Watches Blog Wrist Watch Reviews

Back when Swatch Group, and, as such, Omega, was still participating in the now-defunct Baselworld, we always had our first appointment with them. On the first day, in the first time slot at 9 am, Fratello was there with the whole crew. Our friends at Omega knew what was interesting to us, but, even so, the trays of watches just kept coming and coming. This is why it couldve happened that we overlooked this beauty the Omega Seamaster 1948 Limited Edition.Two years and some change later, I would like to amend this mistake. I remembered this watch from that last meeting. I even took a wrist shot of it back then. However, after that, perhaps because the 2nd Speedy Tuesday Speedmaster, the Ultra [...]

A few weeks ago, we asked you to share your Speedmaster story with us, and with the Speedmaster community. Besides admiring other peoples Speedmaster watches, its the stories that make the watches truly special.The cool thing about Speedmasters is that theres often a very nice story behind the reason for buying them. People tend to purchase Speedmasters for a specific and special reason. These vary. For example, maybe you joined the Speedy club because of your connection or association with the space program? Perhaps your first Speedy was a gift, an heirloom, or a blind trade? We are interested in hearing and reading these stories. And we bet you are too For this weeks installment of Speedy [...]

Last week, Omega introduced its new Seamaster Diver 300M Nekton Edition. I wrote how much the watch reminded me of the Seamaster 300M Americas Cup from 2000, with the white gold bezel inlay.Omega made this new Seamaster Diver 300M Nekton watch available to us for a review. However, with the remark that the watch is not being delivered to the boutiques before October 2020. Well noted.We received both versions of the new Seamaster Diver 300M Nekton edition, with a rubber strap and with a stainless steel bracelet.Omega Seamaster Diver 300M NektonSince I already wrote the introductory article last week (click here), I will leave out the dry specs that were shared. In our hands, we have two Seama [...]

About a month ago, we introduced to you the Omega Speedmaster Alinghi. I read a lot of comments on the fact that a Seamaster wasnt used for this partnership, and I get that. However, Omega sent us a Speedmaster Alinghi for a hands-on review, and here are my thoughts about the watch. And the partnership.Omega introduces this watch as a special edition. Meaning there is no unique number on the case, aside from the serial number. That means this watch will be in the collection for a certain (unknown) amount of time. My guess is that it is more or less the same as with the Speedmaster Tintin, although there was no partnership there (as we know all too well). Perhaps this watch will be in the col [...]

Omega introduces to you their Seamaster 300M Nekton edition. Around 20 years ago, Omega introduced a Seamaster 300M version for the Americas Cup. The watch has a black dial and a white gold bezel, a variation of the 300M that I really adored. And still do. The new Seamaster 300M Nekton shows some similarities!Today, we show you the latest variation on the 300M, the Seamaster 300M Nekton. Nekton is a research foundation committed to protecting the oceans. Omega is supporting them in their mission to save the seas. To underline their partnership, Omega came up with a pretty cool Seamaster 300M Nekton edition. I am looking forward to doing a hands-on review with this 300M Nekton, so I will keep [...]

In the eight years since SpeedyTuesday first graced the internet, we have covered many Speedmaster watches and stories. One of the earliest stories we did in 2012, on the Alaska III watch we discovered, led to the first Speedy Tuesday watch produced in conjunction with Omega in 2017.But, amongst my favorite stories that you shared with us, is the Speedmaster that was found in a drawer, belonging to a grandfather who worked for the NSA. Another epic one is the story from Nick, who worked on the movie The Spy Who Loved Me in 1976 and used the money earned to purchase a new Speedmaster a year later, as his Moonwatch that he received as a birthday gift from his father in 1971 was stolen a few y [...]

In this Sunday morning column, two of our writers go head-to-head in an epic showdown for the ages. Strong opinions and hysterical hyperbole are welcome (so feel free to join in with the fun in the comments section below). And don't forget to let us know which watches you'd like to see torn to shreds/effusively exalted next week. We'll try and feature as many of our readers' choices as we can. After last weeks divisive debutant, the Tudor P01, we have a couple of controversial models from Omega and Rolex. This week, the Yacht-Master stares down the Aqua Terra in one of the loveliest (or should that be lubbliest?) showdowns in memory.Wow, that was close. The polarizing Tudor Black Bay P01 dul [...]

