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Fratello On Air: The Power Of Fonts On Watches
9 juli 2024 · 1 uur 22 min
At long last, Fratello On Air has decided to address a request from one of our faithful listeners. The topic of font on watches has come up as a suggested topic many times. Does it sound mundane? Perhaps, but it couldn't be further from the truth. Our watch content begins after 15 minutes. Lees meer
Fonts are a characteristic of most watches that we rarely consider. Yet, it's one of those details that if done badly can ruin a watch. Today, we discuss the power of typeface and why it matters. We praise the brands that spend time making fantastic design choices and throw a few tomatoes at missed opportunities.
Handgelenkskontrolle
Before we get to fonts, we open our episode with some discussion on the differences between saying, "half past the hour," in Germany and England. In fact, they translate to the same words, but mean something very different! Then, as we recorded this episode on the 4th of July, we brought up a gift that arrived earlier that morning from America. The Yeti Tundra 45 Patriotic Limited Edition landed in the UK. For the Handgelenkskontrolle, Balazs is wearing the Vulcain Rosaspina GMT, a limited edition of 85 pieces available on the Bergamo-based jeweler's website. Mike is wearing another Borgel-cased Movado reference 18127 from the '50s.
Fonts on watches
Our faithful and committed listener, Saku from Finland, has asked us multiple times to discuss fonts on watches. Other topics have taken priority and, let's be honest, we were concerned about the ability to fill a show with the subject. We were wrong, though, because we had plenty to discuss. We begin the chat with academic research from Balazs and his contact, @danova from Instagram. This sets the stage for subtopics including our favorite mixed uses of font on a dial, best logos, and our least favorite examples. We mention the following watches and articles:
The Rolex Submariner 5512 and 5513
The Seiko J13035, J13040, and J13043
Thomas' article on building a watch brand, Episode 8
Our logo disc…
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Fratello Talks: Where Did All The Watches Go?
4 juli 2024 · 24 min
Welcome to this week's episode of Fratello Talks, where Nacho, RJ, and Daan ask themselves the question: where did all the watches go? Whether consciously or otherwise, watch-spotting is something every watch-minded person partakes in. It may be walking down the street, at your office, in a restaurant, or even on holiday. Essentially, anywhere where there are people and where said people are wearing watches. But sometimes, a lack of watches can be as noticeable as the watches themselves. And recently, RJ has felt that he's seeing fewer watches on people's wrists. Is this about the specific location? Or does it have to do with awareness of watches and increasing thefts? Certainly, you'll never find yourself asking that question here at Fratello HQ. Lees meer
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Fratello On Air: How We Research Watches Before Buying
2 juli 2024 · 1 uur 13 min
Welcome to another episode of Fratello On Air. This week, we take a listener suggestion and discuss how we research watches before buying. We've hit upon this before, but it's a constantly evolving topic that deserves an update. For our beloved listeners, the watch content begins after 19 minutes. Lees meer
If you're a watch collector and enjoy vintage, landing a great specimen often requires research. In this episode, we mention some of our most common tactics. Some of these processes are tried and true while others are more recent. They're all helpful, though, and can lead to a rewarding result. The lack of doing one's homework, however, can be disastrous.
Handgelenkskontrolle
We open our episode on watch research with a recap of Balazs' experience at a recent UEFA European Championship match in Stuttgart. It was a fantastic time without any travel troubles! Mike mentions a recent disappointing trip to the famed Portobello Road in London where the watches were abysmal. For the Handgelenkskontrolle, Mike is wearing a new arrival. It's a '60s 14ct gold Movado Museum watch with a manual winding movement that needs a service. This leads to a discussion about the designer of the watch, Nathan George Horwitt. Balazs is still (rightfully!) in love with his new Rolex Submariner 5513.
Research before buying
One of our faithful listeners, Adam, sent us a note and asked if we could discuss how we research a watch before deciding to buy. In particular, he mentioned defunct brands. The topic is a wide one, but we mentioned several of our go-to tips including:
Using a site such as Google Images to compare different examples of the same watch
Following the links found on Google Images to see if old forums or sales ads add new information
Forums
Social media including Instagram to find similar models and authorities on given brands who can help
It is even more difficult to research defunct brands or watches from the '30s or '40s. We discuss our techniques for sorting the good fr…
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Fratello Talks: Our Favorite Recently Released Watches
27 juni 2024 · 37 min
Hi there! Welcome to the latest episode of your favorite watch podcast: Fratello Talks. This week, Nacho is joined by Daan and Lex to run through some of their favorite recently released watches. Having not done one of these for a while, we thought we'd look back to some of the latest introductions from the post-Watches And Wonders period. As you might have come to expect, we've seen a ton of new watches released from the world's biggest brands. However, there are also a handful of novelties from less popular brands that we also show some love to. Tune in and check out this summary of our favorites! Lees meer
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Fratello Talks: Why Everyone Loves Seiko
20 juni 2024 · 22 min
Hello there, and welcome to another episode of Fratello Talks. This week, Thomas, Lex, and Nacho discuss Seiko Watches. A Seiko is a staple of most watch enthusiasts' collections, whether it's a first-ever mechanical watch or an inexpensive curiosity, a vintage rarity in museum-worthy condition, or anything in between. And though there will certainly be those out there who turn their nose up at the brand, most of us will have (at some point or another) been proud stewards of a watch bearing the name of one Kintaro Hattori Seiko on its dial. With a great range in terms of price, function, and design all across the board, it's no wonder the brand is so well-liked. Lees meer
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Fratello On Air: Collecting Watches — Will We Ever Stop?
18 juni 2024 · 58 min
Fratello On Air returns with an episode about collecting watches and whether we'll ever stop. It's a good question that we lightly debate because we feel similarly. The watch world is endless, providing us with neverending opportunities to learn and enjoy. Lees meer
Our watch content starts 15 minutes into the show. Both of your co-hosts enjoy collecting, but will we ever call it quits? We discuss the subject and explore what we might keep amassing. We imagine that many of our listeners face this question, so please feel free to add your comments at the end of the article. For now, enjoy the show!
Handgelenkskontrolle
Before we move to our main topic of collecting, we begin our podcast with some discussion about the European Championship. Balazs is heading to the Hungary versus Scotland match and Mike is cheering on England and Slovakia. Troubles with Germany's transportation system take center stage as Balazs is not looking forward to getting home late this coming Sunday. Balazs leads off the Handgelenkskontrolle with a fantastic new addition, a 1972 Rolex Submariner 5513 from Wind Vintage. Mike is wearing a '30s Movado Curviplan with a chronometer dial.
Will we ever stop collecting?
Our main topic is a discussion about whether we will stop collecting watches. The bottom line is that neither of us plans on stopping any time soon. We've realized there is so much more to experience with watches and all the related paraphernalia. There are new rabbit holes to experience and historic information is being unearthed constantly. Most of all, though, we enjoy watches and can imagine continuing the adventure.
We hope you enjoyed today's episode and thank you for listening. If you have any ideas for future shows, please feel free to let us know.
