Watches Blog Wrist Watch Reviews

Balazs and Mike make good on their promise to come back with frequency On this episode we give recommendations for the upcoming Holiday Season and then we talk about our favorite bracelets.Our Fratello on Air podcast is available via?Buzzsprout,?Soundcloud,?Apple Podcast,?Google Podcast,?Deezer, Stitcher, and?Spotify.The Handgelenk KontrolleFirst, its a Handgelenk Kontrolle and Mike is wearing a vintage Meylan Chronograph while Balazs is sporting his Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical with a Kill Hubris NATO.The FratellorisThen, we talk about the Fratelloris Fratello x Oris Big Crown Bronze Pointer Date thats now in our shop!Our Holiday Picks for 2020 are Affordable!Next, for the holidays, we r [...]

Nothing beats buying a new watch Were happy that so many of you purchased the new Fratello a Oris Big Crown Bronze Pointer Date We also receive a fair few questions from interested readers who want to know whats inside the box. And so, RJ and Bert decided to oblige with a short unboxing video for youDetailed information on this new Oris can be found here. [...]

After the extraordinary Panerai Combusin Experience in Italy on which we reported here we had the possibility to sit down with Panerai CEO, Jean-Marc Pontrou (JMP). Coming from Roger Dubuis, hes now Mr. Panerai, and we were eager to know what that means for him. gallery-1 {margin: auto;} gallery-1 .gallery-item {float: left;margin-top: 10px;text-align: center;width: 50%;} gallery-1 img {border: 2px solid cfcfcf;} gallery-1 .gallery-caption {margin-left: 0;}/* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */The setting is the?terrace of hotel?Avgvstvs in Forte Dei Marmi, adjacent to its green and at that time sun-drenched garden. Is has to be said that, after the experience of the day [...]

This report is about the kick-off of Panerais new approach to Limited Editions, the Panerai Comsubin Experience. Panerai now offers buyers a unique experience when they purchase one of their special and highly limited models. This year, at SIHH 2019, we saw three different models offered, each including an exceptional package.We explained this already briefly in our article on an interview with Mike Horn; these three special editions are linked to two Panerai ambassadors and Panerai's history employing the Italian Navy or Marina Militare. Concerned models are the Submersible Chrono Guillaume N ry Edition (PAM983, 15 pieces), the Submersible Mike Horn Edition (PAM985, 19 pieces), and the Subm [...]

Wrist Game or Crying Shame returns with a look at a true legend: the Panerai Luminor 1950 Fiddy.? Do you have what it takes to wrist-tote one of these giants?Last week, on Wrist Game or Crying Shame, we asked you to envision taking a time machine back to the 80's or 90's, working hard, but then playing equally as hard on the ocean blue.? Along with this traveling and choice of leisure activities, we also bade you to consider wearing the Rolex Submariner 16803 Bluesy.? And while the watch we showed you quickly disappeared from internet history (remember, it was listed in Miami), roughly 64% of you were happy to channel your inner Robert Redford or later career Kevin Costner and saddle up with [...]

We break down the newest additions to the Panerai Luminor Due lineup.Its late August and we have news of five new Panerai Luminor Due models.? That strikes me as somewhat of a curious time of year to release a fairly large number of new models, but with summer over and people now turning their attention to the back end of the year (i.e. the winter and possibly bonus season for some) perhaps the timing makes sense.? Furthermore, its probably best to discuss the Due collection, with its oft-maligned 30 meters of water resistance, outside of prime beach and pool season or it may simply serve to feed those rabid keyboard warriors.? And discuss we shall as we break down the five new models and ad [...]

This year Panerai surprised?us with 3 limited editions. That might sound a bit silly, and indeed it wasnt?th et Panerai presented limited editions, however, h ?w they will be offered which surprised us.2019 was chosen by Panerai to be the year of new Submersibles. Except for new 42 mm and 47 mm models in the more or less regular collection, new models in the BMG-Tech, Carbotech, and Chronograph lines were introduced as well. And, as expected, within these different model lines 3 special limited edition models are presented and offered in a very special package.Three Panerai Submersible 47 mm Special Editions gallery-1 {margin: auto;} gallery-1 .gallery-item {float: left;margin-top: 10px;text [...]

