Watches Blog Wrist Watch Reviews

This past week, the Tudor Royal had its international debut. We break it down and ask whether its a worthy consideration versus the Rolex Datejust with a slight twist.A few months ago, we covered the release of the new Tudor Black Bay Fifty-Eight Blue. Despite the fact that it was just a simple color addition, it was met with rave reviews. But keen observers also noted that there was another release from the brand. Something called the Tudor Royal was shown. Unfortunately, it was only released to the Asian market until now. In this odd year, Tudor waited a few months to reveal it to the rest of the world and we actually think its a neat watch (well, some of us). But is it a worthy, less exp [...]

We received an email from our reader Jeffrey. He wonders how the watch landscape would look like if Rolex were wiped from it and its history. We try to answer that question in the best way possible. As we meander down Hypothetical Lane, we took into consideration the brands accomplishments and innovations, but also made some assumptions. Let us know your take on this alternate history in the comments belowThat hypothesis doesn't only affect today's crazy market for (Rolex) watches, but it might also affect some of the innovations that Rolex introduced. Many think that Rolex was the inventor of the automatic movement, the date window, the diving watch etc., but that's not true. They might hav [...]

Welcome back to our Watch On Your Wrist? Instagram extravaganza Tag your watch snaps with fratellowatches to be in with a chance to win!Every week, we select four images. You can vote in the article for your favorite image. The winner moves on to the semi-final round (held every fifth week between the previous four weekly winners). Win that and youre into the final, which will be held at the end of the year. There will be five finalists in 2020 and ten from next year on.Basically, if you like winning things and there will be a prize for the champion of 2020 this year represents your best shot. So get snapping, get tagging, and get sharing. And dont forget to vote (once) for yourself Obvious [...]

The new Submariner lineup hobbled the internet the other week. Now that the dust has settled to some degree, I thought Id weigh in with my thoughts.Love it or hate it, you cant deny that Rolex news is big news. And theres probably no bigger topic in the watch world than a new Submariner. If we were talking cars, this is akin to a new Porsche 911, a new Corvette, or perhaps a 4-series BMW. By the way, for as awful as 2020 has been, weve gotten new editions of those icons too But back to watches because as the owner of what I personally think is the last classic Submariner in the 14060M, I always ask myself one question when a new one comes to light. Would I trade up to buy the new one?Goodbye [...]

I kid you not, the sharks are already trying to charge you nearly 20,000 for the new Rolex Submariner. The new Rolex diver didnt solve the ongoing issue of dealers taking abuse. Its not necessarily the fault of grey market dealers, because remember, these watches have to come from somewhere. Luckily, there is a fine alternative hiding in plain sight: the Rolex Sea-Dweller.Anyway, without starting a rant about ridiculous market prices for the new Rolex Submariner watches, I thought about the Rolex models that you can actually buy. For an amount close to the retail price of the new Submariner, you could pick up the very handsome Sea-Dweller. The Rolex Sea-Dweller 16600 is the first Rolex I bou [...]

The Rolex Air-King came about as a response to the popularity of larger cases with legible dials. Air-service men and women, especially in the RAF, would often opt for 33mm Rolex Oyster watches. Don't get me wrong 33mm watches are practically diminutive these days, but back in the 40s, this diameter was considered oversized. Therefore, the continuation of this diameter became inevitable.From 1957 to 1990, the Rolex Air-King reference 5500 was in continual production. The Air-King may not have had chronometer certification but the cost-effectiveness certified it as the entry point into the Coronet. During this time, it was typical for Rolex to partner with firms to gift Air-Kings to employees [...]

When Rolex does an update, you know that the new version will be the same but better. In 2009, Rolex did the last significant upgrade of the Submariner. First the bi-color model, then the Date model (2010), followed by the classic Submariner (2012). But is it also nicer? Thats of course in the eye of the beholder, but initial opinions seem to vary since the news broke.When Rolex introduced its previous versions, the Submariner maintained the size of 40mm. But Rolex gave its diving icon beefier lugs, and more importantly a ceramic diving bezel.? It was a very welcome update, in my opinion, but I am biased since I didnt like the last aluminum bezel Submariner Date (16610). I didnt like it at a [...]

