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Audemars Piguet × Swatch Royal POP. Here is What We Know!
FeaturedNew Release

Audemars Piguet × Swatch Royal POP. Here is What We Know!

Swatch has been teasing us for the last week about a secret release scheduled to debut on May 16th. The teasers refer to the Swatch POP (a watch introduced in 1986), a lanyard, a “clac” sound, Audemars Piguet’s Royal Oak, and a Sistem51 mechanical movement.

May 2026 · 5 min read · Fratello WatchesRead Article
Introducing: The Unexpected Baltic × SpaceOne Seconde Majeure
New Release

Introducing: The Unexpected Baltic × SpaceOne Seconde Majeure

Collaborations in the watch world are nothing new. Usually, we see a watch brand team up with some other company, often resulting in a fairly gimmicky co-branding exercise. That approach doesn’t typically float our boat, to put it mildly. Today, we have something a bit different. What happens when two seemingly incompatible watch companies join forces? Visit Introducing: The Unexpected Baltic × SpaceOne Seconde Majeure to read the full article.

May 2026 · Fratello Watches
Artisans De Genève Reveals The Remarkable Personalized Kraft Signature
Market Update

Artisans De Genève Reveals The Remarkable Personalized Kraft Signature

A few weeks ago, I wrote about the stunning timepiece that Artisans de Genève personalized for Andre Agassi. It was great to see what the brand had come up with for the world-famous tennis star, as he is one of my childhood heroes. For its latest personalization effort, Artisans de Genève was contacted by Alexander Kraft. Visit Artisans De Genève Reveals The Remarkable Personalized Kraft Signature to read the full article.

May 2026 · Fratello Watches
Fratello’s Top 5 Alternatives To The Cartier Tank Louis Cartier
Market Update

Fratello’s Top 5 Alternatives To The Cartier Tank Louis Cartier

Another Friday, another list. This week, we search for the best alternatives to the classic Cartier Tank Louis Cartier. This industry icon dates back to 1922 and has become one of the most imitated watches in the world. That is more than enough reason to look at a list of five alternatives that didn't just copy its signature style. Visit Fratello’s Top 5 Alternatives To The Cartier Tank Louis Cartier to read the full article.

May 2026 · Fratello Watches
New Release

Hands-On With The New Quartz Citizen Challenge Timer “Tsuno”

The Citizen “bullhead” chronograph returns in the form of the Challenge Timer, a design that dates back to the 1970s. Citizen now reintroduces this formerly Japan-only model to the European market with the eponymous layout, with the pushers and crown at the top of the case. This reissue matters for a simple reason. Demand for Citizen Bullheads went up after Brad Pitt wore one in Once Upon A Time In Hollywood. Citizen now offers a more accessible version with a quartz movement and a price of €229, putting it well within reach of a much broader audience. Visit Hands-On With The New Quartz Citizen Challenge Timer “Tsuno” to read the full article.

May 2026 · Fratello Watches
Market Update

Video: The Jacob & Co. The Godfather II — A Double-Melody Musical Timepiece

The Jacob & Co. The Godfather II is not the first Godfather-themed watch. It is, however, the first that plays two tunes — “The Godfather Waltz” and “The Godfather Love Theme.” Jacob & Co. built a timepiece with a single music box barrel playing two songs, and Benjamin Arabov tells us how the watch with a 510-part movement and a newly designed 42 x 44mm rose gold case came to life. Visit Video: The Jacob & Co. The Godfather II — A Double-Melody Musical Timepiece to read the full article.

May 2026 · Fratello Watches
Market Update

Is It Worth It: Pre-Owned Omega Constellation ‘95

In this new series, we will focus on (neo-)vintage watches that can now be found at interesting prices on the secondary market. We will select watches we have come across in our searches for nice pieces or simply those we think could fulfill a certain desire or role in one’s collection. For this first installment, we picked the long-discontinued Omega Constellation ’95 models because they could fulfill the need for a thinner, dressier, more elegant wristwatch. Visit Is It Worth It: Pre-Owned Omega Constellation ‘95 to read the full article.

May 2026 · Fratello Watches
Market Update

Fratello Talks: The Great Watch Price-Shift Dilemma

Watch prices have been creeping upward for years, but recently, it feels like something more fundamental is happening. It’s no longer just about incremental increases, as entire segments seem to be shifting. Brands are moving into price territory once occupied by others, microbrands are pushing higher than ever before, and the old mental map of “what you get for your money” is becoming harder to navigate. In this episode of Fratello Talks, Nacho is joined by Daan and Thomas to unpack this growing dilemma. What’s driving these shifts? Are they justified? And perhaps most importantly, how does this affect the way we perceive value as collectors? But first, a quick wrist check. Visit Fratello Talks: The Great Watch Price-Shift Dilemma to read the full article.