SIHH was just two months ago and yet we have again something awesome and new from Panerai, the PAM00968.The Italian-Swiss manufacture is releasing a new model today; the Panerai Submersible Bronzo PAM00968. As you might remember 2019 is the year of the Submersible for the brand. Their SIHH line-up only consisted of said models, some of which weve already featured for you. You can find those articles here and here. Today, however, Panerai is introducing a watch to the market that we have not seen in Geneva this January. The Submersible Bronzo PAM00968 isnt the first but the latest Panerai that comes in a bronze case. 2011 was the year when the brand came out with their first bronze case watch [...]

Panerai is introducing two new Luminor Marina references, in 42mm and 44mm, with a new silver coloured dial and with a stainless steel bracelet.Today, Officine Panerai breaks the news with two new references for their Luminor Marina collection. The PAM00977 with a modest 42mm diameter case and the PAM00978 with the more traditional 44mm diameter case. Both watches have the manufactures caliber?P. 9010 movement. Where the SIHH show in Geneva last January was all about the Submersible, it seems that Panerai is now slowly adding some new Luminor watches to their collection as well. It is interesting to see that brands are releasing more novelties through-out the year, instead of showing it all [...]

This year for Panerai is all about the Submersible. The Radiomir and Luminor lines represent the heritage branch of the brand with a more subtle look and elegance. The Submersible family, however, goes back to the core of Panerai; diving.PAM00959These watches are more sporty, bulky and colorful than the aforementioned Radiomir and Luminor collections. Still making a sporty watch, especially if we are talking about a Panerai, does not necessarily mean +46mm monstrosities on the wrist. I know some of you guys dig those watches and I have nothing against Panerai at all. On the contrary, I used to own a Marina Militare a long time ago. Still, those sizes only look good for a very small percentag [...]

Between the introduction of a new watch and the actual delivery to the market can be quite some time. Weeks, months and sometimes even over a year. It is one of the biggest frustrations of watch consumers.In some cases, it is understandable that it might take a little longer, when specific materials are used or when a watch is completely hand-built and hand-finished. The Panerai Submersible BMG-Tech PAM00692 I have here today is a watch that belongs to the first category. It uses BMG technology, a new light-weight metal that consists of different alloys. After this watch was introduced in 2017, it took a while before it hit the market. We recently received the Panerai Submersible BMG-Tech PA [...]

Panerai announced their?partnership with Luna Rossa, the Italian team which is the first to challenge the defender of the 36th Americas Cup. Because of this partnership, Panerai will introduce a number of watches dedicated to Luna Rossa. The first one we are able to show is the PAM1039, or Luna Rossa Challenger Submersible. Lets have a closer look.Officine Panerai?Luna Rossa Challenger SubmersiblePanerai introduces to you their Luna Rossa Challenger Submersible. Not only carbon fibre (used for the hull of the AC75 ship) is being used, but also a piece of the sailcloth of the Luna Rossa AC75 boat. With a 47mm case made of Carbotech (based on carbon fibre material), you can be certain that thi [...]

In 2006, Panerai introduced their PAM00249 (Radiomir 1936) that featured a California dial. Limited to 1936 pieces only, and collectors jumped on it. Before I head over to my review of the PAM00424 (Radiomir California 3-Days), a few words on the dial first.California DialsThe term California dial is said to be coined by dial maker Kirk Rich, who did dial restoration and refinishing in the 1970s and was located in Los Angeles. In short, the California dial is a combination of an Arabic and Roman dial, as can be seen on the images. According to this story, this dial layout was at some point referred?to as California dial because clients of Kirk Rich found it easier to use that name than talk [...]