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Fratello Talks: Two-Tone Watches
13 juni 2024 · 26 min
Ladies and Gentlemen welcome to this latest episode of Fratello Talks. This week, Nacho is joined by RJ and Daan, who delve into the divisive topic of two-tone watches. This includes any watch whose case and bracelet comprise more than one metal with a distinct color difference. Though typically a combination of steel and gold, two-tone watches can also feature several other materials. This creates a rather unique look, highlighting specific design elements of the watch and breaking from the norm of single-material watches. It's not everyone's cup of tea, but a recent rise in the popularity of bi-metal watches has pushed us to embark on this discussion. Lees meer
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Fratello On Air: Do You Wear, Protect, Or Baby Your Dream Watch?
11 juni 2024 · 1 uur 14 min
Fratello On Air is here with a new episode. We told you we'd be back! This week, our show topic comes courtesy of one of our listeners. We were asked how we'd behave with a dream watch that was purchased new. We have some thoughts and we expand the discussion to vintage watches. For those wondering, our watch content starts after roughly 21 minutes. Lees meer
Our listener, "12.5Lignes," has provided a great suggestion for a topic and it's one that many people ask. Finally, after saving and waiting for one's dream watch, should it be babied, protected, or worn? While I am sure many of our listeners and readers will jump to the tough guy response of wearing it, perhaps this isn't so simple. We'll discuss it.
Handgelenkskontrolle
The banter is strong to open this episode about how to treat a dream watch. Mike has just attended an MLB game in London between the Mets and Phillies. It was a fantastic experience and sent us down a path of discussing different sports-related clothing companies. Regarding our wristwear, Mike is sporting his Zenith A386 Mk 3. This watch has returned after a lengthy stay at the watchmaker but is running beautifully and looking even better. Balazs is wearing his trusty Rolex GMT-Master reference 1675. The discussion turns to recent watch mishaps where Balazs dropped his Angelus 215 and Mike lost a crown on a 90-year-old Movado. It happens!
The dream watch
Our main topic is how to handle one's dream watch. Frankly, we think it's always best to wear the watch you've desired for so long even if it means picking up the occasional scratch. These are marks of experience and may make the watch more meaningful when it moves on to the next generation. The other choices suggested by our reader include wearing it sparingly and using labels or stickers on the watch's surface to protect it. Regarding the occasional use idea, we think this makes sense for a dressy, fragile watch or even a piece that may not be appropriate in some settings. It also may make sense…
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Fratello On Air: A Flurry Of New Releases From Omega, Ming, Seiko, And More
7 juni 2024 · 1 uur 18 min
Fratello On Air is back after more than two weeks. We didn't plan to be away but illness and travel got in the way again. Today, we talk about some new releases after our normal banter about a variety of topics. We hope you enjoy the show and, yes, we'll be back in a few short days per our normal schedule! Lees meer
For those who are interested, our Handgelenks begins 23 minutes into the episode. Thanks for bearing with our maladies and travel diaries. This episode comes late in the week right in time for the weekend! New releases have come in a flurry over the past two weeks and we discuss some of the more notable newsmakers. Plus, since it's been a while since we've spoken, we have a bit of catching up to do!
Handgelenkskontrolle
Before we discuss the spate of new releases, we kick off our show with a wide range of banter. Some of you may wish to tune out, so fast forward to 23 minutes for watch-related content. The Walking Dead enters the conversation because Balazs is a zombie addict. Mike has a family tie with the Georgia area where most of the show was filmed. For the Handgelenkskontrolle, Balazs has opted for the classic Speedmaster Speedy Tuesday 1. He has it on a lovely Artem strap with a deployant clasp. Mike is wearing a newly acquired 34mm Movado Sport with a Francois Borgel case. This leads to a discussion about another vintage gold Movado and how to decode the series of hallmarks inside the case back. This fantastic site gave all the clues necessary to understand the date and the maker.
New releases
New releases have come in droves during the past 2 weeks and we discuss four of them. We give our thoughts about the new two-tone Speedmaster Professional models (hint: we like them, but they're expensive). The MING 37.09 Bluefin is a huge hit in our minds and evolves the brand's design language further. Then, we discuss the Audemars Piguet (Re)Master 02. Balazs is a big fan, while Mike wishes it were smaller. Finally, we discuss the new King Seiko KS1969 and w…
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Fratello Talks: Cheap Straps On Expensive Watches
6 juni 2024 · 32 min
Hello there! Welcome to this week's episode of Fratello Talks. Today, we're discussing the topic of wearing expensive watches on cheap straps. Does it make sense to wear a €3000–10000 watch on a €10 strap? Does a €300 OEM strap make sense to begin with? And where do you actually get your money's worth in the strap market? What about aftermarket bracelets? Join Nacho, RJ, and Morgan (making his final appearance on Fratello Talks, for real this time) for an in-depth discussion on the topic. Lees meer
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Fratello Talks: The Quest For Relevance In A Hype Hungry Watch Industry
30 mei 2024 · 37 min
Welcome to the latest episode of Fratello Talks. This week, Nacho is joined by RJ and Lex to discuss their thoughts on a hype-hungry watch industry. Lately, more than ever before, it seems that big brands within the watch industry are doing their best to remain relevant by chasing hype. We saw the natural hype behind the Omega × Swatch MoonSwatch take over the world a couple of years ago, but have brands been successful in manufacturing similar excitement? Lees meer
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Fratello Talks: Buying, Selling, And Trading Watches Without Regrets
23 mei 2024 · 36 min
Hello, and welcome to this week's episode of Fratello Talks. This topic is familiar to all those who spend enough time in the watch space and especially to those who consider themselves collectors. Buying, selling, and trading watches comes with the territory, and though a decision may seem solid at the time you make it, you may always regret it. In this week's episode Nacho, RJ, and Morgan discuss keeping regrets to a minimum when buying, selling, or trading watches and offer advice in doing so. But is it possible to operate in this space with no regrets? Lees meer
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Fratello On Air: Overpriced Vintage Watches From Tudor, Cartier, Rolex, and Seiko
20 mei 2024 · 59 min
Fratello On Air returns with an on-location episode where we discuss overpriced vintage watches. Specifically, we bring up models from Tudor, Cartier, Seiko, and Rolex. Yes, these are fighting words, but someone had to say them! We hope you enjoy the episode! Lees meer
This week, we're together in London as Balazs traveled in for work. Close listeners on either side of Balazs' hotel room must have thought it was a nerd convention, but, no, it was just another recording of Fratello On Air! We focus on overpriced vintage watches in this episode and question several stalwarts. We don't dislike these watches, but we do feel that there are better options for the money.
Handgelenkskontrolle
For those who are interested, our banter lasts roughly 15 minutes. Do note that there's a fair amount of watch content within this beginning portion. Both co-hosts brought a selection of watches for a bit of off-air show-and-tell. As far as gifts, the long-awaited, never-worn American flag Stance socks are finally with Balazs. Mike, on the other hand, is overjoyed about receiving a jar of Erõs Pista, a spicy Hungarian pepper sauce. Regarding watches, Mike is sporting his sterling silver Omega 30T2 on a new GLC fixed lug strap that Balazs has brought. Balazs has chosen a gorgeous Angelus 250 with a 33.5mm case.
