Watches Blog Wrist Watch Reviews

As some of you may know, my horological life began some 25 years ago with an Omega Speedmaster Professional. Of course, it wasnt my first watch. Although my very first watch was a mechanical one, quite a lot of quartz and digital watches like Casio G-Shock, Citizen, and many many Swatches had been on my wrist already.?But it must have been beginning of the 90s that a friend of mine bought a Speedmaster. It didnt take more than a month before I had one on my wrist as well.Omega Speedmaster Professional ref 3570.50.00That was not only the start of an ever-growing watch collection, but it also spurred a career change. My interest in these kinds of watches felt so natural that it was an easy c [...]

Last weekend Gerard and yours truly went on a trip to the most southern part of the Netherlands for a get-together at Bulang Sons. Speedy Tuesday was the main theme. Due to the nature of the event, the location was undisclosed with the request not to post anything on social media for the obvious safety reasons. So, in the early afternoon, we arrived with other watch collectors from various countries. Awaiting us was a smorgasbord of horological delightsCommunity-driven Speedmaster EventThose who have been at one of our Speedy Tuesday events have already know what they entail. Speedy Tuesday is mainly about the community of Speedmaster enthusiasts and therefore shouldn't only be limited to w [...]

In 2007, Omega celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Speedmaster family. In my opinion, there is one very special member of this group that is too often overlooked. Perhaps?reference 311.33.42.50.01.001.001 is shunned for its enamel dial. Maybe its down to its F. Piguet based 3201 movement. Whatever the cause for its past neglect, its about time it got a bit more attention.And, in my opinion, it deserves it. Not only because of the commemorative character of the watch but because of the enamel dial, hand-wound Omega caliber 3201, and, last but not least, its impressive presentation box.Omega Speedmaster 50th Anniversary (2007)In 2007, Omega introduced two Speedmaster models that commemorate [...]

Welcome back to Wrist Game or Crying Shame, where you get to act like Caesar in Gladiator and choose the fate of an embattled subject. Today, we will look at the Omega Speedmaster 60th Anniversary edition. But first?-If we take last week's results as a guide, you are all ice cold I say that because the Rolex Explorer II 16570 Polar cruised to a 72% Wrist Game win. It seems that a price encroaching on $10,000 isn't too rich for your blood. Today, let's see if you're willing to vote in favor of something more limited in nature but currently less popular. Enter the Omega Speedmaster 60th Anniversary edition.Another Limited Edition SpeedmasterI know, I know?-. Limited edition Speedmasters must b [...]

During our Speedy Tuesday event in Frankfurt last year, Apollo 16 astronaut Charlie Duke was our special guest for the day.Charlie Duke was selected for the Apollo program by NASA in 1966. In 1969, Duke served as an astronaut support crew member for the Apollo 10 mission and was the CAPCOM for Apollo 11. The CAPCOM was the single person at the Mission Control center who was directly in touch with the astronauts in space. Dukes first words to the Apollo 11 crew on the surface of the Moon were: Roger, TwankTranquility, we copy you on the ground. You got a bunch of guys about to turn blue. Were breathing again. Thanks a lot!.Charlie Duke as CAPCOM for Apollo 11 (on his right are James A. Lovell [...]

With todays announcement of the new Bond25 release, we thought it was time to run you by all previous Omega Seamaster watches that Bond had on his wrist.James Bond SeamasterSince over two decades, the Omega Seamaster is a trusty companion to the most famous spy in the world; James Bond. It was 1995 when Her Majesty's secret agent strapped an Omega on his wrist for the first time. Throughout the years, just like the timepieces, the taste of Mr. Bond evolved and broadened. He went from quartz to mechanical, from a single watch to wearing multiple models by the brand on the silver screen. It was also the time when the production company realized their franchise needs to be brought up to speed. [...]

We show you the Top 10 Speedmaster articles in the last 12 months with the most reads.This means, of course, that more recently published articles received less views than the ones that were already there 12 months ago. However, it will give a pretty good idea of what you like to read here.The Speedy Tuesday articles appear every week on Fratello, since 2012. Weve written more than 360 Speedy Tuesday articles in total, which you can all find on this page. After our first Speedy Tuesday article in May 2012, it quickly grew out to become one of our most popular items here on Fratello. Also on Instagram, the Speedy Tuesday hashtag was quickly picked up. It became a thing. So much, that we also [...]

