Fratello · Page 108

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Citizen s Miyota operation Feb 13, 2024

A Look At Miyota’s 8-Series Movements For Microbrands

Last year, Thomas gave an introduction to Citizen’s Miyota operation, with a focus on the Miyota 9-series movements and their use in many microbrands we are familiar with. The consensus is that this popular family of automatic calibers offers plenty in terms of specifications, variety, customization, and value. Today, I’m looking at the 8-series movements, […] Visit A Look At Miyota’s 8-Series Movements For Microbrands to read the full article.

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Omega Speedmasters Feb 13, 2024

Pre-Owned Spotlight: Two Omega Speedmasters And A Spacemaster

Omega has increased the price of its Speedmaster models quite significantly in the past few years. While one could buy the classic Moonwatch for less than €5,000 not even that long ago, the models with a sapphire front and back crystal are rapidly approaching the €10,000 mark. Granted, it’s not the same watch that it […] Visit Pre-Owned Spotlight: Two Omega Speedmasters And A Spacemaster to read the full article.

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Fortis Stratoliner S-41 Supernova You Feb 13, 2024

Meet The Lucky Fratello Reader Who Now Owns A Space-Flown Fortis Stratoliner S-41 Supernova

You may recall that Fortis sent 13 Stratoliner S-41 watches into space on a rocket last year. Yes, actual outer space, past the Kármán line and over 100 kilometers above the Earth’s surface. These 13 special watches were recovered, and Fortis made them available for collectors to buy via application only. One application slot was […] Visit Meet The Lucky Fratello Reader Who Now Owns A Space-Flown Fortis Stratoliner S-41 Supernova to read the full article.

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Zenith Introduces Feb 13, 2024

Zenith Introduces A Titanium Version Of Its Chronomaster Sport - The Lightest One Yet, Especially On The New Fitted Rubber Strap

The 2024 tennis season is getting started, and Zenith is ready for it with a new titanium version of its Chronomaster Sport. The lightest and most robust version of the Chronomaster Sport is a great match for the highly intense and entertaining Ultimate Tennis Showdown (UTS) championship. Zenith is the main sponsor and official timekeeper […] Visit Zenith Introduces A Titanium Version Of Its Chronomaster Sport - The Lightest One Yet, Especially On The New Fitted Rubber Strap to read the full article.

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Seiko ? Feb 13, 2024

Fratello On Air: What Would Make You Buy A New Seiko?

This week, Fratello On Air returns with an episode featuring a hypothetical question. This is a recurring series, and this time, we ask what would make us buy a new Seiko. We’ll cover more than just sports watches and settle on a few key asks to one of our favorite brands. Enjoy the show! What […] Visit Fratello On Air: What Would Make You Buy A New Seiko? to read the full article.

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Feb 13, 2024

So, You’re Into Watches, But You Aren’t A Wall Street Banker? - How To Thrive In A Money-Driven Hobby

Watches can get expensive - seriously expensive. There are no two ways about it. Luxury watch brands naturally aim their efforts at an affluent clientele. I have noticed, however, that most watch aficionados I meet have pretty regular jobs. And with pretty regular jobs come pretty regular incomes. So, if you are into watches but […] Visit So, You’re Into Watches, But You Aren’t A Wall Street Banker? - How To Thrive In A Money-Driven Hobby to read the full article.

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Atelier Wen Feb 13, 2024

Atelier Wen Kicks Off Its “Inside The Atelier” Video Series

Today, we won’t talk about the latest release from Atelier Wen. We will briefly discuss a new venture from the Chinese marque called Inside the Atelier. This is a behind-the-scenes look at the various suppliers supporting the brand’s watches. It focuses on the people, their inspiration, and where they work. The first episode is out, […] Visit Atelier Wen Kicks Off Its “Inside The Atelier” Video Series to read the full article.

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Yema Feb 12, 2024

Yema Steps Up Its Game With The New Superman Slim - Powered By The In-House CMM.20 Micro-Rotor Movement

Back in 2022, I reviewed a couple of Yema’s Superman models, and I really liked the vintage vibes of the pointy lugs and the clean diver’s dial. The 39mm size is perfect for a wide variety of wrists, and I even thought the old-school bezel lock was charming. Unfortunately, I found the overall finishing and […] Visit Yema Steps Up Its Game With The New Superman Slim - Powered By The In-House CMM.20 Micro-Rotor Movement to read the full article.

