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And he came riding through town on his horse screaming, Price increases are coming, price increases are coming The sheep looked up, stopped chewing grass for a brief moment, and put their heads back down to keep eating. And just like that, the horse was gone.If you enjoy reading about watches, youve likely noticed a barrage of articles over the past couple of weeks discussing price increases for Rolex, Omega, and Patek Philippe watches. Seemingly, you must be interested because everyone is clamoring to talk about the subject. On the other hand, its January and the news is slow. If youre like me, though, you havent read any of these tales of woe because, honestly, who cares? Yet, here I am wr [...]
Auctions are an interesting platform to see the appetite for certain watches, or in this case, Speedmasters. We recently touched on the topic of auctions and their absurdity, but that's of course not always the case. Regardless of some of the amazing results, auctions give an indication of the popularity or unpopularity of a certain watch or reference.Antiquorum's Important Modern Vintage Timepieces Monaco auction will take place today, January 18th, 2022, at 4:00 PM local time. Nine lots out of the 178 are Omega Speedmasters. Let's have a closer look at three of the Omega Speedmasters that are on the auction block today.Speedmaster BA145.022-69 Apollo XIIve covered this watch here often, a [...]
Merriam-Webster's definition of a perfect storm is a critical or disastrous situation created by a powerful concurrence of factors. That sounds bad. And if you saw Wolfgang Petersen's biographical disaster movie The Perfect Storm, you know what it literally does and means. The term perfect storm was first used in 1998, and besides being used for catastrophic situations, it can also apply to something that works out extremely well. A perfect storm is when hype makes sense, you could say like James Bond wearing his Omega Seamaster 300M 007 Edition in No Time To Die. The man, the myth, the movie, and the watch together created the perfect storm.I started with a definition from Merriam-Webster, [...]
The name Artem comes from the Latin phrase, Ars est celare artem (English: true art conceals the means by which it is achieved). But Artem is also a name from Ancient Greek mythology, generally meaning strong as a bear. That term perfectly captures what Artem stands for with its durable sailcloth straps. A bear is both strong and, as youd imagine, very comfortable before deciding to attack you for trying to cuddle it, that is. The synthetic sailcloth material shares this ethos and takes it further with this latest creation the Artem Loop-less strap. Today, I test this strap on the Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch and Seamaster Diver 300M to see if the newest generation sets the bar even higher.We [...]
Thats right, were trying to do keep our podcast on a tight weekly schedule Fratello On Air returns and this week, Balazs and Mike talk about some wishes for 2022. This isnt a pure recap of a recent 2022 Watch Wishes article, so tune in for new content!Balazs and Mike are keeping the microphone hot Both return, and while Balazs is not feeling his best, theyre here to talk about what theyre looking forward to in 2022. Some of those wants are realistic, while others are hopeful thinking.Handgelenks Kontrolle and on to 2022The Handgelenks Kontrolle kicks things off with Balazs wearing his bi-color Datejust 16013 and Mike sporting his Breitling Superocean Heritage 57.? Then, we talk about a few m [...]
New watches: who doesnt love them? As fans, the latest releases keep us interested and thirsty for more. Weve never had so much to choose from, but have we finally reached the point of too much of a good thing? Lets discuss.Ah, the good old days It wasnt so long ago when most watch brands released their newest wares on an annual basis. Baselworld and SIHH were the in-person forums where all was shown and shown all at once Attending these shows and providing coverage on all the new watches was a test in stamina and memory. As a reader, it probably felt like pure overload. After all the dust settled, though, people could sift through the news from these shows at their leisure for, literally, a [...]
If youve been paying attention since 2017, you might have noticed that Omega has been up to something. Every first (Speedy) Tuesday of the year, the brand has released either a new Speedmaster or something Speedmaster-related, like the caliber 321 re-introduction in 2019. This year, the 65th anniversary of the legendary chronograph brings us the Omega Speedmaster Calibre 321 in Canopus Gold, reference 311.50.39.30.01.001.I am very proud and honored to be able to go hands-on with this new Speedmaster Calibre 321. Its an incredible reproduction of the first Speedmaster CK2915, but in Omega's own white gold alloy, Canopus Gold. As the name suggests, it features the beloved 321 chronograph movem [...]
