Watches Blog Wrist Watch Reviews

Ive been test-driving each generation of the Forstner Flat Link bracelet for nearly two years now. From the early prototypes to the final product, Ive kept a close eye on each continual improvement. The new Forstner Contemporary Flat Link is the most significant update yet and gives an option to those wanting a modern feel. But while it still maintains the vintage cues, the Contemporary Flat Link is not without sacrifice.In his review here, Rob delivered the run down on this new Forstner bracelet. While it was fantastic to see the Flat Link on the Broad Arrow Omega Speedmaster, the Moonwatch is the iconic home of this bracelet style. As this is only a Strap Check, I wont be retreading Robs s [...]

On April 17, 1970, the Apollo 13 crew landed safely on Earth after some incredibly scary moments onboard the module. The Speedmaster played such an important role on the return trip, that NASA decided to give a Silver Snoopy Award to Omega on October 5th of that same year. Some think the Snoopy cartoon on a Speedmaster is a bit childish, but often, those people dont know why it is there. In this article, well explain how Snoopy ended up on the dial of a Speedmaster.In 1970, NASA astronaut Thomas P. Stafford presented a Silver Snoopy Award to Omega. Not everyone realizes how important this award is. It is an award given by NASA crew to staff or contractors for their special contribution and o [...]

Fratello On Air returns after a one-week hiatus with Part Two of the new-watch rundown. Balazs and Mike continue to roll through some of the more notable releases from the past month or so.Who doesnt like a new watch? Well, if youre like us, the seasons introductions mark an exciting period. Therefore, it was notable enough to mark the occasion with two episodes. Make sure to catch the first one if you havent already!Mission to the MoonHandgelenks KontrolleAfter a bit of chit-chat about travel, fitness, and normal life, the duo moves into the Handgelenks Kontrolle. Balazs is sporting a brand-new watch with the Nivada Grenchen Datomaster Mecaquartz. Mike has received his MoonSwatch Mission to [...]

How did the Easter Bunny treat you this weekend? No, don't tell me, keep it to yourself. And since you might not want to share too much with your colleagues either, here's a bit of coffee corner watch talk to kick off the week featuring G-Shock, a space-going Omega Speedmaster in yellow gold, a rare and complicated F.P. Journe creation, plus an upcoming exhibition at the Mus|e International dHorlogerie in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland.Some people mix and match like there's no tomorrow. And by that, I mean they combine watches and clothing without considering if the soul of the watch matches the spirit of the attire. But others do, and for those picky G-Shock-wearing mixers and matchers, the [...]

We receive quite a number of questions regarding the Speedmaster, and some of these messages are very similar. One of the recurring questions we receive about the Omega Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch is in regards to its Moon heritage.One of the Fratello readers asked us the following question: Which modern Speedmaster is closest to the original Moonwatch?We do get this question quite often indeed, so today, well share our answer (or opinion, as you wish). The number of different Speedmaster models in the current Omega collection can be a bit confusing for people. The Moonwatch is, by definition, a hand-wound watch, but not all hand-wound Speedmasters are considered Moonwatches. Think of [...]

When joining Fratello at the beginning of this year, I knew I was entering a Speedmaster-enthusiast stronghold. Quickly after joining and trying on the 2021 Speedmaster Professional in the office, I was convinced and swapped my First Omega in Space for one. And now, only about a month later, Im adding yet another Speedmaster to the collection. Not just any Speedmaster, though. Its the Mission to Saturn Speedmaster MoonSwatch, launched about two weeks ago. And boy, is it a joy to wear!But before we get into it, Id like to suggest a soundtrack for while youre reading this hymn to the MoonSwatch. Is anyone familiar with Gustav Holsts orchestral suite called The Planets? Well, Holst composed a p [...]

Timeless watches dont have to be boring, no They can even be fashionable. Such is the case with the Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra 150M Co-Axial Master Chronometer Small Seconds 41 MM, ref. 220.12.41.21.02.005.Spring and summer are just around the corner. Our mood brightens, and the desire to reflect our upbeat demeanor comes with it. At least that is the case with me. I always get the urge around springtime to put some bright and colorful watches on my wrist. However, wearing a bright statement piece can also lose its luster quickly. With such a strong presence, such a watch can grow tiresome before you know it. When that happens, its good to have a watch that balances classic styling and vital [...]

