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473 afleveringen, van nieuw naar oud
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Fratello Talks: Approaching Watch Wearers In The Wild
22 juni 2023 · 28 min
Do you approach other watch wearers in the wild? Or are you hesitant to do so? We often see others wearing incredibly nice watches on their wrists, but it's only once in a while we will comment about it. Lex remembers someone wearing a full gold Cartier Santos 100 with a very special strap he commented on. And RJ commented on someone's Rolex that wasn't well-received. In this episode, we talk about approaching watch wearers in the wild! Lees meer
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Fratello On Air: The Three-Watch Collection And Three Alternatives
20 juni 2023 · 1 uur 12 min
Welcome to another episode of Fratello On Air. This week, we each discuss our idea of the ideal three-watch collection. Then, we offer up three more at a more approachable level. Enjoy the show and let us know your thoughts. Lees meer
Yes, the three-watch collection is a popular topic. This time, it's our turn and we each offer a trio without any cost constraints. Then, Balazs and I come back around and do it again with more thoughts on our wallets. We have some similar picks, but also some very different choices.
Handgelenks Kontrolle
After some talk about watches we've seen during travel, it's time to get into the Handgelenks Kontrolle. Balazs is wearing his Excelsior Park and enjoying the use of the EP40 movement. Mike is wearing his recent travel watch, the Doxa SUB 300 "Black Lung." Both declare it as a modern classic.
Three-Watch Collection
Next, it's time to focus on the three-watch collection. We have some real fun with this one. There's some real variety here!
Balazs kicks things off with the Omega Speedmaster Professional 145.022 Transitional. It has all the trappings of a 321, but with the more reliable caliber 861. For an affordable alternative, he brings in the Seiko 6139-7070. This watch has one of the first automatic chronograph movements and can be had for roughly €1,000. Mike leads off with the current Speedmaster Professional, a €7,400 gem with a perfect bracelet. For an alternative, it's another manual wind chronograph known as the Hamilton Intra-Matic H. This 40mm beauty is available for €2,195 in a couple of different dial colors.
For the second round of the three-watch collection, Balazs starts with the Rolex Submariner 14060. He follows this up with the Yema Superman Heritage Special Edition, an affordable vintage-inspired alternative. Mike brings his all-time favorite watch, the Rolex Explorer 14270. His option watch is surprising because it's the Doxa SUB 300 Sharkhunter, a real beauty that can do just about everything.
For our final spin, Ba…
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Fratello Talks: Quartz Watches
15 juni 2023 · 29 min
Welcome to this week’s episode of Fratello Talks, where we dive head-first into quartz watches. Lex, Thomas, and Nacho gather in the podcast studio to discuss their love for battery-powered timepieces. There’s a lot to like about them. They’re reliable, accurate, and typically more affordable than their mechanical counterparts. And though sometimes quartz watches can get a bad rap, there are plenty of impressive electronic timekeepers out there worth admiring. And though the immediate association of quartz movements with cheaply produced, disposable watches certainly exists for a reason, there are also plenty of high-end options. Lees meer
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Fratello Talks: In-House Movements
9 juni 2023 · 34 min
In this week's episode of Fratello Talks, Nacho, RJ, and Thomas discuss the matter of in-house movements. What is an in-house movement? Which brands produce/use them? And how much do they matter to the guys when buying a watch? If you want the answers to these questions, listen to the episode below. Lees meer
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Fratello On Air: One Great Watch Or A Couple Of Really Good Watches
6 juni 2023 · 1 uur 6 min
Fratello On Air is back with another episode and this time we talk about whether it's worth consolidating to one great watch versus having two (or more) really good watches. Of course, your definition of a great and good may vary, but we think you get the gist. Lees meer
Is it worth owning one great watch or is variety the spice of life if it occurs at a slightly lesser level? That's our question today from one of our great listeners from Finland who goes by "zenithist" on Instagram. It's a tough question and while we may not have the perfect answer, we debate the possibilities nonetheless.
Handgelenks Kontrolle
Prior to talking about boiling it down to one great watch or not, we hit the news. There's a recent visit to the Seiko boutique for some "routine" servicing, a touch of sneaker talk, and some new watches. We discuss the new Credor Goldfeather, the Seiko Prospex Speedtimers, and the Yema x Alpine Endurance Team watches made for the 100th running of Le Mans. When it comes to our wrists, Balazs is wearing his Omega Speedmaster 145.022 "transitional" with a lovely step dial. Mike is wearing his 1964 Seiko Liner 46999, a watch that will be up for review soon enough.
One great watch?
It's a really tough question that our listener poses — do you consolidate a couple of really nice watches in order to buy a more prestigious watch? The example that we were given is a tough one. The Tudor Black Bay 58 and the Tudor Prince Date-Day have been tossed out as possible trade subjects. What's the upscale bounty? Well, none other than the small but mighty Rolex Explorer. Mike is firmly in the camp of consolidation. Then again, the 14270 Explorer is one of his favorites. Balazs, on the other hand, plays devil's advocate. He likes a bit of variety and the ability to change size. Where do you fall in this argument?
Thanks for listening to the latest episode. As always, feel free to hit us up with any show ideas that you might have.
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Fratello Talks: On Location At Manbodh Watches
2 juni 2023 · 35 min
It's not every day we run into someone wearing an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Concept Watch from 2002. But when you meet Jerrel Manbodh, of Manbodh Watches, chances are likely you will see him wearing that special Royal Oak watch made of Alcrite. For this Fratello Talks podcast, RJ and Nacho went on location with Manbodh at his watch boutique. We talk about the watch business, the development in the vintage and pre-owned market over the last few years, and, of course, about his favorite watches. Lees meer
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Fratello On Air: Six Divers For Under €1,000 That Are Ready For Summer
31 mei 2023 · 59 min
Fratello On Air returns with a look at six divers for under €1,000. We could do this episode any time, but Summer is the perfect time due to casual wear and loads of water-related activities. We've picked a fairly wide range of pieces from a wide array of countries. If rotating bezels are your thing, sit back and listen! Lees meer
So, you don't dive? Well, neither of us do either, but we do spend a fair amount of time in the water during the Summer months. And hey, maybe one of us will dust off the snorkeling gear at some point. Regardless of actually strapping on a tank, divers have become a go-to practical watch for just about any activity these days and that includes simply acting as a good watch. We've come together to name six divers that truly range in price, but all come in below €1,000. We hope you enjoy it!
Handgelenks Kontrolle
For those of you who don't love blathering, we're fairly light on the small talk this week and get right into the divers. Well, almost. Before the Handgelenks Kontrolle, Balazs discusses his profound admiration for the Tissot PRX. We think this would make a great Summer watch because it pairs so well with some shorts and a rolled-up linen shirt. Then, Balazs talks about wearing his Doxa 300T Sharkhunter, a watch that made the trip with him to his hometown in Hungary. Mike is wearing the newly released Aquastar Model 60, a 37mm skin diver that wears really well. He also discusses bringing the Tudor Black Bay 58 Silver and the Synchron Military Poseidon on a recent trip to Italy - a foray filled with pool and ocean activities.
