Watches Blog Wrist Watch Reviews

BR01 Aviation Collection 2013Bell Ross and its iconic BR01 Aviation collection has a few new instruments this year: the Heading Indicator, Airspeed and Climb. Limited to 999 pieces only, although the first 99 pieces are only available in a collectors box that also contains the BR 01 HORIZON, ALTIMETER and TURN COORDINATOR (introduced in 2012). So basically, there are 900 pieces for sale if you dont fancy this collectors box.BR01 HEADING INDICATORThe Heading Indicator piece shows the time using rotating discs. Three discs are in place, for hours, minutes and seconds. Bell Ross made the dial look like the original heading indicator instrument, using the W, E, S and hour indicator (N) on the [...]

During BaselWorld this year, photographer Bert and I were visiting the Bell Ross booth and one of the watches that made us very enthusiastic was this World War 1 Chronographe Monopoussoir Heritage. I am sure youve seen it here or here for example.The kind people of Bell Ross showed us the entire new collection, but we had our hopes for this one, the WW1 Mono pusher chronograph. Drop dead gorgeous with its wire lugs, large dial, yellow-ish numerals and a nice new patina on the dial. With a retail price of approx $7500 USD it was quite firm for todays critical buyer, or should I say buyer in critical times? Nevertheless an awesome watch that makes a great alternative for some other big label [...]

To be frank, weve been following Bell Ross from the start. It started with their watches with the Bell Ross by Sinn wording on the dial, heavily influenced by the models of Sinn. Nowadays, Bell Ross clearly have their own identity with the three collections they have: Vintage, Marine and Aviation.During our visit to them at BaselWorld, we sat down with a team of Bell Ross and discussed their timepieces. We zoomed in on their Vintage collection, and mainly at the new WW2 Bomber Regulateur. Inspired by the time keeping instruments used by bombers in the late 1930s and 1940s, this Bell Ross WW2 Bomber Regulateur is the third timepiece of the Vintage collection referring to war-pieces. In 2 [...]

Recently, I was able to review another Bell Ross, the BR01-96. Significantly bigger than the BR03-92?Heritage I had a while back for review, but still quite comfortable on the wrist. This BR01-96 comes very complete, with two straps and accessories to swap these straps yourself. How much I like it on pictures and other people, during the process of reviewing this watch, Ive learned that these square shaped Bell Ross instruments are not for me. However, I can surely appreciate the design and craftsmanship that Bell Ross has put into them.Go to Watchuseek or follow this link to read the Bell Ross BR01-096 Review Thanks to Watch-Site for the Bell Ross. [...]

An interesting combination by Bell Ross and Shaw Harley-Davidson. Shaw Harley-Davidson is the current world champion in modified Harley motorcycles and together with Bell Ross, they present the one-off custom Nascafe Racer.As my motorcycle knowledge is very limited (understatement), I hereby copy an excerpt of the Bell Ross press release:The methods used by Bell Ross master watchmakers when developing and assembling their timepieces was employed by the Shaw Harley-Davidson master technicians when building the project bike, which is based on the Harley-Davidson? FXSTB Softail? Night Train, one of the more radical Softails C long, low and naked and named by Willie G. Davidson.The motorcyc [...]

Launched in 1992, Bell Ross was founded by Bruno Belamich and Carlos Rosillo. The first Bell Ross models were very similar to those of Sinn Spezialuhren and officially, this collaboration lasted till 2002 (although Bell Ross made their own models long before that year). Most people who started their interest in watches just recently, probably know the BR Instrument watches best.In 2005, the first BR instrument was introduced and Bell Ross clearly have been inspired ever since. They have been introducing various models based on the famous flight panel instruments, including the BR 03-92 thats now being featured on Fratellowatches. A 42mm glass bead blasted steel case with black carbon pow [...]

