Watches Blog Wrist Watch Reviews

The Pasha de Cartier is a bit of a mystery. Is the original Pasha the water-resistant watch Cartier made for the Pasha of Marrakesh who commissioned it in 1931? Or is it the Pasha former Cartier CEO Alain Dominique Perrin commissioned G rald Genta to design in 1985? Since the first watch is nowhere to be found (and it was a one-off), I would say that the original Pasha is the watch that debuted in the mid-eighties. And we can now go clubbing back to the 80s with the two-tone Pasha de Cartier 41mm watch, the latest incarnation of a creation that ruled the night(clubs) three decades ago.The late 80s and early 90s were times when carefree optimism, bold exuberance, and lavish expressions of lif [...]

In what has been a crazy time, there is something I think we can all agree on: the watch industry has surprised us with some unexpected releases. Cartier has occupied itself with reintroducing Must de Cartier. However, if you were expecting the old gold-plated design you might be disappointed. If youd been hoping the Must would get a modern update, however, I imagine youll be thrilled. The new Cartier Tank Must has many faces and the basic model stands far away from the vintage model. This is something really new in a very familiar package. It seems, at first glance, to be the perfect combo. But is it?Cartier's most iconic lineGiven that the Cartier Tank line is the brands most iconic, it's [...]

Hi and hello watch fans, welcome to Episode 56 of Fratello On Air, otherwise known as WASP 9.0. This week on Watching Sports and Sporting Watches, Balazs and I will be stepping away from North America itself and focusing on our very own mailbag, which is bursting at the seams thanks to our valued listeners writing in with their questions.We have questions from both sides of the Atlantic to address, with fun answers to chew through. First, though, we touch on the latest developments in European Soccer following the semi-finals of both of Europes major cup competitions, the Champions League and the Europa League.In the mailbag we find questions about the NBA, our watch experiences, how we woul [...]

is what I often like to say to my fellow watch friends when they start again asking the same silly questions about Cartier.It was 1983 or 1984 when I bought my first real watch; the Cartier Santos. That was, of course, the square watch in steel with yellow gold lunette and steel bracelet with yellow gold screws. It was hot like hell and became the most copied watch. It was also that watch that made me interested in the history of the brand since the dealer told me that the design was inspired by the first men's wristwatch, launched by Cartier in 1904. So you can imagine that it did not take long before I became obsessed with watches in general, especially with Cartier.Cartier Watches From Co [...]

For over the last 170 years Cartier has influenced the fine jewelry styles as well as the watch industry. Some of Cartier's most iconic pieces of jewelry and watches resemble the elegant and powerful panther. The Panth re motif was Jeanne Toussaint's excellent idea. Back in those days, Toussaint, as Head of Creation at Cartier, designed the Panth re wristwatch with wildcat print made of gold and black enamel. Today the French Maison shares some new Haute Joaillerie releases that refer to its wild heritage.The Libre collection focuses on some of the most exotic shapes the French brand has ever conceived. The first highly jeweled creation is the Baignoire. On Fratello, were more than used to [...]

In 1920, Cartier released a bell-shaped watch called Cloche de Cartier. It was original yet a bit quirky. The Cartier Priv collection is growing with new models inspired by this asymmetrical watch.?The Priv collection is a line that draws attention to the Cartiers much-vaunted past. Last year the French Maison presented the Tank Asym trique, today we can get acquainted with the renewed Cloche de Cartier.The StoryCartier is a brand well-known for weird shapes. As we can see, this collection is very specific but intensely characterful as a result. As a luxury market lover, I am full of admiration for brands that make bold moves such as this. The Priv line is neither easily digestible nor pa [...]

Setting quite substantial watches with diamonds is always a bold idea. The square shape, solid bracelet, and prominent steel screws are what define the Santos de Cartier. I have this feeling that to make the entire design even more outstanding only diamonds were missing. That was, of course, until nowNew Models From The Santos de Cartier CollectionThe French brand expands its Santos collection with three new timepieces. However, the pure asceticism of the case is gone, usurped instead by a glittering case encrusted with 206 brilliant-cut diamonds. The beautifully shaped concept comes in three different variations.The first one, my favorite, a stainless steel watch with a steel sun-brushed di [...]

