Watches Blog Wrist Watch Reviews

This time, Balazs and Mike welcome a very special guest from the icy North. Fellow Fratello member Jorg Weppelink graces the mic alongside the duo with his thoughts on the current trend of supposedly rare and exclusive watches.Yes, we touch on a topic thats top of mind for many watch collectors and thats this idea of rare and exclusive watches. We have so many questions Is it foolish when we call a watch such as the Submariner rare? Would we snap up a steel Rollie at retail? Do we think this current trend of finding scores of supposedly unobtainable watches on the grey market is a bit ridiculous? What do we think about burgeoning brands like MING or Unimatic that purposely limit production? [...]

Just recently, Zenith introduced its new Chronomaster Sport El Primero. We take a look at this chronograph and compare it to the obvious competitor: the Rolex Daytona.In this video, we talk about the new Zenith Chronomaster Sport with El Primero caliber 3600 and the elephant in the room. Is it too similar to the Daytona, or is it different enough to make a comparison with the Daytona pointless? The Zenith Chronomaster Sport is using ingredients from its past models (DeLuca, for example) but also brings some new elements to the table.Zenith Chronomaster SportTo us, the main attraction is in the El Primero movement. This caliber 3600 is a wonderful movement, with historical significance, and c [...]

The story behind my stainless-steel Rolex Cosmograph Daytona reference 116520 is long overdue. For good reasons, though it is a tale of both joy and woe. For those of you that covet the Daytona as the chronograph to end all chronographs, that may sound surprising. But trust me, those shades of feeling are very, very real. It took me a while to come to terms with this story, but Ive learned to embrace it now for the experience I earned through it. And now, after all is said and done, its time to share it with youAt the millenniums turn, reference 116520 saw the Daytona updated. It became the first Rolex with an in-house automatic chronograph movement. Before that, the El Primero caliber beat [...]

When I sell a watch from my collection, theres probably a good reason for it. I dont have many regrets in that regard, but selling my Rolex Yacht-Master 16622 back in 2009 is definitely one of them.I bought my Rolex Yacht-Master 16622 in 2007, a pre-owned model from 2004. In my collection were already a GMT-Master II, Sea-Dweller, and Datejust, so I thought the Yacht-Master would be something different. It was a bit of a weird choice and was, back then, regarded as a bit of an unloved watch by collectors.Rolex Yacht-Master 16622Even the seller tried to talk me out of it when I was there. Instead, he offered me one of the new GMT-Master II models with a ceramic bezel. But no, I wanted to have [...]

This article was supposed to start off as a like-for-like comparison piece between the the unlikely foes, Urwerk and Rolex. Rob tasked me with going to town and making a crazy comparison between two totally different brands, occupying two totally different market sectors. I am always up for a challenge (unless it involves running I hate running), but I hit a blank as I sat down to write this.I mean, sure, I could compare the market spaces that?Urwerk and Rolex occupy, the construction materials, their respective histories, or maybe even the mass production versus the small batch production. There is technically plenty that could be said, but it just didnt feel right. Im sure Ill get some hat [...]

In our Sunday Morning Showdown, two of our writers go head-to-head in an epic showdown for the ages. Strong opinions and hysterical hyperbole are welcome (so feel free to join in with the fun in the comments section below). And don't forget to let us know which watches you'd like to see torn to shreds/effusively exalted next week. We'll try and feature as many of our readers' choices as we can. Today's match-up is all about smart/casual steel watches from the Crown. Ben and Jorg select an entry level Rolex each between the recently introduced Oyster Perpetual ref. 124300 and the Datejust ref. 126300.In previous editions of our Sunday Morning Showdown series, both the Rolex Datejust and the R [...]

Last year, Rolex surprised us with a sudden novelty drop. While cynicism surrounding the Crown and its supply chain (or lack thereof) exists, the new designs were themselves rather neat. The Oyster Perpetual models brought us color and class, while the new Submariner brought us the kind of evolution the brand is known for. Subtle tweaks and minor updates were the orders of the day. Now, as the calendar ticks over to the first full year of having these Rolexes in the catalog, Im taking my first look at the brand new Rolex Submariner Date 126613LN.I got the chance to see this one in the metal recently. Ive been mulling over it ever since. Cards on the table: Ive never been a huge fan of the mo [...]