Overpriced Vintage Watches
Now it's time for controversy as we discuss four overpriced vintage watches. Let's make something very clear; we're fans of these watches. Heck, some of us even own several of the picks. However, the current market prices have reached a level where there are better options. Of course, if money is no option, then spend away! We discuss:
The Tudor Big Block, a Rolex family chronograph with the venerable Valjoux 7750
Vintage Cartier, primarily due to their use of mundane movements
The Seiko 6138-8020 "Panda," and oft-faked watch within a sea of other great Seiko chronographs
The almighty Rolex Daytona, a lovely watch but there are so many other lovely Valj…
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Fratello Watches: Desert Island Watches
16 mei 2024 · 26 min
Hello, and welcome! Thanks for tuning in to this week’s episode of Fratello Talks. Today, Nacho, Morgan, and Daan pick their desert island watches. Say one day you were unfortunate enough to become stranded on a desert island; which watch from your collection would you want there with you? Now, let’s say it’s not a life-or-death situation but more of a leisurely, perhaps even orchestrated, self-stranding in your tropical location of choice (a holiday, if you will); what would be your watch of choice for the occasion? Join the guys as they have fun selecting timepieces for these hypothetical scenarios. Lees meer
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Fratello On Air: Great Recent Watches That Were Quickly Forgotten
14 mei 2024 · 1 uur 5 min
Fratello On Air returns and we discuss several recent great recent watches that were quickly forgotten. Attention spans are short these days which can be unfair to some excellent releases. We shed light on some of our favorite unheralded pieces. Enjoy the show! Lees meer
What have you done for me lately? We live in the now and with new watches coming at us daily it can be easy to forget something halfway decent from yesterday. The other problem is that some watches don't even receive coverage. Well, we're here to talk about recent watches that may have escaped your attention. One of our favorite listeners, Richard, suggested the topic and it's a good one! Of course, we kick off the show with just a touch of banter. For those who are keeping track, our main topic starts after 15 minutes.
Handgelenkskontrolle
Before discussing watches that have faded quickly, we engage in some light discussion. We talk about ultrasonic cleaners and other watch-related topics. For the Handgelenkskontrolle, Balazs is wearing his Grand Seiko SBGA439 on a strap. Mike is enjoying the fine English weather with his Rolex Datejust Thunderbird 1625 on a light blue strap.
Watches that deserve another look
Our main topic focuses on recent watches that were quickly forgotten or possibly not covered at all! In general, we chose relatively affordable watches (i.e. no haute horlogerie). Some of these watches are still for sale, while others were on the market briefly. The common point is that all are available on the secondary market for less than their current or original retail prices. We discuss:
Breitling Premier Datora
Raymond Weil Millésime Automatic Small Seconds
Omega CK 859
Tudor Black Bay 36
Bulova Mil-Ships W-2181
TAG Heuer Aquaracer Professional 200 Solargraph Titanium
As we mentioned during the show, we'd love to hear your thoughts on some recent hidden gems. There are plenty to consider! Thank you again for listening and we look forward to the next episode.
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Fratello On Air: Overreacting To The TAG Heuer Formula 1 × Kith & Other Watches
10 mei 2024 · 1 uur 20 min
Fratello On Air returns on its non-normal day because your co-hosts have been under the weather. We're both on the mend, though, and happy to be on the airwaves. In this episode, we cover several topics, but our main discussion centers on the recent TAG Heuer Formula 1 × Kith releases. We try to bring some level of sense to these watches. Lees meer
In this episode, we discuss the nearly universal outcry against the TAG Heuer Formula 1 × Kith releases. What should have been a joyous reminder of many of our childhoods took a decidedly negative turn in the comments section. We're critical too, but we also try to find the silver linings.
Other topics and the Handgelenkskontrolle
For everyone's benefit, we reach our main topic around the TAG Heuer × Kith watches roughly 27 minutes into the recording. Before this, we discuss the most recent Jordan 4 Retro sneakers in Industrial Blue that Mike ordered. Then, we discuss two recent TV shows, Reacher and Man In Full. Oddly, our Handgelenkskontrolle comes at the end, but it makes sense to mention them here. Mike is wearing his appropriate TAG Heuer WA1211 that he received in the late '80s. Balazs has a Rolex Datejust 16030 on loan from a friend. He's thinking about buying it!
The TAG Heuer Formula 1 × Kith
Mike wrote up the press release for last week's TAG Heuer × Kith lineup and the comments were incredible. Other watch content sites fared no better with their critics. Surely, the collaboration was a surprising one. However, the watches still brought more than a partial smile to Mike's face. These watches bring back a lot of memories from a very different time. We also think and hope that these pieces will result in other new releases from TAG Heuer. To cap things off, Balazs discusses similar criticisms laid upon the newly revived Amida Digitrend.
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Fratello Talks: Different Ways To Build A Watch Collection
9 mei 2024 · 32 min
Hi there! Welcome to another episode of Fratello Talks. This week, you join Nacho, Daan, and Morgan, who discuss the many possible ways of building a watch collection. This includes looking at some common approaches, sharing some sound advice from their experience, and a spot of soul-searching concerning their watch collections. What works for them may not be what works for you, but some of their tips may prove helpful along the way. Ultimately, everyone will have a different approach to building a watch collection, but if you’re feeling a bit lost or uninspired, tune in to this episode. Lees meer
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Fratello Talks: Watches And Wonders 2024 Debrief
4 mei 2024 · 35 min
Hello, and welcome to this week's episode of Fratello Talks. Today, we wrap up our Watches And Wonders 2024 with a debrief episode featuring Nacho, Thomas, and Lex. The guys take some time to go over a number of brands (and their corresponding releases) that we missed in episode one. They also discuss the general mood of the show and how it reflects on the overall state of the watch industry today. And despite promises made several weeks ago, we recorded this one on a Friday afternoon, so you'll get your fair share of banter and jokes throughout. Lees meer
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Fratello On Air: Haute Horlogerie On A Budget — Relatively Speaking
30 april 2024 · 50 min
Fratello On Air returns to its normally scheduled slot with a look at some Haute Horlogerie that can be bought at a fair price. To be clear, we're focusing more on high-end complications that usually cost an arm and a leg. This is the second half of an episode we recorded a week ago and we hope you enjoy! Lees meer
Big-time complications often come with a nasty price tag. However, we've identified some examples of Haute Horlogerie that may not break the bank. Come with us while we run through some specific references. Enjoy the show!
Opening thoughts
We covered the Handgelenkskontrolle on our last episode, so we jump into the topic of affordable Haute Horlogerie. We do mention the crocheted watch rolls now in the Fratello Shop as Mike's mother-in-law created them. This inspires small talk about grandmothers and their focus on food and handicrafts. Also, just to be clear, Mike ends the show with a public service announcement. Everyone who owns a car should own a battery booster!