When thinking of Bell Ross many relate the company to the popular and conspicuous designs of the BR Instruments. It is pretty obvious that these square watches were responsible for exploding the manufacturers popularity, but Bell Ross was very active even before the BR timepieces existed. Bell Ross had built a solid collection of more traditional watches, of which one of the best sellers was the Vintage 123. The Vintage 123, attracted many watch enthusiasts thanks to its palpable high quality, simple and clean design, and great value. These are all reasons why it is still in demand today.Presently the Vintage 123 is attracting many clients, albeit different from those who are attracted to [...]

You might have heard the name Hora Mundi before. The dual-time watch isn't new in the Breguet collection. But until now, the travel complication could only be found in a classic case with a more traditional dial. The new 43.9 13.8mm pink or white gold Breguet Marine Hora Mundi travel watch is anything but a traditional globetrotter. The case is a modern take on the classic theme of nautical watches with very contemporary proportions and design details. And if the size won't get the watch noticed, the elaborate dial sure will.The party trick of the Breguet Marine Hora Mundi travel watch is its ability to switch between two timezones instantly. It took practice to make that possible three ye [...]

Imagine your average Saturday afternoon. Add a group of around 40 people (oh yes, all men), together in a private section of a restaurant. Theres an open bar, snacks come and go, and there are a lot I mean A LOT of watches. It doesn't sound all that complicated, and it really isn't. But it sure makes for a seriously fun afternoon Yes, Fratelli, watch get-together season is here, and ready to wipe away those lingering pandemic blues!Since I got into watches around two years ago, I've only visited two other physical events like the one last weekend in Enschede, Netherlands. The first one was last November with roughly the same group of people. I didn't really know what to expect, but I got inv [...]

Some brands get all the attention. Others must patiently line the sidelines of your mind, waiting for the attention they deserve while getting down to some serious work. When it comes to high-end luxury watches, we're used to hearing the same old names thrown around. But forget Patek Philippe, forget Vacheron, forget Cartier. Put them back on the shelf. Today, I've got the Breguet 5717 Hora Mundi in my hands and I want to tell you why it, and the Breguet brand in general, should never be far away from the top of your wish list.This is what you come here for. Today I'm spending time with the Breguet 5717 Hora Mundi in rose gold. Despite its classic design, its a bit of a beast. It's heftier i [...]

Your weekly installment of Fratello On Air is here. This time, Balazs and Mike handle a reader question about a few rather different chronographs.We love a good reader question, and this week, our faithful listener John sent us a great one Firstly, thanks, John John works at a hospital and were thankful for the efforts hes putting in during these trying times. Were glad that our podcast helps just a little during those tough days.Handgelenks KontrolleBefore getting to our reader question, though, we talk a bit about bicycles and then get into our Handgelenks Kontrolle. Mike is still in love with his 90s Rolex Datejust 16200, which shows few signs of leaving his wrist. Balazs is wearing a tru [...]

The start of the year is one of my favorite times for writing. Why, you ask? Well, its because the year is so fresh and new. There are no new trends yet for 2022; we still need to give the year a chance to find itself and decide what it wants to be. With that in mind, its the perfect time to appreciate what already exists with the clarity that the new year brings. Some of a brands more impressive work can get lost among the noise of its flagship launches. With that in mind, I wanted to take a look at Breguets Marine Collection. Why? Because I believe its the unsung hero in the Breguet family.Breguet had a solid year last year. While it released a couple of new additions to the Marine line, 2 [...]

The montre de souscription, or subscription watch, presented by Abraham-Louis Breguet in 1796, was not only a pocket watch but also a brilliant conceptual idea. Produced upon registration and fitted with a robust, relatively easy-to-manufacture movement, this pocket watch responded perfectly to the capricious market during post-revolutionary times. And the Breguet Tradition 7097 Automatique Seconde R trograde I wore on my wrist is reminiscent of those turbulent times. This watch is like a mechanical costume drama and an action movie combined.The stage is Paris. Of course, Abraham-Louis Breguet (1747-1823) was Swiss. He was, after all, born in Neuchatel. But his parents were French refugees, [...]

