Results for Mainspring Types and Alloys

Unimatic, the Armoury, and Nigel Cabourn Introduce a Three-Way Limited Edition Collaboration

Unimatic has introduced the Modello Cinque UT5-TANC, a new collaboration developed with British designer Nigel Cabourn and menswear retailer The Armoury. The watch continues Unimatic’s previous work with Cabourn, which began in 2019, while also marking the brand’s latest project with Hong Kong-based menswear store The Armoury. Anyone familiar with Cabourn’s work will already know his passion for vintage army style, so the UT5-TANC should feel right at home within the British designer’s aesthetics. The UT5-TANC takes the form of a compact expedition-style tool watch built around Unimatic’s 36mm Modello Cinque case. Made from 316L stainless steel and finished with a stonewashed Cerakote coating, the watch comes in two versions: UT5-TANC-A with a green case and UT5-TANC-B in navy blue, with both references sharing the same navy dial. As mentioned, the case follows the familiar Modello Cinque layout, with a fixed monoblock bezel and an 8mm screw-down crown bearing Unimatic’s Alchemical Sun emblem. Flipping the watch around reveals a caseback that’s engraved with a dazzle camouflage pattern. To keep the overall restraint of the expedition watch – or, as the brand has put it “exploration over ornament” – the dial is minimally designed and more about function than form. For example, the numerals are filled with Super-LumiNova GL old radium, along with luminous dial markings and an open seconds track to aid visibility in low light. The Nigel Cabourn logo appe...

Buying Guide - Small But Mighty - Six Versatile Watches of 36mm and Under

People often say “bigger is better”, but also “big things come in small packages”. While both statements can be very true in multiple aspects of life, it also goes for watches. In some instances, you want a bit of size and heft in a watch, while on other occasions, you want something a bit more […]

Hands-On With The Remarkable Leica ZM 1 And ZM 2

The name Leica often comes up in the Fratello office. Usually, it’s in reference to its famous cameras, but ever since the German brand introduced its first mechanical watches, we’ve also begun associating it with horology. This shows how closely connected mechanical watchmaking and photography are. In both, high-precision instruments are vital, and Leica certainly […] Visit Hands-On With The Remarkable Leica ZM 1 And ZM 2 to read the full article.

Introducing: The Mesmerizing Black DLC Ressence Type 9 Ikeda

Ressence is back with a limited-edition Type 9 in the brand’s Art Watch Series. Last year, Benoît Mintiens introduced a colorful pair of Type 8 models in collaboration with German painter and sculptor Daniel Engelberg. This time, the Belgian brand asked Japanese artist Terumasa Ikeda to decorate the Type 9’s dial. He’s famous for applying […] Visit Introducing: The Mesmerizing Black DLC Ressence Type 9 Ikeda to read the full article.

New releases from Studio Underd0g x Time+Tide, Ulysse Nardin, Chronoswiss and more

Our latest collab with Studio Underd0g was the main course this week, but there were also some sweet treats from other watchmakers...The post New releases from Studio Underd0g x Time+Tide, Ulysse Nardin, Chronoswiss and more appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.

Introducing - Embark Upon a Space Odyssey with the Ressence Type 9 IKE

A compact evolution of Ressence’s signature pebble-shaped case designs and original display of the time that circles around the dial like planets orbiting the Sun, the Type 9 is the brand’s smallest, lightest and most accessibly priced watch to date. Given its minimalist display and compact (wearable) proportions, the Type 9 has been singled out […]

This Is How Chronoswiss Sees The Moon: Introducing The Lunar Chronograph Aurora And Space Timer Gravity

The Moon is a source of inspiration for many. Art, music, movies, you name it - the Moon is everywhere. It’s also in watches. Let me introduce two watches with a prominent role for our planet’s satellite, the Chronoswiss Lunar Chronograph Aurora and Space Timer Gravity. These two timepieces share the same celestial inspiration, but […] Visit This Is How Chronoswiss Sees The Moon: Introducing The Lunar Chronograph Aurora And Space Timer Gravity to read the full article.

Ceramic Watches: A Brief History and 15 Top Models from Entry-Level to

Ceramic watches not only offer a host of practical attributes, such as lightness, hardness, scratch-resistance and hypoallergenic properties, but also, increasingly, a very intriguing range of color options as watch manufacturers continue to explore the science of ceramics and refine their own ceramic-making processes. In this article we take a brief look at the history and the technology of ceramics in watchmaking and showcase (in ascending order of price) more than a dozen of the best ceramic watches on the market today. [toc-section heading="Defining Ceramics"] First off, it’s worth clarifying what we’re talking about when we refer to “ceramics” in terms of watchmaking (as opposed to, say, pottery). In scientific terms, a ceramic can be succinctly defined as “an inorganic non-metallic solid made up of either metal or non-metal compounds that have been shaped and then hardened by heating to high temperatures.” While the word “ceramic” comes from a Greek word referring to pottery (keramikós), it has come to be associated with other materials including glass, cement, and what are generally called high-tech or “advanced” ceramics, as in the type used in aerospace, automotive, electronic and other industrial applications, including watchmaking. Whereas pottery and its various subtypes - earthenware, stoneware, porcelain, to name the major ones - all use types of clay as their main ingredient, advanced ceramics utilizes a far more wide-ranging and c...