Haute Horlogerie on a budget
New watch prices may be escalating beyond control, but there are great deals on the used market. Specifically, when we discuss Haute Horlogerie, we have found some epic watches that bring incredible complications or features for less than the price of a steel Submariner. Some of the watches we discuss are:
IWC Da Vinci Perpetual Calendar reference 3750
TAG Heuer 02T Tourbillon
Omega Speedmaster Rattrapante reference 3540.50
IWC Portuguese Minute Repeater 524202 (this one isn't inexpensive, but it is compared to other minute repeaters!)
Atelier Wen Perception, with its handmade guilloché dial
Horage Lensman 1 Tourbillon
Oris Depth Gauge, which brought back a depth meter similar to the vintage Nivada Depthomatic
We hope you enjoyed today's eclectic mix of watches. Feel free to add your suggestions in the comments section. If you have future show ideas, please let us know. Thanks for listening!
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Fratello On Air: Catching Up With The New Amida Digitrend And A Tissot Antimagnetique
26 april 2024 · 48 min
Welcome back to Fratello On Air! This week, we're coming back late due to our busy schedules. We've decided to cut this recording in half and will come back on our regularly scheduled day next week. For this episode, we talk about the new Amida Digitrend and a vintage Tissot Antimagnetique. Lees meer
Sorry, folks; we're late again! Work is having its way with our schedules, but we were able to come together and record a lengthy discussion that we have separated into two distinct parts. Today's episode does have a lot of non-watch-related content for the first half. We discuss running shoes, tennis shoes, and new shoe releases. Then, we discuss our Handgelenkskontrolle, including the new Amiga Digitrend and a vintage Tissot Antimagnetique.
Banter
We've received some feedback that our shoe talk has ebbed dramatically. Some of you asked for a return, so we're responding. Before discussing the Amida and the Tissot, we start with functional shoe talk related to running and tennis. Mike ponders why sneaker brands can't use a classic form, such as a Stan Smith, and pair it with modern technology underneath. This would make it useable on the tennis courts. We bemoan the lack of recent compelling releases on the Nike SNKRS app and hope the situation improves.
Handgelenkskontrolle
The Handgelenkskontrolle is our main section today. Balazs kicks it off with the new Amiga Digitrend, a passion project that resurrects a wild watch from the '70s. The periscopic "heads-up" display is back! This heavy steel watch has moved upmarket with a much better movement and a larger price tag. Balazs will return in a few weeks with a full review, but you can check out more on the official Amida website. Meanwhile, Mike is wearing a very different type of watch. It's an early '50s Tissot Anitmagnetique with a 37.5mm chrome case. Since Balazs published an article on his back in 2018, Mike has been on a quiet hunt. Finally, he located a lovely example at a nice price. The two discuss the watches in d…
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Fratello Talks: Swatch Group Novelties From The Watch Valley Event In Utrecht
25 april 2024 · 33 min
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Fratello Talks: Watches And Wonders 2024
18 april 2024 · 50 min
Welcome to this week's episode of Fratello Talks. In this special long-form episode, Nacho, RJ, and Morgan discuss Watches and Wonders 2024. There's much to unpack from this year's fair, so prepare for an extended episode. The trio tackles topics including the general atmosphere of the fair, noticeable trends from brands and the industry overall, and finishes by going through many of the show's notable releases. This year's show was slightly slower than what we've seen in the past, but there were no fewer releases from the 54 participating brands. Do you want to get an idea of what it was like to walk the halls and touch (and feel) the watches? Then tune in to this episode of Fratello Talks! Lees meer
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Fratello On Air: Watches And Wonders 2024 — Much Ado About Nothing
16 april 2024 · 1 uur 17 min
Fratello On Air returns after a three-week break. Half of us traveled to Geneva while the other went to Florida. Both of us saw fancy cars, but only one of us saw impressive watches. The question of who might have a surprising answer! Watches and Wonders 2024 has come and gone and, frankly, it was a bit of a stinker. Lees meer
Watches and Wonders 2024 certainly delivered on the first half of its name. The second part? Not so much in our opinion. There were several nice releases, but we'll go on record to say there wasn't a shocking piece that set the watch world on edge. We discuss why it was such a dull event. Of course, we mention our favorites and bring up some of the questionable releases. We hope you enjoy the show!
Handgelenkskontrolle
Before heading to our main topic of Watches and Wonders 2024, we spend some time talking about movies and television. Long flights and travel have allowed us to catch up on recent films and shows. As far as the Handgelenkskontrolle, Balazs is sporting a pre-production watch from TUUL watches. This is a military-style watch from the makers of B&R Bands from Brooklyn. Mike is wearing his L-Series Rolex Explorer 1016, a watch that came on his trip to Florida.
Watches and Wonders 2024
We move on to our main topic of Watches and Wonders 2024. Balazs was on the ground in Geneva while Mike covered some of the releases from South Florida. Overall, we felt this was one of the sleepiest years in recent memory. The color variants were more common than actual new watches. The new watches that did arrive weren't landmark pieces. As far as our favorites, we liked the Nivada F77, L.U. Chopard sector dial pieces, TAG Heuer Skipper in 18K, Zenith Triple Calendar Boutique Edition, and Tudor Black Bay Fifty-Eight GMT. We discuss the odd gold Rolex Deepsea, Cartier Rewind, Bremont revision, and Patek "Canadian Tuxedo" models.
What were your thoughts on Watches and Wonders 2024? Did you enjoy it? We hope you at least enjoyed this episode and we look fo…
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Fratello Talks: A Guide To Gifting Watches
11 april 2024 · 35 min
Hello there! Welcome to a new episode of Fratello Talks. This week, we have decided to discuss a topic we often get asked about: gifting watches. Nacho, RJ, and Daan explore the topic, from whom you should gift a watch, to when it's appropriate to gift someone a watch. Of course, they also provide some examples from their own experience and share some stories of times when they themselves have gifted and received watches as gifts. The former being the more common occurrence. Finally, they also provide some recommendations on the kinds of watches you should consider if looking to give someone this special gift. After all, a watch is an exceptional gift that could potentially last someone a lifetime. So, tune in for some solid Fratello advice on gifting watches. Lees meer
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Fratello Talks: Waitlists, Limited Editions, And Things That Make A Watch Worthwhile
4 april 2024 · 32 min
Welcome to a fresh new episode of Fratello Talks. Today, Nacho is joined by RJ and Lex for a varied chat centered around the topic of things that make a watch worthwhile. From waitlists to limited editions and even watches for special occasions, added value is not really a matter of price. Does a reasonable wait add to the experience of eventually owning a watch? And does too long a wait spoil the desire? This is one of the topics tackled today. As is the matter of limited editions. These days, everything seems to be limited and exclusive; but does this spoil it for everyone? It seems that, on the other hand, a total lack of LEs from certain brands is also no fun. So, where's the sweet spot? And what makes a watch worthwhile? Lees meer
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Fratello Talks: The Best Watches Of 2024 So Far
28 maart 2024 · 46 min
Hello, and welcome to a rather rowdy episode of Fratello Talks. It's a Friday afternoon at Fratello HQ, and Nacho, Lex, and Thomas gather around the mics to list some of the best watches of 2024 so far. Each of them has picked three of their favorites released during this first quarter and three additional honorable mentions. But, despite their best efforts, it doesn't take long until the structure crumbles and their chat diverges into a discussion on some of their favorite (and not-so-favorite) new releases of the year so far. Lees meer
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Fratello On Air: Our Favorite Watch And Strap Or Bracelet Combinations
26 maart 2024 · 1 uur 21 min
Fratello On Air returns with a new episode inspired by one of our listeners. Today, we're talking about our favorite watch and strap combinations. Of course, we're allowing bracelets to enter the conversation as well. Like always, we also have several other topics on tap. Lees meer
So, what are our favorite watch and strap combinations? It's a good question, but one that we seek to answer. We thank our faithful listener, Richard, for today's topics. Metal enters the fray too because some watches look better with a bit of dangle. Shoes are also in focus as this was also a request from our listener. We hope you enjoy the show!
