Watches Blog Wrist Watch Reviews

Wrist Game or Crying Shame gets classy with the Rolex Submariner 16803.After our debut article of Wrist Game or Crying Shame a couple weeks back, where a colorful Omega Speedmaster got trounced, it seems you werent sure if you wanted to shake off those Smuggler's Blues to give last week's contestant, the Ebel 1911 Chronograph, a Wrist Game win.? In what Id call a ridiculous set of circumstances, the voting ended in a dead heat at the time of publishing.? Really, its 50/50.? Apparently, the opportunity to own a true 1980's style icon that houses an equally legendary El Primero movement for under $2K didnt prove to be tempting enough for more than 50% to swing your (Jan) Hammer down on the buy [...]

Fratello and The Massimo Osti Archive collaborated to share the favourite watches of the late founder and designer of C.P. Company, Stone Island and other brands and the inventor of garment dyeing, the heat reactive and reflective jacket.Garment engineer Massimo Osti (1944 2005) created innovative and game-changing clothing brands such as C.P. Company, Stone Island, Boneville and later Massimo Osti Production and Left Hand. Osti was way ahead of his time with products such as a heat reactive jacket (1987) and a reflective jacket (1991). Today, his visionary method has become the standard for a complete industry. Brands like Stone Island and C.P. Company are more popular than they were ever [...]

You know that when we talk about legendary bracelets sooner or later the Rolex Jubilee makes an appearance.It's just inevitable. The Jubilee is just one of those bracelets you immediately associate with Rolex. It is making a watch instantly recognizable as a Rolex. While the brand mostly used it on dressier watches, the Jubilee found its way to some sportier models too. Like the GMT-Master. Truth be told, it does not look good on all Rolex sports watches. Or does it? Well, we will talk about the newest models later. For now, let's stick with the vintage watches.Jubilee bracelet with all-steel claspHistory of the JubileeThe Jubilee, as its name suggests, was born to serve an anniversary. Hans [...]

Only last week, I received this exact question at least three times during a discussion on purchasing a (new) watch.I received this question by email and twice during a discussion in the flesh. In a time where Rolex has issues delivering their goods to the final customers, or at least to fulfil the demand, theres a limitation on what you can buy. But if we include vintage and pre-owned watches, theres still enough to choose from. Were not into paying over retail for anything, so forget about the grey market supply for Rolex. Or douchy ADs who are willing to sell you one for a premium.You Asked Us: What Rolex would you buy?So basically, the question was directed at me. What Rolex I would buy. [...]

Konnichiwa, horologically enthused perusers!? Its This Week in Watches for June 23, 2019!So, Ive roughly counted it and Ive done something like 30 flights over the last 60 days.? Im kind of happy to be back at home while I write this despite returning to heat that just doesnt belong in a country that finds air conditioning unhealthy.? What the hell is up with that backwoods medical witchery?? Freeze me out and turn me blue!? This week was eventful as I had the opportunity to take in the Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean Ultra Deep press release.? It was fantastic and my transit was easy thanks to the good folks at Omega and the gem that is London City airport.? Ill come back in a future article o [...]

Today, well seek to answer an age old conundrum posed by prospective buyers: Rolex Submariner or GMT Master II?If you happen to write for a magazine such as, say, Fratello for long enough, your friends and colleagues begin to come with all sorts of questions about watches.? From fashion brands to odd 40s pieces that once belonged to a loved one, Ive seen them all.? But if theres one topic that comes up more so than any other, its about Rolex.? Specifically, more often than not, people ask whether to buy the Rolex Submariner or GMT Master II.Rolex Submariner or GMT Master IIDespite the repeated calls for the death of mechanical watches due to the rise of smart watches, the ritualistic desire [...]

The ultimate toolwatch the Rolex Explorer II, aimed at speleologists and cave explorers.Some time ago, Michael Stockton wrote quite a love letter (as one of our readers wrote in the comments) on the Rolex Explorer 1016. While the reference 1016 Explorer was being produced already in 1963 and kept in production for 26 years, Rolex introduced another Explorer in 1971. The Explorer II. This watch was not a successor of the Explorer 1016, but an additional timepiece with an additional function. The Explorer II was aimed at speleologists or cave explorers, who could lose the sense of time during their work. When you are not exposed to daylight, its feasible to lose track of time and whether you [...]

