omega has a strange power over people. Despite my industry experience, I am not an exception to that rule. In fact, perhaps it is exactly because of that experience that I allow myself to submit to its power. Ive not always been this way. Ive been through phases during which I flat-out rejected the very suggestion that I might ever own a omega, let alone wear one out of choice. Those days are gone. And now, as of two weeks ago, a new era has begun. I bought a omega. It was a pre-owned omega Oysterdate Precision 6694. Nothing odd about that, I hear you say. But what would you think if I told you I hadnt spent a moments thought on this model until five minutes before I pulled the trigger? Insa...
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One of our first appointments during Baselworld 2018 was with Jean-Christophe Babin, CEO of Bulgari. Besides an appointment to learn about the new models for 2018 (which we will publish within short as well), we had this interview to learn about Bulgari more in general and Mr. Babin specifically.Before we took off, we were happy to learn that Mr. Babin was well aware of our magazine, and complimented us on our achievements. Always a good start. Of course, we did some homework, and after a bit of waiting, we were allowed to shoot our questions. Here we go!Jean-Christophe Babin InterviewGerard Nijenbrinks: When you started in 2013 with Bulgari, what were the first things you thought needed to ...
Today Breitling has released the new, bigger brother to its popular Chronomat. The new Super Chronomat is the boldest and, perhaps most ambitious, addition to the Swiss brands sports chronograph collection.?Breitling says that the Super Chronomat is the ultimate choice for those who want a timepiece mastering the balance between sturdy and stylish. Marketing spiel aside, Im inclined to agree, as my initial impression is that they look incredibly sturdy, and theyre also rather stylish to boot. Of course, Id expect nothing less from a Breitling just look at that stunning Four Year Calendar model!The Frecce Tricolori watch that Breitling created for the hotshots of the Italian Air Forces aeroba...
Fratello On Air returns after a one-week hiatus with Part Two of the new-watch rundown. Balazs and Mike continue to roll through some of the more notable releases from the past month or so.Who doesnt like a new watch? Well, if youre like us, the seasons introductions mark an exciting period. Therefore, it was notable enough to mark the occasion with two episodes. Make sure to catch the first one if you havent already!Mission to the MoonHandgelenks KontrolleAfter a bit of chit-chat about travel, fitness, and normal life, the duo moves into the Handgelenks Kontrolle. Balazs is sporting a brand-new watch with the Nivada Grenchen Datomaster Mecaquartz. Mike has received his MoonSwatch Mission to...
The Captain Cook collection has been a tremendous success and is, quite simply, responsible for putting Rado back on the map for many enthusiasts. And Im including myself in that category. So lets take a closer look at the new green version of this 1962 classic to see if we can figure out why.Back in 2017, Rado surprised me and probably all of us by reintroducing the Captain Cook range. I always associated Rado with the ceramic watches that I saw so often back in the 1990s on the wrists of neighbors, friends of my parents, at the tennis club, and so on. The only Rado in the collection that appealed to me was the Diastar. But, that changed in 2017. The Captain Cook was introduced, and it insp...
England's Auld Enemy has gone. They've checked out. They've been dismissed in a cruel fashion. Yes, Scotland, as harsh as it seems for a team that laid it all on the line, is out of the European Championship. The Scots were a compelling competitor, led by their inspiring captain Andy Robertson, but a couple of flat performances (interjected by a towering effort against England) have put paid to their hopes of a somewhat Grecian run to the cup. But with one rival gone, another ancient foe steps into the frayAs it happens, we have a very tasty last sixteen tie lined up for tomorrow evening. That's right, England will play Germany in the last sixteen, in what promises to be an absolute roller c...
Hamilton, part of the Swatch Group, is making waves in the industry for quite some time now.To start with, they appear on movies probably as often as Omega does. This might sound like a bold statement from me, and it is absolutely not backed by any data from the brand. Though if you think if some of the bigger box-office movies of the last 10 years or so Hamilton was part of many of them. Think of the Men In Black franchise for example, or Interstellar. But also in Ocean's Eleven, The Commuter, The Shape Of Water, The Italian Job, Quantum of Solace, The Terminal, the list goes on and on. What Hamilton is also great at, is coming out of re-editions that are just superb. Like the Hamilton Intr...
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...
Field watches are often overlooked timepieces in todays world of luxury watches. They are far from a luxury statement, and thats exactly how they should stay. There is something really honest about field watches, defined as simple military watches that should do one thing and one thing only tell accurate time. In the field of battle, keeping exact time was truly a matter of life and death. As a result, field watches are very simple timepieces with their own style and stories. They are stories untainted by extravagant prices and the urge to wear a statement of wealth. No, field watches are about as honest and straight-up as it gets. Time to look at some of the best field watches out there.Whe...
Were back and on time with Wrist Game or Crying Shame. This week, we offer a look at the charming Vacheron Constantin Chronograph 47101. Lets see if you have the courage to go out on your own or if those influencers will pull you back into the fold. Before we get to thatLast week, I served up a dinner plate full of IWC with the Portuguese Vintage. An astounding 69% of you arrived hungry and ready to dine on this massive manual wind throwback and sent it on to a great Wrist Game win. I enjoy seeing IWC up to some positive behavior, so well done on that. This week, we touch on another brand that escapes fawning praise from the collective doofuses that make up the hip crowd on social media. I...