Handgelenkskontrolle
After some television discussion, we kick off our show with the Handgelenkskontrolle and are wearing watch and strap pairings that will be mentioned during the main topic. Balazs is home in Hungary and has brought his Grand Seiko SBGA439 on a denim blue Delugs strap. Mike is wearing his 1951 Longines 14ct Park Avenue on a "Honey Wind" leather strap. We then turn our attention to our current grail sneakers. Balazs lists the Asics Gel Lite 3 Miami Beach Edition, Jordan 1 Fragment x Travis Scott, and his signed Adidas Stan Smith shoes as his favorites. Mike is still pining for one of his high school favorites to return. His all-time crush is the gray, white, black, and yellow Nike Air Trainer Max '91 worn by Bo Jackson. Finally, Mike has purchased a vintage Tissot pocket watch, which sparks a discussion about what to do with these lovely objects.
Watch and strap combinations
Asking about our favorite watch and strap combinations is a tough question. It depends on the day, the season, and the specific watch. However, we've tried to bring up some of our most frequent picks. Here are the main points we discuss:
GLC camouflage ripstop strap
Any saffiano or Epsom leather strap on a simple dress watch
Switching from a bracelet to a strap that matches the dial color, such as the Delugs strap Balazs has on his Grand Seiko
Forstner brac…
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Fratello Talks: Cut The Excuses And Enjoy Watches
21 maart 2024 · 31 min
Hi there, and welcome to a new episode of Fratello Talks. Excuses, excuses, excuses... Letting them get in the way of a good thing is a shame. So it's time to cut them out and enjoy watches. This is this week's topic of discussion, which Nacho, Lex, and RJ explore in detail. It's an interesting phenomenon that we've observed lately. A new watch is announced, and out pour the single-phrase comments providing personal justification for a lack of intention to purchase. It all results in a rather dull, nasty, and repetitive rabbit hole of cynicism. But why does this happen? Is it a FOMO-induced face-saving reaction? Does it have more to do with how information is shared online? Or is it just the nature of online comments? And can't we just cut it out and enjoy watches regardless? Lees meer
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Fratello On Air: Wearing Vintage Watches On Airplanes
19 maart 2024 · 1 uur 13 min
Welcome to another episode of Fratello On Air. This week, we discuss flying on airplanes with our vintage watches and why we avoid it. We also cover several other watch-related topics before and after the main subject. Enjoy the show! Lees meer
Flying on airplanes may be a normal and safe activity, but how does it affect our vintage watches? We discuss our thoughts on the question and why we tend to wear newer pieces. For those who don't love our banter, we begin our main subject after 40 minutes. However, all but a few minutes of the first portion are watch-related. So, fast-forward at your peril!
Handgelenks Kontrolle
We kick off our show about wearing our vintage watches on airplanes with several topics. Balazs mentions a recent visit by his friend and fellow Angelus lover, Bosko. Bosko brought along a stunning Angelus Chrono-Datoluxe that has made Balazs just a tad envious. We then discuss the recent Sunday Morning Showdown where the black Speedmaster Professional easily bested the new white Speedy. The Handgelenks Kontrolle brings a story from Mike about a newly acquired vintage Jaeger-LeCoultre. The watch was purchased at auction and needed work. This led to a fun adventure in London last week. Balazs, on the other wrist, is wearing his Grand Seiko SBGA439 on a Delugs strap.
Wearing vintage watches on airplanes
Today, we respond to one of our listeners who asked why Balazs no longer wears vintage watches like his Rolex GMT-Master on airplanes. Balazs isn't the only one as Mike also tends to wear newer watches. The risk of spills, knocks, and more leads us to choose newer, more robust watches. Are we overprotective and unreasonably concerned? Who knows, but we've both flown a lot and have experienced our share of accidents. We're curious if you're also cautious when flying and keep your older, more fragile watches in a bag or at home. Feel free to let us know!
Thanks for listening to today's episode, we hope you enjoyed it! If you have ideas for future episodes, l…
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Fratello Talks: Watch Marketing Past, Present, And Future
14 maart 2024 · 44 min
Welcome to Fratello Talks. This week, you join your host, Nacho, alongside RJ and Lex for a discussion on the evolution of watch marketing. The idea of marketing watches has been around since selling them became a lucrative endeavor. Since then, we have seen the watch industry's efforts take many different forms, from posters to print ads, television spots to ambassadors, and the many different ways in which watch brands are involved in the world of sports. Today, the guys take a look at many of these aspects and discuss examples that they find memorable, effective, and downright cool. They also list some examples of not-so-effective marketing. Finally, they do some wishful thinking for its future. Lees meer
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Fratello On Air: Brands Everyone Should Have In Their Collections
12 maart 2024 · 1 uur 6 min
Fratello On Air returns and this week we discuss watches from brands that everyone should own at some point on their collecting journey. Our ideas come across as more of a suggestion than an edict, though. We also touch on several other watch-related topics before the main event. Enjoy the show! Lees meer
Whether we're talking watches, cars, or any other item, we're not sure that anyone likes being told what they should or shouldn't buy. That's why our main topic today on watch brands is fairly light. We also spend a decent amount of time talking about last week's Cartier episode, the new white Speedmaster, and Balazs' watch-related travel in the USA.
Handgelenks Kontrolle
We kick off our episode with a mention of one of our listeners. He asked about aluminum luggage, which fed a conversation during last week's podcast. He also happens to be a stuntman who has worked with Tom Selleck and shared some news about Tom's Rolex GMT-Master. We move on to Cartier and how it must be one of the most polarizing brands in existence. Then, we transition to the white Omega Speedmaster, a watch that Balazs saw while traveling in Miami. As far as our wristwear, both of us are doing our best Magnum P.I. impersonations. Balazs has his trusty Rolex GMT-Master 1675 and Mike is rocking his later 16750.
Brands everyone should own at least once
We move on to our main topic regarding brands that everyone should own. The idea came from one of our listeners, so thank you very much! Balazs names some brands and watches that may come across as a surprise. The Bvlgari Octo Finissimo makes an appearance along with the Zenith El Primero. Then, he mentions Omega, Grand Seiko, Tudor, and Breitling. Mike brings in Parmigiani and Moser. However, despite the venom that exists among so many people, he can't resist bringing up Rolex. Pound for pound, they make a fantastic watch and if purchased at retail price, a Rolex is hard to beat.