I Spent Last Week In Geneva, And The Andersen Geneve Rattrapante Mondial Was The Best Thing I Saw

While technically nothing new, it’s also a world first, and I liked it enough to actually write about it.

Back To Basics: How To Evaluate A Vintage Watch And Avoid Buying A Dud

Welcome back to another installment of Back to Basics, our series aimed at newcomers to the watch hobby. This time, I will share some tips on how to evaluate a vintage watch and avoid buying a dud. This article is aimed particularly at those looking to buy their first vintage watch. As always with Back […] Visit Back To Basics: How To Evaluate A Vintage Watch And Avoid Buying A Dud to read the full article.

Hands-On: New Zenith DEFY Skyline Skeleton In Black And Gold

A new take on the classic ceramic DEFY Skyline Skeleton. Black ceramic meets a gold-toned, high-frequency movement for a watch that’s as technically impressive as it is visually striking. Modern, architectural, and unmistakably Zenith! What We Love Full black ceramic case and bracelet combined with the gold dial make it aesthetically appealing! The constant 1/10th of a second sub-counter showcases the complexity of the movement underneath. Quick strap change allows for easy change between a ceramic bracelet or rubber strap for daily versatility. What We Don’t Would’ve liked to see the minute track, but more subdued. In white, it can make the dial seem even busier. While the 1/10th of a second chronograph is great for aesthetics and show of technicality, it doesn’t serve a real purpose. Even though it’s a skeletonised dial, most of the El Primero 3620 SK movement is still closed off. Overall Rating: 8.7/10 Value for money: 8.5/10 Wearability: 9/10 Design: 8.5/10 Build quality: 8.5/10 The world of ceramic watches isn’t what it used to be a decade ago. Advances in materials and manufacturing mean that ceramic timepieces are no longer niche or fragile experiments, but a genuine part of watchmaking. While crafting bold colours in ceramic can present its own challenge, the more classic tones like black, white, or blue are becoming far more achievable, allowing brands to explore the world of ceramic not as a limited edition or one-offs, but as a refined material for e...

First Look - The Mido Multifort 8 One Crown, A Streamlined and Accessible Integrated-Style Watch

Following up on the Multifort 8 Two Crowns from early 2025, Mido is bringing a simpler yet still geometric and integrated design with the Mido Multifort 8 One Crown. As you might have guessed, a single crown at 3 o’clock replaces the twin crowns at 2 and 4 o’clock, which also removes the internal rotating […]

SJX Podcast: Indie Investments and Odysseus Face-Off

The SJX Podcast kicks off 2026 with an analysis of the latest industry news, including Chanel’s 30% stake in Kross Manufacture and Vacheron Constantin’s initiative to apply the concours d’elegance format to watches. We also discuss the A. Lange & Söhne Odysseus in Honeygold ahead of an upcoming review, and compare its merits with its titanium sibling. Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Youtube.  

Introducing - The VPC Type 39VM, Claimed to be the Thinnest 200m Automatic Dive Watch

Young, independent Dutch brand VPC (Venustas Per Constantiam) returns with its next release, the Type 39VM, following its debut model, the Type 37HW. Founded by Thomas van Straaten, watch journalist at Fratello, collector, and now the founder of the design-driven microbrand, VPC was created around a beauty-through-restraint approach. After setting a standard with its hand-wound […]

Introducing: The Impressive VPC Type 39VM

It has been nothing but an enjoyable experience to watch Fratello’s Thomas van Straaten build his watch brand. I greatly respect the passion and determination that Thomas puts into VPC Watch Co. Today, VPC launches its second model, the Type 39VM. This new dive watch is nothing short of impressive. The fact that the Type […] Visit Introducing: The Impressive VPC Type 39VM to read the full article.

India Watch Weekend 2026 Happening in Mumbai

India Watch Weekend returns for the second time this year, underlining the growth of the luxury watch market in the country. While Indian clients have long been patrons of luxury watchmakers, many historically shopped outside the country in places like Dubai and London. Now clients are moving towards domestic consumption, explaining rising sales in-country and events like India Watch Weekend. India Watch Weekend is happening in Mumbai, the nation’s commercial capital. Amongst the brands taking part are big brands like A. Lange & Söhne, Grand Seiko, but also independents like Ming and Dunselman Watchmaking. Also present for the first time is the Fondation de la Haute Horlogerie (FHH), a trade body dedicated to horological education. The event will take place over the weekend of January 17 and 18 at the Four Seasons. It’s open to the public but tickets are required. For more, visit Indiawatchweekend.com, while tickets can be purchased online.  