Welcome to 2022 from Wrist Game Or Crying Shame This year, things are gonna be great I can feel it We will kick off this year hot on the heels of an Omega release from just yesterday The five-year-old Omega Speedmaster 60th Anniversary is in play. Before we get to it, thoughTravel back to late 2021 with me when I showed you the Cartier Ballon Bleu 36 automatic. I really had no idea how that one would go, but the watch took us out on a high note with a 60% Wrist Game triumph Folks truly campaigned on behalf of that watch due to its comfortable bracelet and lovely looks. Im impressed This week, were on point the first week of January is always Speedy week as we look at the Omega Speedmaster [...]
If youve been paying attention since 2017, you might have noticed that Omega has been up to something. Every first (Speedy) Tuesday of the year, the brand has released either a new Speedmaster or something Speedmaster-related, like the caliber 321 re-introduction in 2019. This year, the 65th anniversary of the legendary chronograph brings us the Omega Speedmaster Calibre 321 in Canopus Gold, reference 311.50.39.30.01.001.I am very proud and honored to be able to go hands-on with this new Speedmaster Calibre 321. Its an incredible reproduction of the first Speedmaster CK2915, but in Omega's own white gold alloy, Canopus Gold. As the name suggests, it features the beloved 321 chronograph movem [...]
When we first discussed the idea of creating a series of articles in which some of our editors would share their grail/exit watches, I didn't expect to end up in such a strange conundrum. To start, I didn't even really feel prepared to tackle the subject. After all, I've only been collecting or rather, enjoying watches for less than five years. Therefore, the thought of a watch that could put a stop to my desire to explore and experience the diverse spectrum out there was one I had not seriously considered. It's kind of like picking your ultimate car. Aesthetically, you might be able to point something out and say, That's the one for me; if I had that I wouldn't want any other car. However [...]
The year 2022 will be the 65th anniversary of the Omega Speedmaster and the 10th anniversary of Speedy Tuesday. I can't believe it was already 10 years ago that I coined the term Speedy Tuesday, and even more, I cant believe what has happened since. But let's save that story for next year. Today, Id like to share our best-read Speedmaster articles of 2021!Today is the last Speedy Tuesday of 2021, and what better way to close this year than with an overview of the seven best-read Speedmaster articles on Fratello. Although we did not see any Speedmaster limited edition watches this year (unfortunately), Omega did release some very interesting new variations. But most importantly, 2021 was the [...]
Dear Fratelli, we need your help Back in August and September, you decided on the best summer watch in our Summer Splash contest. It was the Omega Seamaster Professional 300 that came out on top. Its only fitting that such a competent and undeniably good-looking dive watch took the crown. However, the season has changed, temperatures have dropped, and summer now seems like a distant memory. That can only mean one thing: it's time for another Fratello contest This time, it's chronographs that take center stage. But not just any chronograph will do. This time around, we're talking racing chronographs. Put on your helmet, fasten your seatbelt, and fire up your engine: the Fast and the Fratelli [...]
In this series, our editors will each share their personal grail watch. Its the watch they want the most, their exit watch, or whatever you want to call it. For now, let's stick to grail watch. I will kick it off by sharing my own grail watch, my journey to discovering it, and the grail watches (I thought) I had.In the late 1990s, my grail watch was an Omega Constellation. Funnily enough, it wasnt a pie-pan or any vintage model, but the standard model Omega introduced in 1995. There was no influencing, and there was no proper website about watches. Watch brands websites looked like they were made in Frontpage 1.0, and perhaps they were. There was just the authorized dealer and its stack of b [...]
