All the news from the watch industry including boutique openings and new watch releases. Featured.
Watches – News, Reviews, Brands and Releases
I?can't help myself. Anytime I?see an original vintage watch bezel I've never seen before, I?am intrigued and amused. A?witty, surprising, or unusual bezel gives any?watch a hard-to-beat attitude. The best news is that it doesnt necessarily have to be an expensive watch.No grails today. Just a?selection of random brands, some of which you might have never heard of. Just sheer originality and creative bezel freedom. Some designs might look crazy, but you can't argue that each of them is fascinating in its own way. Get ready.Image source: IG @chronyves79Orator Automatic DiverDespite no striking colors, this is anything but a typical bezel for an otherwise pretty standard skin diver watch. It l [...]
Wrist Game or Crying Shame returns with a look at an iconic timepiece in the Movado Museum Watch. Lets see if youd like to become a supporter of the arts with your vote. But firstLast week, I showed you a decent but potentially altered Doxa SUB 300 Professional for 3,500. After some hemming and hawing, you folks saw it fit to award the old salt a 62% Wrist Game win. Orange you glad you voted? Now thats enough of the jocularity. Its time to get all sorts of nose in the air like a proper patron of the arts. You know the type. Theyre the snooty folks who proclaim to see something deep and profound from a piece of art that looks more like a dogs doodling. Today, we have a real piece of art in th [...]
Oris recently released its Sustainability Report for 2022. Its almost 50 pages of accounts of progress and promises for the future. Like some corporations that compile information for their shareholders in a sleek, savvy package, the Oris Sustainability Report is a seductive package for the environmentally-minded. It succinctly covers where Oris has come from and where the brand is going. I have to say, Im impressed, as I have been following Oris for a while now. But my question is, is it enough?Look, Im a bit of a sustainability kook. In another life, Im a professional arborist, climbing and taking care of trees in an urban forest on the West Coast of the United States. I was raised with st [...]
Like many of us, I had anticipated new additions to the Oris ProPilot X range for a while. Before this, there had only been a single model in this collection since its inception in 2019. Well, OK, if you count both the titanium bracelet option and the leather strap, there were two. That all changed with the new ProPilot X Calibre 400. However, this trio of new models was probably not what anyone expected. The ProPilot X Calibre 400 receives three dial variants in 39mm titanium cases. With Calibre 400, the ProPilot X goes automatic with a date function at 6 o'clock. Let's dive in and dissect what else this non-limited edition brings to the fray.Before I get into it, I am interested in underst [...]
When it comes to watches, there are two major characteristics that usually work as a filter and, ultimately, show-stoppers for me. First of all, I dont like barrel cases because I find them chubby and cumbersome. Secondly, I try to avoid chrome-plated cases. And yet, here we are. How did the barrel-shaped Oris Waterproof in a chromed case make it into my collection?I am over that period when I had a serious problem not bidding on anything I remotely liked. Im pickier now, and I dont suffer from FOMO every time I see a watch listing that I like. When I really like something, I give it a few more hours or days and come back to the listing later. If I forget the listing completely, I take it as [...]
Here at the Fratello offices, we get a lot of questions from you, our readers. Probably the most-asked questions are centered around the topic of what to buy for different budgets. The most popular budget question is what watch to buy for under 5,000 in different watch categories. That's why we decided to set up a small series of articles focusing on the best watches that you can buy within that budget. In this installment of the series, we will look at the best two-tone watches available for under 5K. Let's see what the best options are if you want to add a bit of color to your stainless steel.The first thing that comes to mind when I think of a two-tone watch is obviously a steel-and-gold [...]
Grail watches are supposed to embody the best. Best, however, is a subjective term. Thats why everyones grail is different. What I consider best for me is a watch that doesnt require careful handling. My best is a watch that can keep up with me in all that I do. Beyond that, I want the ultimate expression of capability in specs and design, as well as efficiency of material and cost. Thus, as far as my judgment is concerned, I want an Oris. And if Im buying tomorrow, I want an Oris Aquis Date Calibre 400.If my grail is a watch, the tower that keeps it is Oris, and I admit Im more enamored with the tower than the various potential grails within. Oris has spoiled me these past couple of years, [...]
