Mille Miglia 2013Chopard has been partner of this famous (and beautiful) Italian rally since 1988. Every year, Chopard introduces a sporty Mille Miglia limited edition to commemorate the rally. This year, Chopard showed us the Mille Miglia 2013 timepieces when we were in Basel visiting the biggest watch exhibition in the world.Chopard is not only a family-owned business by the Scheufele family, they also share another passion: the Mille Miglia. This passion for the Mille Miglia is shared by Chopard's Co-President Karl-Friedrich Scheufele and his father, Karl Scheufele III, Honorary President of Chopard. Karl-Friedrich Scheufeles wife sometimes accompanies him as well as a co-driver.The Mille...
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Let me start by saying that there's a clear difference between what I want, and what I can afford. But I guess that this applies to most of us. Therefore, I think that it is better to create a watch wish list that is somewhat realistic. Perhaps not tomorrow, or even a couple of months from now, but at some point, I would definitely like to own the watches on this list.Truth to be told, for a few years now, I havent had that craving that I used to have when it comes to buying watches. I already own or have owned the watches I truly wanted. Only rarely does something come into my path that I want to add to the collection. It is a very relaxed and peaceful feeling; I must admit. But sometimes I...
At last year's SIHH Montblanc presented the 1858 Split Second Chronograph, providing a complication that is also known as a Rattrapante. This watch comes in a vintage design and with a movement in a typical traditional layout. The finishing of this movement is breathtaking. The actual sensation about this watch is its price.If you lurk around watch forums you frequently read about grail watches or even exit watches. Some unfortunate watch addicts try to make you believe that if they were able to obtain that one specific (and only) watch, they would be happy for the rest of their life without needing any other watch. Unfortunately, the nature of addiction is a different one. You know what I m...
Last week, we were invited to join IWC on this beautiful location at Kasteel de Hooge Vuursche to have a look at the new IWC Ingenieur Chronograph collection. Although we already saw them earlier this year in Z1rich during the Passione Caracciola (report can be found here), we wanted to have a closer look.Goodbye GentaFrom what we understood during the presentation, IWC is moving away from the famous G|rald Genta design for their Ingenieur collection. Instead, they want to come with an Ingenieur collection that is based on their 1955 Ingenieur reference 666 model. The IWC Ingenieur Chronograph collection they presented to us are the first step in that direction. Not entirely true, as they di...
No need to get your hands dirtyMy fascination with cars started at an early age. Matchbox cars were diligently arranged in neat rows. No collisions took place for fear of scarring the paintwork. Boxes were carefully stored, a trait I continue to uphold in adult life.A psychologist would read the first paragraph and diagnose Obsessive- compulsive disorder from a pre-school age. I have always fussed over the minutiae. Small details have always been excessively valued. It is probably this fascination for fine details which has fuelled my obsession for haute horology.Ironically for someone with such a predilection for the mechanical, I have no aptitude for the hands-on fettling of oil clad compo...
About a month ago, we introduced to you the Omega Speedmaster Alinghi. I read a lot of comments on the fact that a Seamaster wasnt used for this partnership, and I get that. However, Omega sent us a Speedmaster Alinghi for a hands-on review, and here are my thoughts about the watch. And the partnership.Omega introduces this watch as a special edition. Meaning there is no unique number on the case, aside from the serial number. That means this watch will be in the collection for a certain (unknown) amount of time. My guess is that it is more or less the same as with the Speedmaster Tintin, although there was no partnership there (as we know all too well). Perhaps this watch will be in the col...
A timepiece that has been produced in your year of birth, seems to be an all-time favourite wish for many watch collectors. Ill have to admit that I once almost pulled the trigger on a Speedmaster Professional from my year of birth (1977). However, after a phone call to the seller in France to discuss last details, it seemed that this watch was not made in 1977. One of the inscriptions on the inside of the case back clearly stated that this watch was produced in 1978. Bummer.I can have more luck with a omega from my year of birth, however, the prices of these vintage beauties are becoming annoying. Just a few days ago, I noticed that friend of the show Henrik over at SubGMT has a omega Subma...