Six divers under €1,000 for Summer
We're ready for the main topic and that means choosing six divers that all sell for below €1,000. Let us know what you think of these choices:
Certina DS Action Diver, a €975, 43mm PVD-coated stealth watch that we loved during our recent visit to Swatch Group in Germany
Yema Pearldiver, a €799 retro-styled diver with a thick Hesalite crystal and in-house automatic movement
Nivad…
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Fratello On Air: Watch News, First Impressions Of Classic Watches From TAG Heuer, IWC, And Grand Seiko, And Other Rambling
23 mei 2023 · 1 uur
Welcome one and all to this week’s episode of Fratello On Air. As Mike is out of town, Balazs invites Nacho — who happened to be in Germany — to join him for a chat. Today’s installment brings you a loosely structured discussion. The guys talk about their current comings and goings before steering into the topics of watch news and case back engravings. They then wrap things up by running through some first impressions of classic watches from TAG Heuer, IWC, and Grand Seiko. Lees meer
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Fratello On Air: Don't Believe The Hype!
16 mei 2023 · 1 uur 13 min
Fratello On Air returns with a rip-roaring episode where we ask you, dear listeners, to step away from the hype. There's a lot of it around these days and it can be overwhelming. We're here to talk about it and have a little fun along the way. Lees meer
Don't believe the hype! No, this isn't a discussion about Public Enemy, but a discussion about watches and some of the brands that have been making their way back into the mainstream. The hype is well orchestrated at times, a little too orchestrated as we'll see. It doesn't mean that the watches are bad, but are they the second coming? We have our doubts.
Handgelenks Kontrolle
We kick things off with some discussion around the recent Geneva auctions. There were some interesting lots, but the weekend felt a bit muted. The hordes of "AquaNautilus" and Royal Oaks seemed to dominate the scene, which got a bit snoozy. Vintage was there but to a relatively small degree. Mike discusses his impressions after watching some of the proceedings over the weekend and we even chat about certain lots. For the Handgelenks Kontrolle, Balazs is wearing his '70 Grand Seiko 5646-7010 which leads to a discussion on a Seiko Duotime that Mike owns with the same base movement. Mike is back to his trusty Rolex 1016 because he's in comfort mode.
The Hype Machine is alive
The main focus of our show today is to discuss brands that have been inundating our Instagram accounts, the web, and now the auction circuit as recently as this past weekend. Daniel Roth and Gerald Genta are LVMH brands that have received a lot of press coverage recently. In our eyes, they were niche at best and controversially designed at a minimum. Should you be as excited as the collective wants you to be? Then, we see heavy dealer activity on brands like Franck Muller and vintage Piaget. Is this where we're heading or does the push boil down to hype? We discuss and hypothesize why this is happening. The hype is real folks.
We hope you enjoyed today's episode. If you have thou…
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Fratello Talks: The Omega x Swatch Speedmaster MoonSwatch
11 mei 2023 · 24 min
Welcome to this week's episode of Fratello Talks. This time, Nacho, Lex, and Thomas light a candle, dim the lights, and get nice and cozy as they touch on the topic of MoonSwatch. After a stunning debut, the Omega × Swatch Speedmaster MoonSwatch has struggled to follow up on its initial hype. We have been following along with the latest developments and have been left a little bit baffled. So, we ask ourselves the question: "how do we feel about the current state of the MoonSwatch?" We also look at what the future of this collaboration might look like, making some wild guesses and predictions. Lees meer
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Fratello On Air: Discussing Selling Practices By Brands & Another Speedmaster Question
9 mei 2023 · 1 uur 3 min
Fratello On Air returns with more listener questions. This time we take on selling practices from brands and attempt to respond to yet another Speedmaster question. Enjoy the ride! Lees meer
Yes, we are back with more listener questions and this time we take on a two-part question that revolves around selling practices by brands. There's also some more talk about the cherished Omega Speedmaster and its fan base. It's another candid discussion where no punches are pulled, so turn it up!
Handgelenks Kontrolle
We kick things off with a bit of a weekend recap and then get right into watches. We talk about the upcoming Argon release and a new Nivada diver. Then, it's time for Handgelenks Kontrolle. Mike is wearing a '60s Rado Starliner that features a "water sealed" case back with seahorses just like the Captain Cook of the same era. Balazs is rocking his Speedmaster 145.022 "transitional," a lovely piece that looks like it has a caliber 321.
Selling Practices
We received a query from a listener regarding a small microbrand that decided to sell unsold watches from its first batch at the recent Windup show in California. The brand did this instead of fulfilling the orders of some patient customers who ordered as part of a second batch. Was this a good idea? We debate the good and the bad. Then, we discuss whether brands can take action to prevent flipping. We don't have all the answers, but we do like the selling practices of a brand like Oak & Oscar. They pledge to always offer their newest releases to their existing customers. Finally, we talk about whether Speedmaster fans are the most fanatical in the watch world.
We hope you enjoyed this latest episode and thanks for listening! Feel free to let us know if you have an idea for a future episode.
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Fratello Talks: Impulse-Buying Watches
4 mei 2023 · 30 min
Welcome to this week's episode of Fratello Talks. Today, we are rolling with the punches and discussing buying watches on impulse. Sinara, Lex, and Nacho gather around the Fratello podcast table to share their stories, have a laugh, and misquote Mike Tyson. Because there's nothing quite like having a plan for purchasing a specific watch to just getting caught off guard by an impulse buy. Lees meer
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Fratello On Air: Visiting Swatch Group And A Question On The Speedmaster
2 mei 2023 · 1 uur 5 min
Welcome back to another episode of Fratello On Air. This week, we discuss a recent visit to the Swatch Group in the Frankfurt area. We also respond to a listener's question about the beloved Omega Speedmaster. Enjoy! Lees meer
Yes, Balazs and I were on the move and managed to visit the Swatch Group in their offices near Frankfurt. We've also received a number of reader questions that we'll attempt to answer over the next several episodes. Our first question is about the Speedmaster and it's a good one.
Handgelenks Kontrolle
We begin our episode with some sneaker talk as Balazs mentions an upcoming re-release of the Nike Huarache that Kobe once wore. Mike mentions the newly announced Yema Urban Field, a cool series of field watches with loads of optionality. Next, we get to the Handgelanks Kontrolle and Balazs is debuting his new MING 17.09 in burgundy! Mike is wearing his vintage Gruen Ocean Chief on a Forstner Klip bracelet.
