI.Then, in 1976, Omega celebrated the 1975 Apollo/Soyuz rendezvous with a special Speedmaster, limited to just 500 pieces. Apart from some Apollo XI commemorative editions in the...
It's time for a good, old-fashioned shootout This is the stage where the voting really counts. It will decide who drops out of the competition, and who comes one step closer to taking first place. Today, it's Zenith versus Tudor, and Andreas versus Jorg. Both their picks are firmly rooted in the past. While the Tudor Black Bay Chrono is a more contemporary model, Zenith reaches back to the birth of a legend with the A386 Revival. Will the popularity of the crowns little sister outplay the historical achievements of the grande dame who once established the concept of a manufacture? That's up to you Cast your vote and let us know your pick in the comments!As always, both editors will be presen...
In 2021, Omega updated the iconic Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch with the caliber 3861 movement. A very good reason to update our Speedmaster Buyers Guide as well!This guide dates all the way back to 2014, and since then, a lot happened. Not only did we have our own way with Omega and the two Speedmaster Speedy Tuesday watches (in 2017 and 2018), Omega also introduced a number of interesting Speedmaster watches to the collection. What about the Speedmaster Calibre 321 from 2020, or the new Moonwatch Master Chronometer models in gold? Time for us to update this Speedmaster Buyers Guide.In this Speedmaster Buyers Guide, we give you an overview of the most important references of the Speedm...
One of the best surprises of BaselWorld this year was definitely the Omega De Ville Tr sor with its Master Co-Axial caliber 8511 hand-wound movement. Available in white gold, yellow gold and Sedna gold (red).Although we know Omega especially for their sports watches in the current collection, their De Ville and Constellation line-up is important as well. These classic looking collection have quite a history and one could say that the Constellation was at one point the flagship of the brand. However, the Constellation took a different course since 1982 with their Manhattan design and the De Ville was until 1999 a toned down collection with a lot of dress watches.In 1999, Omega introduced thei...