Some watches are impossible to overlook due to their cult status. Others due to massive value appreciation achieved thanks to massive exposure and popularity among collectors. Let's not forget the watches you might have only seen once before and are forever etched on your memory. Let's take a look at some of the most striking vintage dial designs. As the design is a matter of personal taste at the end of the day, we might be treading through dangerous territory today. Well, Ive decided to go for it anyway It might sound unusual to try to separate the dial design from the case shape, the bezel, or the hand style, but I believe it is a worthwhile exercise. To narrow down the shortlist, I liste [...]

Im going to be honest: this is not just a list of my five current favorite Rolex watches. This is a confrontation with a question that has been on my mind for some time. Is buying a new Rolex slowly turning into the itch you cant scratch? I dont want to think that way, but who I am kidding? As I was writing it, I knew this list was really a long-overdue goodbye to the idea of buying a new Rolex. Call me a hopeless romantic, but there is more to this than simply availability. So lets go and close this book for once and for all.I have been fortunate enough to write several entries in our Sunday Morning Showdown column with my colleague Ben. And over the course of these last few months, we have [...]

Today, Im taking?a closer look?at the current?Rolex line-up?and picking out what I consider design flaws. My selection is subjective, but I cannot be the only one who has looked at a modern Rolex and thought, It would be better ifa.?I am not attempting to be an armchair designer and fully appreciate I am not the only customer base.?However,?sometimes, a particularly Rolex model is showered with praise,?yet?I cannot shake the sense of Emperor's new clothes syndrome. There is even a chance to vote and share your voice in the comments section?below, so?let's?get the debate going.?Firstly, you might be wondering why I am deciding to kick-off the New Year in a slightly negative connotation. Hasn' [...]

Its the last Wrist Game or Crying Shame of 2020. Lets end this crazy year with the kooky Rolex Milgauss. But firstLast week, just before Christmas, I proposed the Cartier Tank Basculante and your response was a resounding Tank you very much The Cartier absolutely crushed it with an 87% Wrist Game win. Im not sure if that proves that you all have class or a thing for discontinued watches. Regardless of your motives, youll have your chance to decide on another bygone timepiece with todays Rolex Milgauss 116400.The Rolex Milgauss returns in 2007It was way back in 2007 when Rolex reintroduced the modern anti-magnetic Milgauss. I recall this period of my life because I was living in a somewhat se [...]

A Datejust ref.1600 was actually my first Rolex. I still have it, and although that watch became a bit obsolete in my collection, I do cherish it. It is a classic and especially on a Jubilee bracelet, an incredibly comfortable watch to wear.Later on, I added a Rolex Datejust 16200 and even an OysterQuartz Datejust 17013. The Rolex Datejust 16200 didnt add much to the Datejust 1600 in my opinion, so it had to go, but I regret selling the 17013 a bit. That is an awesome watch, despite horological purists are known to throw a bit up in their mouth when hearing the word quartz or battery.I selected a few different Rolex Datejusts for this article, pre-owned models, that I think are interesting t [...]

Rolex has a strange power over people. Despite my industry experience, I am not an exception to that rule. In fact, perhaps it is exactly because of that experience that I allow myself to submit to its power. Ive not always been this way. Ive been through phases during which I flat-out rejected the very suggestion that I might ever own a Rolex, let alone wear one out of choice. Those days are gone. And now, as of two weeks ago, a new era has begun. I bought a Rolex. It was a pre-owned Rolex Oysterdate Precision 6694. Nothing odd about that, I hear you say. But what would you think if I told you I hadnt spent a moments thought on this model until five minutes before I pulled the trigger? Insa [...]