If there is any watch that resembles the famous early original Omega Speedmaster CK2915 then it is the Rodania Geometer. Or is it vice versa? This week, we shine a light on a long-standing but unanswered question: which of these watches influenced the look of the other? Some collectors say Rodania Geometer dates to 1954, which is three years before the original Speedmaster. But does anyone know for sure?In September 2018, a Rodania Geometer sold at Sothebys fore4,750 (hammer price). Just a few months later, Miller Miller Auctions (in Canada) offered another Rodania Geometer with its box. It had an estimate ranging from $1,500 C2,000. The final price including the buyers premium was 16,700. [...]

Speedy Tuesday is about sharing the passion for Speedmasters. No more, no less. Whether you have one Speedmaster or three dozen (or more), the collectors lot centers on their love for the Speedmaster watch.I like to hear stories about Speedmasters. What triggered someone to buy a certain Speedmaster or a Speedmaster in general? Every time I see someone wearing a Speedmaster, I am not too shy to ask about his or her watch. Without exception, theres always a story to it. Whether it was passed down, or Moon landing related, or simply a gift for a graduation, all the people I have asked about their Speedmaster know exactly what they are wearing. And, best of all, they know why.Speedmaster 145.00 [...]

We are honored to have Petros Protopapas, Omegas Brand Heritage Manager, on our podcast. His first appearance on a podcast ever, and we talk Omegas Constellation collection. From 1952 to now.Our Fratello on Air podcast is available via Buzzsprout, Soundcloud, Apple Podcast, Google Podcast, Deezer,? Stitcher, and Spotify.Petros? ProtopapasWe cant imagine you have not heard of Petros Protopapas if youre into Omega watches. He leads the Omega museum and archives department, together with a team of experts and a watchmaker. Although he has been accompanying us on a number of events, those were all Speedmaster related. Its time to talk about something else for a change. We asked Petros Protopapas [...]

Have you ever dreamed of being a super spy? Have you ever wondered what watch you might wear if that career should become your daily grind? Well, perhaps we have an answer for you. At least when it comes to counting cards and flinging chips all over the board in the casinos youd no doubt make your second (or first) home. No, this isnt a go-anywhere, do-anything kind of watch. Its something thats been shaken and definitely not stirred. Allow us to present to you, the new Omega Seamaster Diver 300M James Bond Numbered Edition in platinum-gold.Before the coronavirus broke the world in ways wed never predicted something could, we found ourselves basking in the glow of the Omega Seamaster 300M Ja [...]

In recent months, we get more questions about the 1990s Speedmaster Professional watches than ever. The ones with tritium dials and hands, that tend to age nicely and turn yellow.It is something Ive been saying all along the 1990s Moonwatch is the next best thing You can still find them with boxes and papers, and they do look awesome with the tritium on the markers and in the hands turning yellow. Even more interesting perhaps, are the versions with display backs. A hesalite crystal on the dial and a sapphire case back what a combo This article is originally from 2016 (go figure), but in light of the recent requests we received for more information about these watches, I decided to revise th [...]

In this Sunday morning column, two of our writers go head-to-head in an epic showdown for the ages. Strong opinions and hysterical hyperbole are welcome (so feel free to join in with the fun in the comments section below). And don't forget to let us know which watches you'd like to see torn to shreds/effusively exalted next week. We'll try and feature as many of our readers' choices as we can. This week sees a bona fide classic the Rolex Submariner take-on the young pretender, the Omega Seamaster Professional 300M. Who wins? You decideHere we are again. The best time of the week. Do you remember the days of waking up early on a Sunday morning to watch your favorite cartoon? That is what [...]