Visiting Swatch Group and a reader question
Our visit to Swatch Group was truly a pleasure. The fine folks in Eschborn shared a number of watches with us from Rado, Hamilton, Tissot, Mido, and more! We share the highlights while remarking that it's always nice to see watches in person. Finally, we answer a listener's question about the Omega Speedmaster. The question is simple — what's the big deal about the Speedmaster anyway?
Thank you for listening and as always, if you have any ideas for future shows, don't hesitate to contact us!
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Fratello Talks: Don't Buy The Hype Buy What You Like
27 april 2023 · 29 min
For this episode, the topic is hype and hype watches. Lex, Daan, and Nacho discuss their own experiences with hype and how they've navigated this tricky topic. Daan shares his unique view as a RedBar Amsterdam member, who surrounds himself with people and watches every month — a precarious position for those partial to falling for the hype. Overall, the discussion leads them back to Watches And Wonders 2023, an event with a distinct lack of hype. They also touch on the topic of watch brands manufacturing hype, as well as the hype watches they wish they had bought when they had the chance. Lees meer
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Fratello On Air: Vintage Watches For Everyday
25 april 2023 · 1 uur 14 min
Fratello On Air returns with an episode that focuses on vintage watches that are great for everyday wear. We all love our pieces from yesteryear, so why not choose some that can handle the rigors of daily life? Settle in and listen while we talk for a while. Lees meer
The problem with most vintage watches is that they're fragile and can be hard to fix once broken. Parts are rare and the watches are often so valuable that they remain locked away for safekeeping. Well, we have some picks for you that should stand up well to daily routines while not breaking the bank (too much).
Handgelenks Kontrolle
After some discussion about a recent guitar auction, we jump into the Handgelenks Kontrolle. Mike is wearing his beloved MING 27.02 and has taken it along to Spain for a few days of work. Balazs is going with one of his vintage watches and is enjoying his 7750-powered Heuer Montreal with Hungarian Air Force provenance.
Vintage Watches
Now, we're into the main topic and discuss older watches that can accompany you on life's daily adventures. It's a mix of all sorts of genres and price tags, but most are easily found and repaired. Plus, they all have "street cred" to a large degree, which should give them staying power on anyone's wrist. Our vintage picks are:
Tudor Chrono-Time 79180 "Big Block," a robust 7750-fueled chronograph with all sorts of Daytona vibes
Omega Geneve 131.018, a simple three-hand manual wind dress watch that is about as classic as it gets
Seiko 7549-7010 "Tuna Can." a quartz (the horror!) diver from 1978 that wears like a dream
Seiko 6117-6409 World Timer, a colorful c-cased watch that's ready to travel the world!
Omega Speedmaster Mark II, an underrated '70s gem with a manual chronograph movement and plenty of innovation
The Valjoux 773x chronographs, an iconic series of chronograph movements that are easy to repair, durable, and affordable
Well, there you have it! We hope you enjoyed today's episode and we look forward to coming back to you next we…
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Fratello On Air: What's Up With The New IWC Ingenieur?
18 april 2023 · 1 uur 21 min
Fratello On Air returns after a bit of a layoff and we discuss a number of things including the new IWC Ingenieur. We're glad to be back with you and we hope you enjoy today's candid show! Lees meer
Folks, we're sorry that we've been away for so long, but vacation, travel, and visitors have gotten in the way. Now, though, we're here and ready to discuss all sorts of topics. The new IWC Ingenieur is the greatest focus, but we talk about loads of other subjects. We kick it all off with some news about travel, a pair of game-worn Jordans, New Era MLB hats, and a visit to the mall in Boca Raton.
Handgelenks Kontrolle
The Handgelenks Kontrolle is back and Balazs goes first with the new Vulcain Chronograph 1970's. Mike is wearing his newly received MING 22.01 GMT Gilt. This leads to discussions about a possible acquisition in Balazs' future!
The IWC Ingenieur and Other New Watches
We start the main part of the episode with a bit of Watches and Wonders talk. Balazs was on the ground while Mike was writing about some of the new releases. We talk about the new TAG Heuer Carrera, Zenith Defy Shadow, and all the Tudor pieces. Then, it's onto the new IWC Ingenieur and there's a lot of disappointment from the team. Oh, don't get us wrong, we like the watch, but we're semi-confused by the marketing strategy. Announcing a shortage before the watches hit the street feels wrong, especially for a watch that so many have wanted. Finally, we end with some of our favorite watches from the show. Vacheron, Laurent Ferrier, and Rolex make the list!
We hope you enjoyed today's episode and we look forward to recording again for next week. As always, if you have any ideas for future shows, please let us know!
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Fratello Talks: Our Watches and Wonders Hits And Misses
13 april 2023 · 52 min
Lex, Daan, and RJ discuss the watches that impressed them the most at Watches And Wonders, but also those who failed to make them enthusiastic. The Rolex Yacht-Master 42 in titanium is being discussed in detail, because it is very cool on the one hand (according to Lex), but also very far away from previous Yacht-Masters (according to RJ). Lees meer
Here's the hits and misses from the Watches And Wonders 2023 edition!
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Fratello Talks: Watches And Wonders 2023 Debrief Part 1
6 april 2023 · 31 min
The Fratello boys are back in town! And as the fog of war begins to settle, we've sat together and gathered our thoughts on last week's watch fair. This is the Watches and Wonders 2023 debrief episode. In keeping with the short-form format of Fratello Talks, we don't get to cover every single one of the novelties. Instead, we discuss some of our highlights from the show. From the novelties, we knew were coming and still surprised us to those that seemingly came out of nowhere to become our favorites and everything in between. So grab your beverage of choice, put on your headphones, and click, tap, or bark the command at your smart device of choice, and have a listen to this week's episode of Fratello Talks! Lees meer
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Fratello On Air: Picking Watches For Each Other — Rolex & Citizen
28 maart 2023 · 1 uur 2 min
This episode of Fratello On Air was recorded on the eve of Watches & Wonders. We talk about a couple of the newest releases before turning to our main topic. We choose an accessory, an article of clothing, and a watch for each other. After so many years and countless episodes, can we get it right for each other? Lees meer
Yep, we're picking watches for each other along with an accessory and a piece of clothing. First, though, we hit upon some of the releases at Watches & Wonders. The new IWC Ingenieur, the TAG Heuer Carrera Glassbox, and even the Biver debuts pieces make our discussion.
Handgelenks Kontrolle
Before we start picking watches for each other, we walk through the Handgelenks Kontrolle. Balazs starts things off from Bari, Italy with the Fratello × Nivada Grenchen Racing Chronograph. He's rocking the reverse panda while enjoying the heat. Mike is wearing a watch that he bought in 1994, an automatic Omega Seamaster 120m Chronometer reference 2301.21.00. Almost thirty years later, the gold bezel has turned a bronze-like color which works well with a burgundy Horween shell cordovan strap.