We hope you enjoyed today's show and thanks for listening! Feel free to…
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Fratello Talks: Watch Pet Peeves
7 maart 2024 · 35 min
Welcome to this week's episode of Fratello Talks. Today, you join Nacho, Morgan, and Thomas, who join forces to discuss a number of their watch pet peeves. The guys are feeling particularly grumpy today, so they decided to go on an extensive rant, listing some of the things watch brands do that rub them the wrong way. There are plenty of groan-inducing factors to consider, whether it's a lack of micro adjust, gratuitous exhibition case backs, deployant clasps, lack of AR coating, or sub-par timekeeping. We start off slow but finish feeling like we just scratched the surface, but all grievances aside, it turned out to be a fun episode. Lees meer
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Fratello On Air: What Would Make You Buy A New Cartier?
5 maart 2024 · 1 uur 13 min
Welcome back to another episode of Fratello On Air. This week, we're asking what would make us buy a Cartier watch. It's a good question because neither of your co-hosts owns a timepiece from the incredibly popular brand. As we'll see, the reasons have little to do with what's currently on offer and more about our wearing habits. Lees meer
What would make us buy a Cartier? It's a good question and with popularity in the famed jeweler's watches at an all-time high, it's one that probably doesn't beg for loads of discussion. Yet, here we are without one on either of our wrists. We'll explore why and if that may change in the future. Of course, there are other discussions to be had about watches and unrelated topics. Enjoy the show!
Handgelenks Kontrolle
In this episode, we stay relatively true to our ten-minute non-watch talk promise. We kick off with a chat about aluminum luggage as we received a question from one of our listeners. We then transition into a topic brought up by one of Mike's friends in Detroit. It's a series of movies starring Tom Selleck as the character Jesse Stone. He's still wearing his famed Rolex GMT-Master from Magnum P.I., which leads to a question that Mike's friend asked. Namely, is this a seriously valuable celebrity watch? As far as our wristwear, Mike is wearing a NOS Bulova Arnold from the '40s. He received this watch during high school and it's now getting some long overdue wrist time. Balazs is heading to the Big Apple and, therefore, he has on his go-to travel watch, the G-Shock GWB-5600.
What would make us buy a Cartier?
Of all the lovely watches both of us own, neither have us have ever owned a Cartier. It turns out that whenever we've thought about one, another watch jumps to the front of the queue which would likely get more time on the wrist. This is a very different scenario than past "What Would Make Us Buy Brand X" episodes where we have requested significant changes from the brands. No, we like the current Cartier lineup. We also…
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Fratello Talks: Hidden Gems Under €5k
29 februari 2024 · 37 min
Are rising watch prices getting you down? Well, we’ve got good news for you. In this week’s episode of Fratello Talks, Nacho, Timo, and RJ take a look at some horological hidden gems under €5K. These are watches you can buy either new or pre-owned that offer something truly interesting for the price. If you want to get the most for your money, these nine options are perfect ways to go. We’ve got a little bit of everything, from big-brand bangers at a fraction of their current-day equivalent prices to under-the-radar watches currently available at prices that won’t stay low for long. Lees meer
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Fratello On Air: Opportunities For The Watch Industry
27 februari 2024 · 1 uur 34 min
In this week's episode of Fratello On Air, we ponder what's wrong with the watch industry. Before you jump to conclusions, we're not upset. We have a wish list and think that certain areas within this sector could use further thoughts or updates. Get ready for a lengthy episode! Lees meer
So, what's wrong with the watch industry? Maybe "wrong" is too harsh a word, but we do see opportunities for improvement or alteration. Don't worry; we keep our suggestions above the beltline, but we do think we score a few points. We love watches and want to see brands continue to do well, so we share our highly esteemed (well, not really) opinions. As always, feel free to share your thoughts below!
Handgelenks Kontrolle
We kick things off with a short disclaimer about last week's episode about the three watches we'd save from a burning house. Once again, folks, no one was hurt in that scenario, and we felt it was more catchy to come up with such a title. When several of you suggested that taking the insurance money was a better idea, I guess we lost you! Next, there is a bit of sneaker news. The Nike Air Tech Challenge II in Lava is coming again! These were Andre Agassi's famous shoes, and there's a nice history video clip here. Before talking about the watch industry, Balazs shares a new watch he has in for review. The new Vulcain Grand Prix with a champagne dial and 39mm case is on his wrist. Mike is wearing a new arrival as well. It's the 1939 Omega reference 13322 with a sterling silver case and a 30T2 movement. More to come on that one!
Our wish list for the watch industry
Next, we discuss opportunities for the watch industry. We talk about several different topics, including:
The industry still moves at the pace of an aircraft carrier, which makes keeping up with trends difficult at best.
Pricing has become so high that the five-figure mark is no longer sacred. This has to stop.
Celebrity endorsers — has the industry gone overboard with them?
Brand-owned boutiques are often…
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Fratello Talks: With Jérôme Burgert And Gabriel Vachette Of Serica Watches
22 februari 2024 · 43 min
In this week's episode of Fratello Talks, we're pleased to welcome special guests Jérôme Burgert And Gabriel Vachette, the men behind Serica watches. They join your host and Fratello's managing editor, Nacho Conde, for a deep dive into the every-classy French microbrand ahead of its fifth anniversary. They delve into the brand's origins and evolution over the last few years and give you a small taste of things to come later this year. So, whether you're a fan of the brand, have heard about it, or are curious to learn more, make sure to tune in and listen to the entire chat, which exceptionally pushes the boundaries of the short-form podcast. Lees meer
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Fratello On Air: Choosing The Three Watches We'd Save In A Burning House
20 februari 2024 · 1 uur 7 min
Fratello On Air is back with another listener-inspired show topic. This week, we talk about the three watches each of us would save from a burning house. Don't worry, we'll keep things light as a real fire is no joke. Of course, expect a bit of banter up front as we work up to the main theme. Lees meer
A fire at home is a terrible thought, so feel free to insert an emergency that would require a near-instantaneous choice of three watches from the collection. No more or no less can be taken. Of course, the family and pets are safe, so it's fine to focus on your prized possessions. We'll set a couple of rules below to help ensure we get to our absolute favorites.
Handgelenks Kontrolle
Before discussing the three watches that we would choose above all others, we turn to some brief banter. Never fear, we're going to do our best to keep it to ten minutes! Balazs mentions a great book called, "Soled Out: The Golden Age of Sneaker Advertising (A Sneaker Freaker Book)." He then mentions two television shows named, "Gangs of London," and "Godless." Mike brings up the "Mayor of Kingstown." As far as our wristwear, Mike is wearing a relatively new acquisition, the '30s Movado Curviplan. Balazs is sporting his gorgeous vintage Sinn Excelsior Park chronograph. It was the perfect watch for his recent visit to Sinn HQ.
The three watches we'd save
It's a tough topic to think about, but if we had to save three watches in our collection, what would we choose? Before we get to it, though, we are excluding any family heirloom watches if they aren't selected. The choices were tough and some familiar names made the list. A couple of surprises come along, though.
Balazs:
Angelus 215 L.E.