May 2026 · Fratello Watches
Market Update

Hands-On With The Nivada Grenchen Antarctic Erotic

When the article about the new Nivada Grenchen Antarctic Erotic came out on the 1st of April, many did not take it seriously. Though the images were way better than a silly AI-generated render, readers thought they were part of a very elaborate prank by Guillaume Laidet and his team. Well, I’m here to tell you that it was real, and the watch sits on my wrist as I type this. The Antarctic is one of Nivada’s most coveted models. I’ve reviewed a few iterations over the years. While the new Antarctic Erotic may not look different at first glance, there is indeed a difference, which only becomes clear when you take the watch off. Visit Hands-On With The Nivada Grenchen Antarctic Erotic to read the full article.

May 2026 · Fratello Watches
History

Hands-On With The Watch That Shouts My Name And The Other 100th-Anniversary Rolex Oyster Perpetual

Once I saw it, I couldn’t unsee it. The special Jubilee dial of one of two anniversary Rolex Oyster Perpetual watches displayed the brand name repeatedly, but I just saw my name written over and over. This watch that literally had my name on it in a most obvious way. So, is the OP with the graphic party dial composed of 10 colors the watch for me, or do I prefer the more understated celebratory version with touches of yellow gold and green? Visit Hands-On With The Watch That Shouts My Name And The Other 100th-Anniversary Rolex Oyster Perpetual to read the full article.

May 2026 · Fratello Watches
Investment

What Does Antiquorum Have On Auction That Might Fit Your Budget?

Another auction week in Geneva is upon us. That means most of the attention goes to the big lots that fetch the big bucks. But there’s more to auctions than setting records. Auctions are also a way to bump into childhood heroes, to see watches that got away, or to find an unexpected new love. […] Visit What Does Antiquorum Have On Auction That Might Fit Your Budget? to read the full article.

May 2026 · Fratello Watches
Investment

Holocaust Survivor’s Rolex Oyster Perpetual To Go Up For Auction

We have covered quite a few historical stories about Rolex here on the Fratello site. Today, we have another, this time about a special gold Oyster Perpetual that belonged to Holocaust survivor Kurt Kahn. Let’s dive in. Some watches merely tell time, while others tell stories. Very rarely, one encounters a piece that does both […] Visit Holocaust Survivor’s Rolex Oyster Perpetual To Go Up For Auction to read the full article.

May 2026 · Fratello Watches
Market Update

Sunday Morning Showdown: Mystery Complications — H. Moser & Cie. Endeavour Perpetual Calendar Concept Tantalum Vs. Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda PF Chronographe Mystérieux

Another week is in the books, and the buzz from a surprisingly bold Watches and Wonders still lingers. Outside the major brands, the show delivered genuine innovation. Highlights ranged from Armin Strom’s on-demand 12:59-chiming minute repeater to Zenith’s practical and deeply satisfying Zenclasp for the Chronomaster Sport Skeleton. For week 19, we shift focus to […] Visit Sunday Morning Showdown: Mystery Complications — H. Moser & Cie. Endeavour Perpetual Calendar Concept Tantalum Vs

May 2026 · Fratello Watches
New Release

Introducing: The Two-Tone Girard-Perregaux Laureato Chronograph 42mm

The dust may have settled from all the recent events in Geneva, but that doesn’t mean we’re done with new releases. Girard-Perregaux is embracing the warmer weather to come with a sporty new release. The Laureato Chronograph 42mm is a familiar watch, but this is the first two-tone model we’ve seen. Plus, it adds a […] Visit Introducing: The Two-Tone Girard-Perregaux Laureato Chronograph 42mm to read the full article.

May 2026 · Fratello Watches
Market Update

Hands-On With The Venezianico Arsenale Calendario

Venezianico has shown tremendous progress over the past few years. This young Venetian brand has demonstrated its ambition by continually improving its timepieces. Whether through distinctive dials, proprietary calibers, or clever variations of existing models, the extensive collection has become more interesting with every release. One of the brand’s commercial successes is the Arsenale collection. […] Visit Hands-On With The Venezianico Arsenale Calendario to read the full article.