Choosing watches for each other
We get into our main topic by starting off with some accessories. Balazs found a cool Rimowa-like AirPods holder and thinks Mike would enjoy it as well. For Balazs, Mike recommends the iconic Chris Reeve small Sebenza 31 Plain Insingo. It's a no-nonsense tool that should last several lifetimes. For clothing, Balazs stumbled upon pieces from Felco while Mike recommends Western shirts from his favorite clothier, Double RL. When it comes to the main event, Balazs digs deep and plays to Mike's love of Japanese watches with the limited-edition Citizen "The Citizen" NC0206-18E. Mike goes old-school and feels that it's high time for Balazs to add a classic Rolex Submariner 5513 Maxi-dial to his collection.
We hope you enjoyed today's episode. If you have any ideas for future episodes, please feel free to let us know!
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Fratello On Air: A Mix Of Topics — Vulcain, Speedmaster Bracelets, And More
24 maart 2023 · 1 uur 11 min
Fratello On Air is back again this week, and although we are late, we are here! This episode features several topics, including a new Vulcain chronograph, the Speedmaster bracelet, TrueDome crystals, and small watches. It's a conversation you won't want to miss! Lees meer
We struggled with German Wi-Fi this week and are coming to you a few days later than normal. Thankfully, this episode was largely problem free. Three more days gave us the time to add some more thoughts, and we bring you a varied discussion, highlighting the new Vulcain chronograph and some good vintage discussion in general. We hope you enjoy it!
Handgelenks Kontrolle — a Rolex and a Vulcain
For this episode, Mike is wearing his Rolex Datejust "Turn-o-Graph" 1625 in 18K yellow gold. The weather is starting to turn, and the light blue suede strap is fitting for the upcoming season. Balazs is wearing a watch that literally just arrived in the mail. It's the new Vulcain Chronograph 1970's, a hand-wound 38mm piece that will make for a great review. This leads to a bit of banter about a vintage Vulcain chronograph that we featured all the way back in 2015!
Several topics and that Speedmaster bracelet!
After discussing Vulcain, we kick things off by talking about the current Speedmaster bracelet. After the past weekend, we've now both finally tried on the new Speedmaster with its bracelet and declare it to be among the best in the business. Truly, it's that damn good! After that, we move on to talking about TrueDome crystals and whether we like them on vintage Rolex models instead of the Cyclops. We then get into smaller watches, and Balazs talks about wearing his 34mm vintage Angelus and how it truly doesn't wear like such a small piece. Mike then confesses his new crush on a vintage Patek Philippe Calatrava and wonders whether it would work as an everyday watch.
As always, thank you for listening! If you have ideas for future topics, don't hesitate to let us know!
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Fratello Talks: We're Getting In The Watches & Wonders 2023 Mood
23 maart 2023 · 30 min
It's only a few days before Watches & Wonders '23 in Geneva, and we're getting in the right mood! Exhibiting brands have been sending over their news under embargo, with the exception of the obvious. In this podcast, Lex, Nacho, and RJ are talking about the expectations we have, and what we're looking forward to! Lees meer
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Fratello Talks: Our Most Recent Watch Purchases
16 maart 2023 · 34 min
Daan, Dave, and RJ sit together for this podcast and talk about their most recent watch purchases. We talk about the whats, the whys, and the hows when it comes to our new watches. All three of us bought through different channels: a boutique, a colleague, and via Chrono24. Sit back, relax, and have a drink of your choice, while you listen to the soothing voices of our editorial team. Lees meer
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Fratello On Air: New Watches & A Lot Of Nivada No Alizé & Vodka
14 maart 2023 · 59 min
Fratello On Air is here with loads of new watches in this episode. No, it's not Watches & Wonders, but it's busy nonetheless! There's a new Fratello Collaboration and even a MoonSwatch! Lees meer
New watches season is definitely here! Balazs and I take some time to discuss some of the latest pieces to ensure they get coverage before the Watches & Wonders onslaught begins! Settle in and enjoy!
Handgelenks Kontrolle
Before getting to all the new watches, Balazs kicks things off with a decidedly old watch. In fact, this is a pretty lousy piece because it's a so-called office GMT. Yes, he's sporting a watch that no one wants, a vintage Rolex 1675! Mike kicks off the new release topic with a vintage Excelsior Park "Tuxedo Dial" chronograph. This sets our main topic in focus because Excelsior Park just announced that this watch will be their next release. Exciting!
New Watches
We kick things off with the newly announced Seiko Prospex GMT Divers and despite the fact that they're not "pilot's" GMT's, we really like them. That golden GMT hand is the bee's knees! Next, we mention the Mido Ocean Star Decompression Worldtimer because it was pitted against the Seiko in a recent Sunday Morning Showdown. It has a fancier movement, but we're a bit concerned about everyday legibility. Next, we broach the latest MoonSwatch and declare it to be a neat, but quickly passing event. Last but not least, we roll out the Fratello × Nivada Grenchen Racing Chronograph and talk about the different variants.
Thanks so much for listening! As always, if you have episode suggestions, feel free to let us know!
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Fratello Talks: The Swatch x Omega MoonSwatch Mission to Moonshine
9 maart 2023 · 32 min
The anger surrounding the new Swatch MoonSwatch Mission to Moonshine Gold was very visible in the comments section on our website. It was less noticeable during the Swatch "pop-up" sales event in Zurich on March 7th. We did a report here, but we also want to discuss the watch itself a bit more in-depth. How does the story sit with us, do we like the watch as such? Listen to our Fratello Talks podcast of this week to find out. Lees meer
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Fratello On Air: Are Dress Watches Back? No...And Other Fun Topics
7 maart 2023 · 1 uur 9 min
Fratello On Air is back with another rollicking episode. This time, we cover dress watches and ask, in the face of all the hoopla, if dress watches are making a comeback. We think not, but there are a few caveats. Stick around — we recorded this one on a Friday night after a long week, so it's bound to be good! Lees meer
Dress watches are all over the media landscape these days and we decide to take on the topic. We both own at least a couple of collared shirts, so we feel that we're qualified to make a decision on whether these watches are making a comeback! First, though, we return to a comment on the recent Sinn T50 and even bring up the whole "caller" versus "pilot" GMT argument. The heat is on!
Handgelenks Kontrolle
We decide to don dress watches for this episode and both of us have picked real doozies. Balazs saunters into the ballroom with his Omega Cosmic Moonphase, a gold-plated stunner with loads of complications. He even raises a pinky when drinking tea whilst wearing this watch! Mike is strangling himself with an overtightened half-Windsor while wearing his King Seiko 4420-9990 from 1965. That kicks off a discussion about his watch and a donor that he purchased with a similar serial number — listen for more details!
