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Watches – News, Reviews, Brands and Releases
Timekeeping has been an integral part of space exploration since long before the first manned rocket flight. To watch lovers, nothing better represents the union of time and space than the watches of the explorers who dared to set out into the great unknown. Until now, the focus both for the missions and watches was limited to Earths orbit and the Moon. But with missions to Mars on the horizon, watch companies are jockeying to become the brand for Mars that Omega has been for the Moon.Omega isnt sitting this one out either. If the Omega Speedmaster Professional was good enough for the Moon, it can go to Mars, right? Fortis believes its Official Cosmonauts Chronograph will win out. The brand [...]
When the watch brand from Biel dropped a new small-seconds version of the Aqua Terra, I wasn't sure what to make of it. The central-seconds model appears better balanced and therefore remained the superior and preferable AT, in my opinion. But when Jorg and I went through the extensive AT collection online, we spotted something interesting. Something different. Something that got us very curious. Amidst a sea of black, blue, and gray dials, the reference 220.12.41.21.02.005 caught our eye. Thats the 41mm steel AT featuring a silver dial with beige detailing and a matching beige rubber strap. We had to see that watch in the metal, so we asked Omega to send it over. That wasn't a problem, and [...]
It was foreseeable that Parmigiani would extend its Tonda PF line this year. After its launch in September 2021, this new watch family garnered a remarkable amount of attention. Through the Tonda PF, Parmigiani finally has earned the appreciation it deserves. Now, the Tonda PF GMT Rattrapante shall take the same path. Accordingly, the expectations are high. And you know what? You wont be disappointed!Let me clarify one thing right from the start this rattrapante is not a chronograph. While this information might dampen the enthusiasm of those who expected an extended version of Parmigianis awesome split-second chronograph from last year, it is excellent news for almost all of us. This watch [...]
Parmigiani is still a young brand, yet the build quality of its watches is nothing short of astonishing. The watches coming out of the brands Fleurier workshops exceed the standards of high-end icons that sell for far more. In fact, Parmigiani has built complete watches for some of the most praised high-horology brands. Parmigiani itself, however, is still is more of an insiders tip. The restrained marketing of the past surely played a part in that. But Parmigiani has resolved to change this by appointing Guido Terreni as CEO, and the new Tonda PF collection that originated under this new management has created quite a stir. The signature model of this new collection is the Tonda PF Micro Ro [...]
The best alternative to the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 15202 Jumbo is the brand-spanking-new Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 16202 Jumbo. The problem is, of course, that you're not the only one who wants one. The demand exceeds the supply, and you're not willing to break the bank on the parallel market; you have principles and/or a brain and a half. To help you ease the pain, I have lined up for you five alternatives to the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Jumbo in five price categories. I have selected watches from Laurent Ferrier and Parmigiani Fleurier in the two highest price categories. Then I've dropped the budget step by step a matter of getting the same looks for less. That's when Girard-Perregau [...]
Scottsdale and Aspen-based Oliver Smith Jeweler this year celebrates forty years of being in the watch business. And what better way to get the party started than by releasing a special watch? Well, with two very special watches, of course Enter the Parmigiani Fleurier a Oliver Smith Jeweler bespoke Tonda GT and Tondagraph GT limited editions. Twenty pieces in total reflect the jeweler's creativity and inspiration from nature.Reaching out to Parmigiani Fleurier to create something celebratory was a no-brainer for Oliver Smith, Founder and Creative Director at Oliver Smith Jeweler. Smith is an admirer of the creative genius that not only is a skilled restorer of antique timepieces and success [...]
Rob talks to Guido Terreni of Parmigiani Fleurier. With over twenty years of experience in the industry, a decade of which was spent with Bvlgari, Terreni brought with him a definite vision to a brand that still benefits from having its iconic founder a living, breathing part of the company.In this podcast, Terreni explains how it is important to honor your existing customer by keeping the Parmigiani Fleurier product message close to a clearly recognizable core silhouette in order to add permanence to the clients purchase.Watchmaking is not a business of fads, nor even fashion in the short term. He aims to create timeless watches that need no explanation. Distilling a design down its bare el [...]