This year, Cartier is celebrating the 100th anniversary of their Tank watch. Created by Louis Cartier in 1917, inspired by the (then) new Renault tanks that were used at the front during WW1. Based on this design, Cartier has made beautiful variations; the Tank Louis Cartier, the Tank Ame?ricaine and the Tank Franc?aise.Cartier Tank is a LegendThe Tank design has been copied by many, but theres only one original of course. The Tank is a rectangular watch, but not exactly, as the sides (also referred to as brancards) are a tad bit longer than the center part of the case. It allows the strap to become part of the overall design of the watch. Most Tank watches are characterized by having Roman ...
Oris has slowly but surely been equipping more of its watches with movements from the in-house Calibre 400 series. Earlier this year, we did see the bronze Divers Sixty-Five Carl Brashear that featured the Calibre 401 and a small seconds sub-dial. Now, the time has come for Oris to release the first Divers Sixty-Five with the standard Calibre 400. It comes in the shape of a khaki dialed, 38mm limited edition piece. Time to find out more about the Oris Divers Sixty-Five Cal. 400 Limited Edition For Hodinkee.Things have been busy in the small Swiss town of Holstein over the last 12 months. Oris has been focussing on releasing a great variety of watches. Here at Fratello, we even had the pleasu...
I continue to see progress at Antiquorum Geneva. The level of watches has seen a step up in this catalog and they already had some great results in their most recent Hong Kong sale. There is no massive pocket watch collection this time around, which is a relief for me as well. Overall, the outlook has been good ever since their separation with Antiquorum New York and I hope they keep up the good work.I had an interesting discussion with Julien Schaerer, Managing Director, during my early preview visit in Geneva. I was, again, curious about the massive size of this catalog. Just to clarify, when I say large catalogs I mean they regularly have 500+ lots in their sales and others like Christie'...
Today, we're back with a look at yet another omega and this time its the Datejust 1600. So soon, you say? In some ways, think of this article as a prequel to my recent ode to an incredibly simple Datejust 16200. The two watches are similar for certain, but they're also very different. Sit back because it's time for another love letter to a wonderful watch.Oh, Datejust, you wily little daily driver with your countless variants. You are a nonstop adventure that ranges from the sublime to the subdued. As an individual watch, you offer so few clues as to how you started life. What dial shipped with you decades ago when you were first purchased? Have you been polished or have years of shirtsleeve...
Our friends at Chronos24, the Polish watch portal and blog, just published a very nice review on the Baume Mercier Capeland Chronograph Flyback. As you know, Baume Mercier was one of the nicest surprises for us during the SIHH 2013. Although theyve sent us pre-SIHH press releases, you have to see watches in the flesh before you (we) should judge.Anyway, check-out this thorough Baume Mercier Capeland reference 10068 review written by ?ukasz Doskocz. Yes, it is in English. Photographs are done by Micha? Grygalewicz. Photos can be clicked for larger images....
Colors have become a bit of a thing in watchmaking over the last year or so. This is something I am very much for. Colors are fun, and watch collecting should also be equally as fun, therefore watch collecting should be colorful. Im not a mathematician, but that makes for a pretty compelling argument in my books The new Zenith Spectrum series is a perfect example of this.Some brands have embraced this comeback with arms wide open, and Zenith has to be commended for being one such brand. The Swiss brand has happily used colors in various ways across its DEFY line in the past few years. Weve seen colored ceramic cases and different colored dials, and even movements. Weve mainly seen blues, gre...