Why Car Enthusiast Joe Ottati Collects Cars and Watches for the Same Reasons

Joe Ottati is the owner of Ottati Car Detailing, a founder of VALT Auto Club, and a part-time Auction Specialist for Cars & Bids. He is also a co-host of the VALT podcast, which can be found on YouTube.  Soft-spoken but always ready for a chat, many Bay Area car enthusiasts have likely had a conversation with Joe Ottati from the other side of a folding table, beneath a big VALT Auto Club tent. As one of the club’s founders, Ottati’s dedication to growing the car scene in the Bay Area and keeping it as inclusive and positive as possible can easily be seen in the way he interacts with everyone that comes through the tent: with kindness and small hints of the vast wealth of car knowledge within. But cars aren’t Ottati’s only hobby; he extends that interest in all things mechanical to his wrist, too. Like most of us watch nerds, Ottati’s first timepiece came in the form of a Casio. As an 8th grade graduation gift, he received a green G-SHOCK, a watch that he still owns. “It still keeps accurate time on the same battery, fourteen years later,” he says. We are currency outside his shop in Concord, where he details cars as his main job. Inside, a smörgåsbord of European beauties lie in wait, but he steers the conversation back to watches, first. “After graduating high school, I was gifted an Autodromo Stradale, which was my first mechanical watch,” he explains, “I wore it literally every day for years.” The exhibition caseback displaying the Miyota moveme...

Enthusiast Spotlight with Professional Guitarist and Oris Collector Kurt Ozan

For this Enthusiast Spotlight, proudly sponsored by the Windup Watch Shop, we sit down with professional guitarist Kurt Ozan, a musician whose life on the road is defined by precision, rhythm, and feel. Best known for his work alongside Luke Combs, Kurt brings the same intentionality to his watches as he does to his instruments, favoring pieces that earn their place through use, memory, and personal meaning. Kurt is also a watch enthusiast and a bit of an Oris collector. From stadium stages to quieter moments creating new tunes in the studio, Kurt’s relationship with time is shaped by craft, connection, and the stories carried on the wrist. The post Enthusiast Spotlight with Professional Guitarist and Oris Collector Kurt Ozan appeared first on Worn & Wound.

Recap - The Best Integrated and Elegant Sports Watches of 2025

Watches with integrated bracelets and elegant-sports designs remain popular. While the hype seems to have cooled slightly, the category continues to be very competitive, but also creative. From big watchmaking brands refining icons to young independents challenging the rules, 2025 has produced a stellar mix of timepieces that combine innovation, design, and craftsmanship. We’ve selected […]

Fratello Favorites: The Best Watches Of 2025 - Daan’s Picks From MB&F;, Parmigiani Fleurier, Tissot, And More

Finally, it’s my turn to tell you about my picks for the best watches of 2025. Several of my colleagues have already published theirs. Some chose watches that I’d also scribbled down for my list. Luckily, though, there were many great releases this year, so I’m happy to report that I can still highlight five […] Visit Fratello Favorites: The Best Watches Of 2025 - Daan’s Picks From MB&F;, Parmigiani Fleurier, Tissot, And More to read the full article.

New releases from Nomos, Konstantin Chaykin x GMT, Frederique Constant x Time+Tide and more

Our project with Frederique Constant was the biggest release of the week (yes, we're biased), but there was also plenty of other heat sources.The post New releases from Nomos, Konstantin Chaykin x GMT, Frederique Constant x Time+Tide and more appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.

Fratello Favorites: The Best Watches Of 2025 - Jorg’s Picks From Vacheron Constantin, Grand Seiko, Laventure, And More

As you well know by now, I love a good list. As the Fratello resident listophile, compiling a list of my favorite releases of 2025 should be easy. Well, that depends on how you look at it. I have seen an abundance of stellar releases this year. That’s also where the challenge comes in. If […] Visit Fratello Favorites: The Best Watches Of 2025 - Jorg’s Picks From Vacheron Constantin, Grand Seiko, Laventure, And More to read the full article.

In-Depth - Exploring the F.P. Journe Chronomètre Souverain 20th Anniversary, and What it Means (Incl. Video)

François-Paul Journe, a talented watchmaker and the founder of the brand F.P. Journe, is mostly known for his Tourbillon Remontoire d’Egalité – it was his first watch – and his take on the resonance phenomenon. We can also mention the Octa, his automatic watch introduced in 2001, and, of course, the fantastic Chronomètre Bleu. But […]

First Look - Ressence Type 3 Marc Newson, A Meeting of Two Design Worlds

Ressence is not what one would call a conventional watchmaker, and let’s hope it never will be. Since its founding in 2010, Benoît Mintiens’ Antwerp-based brand has built its catalogue and reputation by rethinking what a mechanical watch should feel like rather than what it should represent. This time, Ressence reaches out beyond its own […]

Ressence and Marc Newson Reimagine the TYPE 3 in a Landmark Design Collaboration