The Rolex Sky-Dweller has, recently, started to get a bit more of the love it perhaps deserved when it stumbled out of the blocks in 2012. For the best part of a decade, the bizarrely complicated love child of the Rolex Datejust and GMT Master II clamored for attention. With an updated dial that saw batons replace the busy numerals used in its early days, the watch began to come of age. Now, with the release of three 18-karat gold models on Oysterflex bracelets, the crown has given a new angle from which to appreciate the ugly duckling that is flourishing into a graceful swan.Weve seen the Oysterflex hit the Daytona and Yacht-Master collections before. Despite this rubber bracelet looking li [...]

We knew it was coming. We didnt know what it was exactly, but we knew the Sub was going to get a little bit of attention this year. Wed heard some pretty crazy theories thrown around (with the blue/blue Submariner renders doing the rounds on social media last week and whipping everyone into a frenzy), but the reality is in line with what we expected. A new movement. Slight revisions to the lugs. This generations Kermit (which should clearly be known as the Green Lantern). But a couple of updates have caused a stir. Lets dig into those briefly hereReworking the lugs was a good idea. No, it was necessary. The boxy Maxi-case lugs were an absolute shower, as Terry-Thomas would say. I am a little [...]

Of course, of course, I get it. I understand why every article written about the new Rolex Oyster Perpetual collection is focused on the 41mm 124300. It is a handsome watch. Most importantly, it is something very new for Rolex. However, as seminal as its release may be, it has obscured the debut of a true classic. The Rolex Oyster Perpetual 126000 in 36mmWhy is reference 124300 important? Its the first time Rolex has released a 41mm Oyster Perpetual. Perhaps even more startling, is the fact it has bulldozed its way into the collection by replacing the 39mm family entirely. That, to me, seemed a shade unnecessary considering the Oyster Perpetual configurator page of the Rolex website already [...]

In this series, well be sharing the EDC (Everyday Carry) items of our editorial team. First up is Robert-Jan, founder and editor-in-chief of Fratello. What essentials does he carry with him on a daily basis?In all honesty, I had to google what EDC meant. I definitely do have some things that I consider essentials, though, that I carry with me on a daily basis. Most of the things are packed in my briefcase, a brown leather bag from Castelijn Beerens. This is a Dutch company founded in 1945 that actually started out making watch straps. Today, however, the company doesnt anymore, and instead focuses on briefcases, weekenders, laptop bags, backpacks, and so on. My briefcase has a padded compar [...]

Last week we held the first Speedy Tuesday Event again. Its been a long time since the last one (for one obvious reason that has affected all of us). We received an incredibly high amount of registrations, but we were limited (no pun intended) to 50 people in total. For these 50 persons, Fratello and Omega hosted the Speedy Tuesday Event at the Omega headquarters in Biel, with quite some nice surprises in store.Speedy Tuesday Event Biel Edition 2022When I started Speedy Tuesday back in 2012 10 years ago I didnt put a lot of thought into it. It sounded like a nice working title and it allowed me to write about my favorite chronograph at least once a week. The first get-together came in 2012, [...]

Fratello On Air returns with an episode where both hosts are finally in the same room. It took two years, but the dynamic duo is together again. Face to face reunited and it feels so good!That's right, Balazs and Mike are finally sitting in the same room, recording a podcast, and checking out watches. It's a fun show with a couple of reader questions and a look at a handful of watches from each host's collection. Enjoy a candid discussion between two friends who haven't seen each other in a while.Handgelenks KontrolleBefore moving on to the main topic, the two discuss the recent DOXA ArmyDOXA Army release. They both offer their thoughts on this limited edition, sold-out timepiece. Then, for [...]