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Rolex Explorer II 16570 Instead Feb 12, 2024

This Monday Morning, I Realized I Should Have Bought The Black-Dial Rolex Explorer II 16570 Instead Of The White One

The original Rolex Oyster Perpetual Explorer II 1655 that debuted in 1971 is probably my favorite Rolex watch of all time. I wish I’d felt the same in the mid-1980s when you could pick up an unloved “Freccione” at a huge discount. Unfortunately, I only started warming up to the Explorer II with its steel […] Visit This Monday Morning, I Realized I Should Have Bought The Black-Dial Rolex Explorer II 16570 Instead Of The White One to read the full article.

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Feb 12, 2024

Five Analog Quartz Watches That Prove The Snobs Wrong

As watch lovers, we tend to be drawn to mechanical movements. There is something mysterious about the dozens of springs, wheels, pinions, jewels, screws, and plates that conspire to unwind a mainspring and turn its stored tension into a precise display of the time. I think the allure is in the fact that it is […] Visit Five Analog Quartz Watches That Prove The Snobs Wrong to read the full article.

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Feb 11, 2024

Vintage Watches In 2024 - A Return To Our Roots

Much to my amazement, 2024 marks my 10th year of writing for Fratello. Wow, how time has flown by! During this time, I’ve covered all sorts of topics, but my primary focus has always been on vintage watches. I have an undying love for older timepieces, and I’m thankful that Robert-Jan allowed me to kick […] Visit Vintage Watches In 2024 - A Return To Our Roots to read the full article.

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Vacheron Constantin Historiques 222 Don’t look Feb 11, 2024

Sunday Morning Showdown: Piaget Polo 79 Vs. Vacheron Constantin Historiques 222

Don’t look so surprised! You already knew exactly which watches would go head to head in this week’s Sunday Morning Showdown. The Vacheron Constantin Historiques 222 was probably the watch that was most frequently mentioned after Piaget released its new Polo 79 this week. And it makes sense. They’re both based on an earlier version […] Visit Sunday Morning Showdown: Piaget Polo 79 Vs. Vacheron Constantin Historiques 222 to read the full article.

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Tudor Oyster Watches Feb 10, 2024

The Early Rolex And Tudor Oyster Watches That Saw Action In WWII During The Battle Of The Atlantic

Rolex is a hallowed name in horology. Yes, like me, you may be one of those who share in a widespread exasperation at waitlist games, the difficulty in attaining a new timepiece for non-VIPs who want one, and what the brand can represent to some in this age littered with vacuous social media influencers. Rolex […] Visit The Early Rolex And Tudor Oyster Watches That Saw Action In WWII During The Battle Of The Atlantic to read the full article.

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Citizen Promaster Mechanical Diver NY0120-01EE Feb 10, 2024

Hands-On: The Brilliant And Affordable Citizen Promaster Mechanical Diver NY0120-01EE And NY0129-58LE

I wrote an article on the best Seiko watches under €500 a few weeks ago. The Japanese brand used to rule the “affordable watch” category, especially with diving watches. But with Seiko slowly moving upmarket, that territory is now open for other brands to conquer. An obvious pick is Citizen. The fellow Japanese brand offers […] Visit Hands-On: The Brilliant And Affordable Citizen Promaster Mechanical Diver NY0120-01EE And NY0129-58LE to read the full article.

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Tudor Feb 9, 2024

We Predicted It! Tudor Is In Formula 1 And Daniel Ricciardo Is Wearing A New Tudor Black Bay Ceramic

After test-driving two carbon fiber Pelagos FXD “Alinghi Red Bull Racing Editions” in October, we painted a picture in which Tudor was a sponsor of a Formula 1 team. You said we were nuts. Rolex was already too heavily involved, and Tudor would stick to surfers, sailors, and cyclists. But what do you know? In […] Visit We Predicted It! Tudor Is In Formula 1 And Daniel Ricciardo Is Wearing A New Tudor Black Bay Ceramic to read the full article.