Already during the Apollo mission, Omega came up with new and interesting Speedmasters for future use by NASA.All these watches were using the Alaska codename, in order not to wake up the competition during. The Swiss watchmaking industry is a small world and when some of the competition resides in the same (small) Swiss city, even a late night bar or restaurant visit can be tricky. Thats why brands like Omega like to use codenames for special projects. For everything concerning NASA, Omega used the codename Alaska. Already during the days of Apollo, Omega created Speedmaster variations using this codename (heres the white dial Alaska, and heres the white dial Alaska II, for example).Now, if...
And were back with another episode of Wrist Game or Crying Shame, the weekly go or no go article where you choose whether to launch. This week, we take a look at a modern rendition of the Speedmaster Mark II. But firstThe old saying of size doesnt matter rang true regarding last weeks omega Air-King for 3,950. Despite its un-kingly diameter of 34mm and lofty price tag of 3,950, condition counted. And your votes counted as well as you crowned it with a 57% Wrist Game win. But what happens when a king abdicates its throne? Who shall be the successor? Todays watch isnt so much of a follow-up, but more like an addendum. Enter the Omega Speedmaster Mark II.The Speedmaster Mark IIIf youre a fan of...
Some watches are just more memorable than others. The brand puts them onto the market, creating a massive buzz for some reason. So far, so good. Then, after the initial reactions, they stay in the public consciousness and never leave. When Hamilton released the Khaki Field Mechanical, this is precisely what happened. To say that it received critical acclaim from the media would be an understatement. The Khaki Field was praised by almost every media outlet that featured it. It was only logical for Hamilton to strike while the iron was hot. Many newer, different variations of the Khaki Field Mechanical have come, but none have had more impact than the bronze version.I felt it was logical to co...
So heres a somewhat romantic notion: pilots, God love them, are all obsessed with expensive luxury watches. So much so, in fact, that an entire category of watches is named after them. Except thats not really true is it? Lets submit ourselves for a quick reality check so we can take this worthwhile question from the mailbag and chuck it in the trash where it belongs.Modern-day pilots do not exclusively wear pilots watches. Pilots are, aside from incredibly important pillars of any society that embraces air travel, humans. They are people. They wear whatever the heck they please. And no, Im not being facetious this is true. The vast majority of planes have control panels crammed full of usefu...
When you are a watch collector, and especially one of chronographs, owning a watch with a Zenith El Primero movement is probably on your list (if not already in your box). If it is, you and I are kindred spirits. The El Primero is a legend of the industry. Since its launch more than 50 years ago now, it has never been held in anything but the highest esteem. It is one of the most elegant and expertly conceived calibers in history. Perhaps the toughest question for watch collectors hoping to add this icon to their stable is exactly which one to choose? By the looks of this new Chronomaster Revival Safari reference 97.T384.400/57.C856, this could be the one. But is it?I love a green dial on wa...
When you find yourself searching for a vintage Omega Speedmaster, we are pretty sure you are open to all the help you can use. The world of vintage (Speedmaster) watches can be a snakepit, and wed like you to survive and find yourself buying a good watch in the end.Enjoying your vintage Speedmaster is partly based on being convinced you find yourself a proper one. When you have doubts about the hands, the dial, the case, or perhaps even the movement, it takes away part of the fun.?When you know something is not correct about a watch, it is up to up to decide if you still want to pursue it or leave it alone. It is therefore important to know what to look for, which details matter, and how to ...
After several years of not meeting with Bell Ross, we sat down with the brand at Baselworld 2019 and we found a winner in the new Bell Ross Bellytanker Bronze chronograph.I could say Bellytanker all day long its simply that fun.? That being said, the word belly just doesnt come to the forefront of watch-related names, but here we are with the Bell Ross Bellytanker Bronze chronograph and in our brief time with it, we came away impressed.The New Bell Ross Bellytanker BronzeThe Bellytanker name used in the?Bell Ross Bellytanker Bronze stems from emergency fuel tanks hanging from the bottoms of older fighter planes.? As BRs website also tells us, the name is also used synonymously for salt...