When, last year, Cartier announced the reintroduction of its Pasha collection, it was something of a special treat for the enthusiast. During the virtual Watches Wonders 2021, the French brand has launched new variations: the 41 Pasha de Cartier Chronograph and the 30mm women's version. For those who missed the sporty Chronograph, or wanted to get a smaller version, it's a real treat!?Well-known for its oval-shaped case, the 41mm Pasha de Cartier Chronograph is back. This time, however, Gerald Genta's design gets a little update. Before we dig into that, lets focus first on what remains unchanged. The two cabochon-topped pushers have the same size. Also, the dial features the same sporty-ye [...]

With the festive season just around the corner, its time to start planning the perfect gift for the stylish woman in your life. Imagine this: a Christmas tree, a velvety wine, twinkling lights, and Wait Whats missing from this scene?Watches, of course And lots of them Christmas is always the perfect time to treat yourself and your loved ones, and 2020 is no exception. This year we have seen many exciting launches. Which of them will conquer your loved one's heart during this magical season? Weve got a few suggestions for you in this, the best Christmas gifts for women who love watches.?Omega Tr sor Moonshine Gold for the Romantic Business WomanTwo years ago, Omega introduced the ladies Tr so [...]

Please, may I order one Croissant central chronograph hand for my Patek and two Sword hour hands for my Rolex watches? Oh, lord, I also need that Pistol hand for my Cartier Tank. Sci-fi? Not at all. The charismatic, creative, and passionate French Romaric Andr|, the brains and soul behind seconde/seconde, pivots his artistry towards unexplored waters. Besides uniquely fine-tuned vintage watches, seconde/seconde started selling strictly limited runs of daringly creative and carefully manufactured watch hands. Whenever you feel like it, you can install these handsets on the vintage watch of your choice. Will it ruin the design of your vintage watch, or on the contrary, will it make it even the [...]

This week, in Pre-owned Picks, I am highlighting four watches with Ferrari co-branding spanning more than four decades.The news of Sebastian Vettel leaving the Scuderia Ferrari Formula One team this season, whatever is left of it, had me thinking about what Ferrari means to F1. The team from Maranello is the most successful in terms of driver's and constructor's championships. But they transcend any other team when it comes to prestige. F1 without Ferrari is not F1 to me.Credit: Edwin van Nes www.dacorsa.netClassic racing chronographsThe Formula One YouTube channel has been replaying classic races from previous seasons the past few months. The 2003 British Grand Prix was a particularly exc [...]

Often overlooked by collectors, but never lacking respect from them either. Cartier: One of the most influential brands when it comes to the history of the wristwatch.When a friend writes a book on a subject hes so passionate about, it is very difficult to write something about it. What if the book isnt very good, or not worth spending your money on? Well, I can be very short about this: the book that George Cramer wrote on Cartier watches is actually the only book you need to have on the subject. Only if your interest goes very deep, it might be interesting to explore some other Cartier books that might go more in-depth on certain topics (the Cartier The Tank Watch book comes to mind). Geo [...]

This is the second installment of the Pre-Owned Picks series. In this weekly Pre-Owned Picks series, a Fratello editor will select some watches from the pre-owned market and explain why it is an exciting offer (or watch).As you could read in our first Pre-Owned Picks article in collaboration with Chrono24, the pre-owned market is enormous. And logically, it is only going to grow as more people will buy and sell their watches. Every week we will select a few pre-owned watches from their offers and discuss them here. Basically, for this weeks episode, I picked a few watches that are either always on my radar or watches that are on my wishlist. Without further ado, lets have a look at this week [...]

Welcome to Wrist Game or Crying Shame where we take the vote to the streets each and every week.? This week we go in a very different direction with the one and only Cartier Santos.Before we class things up, let's focus on last week's subject, the Omega Ploprof.? We featured an all-steel 1200 meter modern Ploprof for your perusal and guess what?? Despite those persistent hipsters, stylemakers and influencers telling you that little watches are back in style, you still like to bring muscle to the party.? It seems that a full 61% of you would rather strap this creature from the black lagoon to your arm versus not.? Maybe that will make Omega rethink its decision to pull its plug on this big ca [...]