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Jaeger-LeCoultre Breguet Blancpain Feb 9, 2024

Fratello’s Top 5 Chinese New Year Watches - Featuring Jaeger-LeCoultre, Breguet, Blancpain, And More

Another Friday, another Top 5! This week, we’ll focus on watches that celebrate the Chinese Lunar New Year. Tomorrow is the start of the Year of the Dragon, which prompted many watch brands to release amazing limited-edition pieces depicting the animal that symbolizes luck, prosperity, and wisdom. The dragon is also an imperial icon that […] Visit Fratello’s Top 5 Chinese New Year Watches - Featuring Jaeger-LeCoultre, Breguet, Blancpain, And More to read the full article.

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VPC Type 37H I have Feb 9, 2024

Building A Watch Brand Episode 13: The Logistics Of Bringing A Watch To Market

After well over a year, we are finally approaching the moment I can launch my VPC Type 37H. I have published many articles about the development of the watch itself, but today, I want to get into the logistics and commercial side of launching my debut watch. It is another side of the project that […] Visit Building A Watch Brand Episode 13: The Logistics Of Bringing A Watch To Market to read the full article.

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Louis Vuitton Feb 9, 2024

LVMH Is An Unstoppable Force That’s Unlocking The Luxury Watch’s Full Potential

When Frédéric Arnault (29) became CEO of TAG Heuer in 2020 after joining the brand three years earlier, it demonstrated how much potential LVMH as a group saw in luxury watches. With him now appointed CEO of LVMH Watches in charge of Hublot, TAG Heuer and Zenith, LVMH (Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton) has shown its […] Visit LVMH Is An Unstoppable Force That’s Unlocking The Luxury Watch’s Full Potential to read the full article.

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Omega Seamaster Diver 300M Due Feb 9, 2024

Is The Omega Seamaster Diver 300M Due For An Update?

The Omega Seamaster (Professional) Diver 300M has been around since 1993. It has seen several revisions and a major overhaul in 2018. With the current generation turning six this year, we wonder: is it due for an update, or is the 300M still one of the best dive watches under 10 grand? Join us as […] Visit Is The Omega Seamaster Diver 300M Due For An Update? to read the full article.

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Casio introduces new G-Shock “Squares” Feb 8, 2024

Hands-On: The New G-Shock Square MRG-B5000R-1

Casio introduces new G-Shock “Squares” all the time, but a new Square in the premier league, like an MR-G, is something else. Before you get too excited, I must clarify that the MRG-B5000R-1 isn’t an entirely new watch. However, it is an important successor to the two MR-G Squares presented two years ago. In any […] Visit Hands-On: The New G-Shock Square MRG-B5000R-1 to read the full article.

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Seiko 6119-8083 “Dressy 62MAS” Feb 8, 2024

#TBT The Surprisingly Wearable Seiko 6119-8083 “Dressy 62MAS”

This Seiko 6119-8083 sat in my safe for about four or five years. I got it fully serviced upon arrival but never really wore it. Then it popped into my mind last week when I was thinking about what watches I would nominate for the perfect vintage watch collection for €25,000… Don’t panic. I’m not […] Visit #TBT The Surprisingly Wearable Seiko 6119-8083 “Dressy 62MAS” to read the full article.

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Seiko Astron Morning Star GPS Feb 8, 2024

Introducing: The Seiko Astron Morning Star GPS Solar SSH145 And SSJ021

Today, we’ll look at two new Seiko Astron Morning Star GPS Solar limited editions. The watches follow familiar forms but bring dark cases and striking dials reminiscent of the early morning sky. The Astron has a huge global following, so let’s see if these are to your liking. It was back in 2015 that I […] Visit Introducing: The Seiko Astron Morning Star GPS Solar SSH145 And SSJ021 to read the full article.