I hope you enjoyed a real good weekend and that you're ready to start the week with a real good coffee. With the emphasis on real, because in the first part of this weekly kick-off article, we warn you that fake Omega ?bSwatch Speedmaster MoonSwatches have been spotted. Also, if you're into cycling, Tudor, or both, you might want to know more about the new Tudor Pro Cycling Team. I also have a book tip for you, and that's a re-printed edition of Watches: A Complete History of the Technical and Decorative Development of the Watch by horological experts Cecil Clutton and George Daniels a must-have for horology enthusiasts.It was only a matter of time, of course, but the first fake Omega ?bSwa [...]

Im starting to think I might have a very specific type when it comes to watches. The Omega Seamaster GMT Great White 2538.20.00 is a watch that certainly ticks all the boxes. Its a rugged stainless steel sports watch with plenty of water resistance and a GMT function. It has the classic Seamaster looks, but with a twist or two that make this a very attractive piece indeed. However, the fact that Im writing about it in this article means one thing it's no longer in production. Omega axed this particular model sometime in the early 2000s, and that makes me very sad indeed. But I'm sure we can all agree that the Omega Seamaster GMT's comeback is long overdue. And when the time (hopefully) comes [...]

Where were you when the MoonSwatch landed? I know where I was because the build-up to the launch promised a big bang. And it certainly delivered. As soon as the eleven Omega a Swatch Speedmaster MoonSwatches touched earth, it seemed like the entire world went mad. The watch world, that is. Swatch boutiques were surrounded by hordes of watch fans young and old trying to get their hands on a Bioceramic MoonSwatch. Find out how I experienced the touch-down of the Speedmaster MoonSwatch, what I think of the watch itself, and my perception of the concept; is the hype still alive?Omega a Swatch Speedmaster MoonSwatch Creating turmoil worldwideSo, is the hype surrounding the MoonSwatch still going [...]

Yes, you read that title correctly. And its true. This piece of woven polyamide with Omega-stamped hardware is more expensive than a MoonSwatch. I must remind you the Omega a Swatch Speedmaster MoonSwatch is a fully functional Swiss-made quartz chronograph with a bioceramic case, Hesalite crystal, Velcro strap, and surprisingly crisp dial. Judging by these two purchases, I am seemingly getting much more bang-for-buck with my MoonSwatch. Yet I appreciate both items dearly for what they offer. The Omega strap in question is the 21mm SPECTRE NATO, which mimics the early James Bond strap with five distinct stripes. This particular strap has gray on two inner lines with a black center and black o [...]

Searching for the right watch roll or watch box can be quite a journey. I have tried many boxes, including the now-discontinued Orbita aluminum case and a bunch of wooden boxes as well. None of them really wowed me, though, until I saw a handmade wooden watch box from Officina Creativo.Watch boxes by Officina CreativoI had already noticed Officina Creativos work on Instagram, and not too long ago, my friend Ralph (@fiftyfathommilspec) brought his custom-made Officina Creativo case to the watch get-together we reported about here. I was thrilled and got in touch with Richard, the owner of Officina Creativo, to discuss the possibility to create a box for some of my Speedmaster watches. Althoug [...]

King's Day is like the 4th of July in the US, but brighter and bigger in the hearts of the Dutch people. Me, I'm Norwegian, but I'll eat my hat if I dont put on something orange this week. This is easily the biggest event that takes place not just in Amsterdam but throughout all of the Netherlands. Be prepared for towns, cities, canals, streets, and parks filled with celebration. We kick it off with our ORANGE King's Day Special ORANGE is the color, and spring is in the air. And if you're just Dutch by proxy like me in my editor's role, join in anyway. I mean, what better way to cheer yourself up than with a madly bright pop of juicy orange? Spring might not have warmed up everywhere yet, b [...]

Sometimes, there are watches you love that are not always top of mind. Once you are reminded of their existence, however, you instantly know what makes them so brilliant. The Omega De Ville Chronograph 145.018 is one of those watches for me. Every time I see the watch, its like falling in love all over again. The piece fits into the mold of sporty 1960s chronographs but with plenty of characteristic elements that make it stand out. It is one of those beloved chronographs from Omegas rich history that is very popular amongst Omega collectors. But as this watch is quite a rarity and Omega currently does not have a model like it in its collection, I would love to see it return. Time to find out [...]