Today Im going to launch one of the most requested watches since the launch of Watches and Pencils. It will be all about this famous?thirst quencher:Old NicknameThe nickname Pepsi for the Rolex GMT-Master seems to be quite old. I found several sources that go back multiple decades. It is an old and at least one of the most famous nicknames. Almost every watchnerd knows what youre talking about when you speak about the Rolex Pepsi. Intentionally, Rolex created the famous blue/red bezel by request of Pan-Am. This airliner asked Rolex to develop the watch because the flights were becoming longer and pilots needed something to read multiple timezones. One of the requested features in this projec [...]

Ayrton Senna is the legendary (and three times World Champion) F1 driver who passed away 25 years ago (already). Today we show you a watch he gave to his mentor,?Angelo Parrilla, who discovered Senna when he was 18 years old in 1978.Last Sunday was packed with sports for me. Meaning I watched the 1000th F1 race in the morning (local time), that took place in China and in the afternoon I watched Tiger Woods winning the Masters title. Then, my eye caught the Phillips auction on May 11-12 in Geneva, where they will offer a watch linked to Ayrton Senna, the Brazilian F1 driver that won three World Championships (1988, 1990 and 1991). I remember that Ayrton Senna died in an accident during the 19 [...]

In all honesty, this definitely wasnt Rolexs strongest year when it comes to new releases, but they had at least some surprises. Like this Rolex Daytona 116588 TBR.A gem-set Daytona isnt exactly a new thing, but a dial like this weve never seen before on a Rolex Daytona. Their new Cosmograph Daytona ref. 116588 TBR(-003) has a bezel set with 36 trapeze-cut diamonds while the dial is diamond pave with this interesting structure of yellow gold. Our friends from Revolution magazine dubbed this one the Eye of the Tiger, as the dial should (or could?) remind us somewhat of a tiger. Lets just hope it isnt a panther. As you can see, the Arabic numerals 15, 30 and 45 are also made of yellow gold. Th [...]

Fortuna in New York is hosting their April Exchange auction on April 11th. 15 watch lots included!Auctions are fun to follow, live or online, to see what certain watches will do on the market and what will happen if two bidders cant stop. Fortuna is an auction house based in New York and started with jewellery only. Today, you will also find watches at their auctions. Lets have a look at three watches that will be auctioned tomorrow by them.1966 Rolex GMT-Master ref. 1675I have a weak spot for the GMT-Master and owned several, including two reference 1675 models. It is the watch by Rolex that gave them a name in aviation, as the GMT-Master is forever linked to the Pan Am days. Pan Am needed [...]

In what could only be described as a shock, weve received word that the 40mm steel Rolex Submariner line has been discontinued.Bethlehem Steel, PAN AM Airways, McDonalds fries actually fried in lard, or Great Britain as an E.U. member all institutions once thought to be impenetrable but ultimately proven to be fallible.? And so it goes with the steel Rolex Submariner line.? Whether were talking about the version with date, without date, Hulk, or black, consider your chances of finding a new one at an AD somewhere between slim and none.RIP Steel Rolex SubmarinerFew signs were shown by the famously secretive and humble brand regarding a potential cancellation of the steel Rolex Submariner lin [...]

The Rolex Yacht-Master was introduced in 1992, so only a relatively new member of the Oyster family. Now, 27 years later, they introduce something big, bold and in white gold.Although a bit underwhelmed at first based on the press images, the new Rolex Yacht-Master 42 with reference 226659 did not disappoint. I feel kinda old realizing that I vividly remember the introduction of the Rolex Yacht-Master reference 16622. When the Yacht-Master was introduced in 1992, it was only in yellow gold. A watch that wasnt meant as a divers watch, with its bi-directional bezel and water resistance of just 100 meters. It was meant and still is, as a lifestyle piece rather than a tool watch.Theres also a Ya [...]