In 2021, Omega updated the iconic Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch with the caliber 3861 movement. A very good reason to update our Speedmaster Buyers Guide as well!This guide dates all the way back to 2014, and since then, a lot happened. Not only did we have our own way with Omega and the two Speedmaster Speedy Tuesday watches (in 2017 and 2018), Omega also introduced a number of interesting Speedmaster watches to the collection. What about the Speedmaster Calibre 321 from 2020, or the new Moonwatch Master Chronometer models in gold? Time for us to update this Speedmaster Buyers Guide.In this Speedmaster Buyers Guide, we give you an overview of the most important references of the Speedm [...]

Wait a minute? Didnt Bukowskis?auction a CK2915 before for a record price?Yes they did, and we reported about it here. We also published an interview with the collector who bought that CK2915-1 for a whopping?$275,508 US dollars (including buyers premium). You can read that interview here.Speedmaster CK2915-2So now, it is time for another CK2915 for them to auction. This time, the 2nd iteration of the Speedmaster CK2915, indicated by a -2 designator. Interesting enough, the first CK2915(-1) and this 2nd iteration CK2915(-2) are pretty similar to each other. The first generation Speedmaster CK2915 was only in production for a very short time, and during those first years of the Speedmaster pr [...]

On this Speedy Tuesday, we show you 10 Instagram accounts you want to make sure to follow to get your dose of Speedmasters on a daily basis.Weve been using the SpeedyTuesday tag since 2012 ourselves, and theres our?official @SpeedyTuesday account of course. However, so many people out there have interesting Speedmaster content on their accounts, we thought it would be nice to share our favourites with you.In no particular order, here are the 10 Instagram accounts you want to follow:10. @SpeedyJapanA Speedmaster enthusiast from Japan is running this @SpeedyJapan account, where he posts and reposts images of our beloved Speedmasters. He is calling all Speedmaster fans in Japan on his account. [...]

The Speedmaster has the best ambassador in the world The Moon. Since 1962 the Speedmaster has played a role in space exploration and in 1965 it became the official watch to wear during EVA. But the Speedmaster can also be seen on the wrists of many other ambassadors.Brands using ambassadors isnt exactly something from the last few years, although it sometimes does appear that way. The use of ambassadors to promote a watch or watch brand often results in very strong reactions from the crowd. Those who are not so deeply interested in watches dont care much and often gives them a way to make an association with a brand. In case of Omega, think of Cindy Crawford and the Constellation or perhaps [...]

Last week I was super excited to see the new gold Speedmaster Professional Apollo XI that commemorates the 50th anniversary of the Moon landing.But of course, it is also a tribute to the original gold Omega Speedmaster Professional Apollo XI 1969 that was presented to President Nixon, his Vice-President Agnew and to the astronauts of Apollo missions. Michael Stockton did a nice introduction article of the new 2019 Omega Speedmaster Apollo 11 50th anniversary and gave an overview (click here to read it) of the original BA145.022 and which numbers were given to which astronauts.I was so lucky to be in Bienne last week when the new Speedmaster Apollo 11 reference?310.60.42.50.99.001 was introdu [...]

It's finally here!? As the first model in what we hope will be a multi-pronged approach, we have official news of the Gold Omega Speedmaster Apollo 11 50th Anniversary Limited Edition.It's no secret that Omega releases a high number of variants based upon its legendary Omega Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch each year.? For Speedmaster fans, and we are most certainly loyal members of that group, the last several years have been fantastic.? The '57 reissue, the Speedy Tuesdays, the Apollo XIII Silver Snoopy are just some of the memorable pieces we've had the pleasure of seeing and enjoying.? But and this is a big but if you're a space fan, a history buff, or one who likes recalling one o [...]