May 2026 · Fratello Watches
Market Update

Hands-On With The New Nivada Grenchen × Le Petit Poussoir F77 Polar White MK1 Limited Edition

Sometimes, you don’t want a color or a fancy finish on your dial, and occasionally, the second version isn’t always better than the first. That must be exactly what Ludovic Barrois from the French watch publication Le Petit Poussoir was thinking. That’s probably why, with his friend Guillaume Laidet, he released the Nivada Grenchen F77 […] Visit Hands-On With The New Nivada Grenchen × Le Petit Poussoir F77 Polar White MK1 Limited Edition to read the full article.

May 2026 · Fratello Watches
Market Update

Hands-On With The New Chanel J12 Superleggera Caliber 12.1 — Is It Worthy Of The Famous Automotive Moniker?

Superleggera is Italian for “super light.” But to a petrolhead, the word means more. The term refers to a custom automobile body-construction method developed by Felice Bianchi Anderloni at the Italian coachbuilder Carrozzeria Touring Superleggera. Patented in 1936, the Superleggera system uses a framework of thin steel tubes shaped to the contours of the car […] Visit Hands-On With The New Chanel J12 Superleggera Caliber 12.1 — Is It Worthy Of The Famous Automotive Moniker? to read the fu

May 2026 · Fratello Watches
New Release

Hands-On With The New Citizen Tsuyosa Shore Series

When discussing super-affordable entry-level watches with enthusiasts, the name Citizen Tsuyosa is likely to come up. Since the Japanese brand first unveiled the Tsuyosa in 2022, the line has become incredibly popular. Over the past four years, we have seen striking new dial variations of the inaugural 40mm versions, smaller 37mm variations, and a series […] Visit Hands-On With The New Citizen Tsuyosa Shore Series to read the full article.

May 2026 · Fratello Watches
Market Update

Crossing The Finish Line With The Bravur Grand Tour Sprinter

What do Mark “The Manx Missile” Cavendish, Djamolidin “The Tasjkent Terror” Abdoujaparov, and André “The Gorilla” Greipel have in common? Nicknames that say something about their character and their profession — winning sprints. In pro cycling, sprinters are a different breed. They hide in the belly of the peloton, only to emerge in the final […] Visit Crossing The Finish Line With The Bravur Grand Tour Sprinter to read the full article.

May 2026 · Fratello Watches
New Release

Audemars Piguet × Swatch Royal POP. Here is What We Know!

Swatch has been teasing us for the last week about a secret release scheduled to debut on May 16th. The teasers refer to the Swatch POP (a watch introduced in 1986), a lanyard, a “clac” sound, Audemars Piguet’s Royal Oak, and a Sistem51 mechanical movement.

May 2026 · Fratello Watches
Market Update

Discovering The Magic Of The Zenith Chronomaster Revival A384 Tropical

If you are a regular Fratello reader, it will come as no surprise that I am a Zenith fan. The brand’s Chronomaster Revival A384 is my current favorite watch. There is nothing out there like it, and every time I put it on my wrist, I feel a mix of excitement and reassurance about how […] Visit Discovering The Magic Of The Zenith Chronomaster Revival A384 Tropical to read the full article.

May 2026 · Fratello Watches
Market Update

Audemars Piguet × Swatch Royal Pop — The Most Unexpected Swatch Collaboration Yet

After weeks of teasing, today, we got an unexpected embargo lift on the Audemars Piguet × Swatch Royal Pop. Only a very few AI mock-ups were somewhat close to what Swatch has just released. And the young guys we saw on TikTok hoping to be sporting a very affordable Royal Oak on the wrist (or […] Visit Audemars Piguet × Swatch Royal Pop — The Most Unexpected Swatch Collaboration Yet to read the full article.

May 2026 · Fratello Watches
Investment

Here’s What Happened To The NASA-Issued Speedmasters!

On April 27th, 1976, NASA made 55 out of 97 of its Omega Speedmaster chronographs available to the National Air & Space Museum (NASM) in Washington, DC. Then and now, these Omega watches were considered a collection with significant artifactual value! This article is a contribution by space and watch enthusiast Philip Corneille, founder of […] Visit Here’s What Happened To The NASA-Issued Speedmasters! to read the full article.