Omega Speedmaster 145.022 Transitional
Rolex GMT-Master Ref. 1675
Mike:
Breitling 765 CP
Patek Philippe Calatrava Ref. 570
Rolex Sea-Dweller "Great White" Ref. 1665
What watches in your collection would you grab in a pinch?
Thanks again to one of our listeners for suggesting this fun topic and thank…
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Fratello Talks: What's The Deal With Watch Prices?
15 februari 2024 · 34 min
On today's episode of Fratello Talks, Nacho, RJ, and Lex take a look at and try to make sense of watch prices today. It's often a hot topic of discussion in the comments. In a world where price increases have become a bi-yearly phenomenon, it's a challenge to keep up with where value lies. But is it a mistake to expect bang-for-buck in the world of luxury? Then, the matter of brands' positioning within the world of watches comes into play. As watch enthusiasts, we are aware of the plate tectonics within the watch industry and can feel when something doesn't sit quite right. So, how do we make sense of all of this? That's the question. Lees meer
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Fratello On Air: What Would Make You Buy A New Seiko?
13 februari 2024 · 1 uur 15 min
Fratello On Air returns with an episode featuring a hypothetical question. This is a recurring series and this time we ask what would make us buy a new Seiko. We'll cover more than just sports watches and settle on a few key asks to one of our favorite brands. Enjoy the show! Lees meer
What would make us buy a new Seiko? It's a good question and one that has many different answers. You'll be able to predict some of them while others may surprise you! We hope you enjoy the show and please feel free to comment if you have other suggestions for the Japanese powerhouse!
Handgelenks Kontrolle
Before getting into our new Seiko topic, we kick the show off with some very light banter. This time, it's a fairly short preamble. Mike has just returned from Dublin, Ireland, and discusses a nice visit at a vintage watch shop. As far as the Handgelenks Kontrolle, Balazs is sporting his vintage Angelus 210 with a white dial and stick lugs. This generates some discussion about the watch, its variants, and its history. Mike is wearing a new acquisition. It's a '30s rectangular Cyma Watersport with a clamshell case. Yes, non-round watches are back in business!
What would make us buy a new Seiko?
Let's be clear, both of us like current Seiko models. There's a huge catalog and plenty to enjoy for all. Still, we're picky and are always pushing for more from our favorite watch brands. Plus, it's probably been four years since either of us has purchased a new Seiko. So, what is it that would have us grabbing our collective wallets? We discuss the need for a true killer diver at the high end that isn't a reissue. Then, we join the bandwagon and continue to mourn the passing of the once-mighty SKX. King Seiko has been a nice surprise, but we're looking for more variety there and better movements. As for chronographs, we feel that Seiko is missing a huge opportunity to recreate a unique 6139-like movement to help bring down the thickness and separate itself from the crowd. Of course, we have plen…
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Fratello Talks: Affordable Watches That Punch Above Their Weight
8 februari 2024 · 21 min
In this week's episode of Fratello Talks, we're taking a look at three affordable watches that punch above their weight. Nacho, Thomas, and Morgan have set their sights on sub-€500 offerings. This is a space in which the likes of Seiko, Hamilton, and even Tissot once reigned supreme. Today, it's the battleground for many microbrands. But there are still hundreds of options available. Today, we'll take a look at three. Each of the guys has selected one of their favorite watches available at that price point, which they'll highlight in today's episode. Lees meer
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Fratello On Air: Enjoying Watch Collecting Without Buying More Of Them
6 februari 2024 · 1 uur 11 min
Fratello On Air returns after a one-week break. In this episode, we're discussing a topic suggestion from one of our listeners and readers. It's a question that likely comes into most of our minds at some point along the way. Namely, how do we enjoy watch collecting without always thinking about the next acquisition? We share our thoughts. Lees meer
Our listener, "Cleon.XIII," is responsible for this week's episode where we talk about watch collecting and how to find satisfaction without moving on to the next piece. It's a tough one, especially for one of our hosts! Regardless of this, we provide some of the tactics that either work for us or seem to work for others with more self-control! Enjoy it!
Handgelenks Kontrolle
We kick off our episode on watch collecting without always thinking of collecting more with a bit of banter. Shoes make their way to the list of topics. Mike recounts his recent trip to Florida where he spent some time with Eric Wind and Charlie Dunne of Wind Vintage. He also had the chance to attend a dinner with Josh Shapiro of J.N. Shapiro Watches which was fantastic. Balazs mentions some recent podcasts and TV shows that he has enjoyed during travel. As far as the Handglenks Kontrolle, Mike is wearing his Eterna 852. Balazs is enjoying his Seiko Skyliner 6100-8000.
Watch collecting without buying
For our main topic, we discuss the idea of appreciating the watch hobby without always having to be on the hunt for another watch. Each of us brought some suggestions and while some aren't perfectly free, they likely come in well below the cost of a new timepiece. In short, here are our suggestions:
Research your vintage watches to try and uncover new information about them.
Some great sites are The Watch Library and the Library of Congress where it's easy to search old newspaper advertisements
Throw on a watch that you haven't worn in a long time and stay with it for several days. It may remind you why you purchased it in the first place. Or, it may be …
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Fratello Talks: When Should You Service Your Watch?
1 februari 2024 · 30 min
Welcome to this week's episode of Fratello Talks. Today, Nacho is joined by Morgan and RJ to discuss the topic of watch servicing. More specifically, they answer common questions on the topic, including: when should you service your watch? How often should you service your watch? And how much should you expect to pay for a service? Keeping your beloved watch ship-shape is not something you should overlook. Most watch brands have a recommended service interval, but do you really need to stick to this advice? We don't think so, especially in the common case where you own/wear multiple watches. It's a topic that's not as clear-cut as it may seem. Today, the guys tackle the topic and give you their views and share their experiences with watch servicing. Lees meer
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Fratello Talks: LVMH Watch Week 2024 Special
29 januari 2024 · 29 min
Welcome to this special episode of Fratello Talks for LVMH Watch Week 2024! You join Nacho, Timo, and RJ, who run through the list of releases from Bulgari, TAG Heuer, Hublot, and Zenith. It may yet be early in the year, but we've already seen a ton of new watches. These brands have given us more than a handful of new watches to be excited about. You'll find technically impressive innovations and contemporary takes on classic designs among the novelties. From Zenith adding a classic complication to a fan favorite, TAG Heuer bringing back the Dato dial in the Glassbox formula, to Bulgari dropping a couple of new bold colorways for the Octo Finissimo, and Hublot flexing their technical chops with the MP-10 Linear Weight Tourbillon. Lees meer
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Fratello Talks: What Makes A watch Brand Great?