A little while ago, we received a long email from our reader James. In his email, he admits he was a bit late to the game, but at least he did his homework and went through a lot of our Speedy Tuesday articles.Now, he has a question. About which Speedmaster to buy for himself to celebrate not only his first wedding anniversary but also the birth of his first child. But before he gets to his question, he first shared a bit of background with us.Speedmaster Mark IVJames: I was very touched by Robert-Jans story (Why I Love Omega So Much) from July 25th, 2018 I felt very similar. My grandfather always wore an Omega Speedmaster, which I really liked. I remember it as if it was yesterday: at a di [...]

According to my dictionary the meaning of Jumbo is; noun a very large person or thing, adjective very large. There are a number of jumbos out there.To start with the Boeing 747, a wide-body passenger aircraft bears this nickname. If you ever flew over the Atlantic with Lufthansa, KLM or British Airways you probably had the pleasure of travelling in one. It is an intimidatingly large plane that often makes me wonder why have I not paid more attention to physics in high school. I probably would have a glimpse of understanding how can that monstrosity actually go up and stay there. Then you have the jumbotron. A large screen you can usually find in sports arenas-or in Las Vegas. You know, the o [...]

rOmega has released Apollo XI editions of the Speedmaster since 1969. The first was the famous gold Speedmaster Professional with a burgundy bezel, a massive gold dial with onyx markers, and a gold bracelet. Only 1,014 of these watches were produced. Of them, a number were presented to the Apollo astronauts, President Nixon, and a few more important people who played a role in NASAs space program.Again in 1980, Omega introduced a gold Speedmaster Professional Apollo XI. There were 320 numbered pieces in total, 20 of which were white gold. However, you could say that Omega made these Apollo XI limited editions a recurring event starting in 1989. That year marked the 20th anniversary of the Mo [...]

For this weeks Speedy Tuesday article, we talk to a guy who has been featured here before in 2015. He calls himself TLIGuy on the Australian based OmegaForums and is occupied with creating an overview of historic moments in manned spaceflight between 1965 and 2015, using Speedmaster case backs.He started in 2013 with this massive project and we thought it would be nice to talk to him where he stands today. We ask him some questions about this impressive project that includes the involvement of many astronauts and NASA staff to be completed.Speedmaster Signature Case Back ProjectHow long has it taken to assemble the collection and are you finished with the entire project?I'm not finished yet; [...]

A few weeks ago, whilst cleaning up my attic, I found a box with all sorts of watch stuff. Inside were also two discs that I received in December 2007.On there, an interview between astronaut Wally Schirra and Chuck Maddox. This interview was recorded on February 17th 2007 in Beverly Hills, a few months before Schirra passed way age 84 on May 3rd 2007. Chuck Maddox passed away a year later, on May 12th 2008, age 46. A sad day that I vividly remember, as I received a phone call from Dale Vito (Ace Jewelers) who brought me this news whilst being on a family trip in Munich.Wally Schirra was the only astronaut who flew on board of the Mercury (MA-8), Gemini (6A) and Apollo (7). As you probably k [...]

This coming Wednesday, the Fortuna Exchange auction will take place. A monthly live auction where you can bid on watches and jewellery. In this month, Fortuna offers 45 watches of which we selected 4 to show you.Rolex Milgauss 1019The rare Rolex Milgauss reference 1019 is a watch that was meant for engineers and scientists. A watch that could be used in professional environments, where it could be exposed to (strong) magnetic fields. The IWC Ingenieur and Omega Railmaster were its main competitors at the time, also offering anti-magnetic watches.The Milgauss was created in 1956 as the result of a collaboration between CERN, the famed European Organization for Nuclear Research, and Rolex. To [...]

Under the bright booth lights at Baselworld, it's far too easy for a watch like the Omega Seamaster Titanium Tantalum to disappear into the ether. With its soft colors, the watch blends into the light earth tones that Omega employs within its confines (or did, as 2018 was the last year for the brand at the show). And so yes, I consider this to be a bit of an already-forgotten piece despite the fact that it hasn't shipped to boutiques yet ? it's planned for March. Therefore, I thought it wise to bring this Seamaster back to the forefront with a hands-on review. I kept and wore this watch for nearly two weeks and took a lot of pictures because, with this watch, the details are key.2018 The Ye [...]