Welcome to Strap Check, a column on Fratello where our editors showcase their favorite watch/strap combinations. We all know the feeling. When youve been wearing a watch for weeks on the same strap, there comes a time when the excitement starts to fade a little bit. Maybe thats the time when you start looking. But looking for what? A brand new watch? Sometimes the answer lies not in the watch, but the strap on which you wear it From the classic to the unique. From cheap NATOs to bespoke leather and special bracelets. This is where we get excited about perfect combinations that make you feel like youve got a brand new watch on your wrist. So tune in every week for a new Strap Check. Are you i [...]
Sustainable is a hot word right now. For better or worse, every industry (including petroleum) is bandying about the s word in hopes to jump on the bandwagon and attract as many customers as possible. But some companies are being environmentally conscious for sustainabilitys sake (though increased sales dont hurt). Oris is one such company. And, as the modern saying goes, they were doing it before it was cool.Visit the Oris website (on phone or computer) and youll see a page layout unlike that of any other watch company. At the top, theres a slideshow banner displaying the newest releases and promotional videos. Directly beneath that is a selection of self-produced articles about Oris. Almos [...]
We did an article last year on everything about a watch that wasnt the watch itself straps, bracelets, clasps, and spring bars. It seemed exhaustive in its reach (and in the writing), but it wasnt. That was the primer for the respectable, polite, middle-of-the-road people that accessorize their watches accordingly. This article, on the other hand, is downright funky. Well get to some unique strap options that are still accessible, like Erikas Originals and Bund pads, but Im going to be showing you some weird, sometimes old, truly unique options as well. It will be polarizing. Words will be said in the comments that cannot be un-said. I may be asked to never do an article like this again. Jus [...]
The patina comeback kid bounces back into the spotlight, trending again after a few quiet years. Bronze is cool, but I don't think we can stress this enough: not all bronze is exactly the same. The entire point of bronze is the fact that it is the only watch case material that becomes a part of you. And I don't mean the green wrist-circle you got from that huge 45mm crusty green bronze diver back in 2014. The Oris Big Crown Pointer Date Bronze is a sleeker and more elegant twist on the golden-tinged alloy, and it now comes on the brands most comfortable bracelet.Bronze does develop a patina, just like a Rolex Submariner from the 60s. Born when it was an actual tool, it all but loses its resa [...]
When a brand states that it is independent, it's challenging for buyers to make a distinction. To the end consumer, a nice watch is a nice watch. Whether its financed by an umbrella corporation or benefactor, to us, a timepiece is a product of design and watchmaking. However, when it comes to Oris, the independent nature of the brand seeps through to the fresh, innovative, and occasionally bonkers watch concepts. Today's release combines those three sentiments the Oris Aquis Sun Wukong Artist Edition. I delve into what makes this new Sun Wukong limited edition such a left-field curveball from the team in Holstein.I always get excited whenever Oris brings out a new Aquis limited edition. For [...]
The watch industry is full of trends. Brands and companies typically move in a similar direction, guided by the flow of the current preferences of the watch-buying public. If you've been paying attention, you've more than likely identified some of the preferences to which this newly re-designed Oris Big Crown Pointerdate Calibre 403 caters. With this latest release from the H?lstein brand, it seems that less is more in terms of size, and more is more in terms of in-house engineered movements. I won't overstep and be so bold as to claim that these preferences apply to everyone. But to the large majority of you who are in tune with these latest trends, you can start getting excited right about [...]