As a bit of a follow-up to an article I published at the start of the year, lets look at some of the vintage watches Ive added this year. For good or for bad, this isnt a complete picture. However, it is fairly representative of where my interests currently lie.Like many collectors, I go through phases. I have my rabid period where Im always on the hunt for various vintage watches. I have quiet times when, if I am looking for anything, its very specific. Those quiet times, by the way, are the WORST because this is usually when I get a message from someone I know who is ready to sell something epic. Woe is me, right? As I said, this isnt everything that Ive added in 2021 because there have be...
I had this Breitling Navitimer92 on a blue monday. Admitted, a stainless steel / gold combination with a blue leather shark strap wasnt probably the best choice I had made in a long time. After a week I flipped it (and advertizing with that type of watch is good for a few anecdotes itself) for another watch. Although I was pretty sure I was very Navitimer-ish, this 92 model in gold/steel didnt do the trick. Should have gotten the regular Old Navitimer or the vintage ref.806 model instead. Chances are big I still would have it in my collection.Long gone but not forgotten is a Navitimer ancestor, the Breitling Aviastar. This watch was only in production from late 1996 till 1998 and actually a ...
rOmega has released Apollo XI editions of the Speedmaster since 1969. The first was the famous gold Speedmaster Professional with a burgundy bezel, a massive gold dial with onyx markers, and a gold bracelet. Only 1,014 of these watches were produced. Of them, a number were presented to the Apollo astronauts, President Nixon, and a few more important people who played a role in NASAs space program.Again in 1980, Omega introduced a gold Speedmaster Professional Apollo XI. There were 320 numbered pieces in total, 20 of which were white gold. However, you could say that Omega made these Apollo XI limited editions a recurring event starting in 1989. That year marked the 20th anniversary of the Mo...
During the SIHH 2010, Officine Panerai introduced the PAM339, a Radiomir Composite Marina Militare 8 Giorni (=days) in 47mm. A watch that reverts to historical models using state-of-the-art techniques for manufacturing watch cases. The composite material is a result of ceramization of aluminium and is harder and lighter than steel or titanium for instance. As you can see in the picture below, the matt brown of the watch case is in tune with the brown of the sandwich dial and strap in vintage leather. Panerai definitely knows how to please its following of enthusiasts.The movement of the new Radiomir Composite Marina Militare PAM00339 is caliber P2002/7, an in-house handwound movement develop...
Whether you like the Omega a Swatch MoonSwatch collaboration or not is of no importance to the topic of this article. We even have supporters and opponents within the Fratello team (although most of us want one), and that's all fine.In past years, at watch shows be it the previous digital Watches And Wonders or the deceased Baselworld exhibitions omega was the first place to go for many watch journalists, editors, and retailers. The curtains went up (I kid you not, there were literal curtains) at noon, and you'd see a crowd in front of the windows trying to catch a glimpse of the novelties. It was quite the spectacle to witness. Truth to be told, in my first years attending Baselworld, I was...
Wow. Just wow. Even after all this time, after the thousands of watches that have passed through my hands and over my wrist, it is still possible to have my breath snatched from my throat. I didnt think I cared for gold watches. I guess I was wrong again. Congratulations, Grand Seiko, the SBGW258 60th Anniversary model has officially turned my head.I think its about time we started reviewing some truly terrible watches so you get the chance to see the uglier side of my character. All this syrupy loveliness is wearing a bit thin. But Im afraid theres nothing for it when it comes to the Grand Seiko 60th Anniversary Recreation SBGW258. Its just too good.I believe GS has delivered.It is understa...
CHRISTIE'S GENEVA AUCTIONFollowing my review of the Phillips watch auctions last week, my brother (Roy) and I took a look at Christie's upcoming auction catalog and had the pleasure of viewing the watches with Thomas Perrazi in Geneva. Thomas and the team have focused on vintage versus modern in recent auctions following a global trend from collectors. In regards to the team, we also had the pleasure of seeing Marie Stauffer at Christie's as she has just moved over from Sotheby's (part of a pretty common game of musical chairs among auction houses). Along with Sabine, Marcello and Richard, the Christie's Geneva watch department team is solid and has put together a great catalog with a large ...
Typically, I bring a specific theme to Pre-Owned Picks to focus my choices to a brand, era or watch type. A theme can be a healthy challenge that uncovers some interesting watch listings that would otherwise pass me by. Luckily, the search and favorites functions of Chrono24 make sifting through the vast library an absolute breeze. Even after a year of covering Pre-Owned Picks, many watches fell off my lists. Either by disqualification from the theme or not demonstrating the traits of appealing to a mass audience. These watches did remain on my wishlist, however, for a rainy day.As luck would have it on this day, at least in my area of Ol' Blighty, it's raining hammers and nails. Of course, ...
The discussion of genderless watches has never been stronger than it is now. Whether its because of the articles or current political and social trends impacting each industry, the conversation appears here to stay. Will the concept of a genderless watch industry revolutionize the way we see and wear watches? Personally, I hope not. I dont see gendered design as problematic as long as the right to choose remains.How can we treat all sexes more inclusively and realistically? In a world where people express themselves through social media, different styles, and choices, authorized dealers and brands need to reorganize the brick-and-mortar store experience. A genderless merchandising model is t...
Wrist Game or Crying Shame has returned once again with a period piece that might make you say, hold your horses. The original Piaget Polo is in focus today. But before we go into battle with Prince CharlesLast week, I thought Id try to appeal to your sentimental side with the platinum Swatch Tresor Magique. The comments section gave us some great memories and even an owner or two. Sadly, just 38% of you wanted to revisit the early 90s and that means that this watch definitely did not flatten em with platinum. Today, well switch to the original Piaget Polo and that also means a change to gold. In this case, theres a lot of gold and, lets be honest, thats almost always positive.The Piaget Pol...