Whether you like the Omega a Swatch MoonSwatch collaboration or not is of no importance to the topic of this article. We even have supporters and opponents within the Fratello team (although most of us want one), and that's all fine.In past years, at watch shows be it the previous digital Watches And Wonders or the deceased Baselworld exhibitions Rolex was the first place to go for many watch journalists, editors, and retailers. The curtains went up (I kid you not, there were literal curtains) at noon, and you'd see a crowd in front of the windows trying to catch a glimpse of the novelties. It was quite the spectacle to witness. Truth to be told, in my first years attending Baselworld, I was [...]

I remember getting my Seiko SPB143J1 about two years ago. Its well-balanced design, brushed steel bezel insert, and gray sunburst dial really spoke to me. But I knew it was going to be a chunky and heavy watch, especially on the bracelet. So by the time it arrived, I had already gotten some straps for it. I got myself some single-pass NATOs and a Tropic strap, but the best match for me was a green/gray two-piece NATO I got from Esprit NATO. I have since gotten rid of the SPB143J1, but Im still enjoying the strap I got for it!Im not entirely sure how I ended up on the Esprit NATO website. Its a company operating out of Paris that offers the usual leather, nylon, and rubber watch straps also o [...]

Ah, Spring is FINALLY here, after a murky winter with the bitterly cold wind howling past the window of my home office. But while my new Bianchi road bike is ready to hit the road, today, it's actually snowing again.What a perfect time to bring out the freshest, brightest PASTELS for Easter, and invoke the first rays of proper sunshine that actually warms us up. Unlike my fellow Norwegian countrymen, I will absolutely not go up a mountain to re-acquaint myself with some snow. This is a time to have a Negroni in the sun.The MoonSwatchI know, the web is already saturated with the most celebrated collaboration of the last decade. And while I understand those who find the black-dial Moon versio [...]

Watches And Wonders is an event centered around some of the watch worlds finest and most exclusive brands. Rolex, Patek, Lange, everyone is invited to the party and its a suit-and-tie affair (for those brave enough). Something I did not expect when touching down in Geneva this past Tuesday was that the very next day during breakfast a white paper bag adorned with a red Swatch logo would be waiting for me. The bag looked familiar. I had seen it in the hands of some of the lucky few, greeted by jealous stares as they exited the Swatch boutique in Rotterdam shortly after its 9:39 AM opening. Inside was the new Omega ?bSwatch Speedmaster MoonSwatch. Undeniably, its the watch launch of the year, [...]

The introduction of the new Omega a Swatch Speedmaster MoonSwatch collaboration did not go unnoticed. Some of my colleagues went to see the queues last weekend in Frankfurt, Amsterdam, and Rotterdam, and they were absolutely crazy.We covered the Omega a Swatch Speedmaster MoonSwatch last Wednesday evening. As the media embargo was broken by another site, we got the OK from the Omega and Swatch HQs to publish a few hours ahead of schedule. And the interest in this watch exceeded all expectations We had the MoonSwatch in the office a few days in advance, and most of the Fratello team was incredibly excited about it. But this run to Swatch boutiques and the massive amount of comments on our art [...]

It has been over two years for obvious reasons, but were back with an invitation for a Speedy Tuesday event in Biel, Switzerland. With this, wed like to kick off a new series of events at the Omega headquarters. We will celebrate the 10th anniversary of Speedy Tuesday with you, but also the 65th anniversary of the Speedmaster watch.But first and foremost, it would be great to see you all again in the flesh. It has been way too long If you want to meet up with Speedmaster enthusiasts and collectors, you shouldnt miss this event in Biel on April 26th and April 27th. It is one event with two programs. We only have limited spots available, so make sure to sign-up quickly. We kindly ask you to on [...]