It's the 25th anniversary of Parmigiani Fleurier, and the Val-de-Travers independent is celebrating in a big way. A total of seven new watches are being introduced, including three models in two different materials and a very special limited edition split-seconds chronograph. Variety is key here, as Parmigiani has all bases covered with these new releases. Starting with an ultra-thin two-hand time watch with a simple date complication and a micro-rotor movement. The brand is also launching a chronograph and an annual calendar. All four new models come on a nicely constructed integrated bracelet and feature a number of dial colors and textures.The Tonda family receives a whole new line of wat [...]
Its Summer and what better way to celebrate than to check out some new watches? This Week in Watches for July 11, 2020 is here so lets cannonball into the local lake and take a look.Frederique Constant Runabout RHS Chronograph AutomaticSummer and boating make perfect sense and Frederique Constant is bringing the two together with its new Runabout RHS Chronograph. Since 2009, Constant has worked with the Riva Historical Society (RHS) in order to preserve these magical wooden speedboats. These new chronographs commemorate that partnership. Available with either a dark grey or silver?guilloch dial, each 42mm chronograph will be made in an edition of 2,888 pieces. A small wooden boat will come w [...]
Welcome to This Week in Watches for December 21, 2019!? As youll see, this weeks news already has us looking forward to next year in certain parts of? the world.? Lets get to itTissot T-Race MotoGP Limited Edition WatchesTissot sent us word of a couple limited edition watches in support of their MotoGP 2020 sponsorship.? First up is a 45mm automatic chronograph that appears to be powered by a 7750.? Its a stainless piece with a leather and rubber strap that will be made in an edition of 3,333 pieces.? Pricing will come in at 1,240 Euros.The next piece is similar but quartz-powered.? Its similarly sized, also good for 100 meters of water resistance, but will be produced in an edition of 4,999 [...]
The name Senfine is perhaps giving too much hope, meaning eternally in Esperanto, but this concept watch by Parmigiani is already showing some promising results when it comes to power reserve. Where your average mechanical watch has probably a power reserve of somewhere between 40 hours and 10-days (there are some exceptions, like the Rebellion T-1000), Parmigiani strives to get the power reserve for their Senfine up to 90 days. Without using barrels the size of a hockey puck of course. However,??Parmigiani isnt there yetAs written above, the Parmigiani Senfine is still in a development stage and will be at least until 2018. Ever since 2008, Parmigiani is working on this concept that was inv [...]
Looking at the classic shapes of the Parmigiani Tonda 1950 suddenly made me realize that this manufacture has only been there since 1996. A very young brand C especially for watch industry standards that is able to design a watch that could easily trick you into thinking you are dealing with a brand with a history of at least eight decades. The elegant lines of the Parmigiani Tonda 1950 watch case, the manufacture movement with micro-rotor and wonderful dial and hands are so balanced that it could appear to you as a watch that found its roots in the 1950s and was subject to subtle iterations through the decades to come.Parmigiani Tonda 1950Reality is, as you probably suspected by the recent [...]
The SIHH 2014 in Geneva will start tomorrow and Fratellowatches will be there to bring you the latest news with our own photos and stories We also recently opened our Press Release section on our website, so you also will be able to read the official press release information that we receive from brands. However, we will of course continue bring you our unique content as well like you are used to from us.Today we received the pre-SIHH 2014 news on the Parmigiani Fleurier M tro collection. Not too long ago we paid a visit to the Parmigiani HQ and production facilities and we were more then impressed. Our photo report of that visit can be found here. The M tro collection is their latest introd [...]