In mid-September, Oris arranged an event, which, at first glance, seemed to celebrate their Dat Watt Limited Edition watch. It is not unusual for watch brands to have partnerships with organizations outside the watch world to stage events that associate their products with these organizations. As we are talking luxury products here, these events commonly exhale a rather luxurious spirit. But the event Im going to report on here delivered a completely different message.If you dont remember Oriss Dat Watt watch, take a look at Balazss article on it. Oris dedicated this watch to the Wadden Sea, the worlds largest tidal flat system that extends across 500km along the coasts of Denmark, Germany, [...]
Its funny how, as collectors, we so often make plans for our collections. Some people might collect specific brands; others may stick to specific models within a brands collections. For the non-hardcore brand aficionados, many collections center around having watches fit specific style categories. Theres the rough and ready dive watch, the classy dress watch, and the travelers friend with the GMT. You cant forget the chronograph, or the everyday field watch too. The final one on this list is the pilots watch. Today I am looking at one of my favorite pilots watches, the Oris Oris Big Crown ProPilot Bronze.In the modern-day, when I hear the brand name Oris I think of dive watches first and for [...]
The Rolex Datejust is arguably the most recognizable luxury watch in the world. The combination of a Cyclops, fluted bezel, and Jubilee bracelet are symbols of luxury that even the untrained eye will spot instantly. For once, calling this watch an icon is an understatement. But is the Datejust an exciting watch? Well, it's not as prestigious as the flagship Day-Date, and it also lacks the raw sex-appeal of the Submariner. Based on that observation you could call the Datejust neither fish nor fowl, bland, and even boring. But can you really do that?I know one guy that will completely disagree with me when I say the Rolex Datejust is a boring watch. That guy is Thomas van Straaten who very rec [...]
Welcome back once again dear Fratelli You spoke, we listened. You voted, we counted. And now only six Summer Splash wild card picks remain. Which one of these underdogs will go on to the final splashdown? Will one of these unlikely last-minute picks dethrone the editors picks for a major upset in the finale? Theres only one way to find out. In the meantime, you can check out the final six choices, and cast your vote!After your vote in the Wild Card round one, round two, and round three, the two top picks from each round have been selected in the least corrupt and fairest way possible. We aim to assure a clean, Kraken-free contest So thats it, the bell is about to ring: gloves up and no shots [...]
Welcome to the third and final Wild Card round. Yes, this competition has spiraled into something much WILDER than we could ever have imagined, but weve got to roll with the punches and listen to the community. With the shadowy Kraken Kartel pulling the strings from 30,000 leagues beneath the sea, the Fratello Summer Splash has all the creative license it needs to grow in any way its participants demand. And so now we present the remainder of the Fratellis picks. I hope you enjoy sifting through them and picking your favorite as much as I did assembling the list.As with the previous two Wild Card rounds, the top two will go through to the Wild Card Decider, which will be published following [...]
I am so looking forward to this. The Fratelli, long regarded as THE GREATEST collection of watch fans on the internet, have stormed the castle. Theyre pitching tents in the courtyard. One of thems even brought a paddling pool Thats right, in our quest to find the best summer watch of all, its time for the Summer Splash Wild Card Round, courtesy of well YOU!So where to start? This idea for a Wild Card round resulted in one of the most intense editing periods of my life. I went through every Summer Splash article and tried to pull every watch mentioned into the mix. As such, Ive had to split the Wild Card round into THREE separate heats, which will culminate in a FOURTH article dubbed the Wild [...]
All jokes and stereotypes aside, we all know Sinn as the go-to brand for those looking for no-nonsense, bomb-proof, functional tool watches. This is a brand that is not afraid to err on the side of utility. However, it's not all deadpan, business-only, no fun allowed. More and more, Sinn has started tentatively bending its knees up and down to the beat, shaking its hips, and even swinging its elbows from side to side in the corner of the disco. The Sinn U50 S mother-of-pearl serves as a clear example of this newfound bravery and desire to get groovy. If the brand keeps this up, they'll be dancing like Travolta on the colorful dance floor of watchmaking before we have time to say Perlmuttziff [...]