The Planet Ocean series is a go-to choice if you want a cool alternative to the Rolex Submariner, and one you can actually pick up from an AD (remember that feeling?). This is perhaps the most important sports watch range from Omega, and as such, you would surely think this is a bonafide diver's tool, right? Considering the image of its burly 43.5mm size in classic steel and blue, or black with a tempting pop of orange, I understand the sentiment. But, like many popular ranges, the Planet Ocean series has morphed into a veritable sub-brand with a full 28 references. You could go diving with white gold and diamonds, or take this understated 39.5mm Planet Ocean 600M in stealthy black ceramic.A [...]

I'll have a coffee and every Omega ?bSwatch MoonSwatch to start the week, please. Do I have to ask what you did last weekend? Do you want to talk about camping outside the nearest Swatch boutique? Please share your adventures and let me know if you scored one of the eight, not eleven, possible planets the Sun is a star, the Moon is a satellite, and Pluto is NOT a planet according to the International Astronomical Union (IAU). Or in the very possible case that its been mission impossible, its good to share your frustration over a coffee to get it out of your system. If you really don't want to talk about it, maybe speculate with me on an updated Daytona; what should it look like, and what sh [...]

Weve seen this battle many times before. The Rolex Submariner Date versus just about any dive watch thats willing and able to throw down against the titan. The challenge is selecting a watch that can transcend the general populace as effortlessly as the Submariner. From Steve McQueen to Sylvia Earle, the Rolex Sub has graced the wrists of legendary ambassadors across the gamut. Regardless of those who wear them, the watch, the engineering, the heritage, and pure design perfection have made the Submariner an inspiration worldwide. This has led many brands to throw their hands up and proclaim, If you cant beat it, join it. That is unless you are Omega with its Seamaster Diver 300M. Today, I co [...]

Like a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step chapter 64 of Lao Tses Tao Te Ching ?I think a watch collection starts with a single watch. Not with three. But lets assume the hypothetical situation, where a sugar daddy gave me 10,000 to spend on a three-watch watch collection to start with. What would I do? First, Id celebrate, of course, and then Id consult my feelings and probably head over to Chrono24.At first, it might seem challenging to spend 10K wisely; there are so many options, and a considerable part of the watch world lays open to you. But realizing that it should be the start of a watch collection makes it relatively easy for me. Theres only one watch that I would c [...]

Meet the Omega a Swatch Speedmaster MoonSwatch. A watch made of bioceramic (a unique mix of two-thirds ceramic and one-third material derived from castor oil) that looks very similar to the famous and iconic Moonwatch by Omega. As we're pretty fond of Speedmasters ourselves here at Fratello, let's have a look at this new MoonSwatch and tell you what we think of it.A week before this official introduction, Swatch Group CEO Nick Hayek, together with Omega CEO Raynald Aeschlimann and Swatch CEO Carlo Giordanetti, invited us to come to Biel in Switzerland where they surprised us (and a select group of other journalists) with a collab that nobody expected to happen. Ever.Omega a Swatch Speedmaste [...]

We like to talk to watch collectors and enthusiasts about their watches, and as you know, weve got a small thing for Speedmasters here as well. Were happy to publish your story about your Speedmaster, the connection you have with the watch, or simply why you love it. Whether you have one Speedmaster or 100, youre all welcome to share your stories with us and the Speedy Tuesday community.Wed like to introduce Aashdin Billimoria from Bombay, a watch collector, author, and archivist for over 30 years. Hes currently working on a book on vintage watches, but today, we talk to him about his Omega Speedmaster Professional 145.022-76. Aashdin started collecting watches at the age of nine. His father [...]

The hashtag EXPLORE has been misused for fashion purposes, maybe even by myself, on Instagram and other SoMe channels. This time, however, its the real deal. Maybe you fancy yourself exploring tropical reefs next summer with a dive watch strapped over your wetsuit. Or there might be a mountain range in Nepal with your name on it.Personally, Im trapped in my self-imposed bubble of a guilty conscience, living in Norway and not enjoying nature. Perhaps Im merely channeling here, but with the pandemic easing off finally (knock on wood), its time to experience more than your (and yes, my) neighborhood. These are the toughest tools and the right gear, but the motivation needs to come from within, [...]