Dress Watches
Are they really making a comeback? Will people dump their beloved sports watches for simple, three-handed dress watches with leather straps? Nah, we think this is over-baked and talk about why. We also talk about the definition of a dress watch and chuckle about this definition and discuss this one. There's also the fact that the dress watch never went away. In the end, though, we like a formal watch, but we just don't see them supplanting a more versatile, "dressier" watch. Enjoy the ride!
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Fratello Talks: How To Travel With Your Watches
2 maart 2023 · 29 min
Daan, Ignacio, and RJ talk about traveling with their watches in this podcast. Being watch journalists, we travel a lot, and often want to bring more than one watch. But with Switzerland as the main destination, it's not as easy as you think. You need to be mindful of Customs and the fact that they can stop you to ask if you're "importing" any valuable goods. In this podcast, we talk about the risks of traveling with multiple watches. Lees meer
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Fratello On Air: The Sinn T50 And NBA All-Star Weekend
28 februari 2023 · 1 uur 2 min
We've been away for a few weeks, but Fratello On Air is back again! We're talking about the newly announced Sinn T50 lineup and then dipping into some travel talk. Balazs attended the recent NBA All-Star Game in Salt Lake City, Utah, and we talk about the festivities. Lees meer
Yes, we've been on the road for quite some time now. England, Switzerland, Austria, and America — we're beginning to sound like a Johnny Cash song around here! We apologize for missing the last couple of weeks, but we should be around for the foreseeable now.
Handgelenks Kontrolle
We kick things off with our Handgelenks Kontrolle and we've both decided to go vintage. Balazs is sporting his Benrus Sky Chief with a Valjoux 72 movement. Mike is wearing the Rolex Datejust 1601 with a lavender no-lume dial that recently came from Eric Wind. Both of us have declared that we're really enjoying wearing smaller (sub 40mm) watches lately. Before moving on to the Sinn T50 and the NBA, we discuss a few things that we've watched on TV lately.
Sinn T50
The Sinn T50 dropped last week and we are pretty excited about this watch. We think it looks great and should do well in the face of its titanium competition. It starts at roughly €3,000, so it isn't inexpensive, but it offers a lot of nice features in an attractive package. We then talk about our travels. Mike mentions a trip to Vienna and some of the nice watches he saw at a ball. Balazs, on the other hand, was a literal baller and attended the NBA All-Star Game in Salt Lake City. He talks about his trip and some of the icons he saw while there.
Thanks for tuning in again and, as always, if you have show ideas, please let us know!
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Fratello Talks: The Plastic (S)Watch That Saved The Watch Industry in '83
23 februari 2023 · 31 min
Lex, Nacho, and RJ talk about Swatch and its upcoming 40th birthday! One of the coolest brands of the 1980s celebrates 4 decades of amazing and colorful watches. Last year put this brand back on the horological map with the MoonSwatch, but there's so much more to the brand that saved the entire Swiss watch industry in the 1980s. In this episode, Lex, Nacho, and RJ show the plastic watch a lot of love, not only because of the MoonSwatch but also for many other Swatch variations. Lees meer
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Fratello Talks: Brands And Their (Super)Fans
16 februari 2023 · 32 min
In this episode of Fratello Talks, Daan, Timo, and RJ talk about the fanatic fans of watch brands. The comments on articles where we discuss Rolex, Tudor, or Omega, are sometimes quite unforgiving towards one of the brands. But often also entertaining (and educational). We discuss why fans are so important for brands, why fans feel the need to defend their favorite brand with all they got, and why some brands have louder fans than others. Lees meer
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Fratello Talks: The Evolution Of Luxury Watch Prices — Breaking The Sense Barrier?
9 februari 2023 · 32 min
Welcome to this week's episode of the Fratello Talks podcast. Today, Nacho, Lex, and Daan sit together once again. Today's topic of discussion? It's all about the money! More specifically, about luxury watch prices. In other words, the money that we (meant in the broadest sense possible) are asked to pay, by watch brands, for their products. Call it what you will, RRP, price tag, cost of horological indulgence... anyway you spin it — in Swiss Francs, Euros, Dollars, with or without tax — as watch enthusiasts (and buyers) sooner or later, the price gets to us all. Therefore, when faced with an influx of new watches, which often go hand in hand with a nice long list of new prices, we ask the question(s): do these prices make sense? Does the price match the product? Is there value to be had when purchasing these watches for their retail price? Lees meer
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Fratello On Air: Balazs & Mike Talk DOXA
7 februari 2023 · 1 uur 5 min
Fratello On Air comes at you with another brand-focused episode. This week, we’re talking about DOXA and the picks are a bit less diver-centric than you might think. Have a listen and hear about watches that, surprisingly, don’t have a dive bezel. Lees meer
Yes, with the recent Synchron news, we’ve had our eyes on the brand that inspired the watch. DOXA is in play this week and it’s a company we both genuinely enjoy. If you’re a fan, perhaps you’ll already know our picks. If not, at least one of these might serve as a low-cost way of getting one on your wrist!
Handgelenks Kontrolle
The Handgelenks Kontrolle is properly on point this week as both Balazs and Mike are sporting DOXA 300’s. Balazs is wearing his early generation 300 Sharkhunter with US Divers logo on the dial. His is differentiated by its pre-Synchron dial, sailboat case back, and screw-down crown. Mike is sporting his early ‘70s Synchron-era 300 Sharkhunter. His lacks a screw-down crown and was found in Israel where it seems to have lived the life of a real dive watch.
DOXA
As mentioned, DOXA is a real favorite of both of ours. While we don’t own many models from the company, we’re constantly looking and considering more for our collections. We each decided to pick two pieces that we find interesting from the brand and as usual, Balazs makes some funkier choices. We discuss:
Sfygmos pulsations chronograph, a unique DOXA with a mono-pusher Valjoux 23 and a crazy magnifying crystal
The 300T Divingstar, a notable version due to its relative rarity and vivid yellow dial
DOXA Conquistador, a watch in the same vein as a ‘70s Omega Seamaster, but far more affordable
The original 1967 300 Searambler, a watch that is among the most desirable from the brand
We hope you enjoyed our show today and thanks for listening! If you have ideas for topics, feel free to let us know.