Although the focus seems to be on the new Panerai Luminor Due this year, with a small diameter, I like to give some attention to the new Panerai Luminor Base Logo and Luminor Marina Logo. These watches used to be equipped with the Unitas/ETA movement, but now have the new caliber P.6000 movement. Developed and manufactured at Panerai in Neuchatel. Lets have a quick look at these new watches.Before I start, let me tell you that all watches are water resistant to 10 bar (~ 100 meters) and have the P.6000 movement, that offers a power reserve of 72 hours. As you can see, the dials are not the typical sandwich dials, but instead have painted numerals.Panerai Luminor Base LogoThree new references [...]

The Bronzo Returns could be the title of a Marvel or DC Comics episode. But were talking watches here. In 2011, Panerai introduced the first Bronzo to us, the reference PAM00382. Only 1000 pieces were produced?and all sold within a blink of the eye. Paneristi who were able to buy one, were (are) very happy. In 2013, Panerai did one more with the PAM 507. This year, Panerai introduces another bronzo. The PAM 671 Luminor Submersible 1950, with a blue glossy dial and P.9010 calibre movement.Panerai PAM 671 Luminor Submersible 1950 BronzoToday, the PAM00382 is offered on the pre-owned market between 28.000 and 35.000 Euro. The same goes for the PAM 507 (which featured a power reserve indicator). [...]

3, 6, 9 and 12 There is no watch brand that relies, so much on these four bold numbers.?Year after year,?Panerai keeps its followers in a grip and surprises them with new models. Often with minimal changes, since at Panerai it is all about details.?Now I just said minimal changes, but that's a bit crude, minimal' only counts for those who just know the brand? by name; any die-hard Paneristi notices every tiny detail that has been changed.Panerais Heritage and HistoryPanerai was around 1935 commissioned by the Italian Navy to construct watches for use underwater.? When Navy orders dropped in the late eighties and watch collectors started to show interest in these vintage Panerai watches, the [...]

Officine Panerai Radiomir PAM00627I recently visited the Panerai manufacture in Neuchatel. You can read about my Panerai manufacture visit in this article.?It changed my view on Officine Panerai quite drastically. No longer I see them as manufacturer of large watches that happen to look good (slightly?exaggerated statement), as Ive witnessed how much effort they actually put in RD and testing activities in their manufacture in Neuchatel. With that in mind, lets have a look at the Panerai Radiomir PAM00627 that was introduced last January during the SIHH in Geneva.Radiomir vs LuminorIf you ask me the first thing that comes to mind when I hear the brand name, I say Luminor. For me, thats the e [...]

Panerai ManufactureA few weeks ago, we were invited to visit the Officine Panerai Manufacture in Neuchatel. This manufacture was opened in 2014, but only few media have been invited to have a look in the actual production facility. Officine Panerai has a total of 600 employees world wide, of which 260 are located in this new manufacture in Neuchatel. The Panerai Manufacture is a large building, offering 10.000 square meters for the production of a number of their in-house developed calibers.AmazedBefore I continue my visitors report of the Panerai Manufacture, I have to admit that I was a bit sceptic at first. Sure, Officine Panerai has been making in-house movements since 2005. But to me, i [...]

Luminor MarinaLast week I attended the introduction of a couple of new Panerai models. Their most recognizable watch, the Luminor Marina, received an update.Now, I dont want to ruin a party, but changing or even slightly modifying an iconic watch can be very dangerous. Weve seen that escalating with a couple of brands, including Rolex (remember their initial 39mm Explorer, or what about the Day-Date II. Both short lived.). Anyway, while I was holding my breath, Panerai built up the tension by showing a bit of background information first.I assume you are familiar with Panerai, we covered it many times, so I am going to skip the history lessons. Important to know is that Panerai has been a ma [...]

To be brutally honest, this newly introduced Panerai Luminor 1950?3-Days, or PAM 663, is already one of my all-time favorites concerning modern Panerai watches. It probably was a question of time when they would come up with a Panerai Luminor 1950?with a stunning vintage looking brown dial and a plexi crystal.This brown color should remember you of the discolored dials of vintage Panerai models (like the?reference 6154 also?named Egiziano Piccolo). These watches initially had black dials, but over time, they changed color to this distinct brown tone due to the effect of the radium-based powder used to lume the hands and indexes. Therefore, Panerai introduces two Special Edition models that h [...]