Watches Blog Wrist Watch Reviews

When the Rolex Sea-Dweller reference 16600 was taken out of production at the Rolex facilities in Geneva, a lot of admirers probably shed a little tear. Rolex announced the Deepsea Sea-Dweller 116660 as the successor of the Sea-Dweller but many fans of the former model(s) just more appealing than the new bulky 43mm Deepsea. I urged the people who had a weak spot for the former people to get one while they still could in a little article (here). In 2009 I wrote One of the few things that gives me hope, is that they went from reference number 16600 to 116660 instead of using 116600. Will there be a 116600?. Now in 2014, there is a Sea-Dweller reference 116600. And yes, it is 40mm.I will not go [...]

The Rolex watch everyone has been waiting for is there, partly that is. This means that there is a Pepsi bezel for the new style GMT-Master II, it also means that Rolex decided to use it on a 18 carat white gold watch first. We sat down with Rolex in Baselworld and had a look at the new models and would like to start with this Rolex GMT-Master II 116719BLRO first.As you know we have a weak spot for the GMT-Master watches and covered them many times. An overview from the very first mid-1950s Rolex GMT-Master models to the latest models with Cerachrom bezel can be found here. After Rolex introduced the GMT-Master II 116710LN (Lunette Noir) in 2005 and last year the 116710BLNR (Bleu Noir), we c [...]

Over at The Watch Gallery in the United Kingdom they are doing some cool stuff on-line for their customers and potential new clients. They recently published a video featuring professional watchmaker Jamie Hardes (at Rolex London at One Hyde Park) showing you the anatomy of a Rolex. He disassembles their Rolex calibre 3132 movement, featured in the Rolex Explorer ref. 214270.The current version of the watch that was used during the climb of the Mount Everest by Sir Edmund Hillary and his team, worn on the wrist of Ian Flemming when he wrote the James Bond novels and many more adventurous people out there (including the elegant wrists of Victoria Secret Angel Alessandra Ambrosio). In 2010, Ro [...]

Rolex Daytona History. The Daytona is without a doubt one of the most sought-after timepieces in the world. Being it new or vintage, this sports chronograph from Rolex can always count on a lot of interest from watch enthusiasts. Over at Watchonista, they decided to build an ultimate guide on this iconic Rolex chronograph. With the help of collectors, enthusiasts, editors and auction houses, Watchonista created an interesting time-line overview on the Daytona as well as a complete reference guide.Rolex Daytona HistoryThe Rolex Daytona history is being discussed by?Vincent Daveau, journalist and watch writer, in a 7 part article on Watchonista. Also, it contains interviews with Christies Inte [...]

The first Rolex Cosmograph Daytona was introduced in 1963, which leads into this 50th anniversary of this highly sought-after chronograph. Both new and pre-loved. Although Rolex did not came up with the limited or special anniversary edition that many people expected, they did introduce for the first time a platinum version of their Rolex Cosmograph Daytona and have it reference number 116506.Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Ref. 116506When I first saw (and tried) the watch during the Baselworld exhibition, I was impressed by the rather high weight (286 grams) due to the use of platinum, but the colours (ice blue dial and brown ceramic bezel) didnt do it for me at this first encounter.The Rolex Da [...]

The Rolex GMT-Master (II) finally stepped out of the shadow of its diving brother, the Submariner. With the introduction of the ceramic Pepsi and Batman (on Jubilee) recently, the hype is real. Long waiting lists and market prices far over retail result in disappointed customers, but that doesnt seem to slow down the demand. On the contrary.I can imagine why the Rolex GMT-Master II is so much in demand. It is a great daily companion, with the added value of an extra timezone. I had my share of GMT-Master watches, including a few vintage 1675s and a GMT-Master II 16710. When I was ready to purchase a GMT-Master II Ceramic or Batman in 2017, I was confronted with the above-mentioned demand for [...]