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Fratello Talks: Watch Brands Selling Vintage Watches
2 februari 2023 · 26 min
Today, Nacho, Lex, and Daan sit together to discuss watch brands selling their own stock of vintage watches. Lex joins the podcast after a week away visiting Jaeger-LeCoultre, the latest brand to jump on the bandwagon. Armed with knowledge, vintage-buying experience, and plenty of opinions, this week's trio is ready to delve into the details. Who are these premium vintage pieces, painstakingly restored by the brand itself, meant to be for? It may not be us, but perhaps it's a perfect introduction to vintage watches for those willing and able to pay the premium. The guys share their thoughts extensively, but not before a quick wrist check. Lees meer
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Fratello On Air: On The Autobahn Talking About Synchron, Omega, & Grand Seiko
31 januari 2023 · 1 uur 3 min
Fratello On Air returns with a moving episode — pun intended! We're on the Autobahn late at night talking about the newest releases from Synchron, Omega, and Grand Seiko. Enjoy the ride! Lees meer
That's right, Balazs and Mike are on the move across Germany and the Netherlands. They've decided to bring along some wireless mics and record while driving because, honestly, they're talking about watches anyhow. It just so happens that the episode falls during a period when there's some real news from Synchron, Omega, and Grand Seiko. We think that the sound quality is rather good despite our high-speed transit, but please be aware that some wind noise may occur.
Synchron, Grand Seiko, and Omega
This week, our Handgelenks Kontrolle is actually part of the main topic! Mike kicks things off from the helm with the brand spanking new Synchron Militsary Poseidon, a cool take on the Synchron Military/Doxa Army theme. He explains the back story of this fun release. Balazs, on the other hand, is in the passenger seat wearing his stunning Grand Seiko SBGA375. Despite some struggles with finding the right size, he's rocking it on the factory bracelet. This leads the duo to discussions about the new Grand Seiko SLGA021, a watch that both really like.
Then, we take a verbal detour and spend a few minutes talking about the Autobahn explaining that it's not always all that it's cracked up to be. Finally, we give our thoughts on the just-announced Omega Speedmaster Super Racing. It's not a small watch, but both find aspects to like while hoping that the technology continues to make its way to more Omega watches.
We hope you enjoyed this week's episode and thank you for listening. It was truly a lot of fun to record! As always, if you have ideas for future shows, feel free to let us know.
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Fratello Talks: The Watches We'd Like To See In 2023
26 januari 2023 · 33 min
Daan, Laurits, and RJ talk about the watches they would like to see introduced by brands in 2023. Daan is hoping Vacheron to come up with a smaller-sized Overseas, while Laurits likes to see a new Milgauss from Rolex. RJ is in for a "proper" re-edition of a gold Piaget Polo, with engraved lines on the case and bracelet. What are the watches you want to see appearing this year? Let us know! Lees meer
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Fratello On Air: Balazs & Mike Talk About Retro Watches
25 januari 2023 · 1 uur 8 min
Fratello On Air has returned and we cover several subjects this week. However, we spend the most time on a topic initiated by one of our readers about retro watches. Namely, are they at the end of their rope? Lees meer
We're back a day later than usual this week with our episode, but we've made it! In this episode, we discuss a number of topics including some of the TV shows and movies we've seen lately. It's not overly watch-related, but it's cold and gray outside, so perhaps this will help pass the time. We also dive into a topic related to retro watches, a movement that has been with us for quite a long time. Will brands move on and go in a different direction?
Handgelenks Kontrolle
Before hitting on retro watches, we have some yesteryear pieces of our own for Handgelenks Kontrolle. Mike kicks things off with his newly acquired Seiko SUS 4S15 "military." It's a neat, but small JDM-only piece from 1996 that was meant to lure younger buyers into the world of mechanical watches. That crafty Seiko tore down Switzerland with quartz tickers only to say, "just kidding," a couple of decades later with the promise of automatics. Cheeky Balazs, on the other hand, stays on the electronic side with an even newer addition. The two-tone Rolex Datejust 17013 Oysterquartz is in play and Mike is jealous! What a score!
Retro Watches
One of our faithful listeners, Saku, from Finland sent us a note and asked about retro watches. In particular, he mentioned the 2010's and all of the releases that take inspiration from the past. He was curious if we see things continuing on this path. Neither of us is sure we want reissues to keep coming in the same volume, but we do like them from certain brands. We love retro brands, but we're not sure we dig modern brands relying so heavily on their back catalogs. MING, Rolex, Omega, and more make their way into the conversation!
Thanks to Saku for writing to us. If you have thoughts on a future topic, please let us know! As always, thank you for list…
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Fratello Talks: Watch Brands Increased Their Prices In 2023
19 januari 2023 · 35 min
The Omega Speedmaster Professional will be priced at €7,500 as per February 1st (it was €7,100). The Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Duoface? It is now €13,100 instead of €9,100 not even a year ago. That's a price increase of nearly 44%. It almost sounds like Rolex is keeping it sane for their sports models, with increases of approx. 2%, the catch here is that you can't buy them anyway. Lees meer
Ignacio, Lex, and RJ talk about the price increases of watch brands in 2023.
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Fratello On Air: Collection Spotlight — MING, Gallet, Zenith, Angelus & More!
17 januari 2023 · 56 min
Fratello On Air returns with Balazs and Mike in the same room! In this episode, Balazs travels to Frankfurt and amongst some surprise topics, the duo decides to engage in a collection spotlight. Hear about four attractive watches from each. Enjoy it! Lees meer
Yes, Balazs has made his way north from Karlsruhe to Mainhattan. Both decided to check out the local Seiko boutique and dine on the Fratello favorite: schnitzel. Then, it was time to record an episode where it was time for a collection spotlight.
Handgelenks Kontrolle
This week's Handgelenks Kontrolle features some exciting new arrivals. Mike is wearing his new 1965 Grand Seiko 5722-9970 Chronometer, which Balazs hand-delivered! It's a neat piece that was made for Toshiba employees who were celebrating 25 years with the company. Balazs surprises us all with the new Vulcain Skindiver Nautique, a lovely retro diver in either dark blue or black. We can't wait for the review when this launches on the 18th!
Mike was recently on the Spirit of Time podcast and there was a decent amount of pocket-watch talk. So, Balazs has elected to surprise us all with a real collection spotlight as he has brought three amazing Angelus pocket watches. The large piece is a porcelain-dialed chronograph, the upper piece is an alarm complete with a fold-out stand, and the piece with the long stem was made to time rotary telephone calls. Amazing!
Collection Spotlight
Amongst some other banter, we get to our main topic, the collection spotlight. For this section, we each decided to choose two of each other's watches for discussion. Next, we cover:
MING 17.09, a watch that Balazs has been considering for quite some time
Zenith Yugoslavian Air Force chronograph with an EP4 caliber, a truly stunning piece with a dial that has been "eaten" by radium
Gallet Decimal, is a lovely chronograph with an EP4 caliber that has a fun backstory
Angelus Dato 12, a stunning watch with a minty gold-plated case
Finally, we thank you for listening. As alway…
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Fratello On Air: A Questionable Auction And Swatch Group Stays Away From CPO
10 januari 2023 · 1 uur 16 min
Welcome to another episode of Fratello On Air. In this installment, Balazs and Mike hit on two topics. We start with the fact that Swatch Group has no intentions of following Rolex into the CPO market. Next, we talk about a recent article highlighting concerns about a questionable auction that took place in 2018. Sit back and relax while we work the mics. Lees meer
Yes, it's another week and that means another podcast. This time we're talking more about CPO programs and a questionable auction. Balazs is taking care of business in Karlsruhe and Mike has literally just arrived back in Frankfurt. The two kick off with a number of topics. Balazs mentions the upcoming Lego Ford GT, which features a working engine. Balazs also mentions that he's decided to bite the bullet and purchase the Adidas Stan Smith Lux. Hoch leben! Finally, we discuss TV. Balazs is watching BMF and Mike just finished season 2 of The White Lotus.