The story begins with Michel Parmigiani graduating in 1974 and starting a traditional watchmaking workshop shortly after. Dedicated to his greatest passion, restoration and creating unique pieces for collectors on a side line. In 1980 he was introduced to the Sandoz family and trusted with the restoration of their impressive collection of pocket watches and automatons. Over the years plans rose for a new authentic brand and in 1996 Parmigiani Fleurier (Pf) is born. As they mention on their website, built on a powerful conviction: restoring the value of Swiss watchmaking art as heritage, by making it part of an ongoing tradition of manufacturing expertise'. This is expertise realised with the [...]
I am enjoying a blue periodPablo Picasso, the iconic Spanish painter created a series of paintings between 1901 1904 referred as his, blue period. This epoch of the artist's life was reflected in sombre paintings employing predominantly blue or blue-green hues.Picasso was said to be suffering depression during this period and his choice of subject matter included images of beggars, prostitutes and drunks. Picasso was disturbed by the death of his friend, Carlos Casagemas.The pictures painted during the blue period were not popular at the time. Their cheerless depiction of dolent aspects of life, did not find favour with the public or buyers.Today, like many of Picasso pictures they are high [...]
The trend of ultra thin watches continues After weve seen Vacheron Constantin, Piaget and Audemars Piguet introducing thin timepieces (again), next in line is Parmigiani Fleurier. The Tonda 1950 is the subject of my weekly watch article over at Motoring Exposure. Parmigiani has developed a brand new in-house movement for the Tonda 1950, being only 2.6mm in height. I dont have pictures of the caliber PF700 movement yet, but I am very curious about the platinum micro-rotor and level of finish on its bridges and wheels.Parmigiani will introduce this watch during the upcoming SIHH in January 2011.Click on this link to go my article on Parmigianis thinnest timepiece. [...]
We all know watch brands who use exhibition case backs. Some do this to display especially beautiful or complicated movements. However, some of the beloved entry-level watches do so simply to show the wearer the beating heart inside. Seeing the balance wheel oscillating and the rotor spinning around has captured the interest of many of us, leading us deeper down the rabbit hole of watches. But Perrelet often takes a different approach. In its Lab Peripheral line, a subtle rotor spins on the front of the watch. I had a chance to check out two models from the collection the Three Hands Date and Dual Time Big Date.Born of the quest for dynamic design, the front-mounted rotor is Perrelets calli [...]
Man, what a watch world we live in these days. Instagram. Hype. Waitlists. Premiums. Whether we like it or not, these are factors that have largely come to define the most popular segments of the collecting scene. As a watch brand, it can be a tricky landscape to navigate. What, exactly, do you do to survive? Do you humble yourself, observe the trends, and allow the desires of the market to dictate your offerings? Or, do you double down on what you do best and resolutely forge ahead?Good question, especially since both options may lead to absolute doom. Give the people too much of what they want? You run the risk of becoming yet another chided bandwagon jumper. Let your hubris get the best o [...]
During Watches And Wonders 2022, we saw a plethora of impressive timepieces. In the stream of new releases, we missed a familiar face that has returned to the spotlight. Piaget introduced a new version of its sporty luxury watch, the Polo Date in black. The watch not only brings a new dial color to the collection but also sees the introduction of a black rubber strap. This combination was not previously available from Piaget, so lets take a look and find out more.When it comes to Piaget and Watches And Wonders 2022, it was all about the Altiplano Ultimate Concept. This special creation that Daan wrote about?celebrates the fifth anniversary of the Altiplano line. It shows Piagets unique skill [...]
Tell me, are you an avid user of dark mode on your electronic devices? Personally, I set my devices so that they change from light to dark mode automatically based on the sunrise and sunset. And you're just like me, you must be very happy that Piaget has just given you the option to do the same with your Altiplano Ultimate Concept (AUC). Whereas the previous two versions were both light-silver-colored, Piaget has now introduced a dark mode to the thinnest watch in its collection.At 2.0mm thin, you're probably aware that the Piaget Altiplano Ultimate Concept is not the thinnest mechanical watch around anymore. That award will now go to the recently introduced Bvlgari Octo Finissimo Ultra at 1 [...]