While its nice to see a gradual release of watches throughout the year, I love the horological assault that shows like Watches And Wonders bring. All these new watches released in one go are like a massive sugar overload. As a bit of a sugar addict, Im all good with that. Some brands played it relatively safe with their launches, bringing small, incremental updates and conservative tweaks you know the stuff. But some brands went big and threw some real curveballs. I like being caught off guard. When brands think outside the box and have the gumption to have a go, I think calculated risk is a good thing. It should be encouraged. This kind of approach helps keep the watch industry fresh and mo [...]

With the dust having settled after the first four days of Watches Wonders 2022, we can see clearly see the impressive number of new releases from all the different brands. Hublot, of course, also brought the heat with an array of new model variations and an entirely new line. As usual, the brand does not shy away from loud colors and cutting-edge materials for its Big Bang collection. On top of that, Hublot introduces the new Square Bang with a familiar but new shape for the brand. Finally, there are some remarkable one-offs that combine materials, colors, and watchmaking magic. So lets find out more about the new Hublot releases.The great thing about seeing all the new Hublot releases is t [...]

I feel like Ive gone full circle. The wardrobe of my youth was filled with Levis jeans and denim jackets that seemed to last a lifetime. Before the pandemic, I only had suits and chinos, but now, I have seen the light once again. Ive come around and now embrace DENIM blues and indigo cool. Having said that, however, the image has changed. Gone are the 501s from my bachelor days. Instead, we have access to online bespoke cool from Sweden and the best denim from Japan. Like the grand value of mechanical Seikos (light pun intended), Nippon denim bears a mark of craftsmanship. The Japanese do love a good pair of jeans, but they have taken the US aesthetic and made it their own. There is a deep, [...]

I love the visionary idea that Carlo Crocco had in the late 1970s to create a watch that combined different materials. With the Hublot Classic that came out in 1980, Crocco created a watch that combined a yellow gold case with a rubber strap. Back then, it was considered pure blasphemy. To combine a precious metal with the material generally associated with cheap quartz watches was unheard of. Four decades later, however, it is an often-seen combination of materials. Additionally, the Classic Fusion is still part of the current Hublot collection, and it is a great reminder of Croccos legacy. I had a chance to try the current 45mm green Classic Fusion in titanium and determine if his visionar [...]

Did you read my stories on uni-compax chronographs within $1,000 and $5,000 budgets? If so, you might already have a newfound love for this genre. While you might expect this part to have a $10,000 budget, I'm jumping the shark and going straight to chronograph heaven. With a budget envelope saying, The Sky's The Limit, the choices are as difficult as they are dangerously tempting.What if you are unrestrained by monetary worries, or like me, you enjoy a good daydream now and then? What do you buy? At this level, the chronographs available range from classic elegance to futuristic panache. Choose between stealth wealth, heavy glamour, and a micro-mechanical monochrome masterpiece. Not all of [...]

Whenever Hublot announces new additions to its extensive collection, the first expectations are that we will have some extravagant timepieces. I can say that this year, the Nyon brand yet again does not disappoint in bringing some colorful timepieces. But the main eyecatcher for 2022 is the unexpected but completely logical Hublot Big Bang Integral Time Only in 40mm. This new release could become a very popular one for the brand. Next to that, Hublot also introduces the impressive Yellow Gold Collection and three new Sang Bleu II timepieces. Time to find out more.Hublot doesnt shy away from shocking us with its new releases. Over the years, the brand has proven that creating timepieces with [...]

Lets face it: most of us are never going to own a Patek Philippe. Most of us will never own an Hublot. If were being realistic, most of us watch aficionados may never even own a Rolex either. Im here to tell you thats okay. Really. It may, in fact, be good. We shouldnt strive to own everything we appreciate, and we should be mindful of what is lost in attaining these luxury and hyper-luxury watches.The hype machine is in full force. I blame Instagram. I blame YouTube. And I blame publications like us at Fratello and the rest. But really I blame us, the public, the consuming watch market. Were adrift in a perfect storm of ingrained FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out) blended with algorithm-driven envy [...]