May 2026 · Fratello Watches
New Release

Hands-On With The New Seiko Astron GPS Solar Dual-Time Chronographs HAB001, HAB002, HAB003, And Limited HAB004

A little over two years ago, Seiko introduced the first Astron GPS Solar Dual-Time Chronographs. Following that, the brand gradually launched slightly updated versions featuring new materials and colors. For its 145th anniversary, Seiko revamped its Astron GPS Solar Dual-Time Chronographs. With a new case and caliber, the series gets a proper update. The brand […] Visit Hands-On With The New Seiko Astron GPS Solar Dual-Time Chronographs HAB001, HAB002, HAB003, And Limited HAB004 to read th

May 2026 · Fratello Watches
New Release

Hands-On With The Stylish And Practical Patek Philippe Calatrava Ref. 5396R-016 Annual Calendar Moon Phase

In 1996, Patek Philippe launched a watch to bridge the gap between its dress watches and perpetual calendars. The brand needed more sales; the Nautilus was not a hype watch yet, so what did Patek do? It launched a classic calendar watch that looked like a perpetual calendar, but it actually was a watch with […] Visit Hands-On With The Stylish And Practical Patek Philippe Calatrava Ref. 5396R-016 Annual Calendar Moon Phase to read the full article.

May 2026 · Fratello Watches
Market Update

Fratello Talks: There Are No Tool Watches Above €500

Mechanical watches were once essential tools for pilots, divers, scientists, race car drivers, etc. You’ve probably seen the advertisements in old National Geographic magazines, showing spelunkers proudly wearing their Rolex Explorers or a pilot checking his Breitling Navitimer, using it to calculate fuel consumption. For many years (decades) now, this has been handled digitally, as […] Visit Fratello Talks: There Are No Tool Watches Above €500 to read the full article.

May 2026 · Fratello Watches
History

Seiko Celebrates Its 145th Anniversary With The Prospex HBC005 And HBB001 Limited Editions

To celebrate Seiko’s 145th anniversary, the Japanese brand has created a series of watches featuring a nice combination of blue and white. The series pays tribute to Seiko Blue, resulting in some surprisingly fresh creations. The new Seiko Prospex HBC005 and HBB001 limited editions proudly sport a crisp white dial with a vibrant blue bezel. […] Visit Seiko Celebrates Its 145th Anniversary With The Prospex HBC005 And HBB001 Limited Editions to read the full article.

May 2026 · Fratello Watches
History

Hands-On With The New Seiko Presage Classic Series HCC004 And HCC007

Seiko is celebrating its 145th anniversary this year, and that results in new watches paying tribute to this respectable age. Among them are these two new Presage Classic Series watches, both limited editions, available in 36mm and 39.6mm sizes. Let’s have a closer look at the HCC004 and HCC007, shall we? Seiko Presage Classic Series […] Visit Hands-On With The New Seiko Presage Classic Series HCC004 And HCC007 to read the full article.

May 2026 · Fratello Watches
Market Update

Watch Strap Review 72 — Atelier Yang

After a strong start last month, we’re back with straps from yet another atelier for your viewing pleasure. Here’s a brand-new (to us) name all the way from Singapore — Atelier Yang. It’s been a while since I received these wonderful straps, but we needed to build a strategy for the restart of the Watch […] Visit Watch Strap Review 72 — Atelier Yang to read the full article.

May 2026 · Fratello Watches
New Release

Introducing: The Skeletonized Panerai Submersible GMT PAM01495

If you don’t shy away from a bold, technical statement piece, the new Panerai Submersible GMT PAM01495 might just be for you. It combines a skeletonized GMT movement with a 47mm titanium DMLS case and a 500m depth rating. It does so in typical Panerai style, with a lively sense of drama. Panerai tends to […] Visit Introducing: The Skeletonized Panerai Submersible GMT PAM01495 to read the full article.

May 2026 · Fratello Watches
New Release

Hands-On With The Tudor Monarch — Are You Down With The New King?

This year is a regal one indeed, as both Tudor and the Rolex Oyster case celebrate their 100th anniversary. For this grandiose occasion, Tudor presented a completely new model during Watches and Wonders 2026 to underline the significance of its century of existence. The Tudor Monarch is a hard-to-define watch, but when you look at […] Visit Hands-On With The Tudor Monarch — Are You Down With The New King? to read the full article.

May 2026 · Fratello Watches
Investment

Hands-On With The Improved Maen Hudson GMT MKII

Swedish brand Maen has been optimizing its collection by returning to its roots. The brand has taken an in-depth look at its rapidly expanding catalog to see how far it has strayed from its beginnings. With that perspective, the team started reworking the Hudson series to better reflect what the brand had set out to […] Visit Hands-On With The Improved Maen Hudson GMT MKII to read the full article.