To be honest, I have at times felt thoroughly exhausted from overexposure to the word Zaratsu. Despite this, I tried a basic Grand Seiko on the wrist. I was hesitant. Not keen on following the pack, I almost didnt want to like it. And then I gazed into that inky black void and got lost. Thus began my obsession with models SBGR053 and SBGR253I got lost to the point of now rethinking my recent purchase of a BB58. Thats despite striking lucky after a short two-month spot on an AD list. And there I was actually considering selling it to buy a second GS, a Quartz model, no lessSure, the 58s lugs were a tad sharp, but surely it wasnt that alone that could threaten to lever me from my latest acquis [...]

When Grand Seiko was re-introduced in 1988, their first models had quartz movements. Then, in 1998, Grand Seiko introduced the 9S calibre movement. The first two mechanical calibres for Grand Seiko that were introduced in 1998 were their calibre 9S51 and 9S55. The latter might sound familiar to you if you are into Seiko watches, as it was the base calibre for the 8L35(b) movements used in the Marinemaster series for example. These first two Grand Seiko movements were regulated to perform well within chronometer standards and had a power reserve of 50 hours. Since then, the 9S calibre movements have improved by (a.o.) using innovative materials (resulting in an accuracy of -5/+3 seconds a day [...]

Earlier this year, Grand Seiko introduced its new caliber 9SA5 movement in this beautiful gold watch, reference SLGH002 (you can read about it here). Today, Grand Seiko introduces a steel watch with this new hi-beat movement: meet the Grand Seiko SLGH003.Earlier this year, we went on a trip to Paris to see the Grand Seiko flagship boutique (click here for our boutique visit report) and to talk with Grand Seiko Europe President Fr d ric Bondoux. You can watch our conversation in the video of our Paris boutique report. What we didnt tell you then, is that we already had the chance to see the Grand Seiko SLGH003 under embargo at the time. And believe me, it was tough to keep this as a secret fr [...]

When the Grand Seiko White Birch SLGH005 watch was first introduced in early March, I was overwhelmed by the pictures and video we received from Grand Seiko. I couldn't wait to go hands-on with this watch, but, unfortunately, it took a bit longer than expected. But now it is here, and I will tell you what has transpired between the Grand Seiko White Birch SLGH005 and me.I really thought that this watch would be a no-brainer. In fact, I thought I could just order it unseen. I was wooed by the press material and images on Instagram. Simply put, it looked perfect. Well, for once, I am glad I wasn't too trigger-happy. Upon receipt, it was proven once again that sometimes you need to see the watc [...]

The Grand Seiko SBGA231G from their Sport Collection is not the first model that comes to mind when thinking about their watches. Perhaps it is the very competitive market for diving watches, whereas in the market of all-rounders, the Grand Seikos seem to do pretty well. So why is it that we don't see not much talk about the Grand Seiko SBGA231G or SBGA229G for example? Is it because its looks are too close to those diving watches from Switzerland? Let's have a closer look at the SBGA231.Grand Seiko SBGA231GThe SBGA231G is the Grand Seiko' update of the Seiko' SBGA031. This means that after Seiko and Grand Seiko were separated two years ago, all models received a new dial that only indicates [...]

Instead of the planned trip to Tokyo earlier this year to see the new Grand Seiko watches, we received two boxes (or more like suitcases) with Grand Seiko and Seiko watches. Most of it under embargo, of courseDespite Covid19 messing up our travel plans for 2020, the advantage is that we had a lot of time with these (and other) watches that made the trip to our office. One of the watches that grabbed immediate attention was this Grand Seiko SBGJ237. A smart looking GMT watch as you can see from the pictures.Grand Seiko SBGJ237Even though the green one (SBGJ239) was speaking to me a bit more at first, as I wrote in a previous article (click here) on Fratello, the blue and white version is defi [...]