Guilty pleasures everybody has them, but should they? As Lex explained in the first article of this series, a guilty pleasure could be defined as something that you enjoy but is frowned upon by your peers. Its a possible reason for embarrassment, especially amongst friends. But why should you be embarrassed? As Lex said, You should celebrate that you have the ability to feel such wonderful things because of your so-called guilty pleasure. Thats why I want to present my guilty pleasure to you I love the Hublot Classic Fusion Chronograph Italia Independent Pied De Poule!I have some mad love for Hublot. There, I said it again A little over a year ago, I wrote about five watches from the 1980s t [...]

This could be a life philosophy or just love for the suave look of black, you may interpret this in many ways. Some people (let's call out the architects and fashionistas) dress in minimalist black every day, but why? Let's just admit it, we all want to acquire that air of mystery sometimes, and what better way? Whether you're a wannabe secret agent, MIB fan, or believe in the slimming effect of black, it's all good, STEALTH is the word.This style lies between mission-tough and dark elegance. Should you go splurge-crazy and acquire all the items in this story, I'd be sincerely flattered. But don't put everything on while wearing black trousers and a black polo and driving the Defender. You' [...]

With the UEFA EURO 2020 European Championship football full swing underway, we see all kinds of watches on the wrists of famous European football players. Most of them are from the same brands, though. Rolex, Audemars Piguet, Patek Philippe, and Richard Mille are kings in the land of football. No surprises there, really. Neither are the models of those brands. But we have tried to spot some less common timepieces. At the same time, they might still be part of the usual brands. Some of them may be less expected. Or maybe there is an interesting story. So let find out what has been on the wrists of some of the prominent players and managers of the UEFA EURO 2020 European Championships.Where th [...]

Hublot did what Hublot does and made a splash with its colorway swathe of new releases this week. Asa devoted follower of the brand, it is my pleasure to present the Hublot Big Bang Integral Ceramic novelties, the Big Bang Integral Tourbillon Full Sapphire, and the Classic Fusion Orlinski Blue Ceramic.Lets start with what is fast becoming a bread and butter range for Hublot. What would be an absolute showstopping proposition for most brands now feels so organic coming out of Hublots stable that it would be easy to miss the update altogether. The Big Bang Integral Ceramic line is not new. Weve seen the black version before. However, this week, that stealthy model was joining by three new opti [...]

Hublot is a brand that emphasizes new materials and, of course, Instagram-worthy colors. Now female collectors can play with the new 33mm Hublot Big Bang One Click which in addition to its eye-catching gold-and-diamond-case, also has a vivid pink strap!?Hublot has kicked off its 2021 release calendar with a new diamond pav watch created especially for women. The 33mm Big Bang One Click feels like a fresh addition to any wardrobe and fits with the spring/summer trends were expecting to see. Best of all, there are multiple colors to choose from. I chose pink as it's a strap like no other. But how did I find this petite but far-from-quiet Hublot after a few days on the wrist?The New 33mm Hublot [...]

Launched only 15 years ago in 2005, the Hublot Big Bang has since had a tremendous impact on the Swiss watch industry. Now, for the first time, the Big Bang is paired with an integrated bracelet in 3 different materials.Start by Breaking the RulesAround the 1980s, the Swiss were still coming to terms with a luxury sports watch in steel. Not to be outdone, Hublot ruffled more feathers with a gold watch on a rubber strap. What was once a real novelty for the industry, seems fairly commonplace now. But 40 years ago, there was a level of uncertainty for the future of Swiss luxury timepieces. Hublot, a relative newcomer, set-out to shatter centuries-old traditions. More established brands eventua [...]

Although Hublot is known for an arresting aesthetic, the Sang Bleu collection takes things to another level. With their bewitching dials, and multi-faceted, optionally-bejeweled cases, the Hublot Big Bang Sang Bleu II?watches are the very definition of statement pieces.Given the breadth of Hublots past experimentation with materials and aesthetics, it is perhaps surprising that the Sang Bleu collection still occupies an island of outlandishness. These new models, born of the continued collaboration between Hublot and tattoo studio Sang Bleu, double down on that trend. For this outing, both new timepieces put the color blue front and center. Available in both titanium and King gold housings, [...]