Handgelenks Kontrolle
Before hitting the main topics on used watches and a questionable auction, we go through our Handgelenks Kontrolle. Mike is wearing his cherished Rolex Datejust 1600. This time, however, he has it on a new-to-him folded Oyster 7836 bracelet with 258 end links. He recently picked it up in Florida during a visit with our friend, Eric Wind. Will it stay on or will the Jubille return? Time will tell. Balazs is sporting his newly received Grand Seiko SBGA439. He loves it but is having a tough time getting the bracelet to fit and is also struggling with reflections during photographs.
A questionable auction and Swatch Group stays away from CPO
We kick off the main section with a brief mention that Rolex is increasing prices yet again. Apparently, the increase is capped at "around" 2.5%, but that brings prices up by roughly 20% since the beginning of the pandemic. Yikes! Next, Balazs discusses an article about Swatch Group and that Nick Hayek will not be following Rolex into the used market any time soon. We think that's smart! Finally, we discu…
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Fratello Talks: New Year's Resolutions - The Watches We're Planning To Buy In 2023
5 januari 2023 · 29 min
Lex, Nacho, and RJ talk about their New Year's resolutions regarding watches. We look back at the watches we purchased in 2022, and what we have on our wishlists for 2023. Nacho already made his first purchase in 2023, to celebrate his upcoming 30th birthday. Bonus material: A small contribution from Sinara. Lees meer
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Fratello On Air: 2023 Is Here, And The Modern Rolex Secondary Market Is Falling Apart
3 januari 2023 · 1 uur 11 min
Happy New Year! Yes, 2023 is here, and we're bringing you the latest episode of Fratello On Air! Balazs and Mike are ready for another rip-roaring year, and they start with a bang. The modern Rolex secondary market and the CPO program are back in focus. Lees meer
We're back — sort of. Balazs has returned to Germany from Hungary while Mike is still hanging out with the iguanas in sunny South Florida. They reminisce about the holidays and strike up some banter about other topics. The Rolex CPO program and the modern Rolex secondary market overall are the subjects of today's episode. There are dreamers out there, folks, and they still believe we are in the salad days of April 2022.
Handgelenks Kontrolle
Before discussing the Rolex secondary market, we dip into the Handgelenks Kontrolle. This time, we talk about the watches that we wore most during the holidays and share what is currently occupying wrist space. For Balazs, his trip to Hungary had an ulterior motive: he picked up some new old watches! He's sporting a Zenith from the '50s with a black dial and an Excelsior Park EP4 caliber. The watch was likely made for the Yugoslavian Air Force, and we discuss how it compares to his Angelus 215. Mike is wearing his trusty Citizen Promaster BN0220 in the heat and taking it to the pool every day.
The modern Rolex secondary market
Here's a bold take: the modern Rolex secondary market is falling apart, and the decline shows no sign of slowing. During the holiday, we've been cruising the internet, looking up prices for current models. It's clear that the market peaked back in April 2022 and that the downward trend has been constant since then. However, we pick on the current GMT-Master II "Batman" and chuckle at a current ad on Bucherer's website for a CPO model listed for CHF 21,000! This is all while similar models are available in droves for 25–30% less. Similarly, we note that tone-deaf dealers are still listing watches such as the 36mm Datejust for 60% over retail while simi…
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Fratello Talks: Beef Between Thomas And Lex About Dress Watches
29 december 2022 · 25 min
Daan, Thomas, and Lex talk about the definition of dress watches. In a recent article on Fratello, Thomas wrote about his vintage Seamaster being a dress watch. It upset Lex tremendously, and it ultimately led to a fight. Time to straighten it out, and what better way to do it in a podcast? Lees meer
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Fratello Talks: Buying Watches Pre-Owned Vs New
22 december 2022 · 32 min
Lex, Daan, and RJ discuss the pros and cons of buying pre-owned watches versus new. We're not all on the same page, but agree that the pre-owned watch market does have something interesting to offer, aside from (often) more attractive prices. If you want to go worry-free, buying your watch new is the way to go. But you might miss out on some very nice offers out there. Lees meer
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Fratello On Air: Balazs & Mike With Way-Too-Early Hopes for 2023
20 december 2022 · 1 uur 19 min
Fratello On Air comes at you with a new episode. This time, we're talking about our horological hopes for 2023. Of course, there's some typical banter along with some pre-holiday cheer. Settle in by the fireplace (or at the beach, perhaps) and enjoy our last episode before Christmas. Lees meer
2022 absolutely blew by and we're now less than two weeks from entering a new year. With that, we have hopes for 2023 and we get into some of our prognostications and questions. The economy looks a tad shaky and that may spell opportunity for some and trouble for others. What will the next year bring?
Handgelenks Kontrolle
Before discussing our hopes for 2023, we have a chat about the seriously cold weather in Germany. We then move on to a couple of shows that we have either enjoyed or are enjoying — Car S.O.S. and Wheeler Dealers. These are fun shows that just might appeal to a vintage watch nerd who likes the thrill of the hunt for obscure parts while taking in some history. Then, it's time for the Handgelenks Kontrolle. Mike is wearing his Rolex GMT-Master 16758 with a "nipple dial" on a German-made strap with reindeer embossed on it. Balazs keeps on the brown theme with his MoonSwatch Mission to Saturn.
Our Hopes for 2023
We bounce around a lot during our main topic: our hopes for 2023. We refer to the Rolex market and the fact that watches are slowly becoming more available at AD's. Mike also surmises that limited editions will continue in force to help keep people addicted. Both Balazs and Mike have become more excited about what the independents will do next year and even discuss what MING could offer. When it comes to Omega, the duo feels that the Speedmaster Professional could be in play with exotic materials and/or new dial colors. Regarding Tudor, both are flummoxed when it comes to guessing what could come next. Finally, we'd love to see a Zenith diver, a genre that the brand needs to address.
We hope you enjoyed this episode and if you're celebrating in the next week…
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Fratello Talks: What Makes The Patek Philippe Nautilus So Special?