25 januari 2024 · 26 min
Welcome to this episode of Fratello Talks, where Nacho, Lex, and Laurits try to answer the question: what makes a watch brand great? It's not as obvious as one might imagine. There are as many factors to consider as parts of a watch's movement. Yet a handful of specific criteria come into play in separating the many from the few. From heritage to storytelling and, ultimately, the product itself. Make sure to tune in to this week's discussion for a nuanced dive into the topic as the guys share their opinions. Lees meer
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Fratello On Air: Starting Over With Our Collections And A Pot Of Money
23 januari 2024 · 1 uur 24 min
Fratello On Air is back with another rip-roaring episode. This time, we talk about what starting over would look like for our watch collections. Of course, we give ourselves all the funds that we've used in the past for watches and are armed with the knowledge we've picked up over the last decade or so. We hope you enjoy it! Lees meer
One of our favorite readers, "Goldenyears," commented on our last podcast with the following:
"Sometimes I wonder what watches would I own if I could start all over again from scratch — have no watches but all the money I ever spent so far on every watch I ever owned, including the inexpensive, fashion, and junk watches and the Timex and Casio watches of my youth. It’s a tidy sum of money. I, for one, can attest that my collection would look dramatically different."
This generated today's podcast topic where Balazs and I consider starting over with our collections and what would change or stay the same. Thanks, Goldenyears! Journey with us to an alternate reality.
Handgelenks Kontrolle
Before discussing starting over with our collections, we discuss several topics. We hit upon our recent travels to Germany and mention both the good and bad things that occurred along the way. Yes, the much-maligned Frankfurt Airport makes an appearance, and, spoiler alert, it does live up to its reputation. We then transition to the new Omega Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon Apollo 8 and its hefty price tag. For the Handglenks Kontrolle, Mike has on a loaner Ming 29.01 Dubai Edition. It's a stunning watch with some incredible details. Balazs is going simple, yet pleasing with his O.G. Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical. Finally, before hitting our topic, the news of Arnold Schwarzenegger and his run-in with the German Zoll had just broken, so it's worth a few words.
Starting Over
When we finally hit our main topic of starting over with our collections, we set some ground rules. We have all the money that we ever spent on watches. Plus, we are armed with all…
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Fratello Talks: The Most Important Watches Of The Last Five Years
18 januari 2024 · 35 min
Welcome to the year's third episode of Fratello Talks. Today, Nacho is joined by Morgan and RJ to discuss the most important watches of the last five years. We had a look back and carefully selected nine pieces that we consider to be the most influential, impactful, and interesting horological creations of the last half-decade. Swiss watch brands present hundreds (if not thousands) of new watches each year. In an effort to innovate, iterate, and attract potential customers around the world, these brands are on an endless quest to expand their catalogs. However, not all new watches are created equal. These nine are the ones we consider to have had the greatest impact on the world of watches. Lees meer
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Fratello On Air: Curating Our Watch Collections
16 januari 2024 · 1 uur 13 min
Welcome to another episode of Fratello On Air! This week, we talk about curating our watch collections. That's a large topic with a lot of room for discussion. How have our interests changed over time and where do we go to look for help? Enjoy the casual discussion between two watch addicts who own and admire a wide variety of pieces. Lees meer
Watch collections are a funny thing. Some folks stick to one or two themes while others seem to have no rhyme or reason. Both of us seem to fall into the latter camp, but we do enjoy certain genres more than others. This week, we discuss what we look for, how our tastes have changed, and where we go for advice. This is more of a fireside chat than a list of do's and don'ts yet we still think it's an enjoyable topic. We hope you feel the same!
Handgelenks Kontrolle
Before moving on to our watch collections, we discuss speeding in Germany and how tempo limits, unfortunately, do exist in the Fatherland. We also hit upon shoes for a moment before moving into watches. Mike kicks off the Handgelenks Kontrolle with a recent acquisition. It's a 1940s Tissot Pointer Date that came from a good friend in England. Balazs has some great knowledge about Tissot, so we spend time discussing the watch. Balazs is sporting his vintage Omega Speedmaster Mark II 145.014 with a racing dial. We've discussed these watches before and still feel that they represent great value.
Our watch collections
For our main topic, we talk about our watch collections. What has influenced our choices? What are the favorite parts of our collections and do we have watches that we've bought knowing that we won't wear them? How do we obtain information on obscure pieces and what do we look for when buying? There's a lot here and, arguably, each of these questions could make up an entire podcast episode. We hope you enjoy the back-and-forth. Feel free to let us know how you've pulled your collection together and whether it follows any firm rules. Furthermore, if there are s…
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Fratello Talks: The Myth Of Perfect Watch Size
11 januari 2024 · 24 min
Welcome to the second episode of the second season of Fratello Talks! As we kick off the year, we're dusting off old debates, and today, we talk about the myth of a perfect watch size. Your host, Nacho, is joined by RJ and Thomas to discuss horological proportions. Is there such a thing as a perfect watch size? We don't think so. Too many factors come into play, from thickness to lug-to-lug and even the case shape, not to mention the wearer's wrist circumference and profile. Ultimately, the way to go is to try as many different watches as possible and see what works for you. What may seem too big or too small on paper is sometimes more wearable than expected in the metal. You might just be surprised! Lees meer
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Fratello On Air: What Would Make You Buy A New Rolex?
9 januari 2024 · 1 uur 12 min
Fratello On Air returns with a new episode and this time, we ask what would make each other buy a new Rolex. While there's no question that the brand makes amazing watches, we tend to be vintage lovers around here. So, what would make us pull the trigger on a new model? Lees meer
A new Rolex is on everyone's shopping list, right? Not so fast. Neither of your co-hosts has a new Rolex at the top of our shopping lists. So, what would sway us? We talk about the models we do enjoy and a couple of desired changes to the lineup. Then, we shift gears and discuss the Longines Spirit Zulu Time and whether it truly stacks up against the Tudor Black Bay GMT. We hope you enjoy the show!
Handgelenks Kontrolle
We kick off our episode on what would cause us to buy a new Rolex with our normal banter. Shoes are in play and there's a lot of excitement around the upcoming releases for the year. We mention a few pairs that we'll be watching closely as the year rolls forward. When it comes to the Handglenks Kontrolle, Balazs kicks it off with his Rolex 1675 GMT-Master. He's sporting this after wearing his friend's vintage Rolex 5513 in Hungary. Mike is donning a vintage 35mm Tissot pointer date from the late '40s. We discuss the history of these watches and our thoughts.
Buying a new Rolex
Both Balazs and I love our vintage Rolex watches. We admire current Rolex watches and do admire certain models such as the GMT-Master II in Pepsi form, the Daytona, and even the 36mm Datejust. However, we miss the days of the more rugged and simple Rolex watches. As a result, we express our thoughts on what changes to the lineup would make us desire a new model. After this, we move on to a discussion about the Longines Spirit Zulu Timer and Longines in general. They've truly made some strides over the last several years. Longines is now often in the same discussions as Tudor and we discuss whether this makes sense or not.
We hope you enjoyed this latest episode and thank you for listening! As always, if y…
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Fratello Talks: Watch Wishes And Predictions For 2024
4 januari 2024 · 32 min
Welcome to the first episode of Fratello Talks of 2024. We hope the new year has been treating you well so far. Here at Fratello HQ, we decided to tackle the new year head-on and make predictions for what we expect to see over the coming twelve months. You join Nacho, your host, alongside Morgan and Lex, who voice their expectations and wishes for the new year. From educated guesses to wild predictions, the guys have the bases covered. And, who knows? Maybe some of their wishes may just come true before the year is up! Lees meer