In an odd move, we get a Rolex Sea-Dweller Steel and Gold at Baselworld 2019.While were far from closing the books on Baselworld 2019, we are noticing a rather consistent trend in the facial expressions when we ask fellow journalists about the newest releases from Rolex and Tudor: quizzical.? Starting with the Tudor Black Bay P01 that we reviewed yesterday, its been a strange one.? Keen not to let controversy follow its kid brother, we have the Rolex Sea-Dweller Steel and Gold, which was certainly a curveball.The Rolex Sea-Dweller Steel and Gold ref. 126603In Baselworld 2017, Rolex debuted a new 43mm Sea-Dweller (ref. 126600) with red writing on its dial to celebrate the 50th anniversary of [...]

Again interesting matter here at You Asked Us. One of our regular readers, Jordy, sent us a question about the possible discoloring of Luminova and Super-LumiNova.You Asked Us: Will Super-LumiNova, just like Tritium, Discolor When It Ages?Heres the full text of the question:From: JordyMessage Body:Hi guys!This is a question thats been keeping me busy for quite some time now. Im relatively new to watch collecting and started my addiction when all new watches were produced with Luminova and Superluminova.We all know that the older types of lume discolor when it ages. Is this the same with Luminova and why did they introduce Superluminova? What types of lume are there? Can we expect a slight sh [...]

Mike from Switzerland asked us if we could advise him on where he should have his vintage, 1981, Rolex Rootbeer GMT Master 16753 serviced. At Rolex or one of their official service centers, or would a local watchmaker be a better idea?Where should I have my Rolex GMT Master 16753 serviced?From: MikeSubject: You asked usHello,I would like to contribute a question to You asked us. I recently purchased a 1981 Rolex GMT Root Beer reference 16753.The watch tells time but needs service as the crown is not secure. My question?is regarding the hands and dial. I dont believe they need to be replaced and Im afraid if I send the watch to Rolex for service, that is exactly what theyll do. What are your [...]

The Rolex Daytona Rainbow in Everose gold (reference 116595RBOW) is one of those watches that leaves me as puzzled today as it did when it was introduced last March. Although a lot of the attention of this years Rolex releases went to their GMT Pepsi, the Deepsea?Sea-Dweller and GMT?bi-colour models, their extravagant Daytona Rainbow Everose 116595RBOW was talked about a lot as well.Rolex Daytona Rainbow Everose 116595RBOWIn 2012, Rolex introduced their Daytona Rainbow in yellow gold (116598RBOW) and white gold (116599RBOW). Extremely rare pieces that demonstrated the skills of Rolex craftsmanship for setting stones in watches. These watches are hardly seen, as they are only produced in very [...]

Anyone who is part of the watch community will probably agree that watch spotting can be a really satisfying activity. I sometimes entertain myself by checking out the wrists of others on the tram or plane sitting next to me. You usually have a preconceived idea of what a Rolex wearer or an Omega guy looks like. These are perfect occasions to assure your theory about them. Not to mention, when you see a special piece, a limited edition or a cool vintage watch. All of a sudden, the guy who occupies the whole armrest next to you earns your respect. Watch spotting has another way too; watching movies and TV. Today's Full HD TVs allow you not only to see the watch crystal clear but also to pause [...]

Some time ago, Matt from London (UK) sent us his question about the choice of a GMT, or Dual Time Zone watch. Matt would like to actually use a dual time zone function on a watch while travelling to locations with other time zones.Matts dream watch, the Patek Philippe Aquanaut 5164, here pictured in rose gold instead of stainless steel; our review of this watch can be found here.Patek Philippe Aquanaut 5164RYou Asked Us: Which GMT / Dual Time Zone watch do you recommend?Heres the full text of Matts question:Dear Fratello Watches,I'm keen to hear your thoughts on what watches you might recommend which have a dual time zone feature.I travel frequently for work and whilst the short haul from Lo [...]

New York-based Auction house?Fortuna has their Important Watches sale tomorrow (December 6th) with no less than 114 lots.??From those lots, we selected four watches for you to check out (and feel free to browse the other 110 lots of course).Lets start with the Rolex 5512 that is featured above.Rolex Submariner 5512 Square Crown GuardsOne of the rarest versions of the Rolex Submariner, the reference 5512 with square crown guards, launched in 1959, replaced earlier models without crown guards to protect the crown from impact and water damage. It is thought that less than 100 examples of the Submariner with square crown guards were made; only about 30 are known to the market. Because of the dam [...]