Theres a new book on my favorite topic the Omega Speedmaster. The Magister book doesnt cover all Speedmasters ever made. Instead, it shows 70 Speedmaster watches that author Andrea Foffi has in his own collection.I have seen an early print version from editor Paolo Gobbi, one of the guys involved in this project. Believe me when I say it looked amazing. As a Speedmaster enthusiast, this book might just be something that makes your Christmas a whole lot merrier.Andrea Foffi and MagisterI met Andrea Foffi in October 2018, when we were both visiting Shanghai to witness the launch of the (then) new Omega Constellation models. He showed me this crazy Omega Speedmaster in platinum. It was studded [...]
It is not even a Speedy Tuesday but we're here with some important Speedmaster news. We've been following the auctions closely, and are happy to see that this very early 1957 Speedmaster CK2915-1 got some proper appreciation. With a record-shattering winning bid of CHF2,550,00 Swiss Francs!A very remarkable Speedmaster (lot 53) was auctioned today at Phillip's in Geneva. Not only because it is a Speedmaster CK2915-1 dating back to November 22nd, 1957, but also because of how it has aged. This is the horological dream to many collectors, not limited to Speedmaster collectors, a beautiful chocolate brown tropical dial with broad arrow hands.Speedmaster CK2915-1Introduced as a watch for race ca [...]
Buying your grail watch. Something that some would say can only happen once. But others, myself included, would say can happen as many times as you want it to. As we progress into the world of watch ownership we are constantly redefining terms. Most of us will be able to look back to a fairly humble first most expensive watch we ever bought. A term that is typically redefined by your latest purchase. At some point, those lucky enough to take the leap will find themselves owning a true luxury watch. Would I have ever thought, way back when I bought my first mechanical watch, that just three years down the line I'd have a Speedmaster to call my own? Probably not. I didn't even think it three d [...]
It has been almost a year since I ran a comparison between Forstner and Uncle Seiko aftermarket watch bracelets. Specifically, I compared both 19mm flat link polished and brushed variants that fit the Omega Speedmaster First Omega in Space. Over these past twelve months, the article grew to become one of my most well-read write-ups. To this day, I still receive comments, emails, and direct messages on Instagram about the review (P.S. follow me on Instagram @benjameshodges). Today, I am following up this review with the new 20mm all-brushed Forstner Flat Link for the Calibre 3861 Omega Speedmaster. So how does the new bracelet stack up against its predecessor? Let's find out.Firstly, the flat [...]
I am an advocate for actually wearing watches, instead of just putting them in a safe or babying them. Recently I noticed that our friend and colleague at Revolution magazine Adam Craniotes using the hashtag wearyoursh*t and that's exactly how I feel. And this almost always used to be the case, until interest rates dropped below zero, that is, and people started to look elsewhere to invest their money. It is probably partly our own fault (the watch community) as we always told the others that our hobby didn't cost us money, as watches often retain value instead of losing it. The others were neighbors, friends, colleagues, etc. And hey, who could blame them for listening to us in the first p [...]
Whos the best? Its an age-old debate that has no clear answer (although to most individuals, their own answer is clear). Youll certainly hear fewer calls for Lazenby and Dalton (although the latter lands at number two on my personal list), and certainly a lot of lamentation that Brosnan perhaps the most naturally perfect actor cast in the role was lumbered with sub-par plots and truly woeful scripts for the last two entries in his frustratingly curtailed catalog, but the fight between the Big Three of Connery, Moore, and Craig, will forever divide opinion.It is probably no coincidence that the three names that feature at the top of most Bond fans lists belong to the actors that held the role [...]
Temperatures drop, daylight hours get shorter, leaves turn yellow, then red, then brown and drop down from the trees. Fall is officially here, but Omega is already thinking ahead to the even colder season coming up immediately after and the de facto winter spectacle which it will bring. I'm talking, of course, about the Olympic Winter Games set to take place in Beijing next year. An event that inspires Omega's latest release, the Seamaster Aqua Terra Beijing 2022.An Olympic timekeeping championWe know that Omega plays a key role in all Olympic events. The brand has held the title of official timekeeper since the 1930s, and in today's modern world that holds more meaning than ever before. Wit [...]