May 2026 · Fratello Watches
Market Update

Hands-On With The Briston Clubmaster Legend Diver Ocean

Listen up because today, we’re talking about another new brand on Fratello. Briston, a small French brand, was established in 2013, but it’s seemingly ready for the big stage. Frankly, after going hands-on with several of the company’s pieces at Time To Watches in Geneva, I think they’re worth a look. Happily, we start our […] Visit Hands-On With The Briston Clubmaster Legend Diver Ocean to read the full article.

May 2026 · Fratello Watches
New Release

Fratello’s Top 5 Alternatives To The Rolex Yacht-Master II

Another Friday, another list. This week, we decided to dive into the world of regatta timers. Rolex’s big introduction this year during Watches and Wonders was the updated Yacht-Master II. In itself, the updated watch proved to be a huge improvement compared to the previous generation of The Crown’s regatta timer. In both usability and […] Visit Fratello’s Top 5 Alternatives To The Rolex Yacht-Master II to read the full article.

May 2026 · Fratello Watches
Market Update

Sunday Morning Showdown: Grand Seiko Evolution 9 Spring Drive U.F.A. Ushio 300 Vs. Rolex Yacht-Master 42 In Titanium

Grand Seiko surprised friend and foe at Watches and Wonders when the brand released a smaller, more accurate dive watch at a lower price than its predecessor. The Ushio 300 diver, naturally, was met with applause. So, for this week’s showdown, we thought we’d stack it up against a watch so popular that it is […] Visit Sunday Morning Showdown: Grand Seiko Evolution 9 Spring Drive U.F.A. Ushio 300 Vs. Rolex Yacht-Master 42 In Titanium to read the full article.

May 2026 · Fratello Watches
History

The UR-10 Spacemeter Is the Most Traditional Urwerk Yet… Sort Of

Calling an Urwerk traditional feels a bit ridiculous, but here we are. The new UR-10 Spacemeter gets closer to that territory than just about anything the brand has done before. And yes, we did get a traditional Urwerk before we got Grand Theft Auto VI. Sure, Urwerk has used hands in pieces like the EMC […] Visit The UR-10 Spacemeter Is the Most Traditional Urwerk Yet… Sort Of to read the full article.

May 2026 · Fratello Watches
Market Update

Hands-On With The New Synchron Ti300M Poseidon I Limited Edition

Today has been a long time coming because the new Synchron Ti300M Poseidon I Limited Edition has been on my wrist for over a month! During that period, I’ve been able to put the watch through its paces, and I’m pleased to say that it’s a great option for anyone in the market for a […] Visit Hands-On With The New Synchron Ti300M Poseidon I Limited Edition to read the full article.

May 2026 · Fratello Watches
New Release

Introducing: The Beaucroft Contour GMT And Solaris GMT Limited Edition In Collaboration With Time+Tide

Cambridge-based independent watchmaker Beaucroft announces two new timepieces focused on the GMT function. Crossing time zones is part of the job as an independent watchmaker sourcing components, building connections, and constantly spreading the word. That daily grind makes the GMT complication a natural next step for Beaucroft. Tracking dual time zones keeps the wearer punctual […] Visit Introducing: The Beaucroft Contour GMT And Solaris GMT Limited Edition In Collaboration With Time+Tid

May 2026 · Fratello Watches
Market Update

Is The Latest Patek Philippe Golden Ellipse Ref. 5738G-001 The Greatest?

When the dress code says, “casual chic,” what do you wear? “Not an eggplant-colored suit” is my first thought. I saw it once during an opening cocktail of a grandiose watch event, and the combination with white sneakers didn’t make it any better. Would an elegant, slim dress watch have saved the overall look? It […] Visit Is The Latest Patek Philippe Golden Ellipse Ref. 5738G-001 The Greatest? to read the full article.

May 2026 · Fratello Watches
Market Update

The Neo-Vintage Sweet Spot: Why The Seiko Marinemaster SBDX001 Still Makes Sense Today

There is a particular charm to watches that sit just beyond modernity yet remain too young to be vintage. In recent years, collectors have coined the term “neo-vintage” to define this liminal space, roughly spanning the mid-1990s through the 2000s. It’s a period defined not by nostalgia alone but also by a fascinating intersection of […] Visit The Neo-Vintage Sweet Spot: Why The Seiko Marinemaster SBDX001 Still Makes Sense Today to read the full article.

May 2026 · Fratello Watches

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