For this article, I picked 5 Rolex watches without box and papers. I am a collector and like to have my watches full set or at least as complete as possible. But what if you just want to buy a watch to wear? It saves you from storing boxes in your attic, safeguarding certificates and warranty cards, it is only you and the watch.It might be just a false assumption that everyone is a watch enthusiast or collector like ourselves here. You just might want to wear a watch and thats it. It is also how it often used to be in the past. When someone bought a watch in the 1980s, or even before, very often the box at least was left behind at the retailer. Just put the watch on your wrist, take your pap [...]

Buying a Rolex is not easy. That applies to new and pre-owned Rolex watches. With a new Rolex watch, the problem is availability. If you dont want to become a victim of the entire waitlist scheme, theres the pre-owned market, for example. But buying a pre-owned Rolex watch isnt easy either. I experienced that as recently as the last few weeks while I was hunting for oneIn this buying guide, you will find some tips on what to look for, where to look, and how to prevent you from ending up with something you dont want. If you are in the market for a used Rolex watch, there are a number of important things you need to know before you make the purchase.Pre-Owned Rolex Buying GuideDo your homework [...]

It's time for another installment of Two for Tuesdays where we compare a couple potential purchase choices. This week, we'll talk about the Tudor Black Bay 36 versus a neo-vintage Rolex Explorer.Back in 2018, I penned an article on the newly announced Tudor Black Bay 36. Specifically, the blue model was new and it joined a black dial edition that had been on the market for two years. I really liked it and spent a paragraph within the article comparing it to a neo-vintage 36mm Rolex Explorer. At that time, the price difference was within about 1,000. My how things have changed over the last two years. However, thats not why were here. I wanted to write this comparison for the simple reason th [...]

Most watch complications are related to our actual whereabouts. Take the chronograph, power reserve, and alarm or minute repeaters as examples. I?always found it fascinating that the GMT presented a?complication that referred to the events or reality related to you, just happening in any far corner of the world. Today we look at my favorite vintage GMT watches.?I?like simple solutions. That's why I?prefer Rolex ref. 1675 from 1959 to the ref. 16750 introduced in 1983. Pointing to its primary feature, which was an extra GMT hand, the later GMT Master II ref.16710 allowed it to be set independently. That resulted in the possibility to read not two, but three time zones.Rolex GMT-Master 1675 1 [...]

I like the hypothetical and that brings us to a seemingly outlandish question that may become a little less so. By the end of this article, you will get to answer whether youd put down your hard-earned money to buy a steel sports Rolex even if you dont want it. It seems like an easy one, but lets seeI dont daydream enough, but when I do its often about scary great white shark encounters or hitting a World Series deciding homer in the bottom of the ninth with two outs and a full count. Sometimes, though, I think about watches. And when I do, its a thought thats probably not too original. Ive got this wild plan where Im in some sort of out of the way town and there just so happens to be a Role [...]

The struggle is real Getting a new or used Rolex watch is becoming more difficult by the day. At least, if you want one of the usual suspects. A Rolex Submariner, Daytona, GMT-Master, or even a Datejust is becoming virtually impossible.But behold There are still some Rolex models out there that are offered within reason. Especially considered what you get for your hard-earned cash. For this weeks installment of Pre-Owned Picks (in cooperation with Chrono24), I selected 5 less popular Rolex watches (compared to the obvious ones) that I find interesting. Actually, I own or have owned a few of these Rolex models myself.Five Less Popular RolexesBuy what you like, is the advice I often give to pe [...]

The last time I bought a Rolex Submariner is already a few years ago. The then-current Submariner watch, reference 114060, has recently been replaced by the 124060.Now, I dont feel the urge to replace it with the new reference or add it, but it is about time that this article is amended with the latest references. Back in 2017, when I bought the watch, authorized dealers didnt have the watch in stock. The situation didnt exactly improve since then. Stainless steel Rolex sports models are hot, its especially the Submariner that can count on a huge fanbase, worldwide.The design of the Submariner 114060, and now 124060, is unmistakably Rolex, despite the size and use of modern materials such as [...]