A new Speedmaster release on a Speedy Tuesday That makes us proud. Heres the Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon Alinghi. Just like the Speedmaster Apollo 8 that we like so much, the Alinghi is based on the Dark Side of the Moon collection.While the Speedmaster Apollo 8 revolves around the Moon, with its caliber 1869 with moon surface pattern (applied by laser ablation), this new Speedmaster Alinghi is all about sailing. A strange combination, you say? On the surface, perhaps a watch from the Seamaster collection might have been a more obvious choice. But remember, the Alinghi boats are all about speed. A sailor on one of these boats has no intention of swimming or diving, so the 50 meters of [...]

Welcome back to our Watch On Your Wrist? Instagram extravaganza Tag your watch snaps with fratellowatches to be in with a chance to win!Every week, we select four images. You can vote in the article for your favorite image. The winner moves on to the semi-final round (held every fifth week between the previous four weekly winners). Win that and youre into the final, which will be held at the end of the year. There will be five finalists in 2020 and ten from next year on.Basically, if you like winning things and there will be a prize for the champion of 2020 this year represents your best shot. So get snapping, get tagging, and get sharing. And dont forget to vote for yourself ObviouslyView [...]

While many brands could be accused of underrating the importance of strap design, not even the best strap can save a poorly designed watch head. And sometimes, when a brand nails the watch head design, it can burst into life on hundreds of different straps. Some watches demand you wear them on the straps the designers designed for them; others encourage you to experiment. We call these watches strap monsters. Lets take a look at a few of my favorites.Theoretically, you can put a strap on any timepiece. In the early days, even pocket watches had wire lugs soldered on as a way to affix the watch head to the wrist. I say theoretically, as not all watches qualify as strap monsters. To comply as [...]

On July 21st, 1969, the Omega Speedmaster became the Moonwatch. Before that, it was just the chronograph that astronauts used onboard the spacecraft and during their spacewalks.It ascended to the legendary status it holds today after rigorous testing. Understanding exactly what the Speedmaster went through to reach this level is fascinating. We reported the testing procedures in how the Speedmaster became the Moonwatch. If youd like to read about the failed competition, you can do so here.This article contains a lot of reference numbers. Dont let that confuse you. But if you have any questions, or need further clarification on anything, just ask us in the comments section below.Edwin Buzz Al [...]

In this Sunday morning column, two of our writers go head-to-head in an epic showdown for the ages. Strong opinions and hysterical hyperbole are welcome (so feel free to join in with the fun in the comments section below). And don't forget to let us know which watches you'd like to see torn to shreds/effusively exalted next week. We'll try and feature as many of our readers' choices as we can. Omega steps up to the plate with the too-often ignored Railmaster. On the mound, pitching as if its life depended on it is the scientists darling, the Rolex Milgauss. This week its Jorg Vs. Ben. Let battle commence!Sunday Morning Showdown is a fluid concept. Sometimes our editors clash on opinions of a [...]

Here it is (finally), the hands-on Omega Speedmaster Caliber 321 review. Exactly six months after its release date (January 7th), I picked mine up at the new Omega Boutique in Biel.We recently touched upon this watch in our Sunday Morning Showdown section, where Jorg and Ben sent this Omega Speedmaster Calibre 321 in steel and the Rolex Daytona 116500LN into battle. If you havent read it yet, please go check it out.A few days later after the publication of that article, I was able to pick up the Omega Speedmaster Calibre 321. I received the message that my watch was ready to be collected and I realized that I would be one of the lucky guys to receive it so early. Ive been wearing the Speedma [...]

And were back with another episode of Wrist Game or Crying Shame, the weekly go or no go article where you choose whether to launch. This week, we take a look at a modern rendition of the Speedmaster Mark II. But firstThe old saying of size doesnt matter rang true regarding last weeks Rolex Air-King for 3,950. Despite its un-kingly diameter of 34mm and lofty price tag of 3,950, condition counted. And your votes counted as well as you crowned it with a 57% Wrist Game win. But what happens when a king abdicates its throne? Who shall be the successor? Todays watch isnt so much of a follow-up, but more like an addendum. Enter the Omega Speedmaster Mark II.The Speedmaster Mark IIIf youre a fan of [...]