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Schofield Feb 8, 2024

Hands-On With The New Schofield Light - A Thoroughly Modern Field Watch

Many brands have a certain style or genre, while some get stuck in a favorite period, like the ’60s. But in a time when even smaller brands are diversifying and offering different takes on horology, the pure focus of Schofield’s Giles Ellis is brave. He has stuck to the big case design, clean lines, and […] Visit Hands-On With The New Schofield Light - A Thoroughly Modern Field Watch to read the full article.

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Grand Seiko Introduces Feb 8, 2024

Grand Seiko Introduces The 62GS In A 38mm Size With Dials Inspired By Cherry Blossoms

I don’t know about the winter weather where you are, but here in the Netherlands, we’ve hardly had any. We usually get a few weeks with freezing temperatures and a decent amount of snow. This year, though, temperatures hardly went below zero degrees Celsius, and we’ve only had a wafer-thin layer of that white stuff. […] Visit Grand Seiko Introduces The 62GS In A 38mm Size With Dials Inspired By Cherry Blossoms to read the full article.

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Hamilton Feb 8, 2024

Fratello Talks: Affordable Watches That Punch Above Their Weight

In this week’s episode of Fratello Talks, we’re taking a look at three affordable watches that punch above their weight. Nacho, Thomas, and Morgan have set their sights on sub-€500 offerings. This is a space in which the likes of Seiko, Hamilton, and even Tissot once reigned supreme. Today, it’s the battleground for many microbrands, […] Visit Fratello Talks: Affordable Watches That Punch Above Their Weight to read the full article.

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Formex × Worn & Wound Feb 7, 2024

Introducing: The Formex × Worn & Wound Essence Sector 39 Chronometer

If you follow my writing, you know that I am a bit of a Formex admirer. The Swiss brand offers specifications and value for money that are second to none. So when Formex teams up with a watch medium like Worn & Wound to create something special for enthusiasts, I pay attention. I was, however, […] Visit Introducing: The Formex × Worn & Wound Essence Sector 39 Chronometer to read the full article.

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Patek Philippe s Price Increases Feb 7, 2024

Patek Philippe’s Price Increases And Discontinuations For 2024 - What Is Next For The Genevan Brand?

On February 1st, as usual, Patek Philippe communicated the new list prices to its authorized dealers. We also got the yearly list of discontinued models, which, not shockingly, includes more Nautilus references. On top of that, Patek Philippe decided to discontinue the popular Aquanaut Travel Time in stainless steel (ref. 5164A). While price increases are […] Visit Patek Philippe’s Price Increases And Discontinuations For 2024 - What Is Next For The Genevan Brand? to read the full article.

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Urwerk UR-100 LS “LightSpeed” Feb 7, 2024

Introducing: The Urwerk UR-100 LS “LightSpeed” With A Sunbeam-Travel Indicator

We know Urwerk as a laboratory for very high-end, off-the-beaten-path creations. The latest release from the Genevan brand does not disappoint in either respect. This is the Urwerk UR-100 LS with a rather exotic new complication for those who think beyond our little blue marble. This watch indicates the time required for a sunbeam to […] Visit Introducing: The Urwerk UR-100 LS “LightSpeed” With A Sunbeam-Travel Indicator to read the full article.

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Seiko Presage SPB437 Limited Edition Feb 7, 2024

Introducing: The Seiko Presage SPB437 Limited Edition Inspired By Studio Ghibli’s Nausicaä Of The Valley Of The Wind

To be completely honest with you, when Nacho sent me the press materials for this new Seiko release, I had never heard of Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind. Actually, I’m not very familiar with any of Studio Ghibli’s creations. I figured it would be an insult to write anything about it without knowing […] Visit Introducing: The Seiko Presage SPB437 Limited Edition Inspired By Studio Ghibli’s Nausicaä Of The Valley Of The Wind to read the full article.

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Feb 6, 2024

Why Ed White Wore Two Speedmasters During His Spacewalk

You’re probably familiar with astronaut Ed White, who performed NASA’s first spacewalk in 1965 as part of the Gemini IV mission. In the pictures of that spacewalk, you can see him wearing two watches. Unfortunately, Ed White died in a fatal accident with Apollo 1. His name will live forever, though, as the first NASA […] Visit Why Ed White Wore Two Speedmasters During His Spacewalk to read the full article.

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