Designing a bracelet for watches is one of the most difficult things to do. I didnt just make that up, instead, this was said to me on multiple occasions by different designers and product developers. I am not a designer myself, but I can definitely judge a bracelet after having tried and seen so many watches in the last 20+ years.Ive done an article on the best watch bracelets before, but I thought it was time for an update. Taste changes, but Ive also seen and tried some bracelets that were new to me (Moser certainly comes to mind), and immediately loved them. One is from a brand (Bvlgari) where their designer was one of the guys that told me it is one of the toughest challenges: designing [...]

Everything king Midas of Phrygia touched turned to gold. It was his wish come true after doing a good deed. The god of wine Dionysus made it happen, but to Midas horror, his wish wasn't as glittery good as he hoped. When he wanted to eat, his food turned to gold. Even his beloved daughter Marigold (ironically) turned into a gold statue after he hugged her while trying to comfort her. If Midas visited a modern-day manufacture he could turn steel watches into gold ones. He would create watches that reign supreme in yellow gold from Cartier, Breguet, Casio G-Shock Rolex, Patek Philippe, and Omega.Before I present you with six watches that look best in yellow gold, I must first tell you how the [...]

A great watch dial is made beautiful by techniques such as guilloch . Created by skilled artisans called guillocheurs, who pour thousands of hours into their work, guilloch is the art of engraving fine and intricate patterns on metal with the use of a rose engine, straight-line engine, or brocading machine. Traditional guilloch methods are slowly dying out, as computer automation paves the way for cheap and precise but cold detailing on watches. Guilloch , once a thriving art form taught in dedicated schools, is now used only by a few specialist brands.Guilloch is created by operating the cranks of the machine to orientate the dial of a watch. The guillocheur then applies pressure to the [...]

When it comes to watch complications, the minute repeater has a reputation few others can touch. In terms of cost, it's certainly no slouch. An entry-level minute repeater wristwatch demands as much as a new, entry-level Mercedes-Benz. And when it comes to complexity and delicacy in construction, it's no joke either. Assembling a minute repeater is enough to send most watchmakers to the nearest dark closet, only to curl up in the fetal position and long for the days of fiddling with ETA 6497s.Like all watch complications, however, the minute repeater was born as the solution to a problem how to tell the time in the dark. And my goodness, was it useful. Whether used out of convenience or nece [...]

Let me start by saying that there's a clear difference between what I want, and what I can afford. But I guess that this applies to most of us. Therefore, I think that it is better to create a watch wish list that is somewhat realistic. Perhaps not tomorrow, or even a couple of months from now, but at some point, I would definitely like to own the watches on this list.Truth to be told, for a few years now, I havent had that craving that I used to have when it comes to buying watches. I already own or have owned the watches I truly wanted. Only rarely does something come into my path that I want to add to the collection. It is a very relaxed and peaceful feeling; I must admit. But sometimes I [...]

I believe that any great watch collection needs to feature at least one iconic chronograph. Whether you love the classic designs of the 1940s and 1950s or prefer more modern models, you are bound to be spoiled for choice. There is something magical about these watches, as they offer the added fun element of daily interaction. It is the complication that you can use every single day at your convenience, either to time things or by simply letting it run. Add a manual winding movement, and there is no doubt that you will form a strong bond with your watch. Let take a look at some of the best chronographs that are a must-have for any collection.But let me start by saying I didnt want to just com [...]

Welcome back to another installment of How Watches Work. Today, well be discussing automatic watches. Well take a look at not only what they are, but also how they came to be, how they work, and what different types there are. Whether youre new to watches, a veteran collector, or simply a curious enthusiast, there will no doubt be something in this article that will help you better understand these miraculous ticking machines we love so much. So prepare yourselves, were about to jump in.To get our first question out of the way, an automatic watch is a mechanical watch that winds itself through the users movement. Being a mechanical watch, an automatic watch does not use a battery. Instead, t [...]