15 december 2022 · 37 min
Fratello editors Gerard, Lex, and RJ talk about one of the most coveted watches: the Patek Philippe Nautilus. With the first reference in front of them, the 3700/1A, they talk about the history of the Nautilus, how it went from virtually no demand to an incredibly high demand in the past few years, and which version they like best. Enjoy our Fratello Talks series and let us know via Fratello.com what you think of the Nautilus. Lees meer
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Fratello On Air: Balazs & Mike Talk Holiday Watches And Gifts
14 december 2022 · 54 min
Fratello On Air is getting ready for the holidays! In this episode, Balazs and Mike talk about holiday watches and gifts sure to please almost any watch lover. Enjoy! Lees meer
Yes, we are firmly in the season of giving, receiving, or buying for one's self! As such, we're here to discuss some of our favorite watches that debuted in 2022. Alongside these holiday watches, we've also decided to mention some watch-adjacent gifts that will delight you. Stick around and tune in for another fun episode of Fratello On Air!
Handgelenks Kontrolle
After some brief discussion on travel (where Mike reveals that London, despite all the news, is not a war zone), we get to the Handgelenks Kontrolle. Balazs is wearing his pre-moon Speedmaster on a Forstner flat link bracelet. We talk about Forstner and its great products for watch lovers. Mike is wearing a very different type of watch — the MING 27.02 on a blue Alcantara strap. He wore it all weekend in London as a fun, but less flashy option.
Holiday watches and gifts
For our main event, it's time to mention some holiday watches and gifts. Our choices run the gamut from inexpensive to dear, but there's hopefully something here for everyone. We go back and forth and alternate between watches and items and mention:
The Nivada Valjoux 23, a piece with a NOS column-wheel movement
Grand Seiko SBGW283, a gorgeous watch that Thor, our very own God of Thunder, purchased!
The Joseph Bonnie Star 69 leather strap, something that Balazs has fallen in love with and swears Mike would enjoy.
Zeiss Head Loupe, a tool that helps with battery changes or strap adjustments and will scare your significant other.
The Doxa Army in bronze and green, a watch that Balazs hasn't forgotten since trying it some months ago.
Serica 5303 in blue, a diver that Mike has been eyeing ever since it debuted in June.
An inexpensive but utile 40-slot felt watch case that Balazs has found on Ali Express for less than €16!
The Manfrotto Befree GT XPro tripod for macro …
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Fratello Talks: Our Thoughts On The Rolex Certified Pre-Owned Program
8 december 2022 · 32 min
This weekly "Fratello Talks..." podcast talks about the Rolex Certified Pre-Owned program that was introduced on December 1st. Lees meer
Thomas, Daan, and I are discussing the new Certified Pre-Owned program that Rolex introduced. Authorized Dealer Bucherer is the first partner offering Rolex watches with this certification. But what is it exactly, and how does it work? We also received some comments and questions about the consequences of this certification process, and we try to answer them in our podcast. Additionally, we are discussing the effect on the market prices of pre-owned Rolex watches.
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Fratello On Air: Balazs & Mike Discuss Rolex Pre-Owned And A Lovely New AP
7 december 2022 · 1 uur 9 min
Fratello On Air returns with Balazs and Mike in their respective saddles to discuss a number of topics. The new Rolex pre-owned program is a focal point along with new offerings from Nivada-Grenchen and Audemars Piguet. What do we think of all these new items? Have a listen and find out for yourself! Lees meer
Balazs and Mike are back after a couple of weeks away and they've got plenty to discuss. Shoes, the gray weather in Germany, and watches are on tap with the latest episode. Of course, there's the Handgelenks Kontrolle...
Handgelenks Kontrolle
After a bit of chatter, it's time for the Handgelenks Kontrolle. Mike kicks things off with his white gold Rolex Day-Date 1803, a surprisingly subtle piece on his wrist for nearly two weeks. Keeping on theme, Balazs is wearing his lovely GMT-Master 1675. He currently has it on the Oyster, but will soon switch to his Jubilee for the festive season.
The Rolex Pre-owned program and more
After some more talk, it's time to get into the meatier subjects. The Rolex pre-owned program is here and, wow, is it exciting! Or is it? We'll discuss it, but we aren't so sure. We also mention the new Nivada Grenchen x Undone and, frankly, we dig it. Finally, we discuss the return of the Audemars Piguet Starwheel and declare it to be the best Code 11.59 yet and the best AP in donkey's years.
We hope you enjoy today's episode. Feel free to let us know if there's anything you'd like us to discuss on a future show.
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Fratello Talks: Buying Your First Serious Watch
1 december 2022 · 29 min
Ignacio talks with Sofia and Sinara about making that first big purchase! Buying your first serious (luxury) watch can be a nerve-racking process. How did Fratello's Ignacio, Sinara and Sofia dealt with it? They're all young (below 30), and spending that much money on your first watch can be stressful. What choices did they make, and why? Listen to our Fratello Talks — Buying your first serious watch podcast to hear about their stories. Lees meer
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Fratello Talks: Dress Watches
24 november 2022 · 29 min
Fratello Talks is a new series next to the Fratello On Air podcast. In Fratello Talks, your hosts Ignacio and RJ discuss various horological topics. Ignacio, RJ, and Laurits talk about dress watches in this first episode. What is a dress watch exactly, and why would you need one? We also discuss our favorite dress watches. Lees meer
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Fratello On Air: The Rolex Deepsea Challenge & New Excelsior Park
22 november 2022 · 59 min
Fratello On Air is here and Balazs and Mike are back together between extensive travels. This week, we talk about a number of random subjects and then move on to the main topics. New Excelsior Park is in focus as well as the massive Rolex Deepsea Challenge. Lees meer
We have been keeping the road hot! Mike has just returned from a two-week trip to the USA where he was all over the place and Balazs is getting ready to leave for another visit to Japan. Luggage enters the discussion yet again and Mike is curious if Rimowa's service department will live up to his expectations (update: sadly not so far). As mentioned, we spend most of our time on new releases from Excelsior Park and the Rolex Deepsea Challenge.
Handgelenks Kontrolle
First things first, though, and that's the Handgelenks Kontrolle. After wearing his Explorer 14270 for two weeks in a row, Mike has swapped to his vintage Heuer Monaco 73633. Balazs has two new Excelsior Park pieces in hand - a limited piece released in conjunction with watch dealer "Shuck the Oyster" and a collab with Seconde/Seconde.
Excelsior Park and the Rolex Deepsea Challenge
For the main part of our show, we talk about modern Excelsior Park and how the Sellita-based movement feels in hand. Hint: it's no Excelsior Park caliber, but we love that the watches are manual wind and kissing cousins to the originals. We especially like how they've gotten the details right such as the dial fonts and case dimensions. Finally, for the money, they seem to be good value. When it comes to the Rolex Deepsea Challenge, it's a good thing that we let this one breathe for a week before discussing it. There's no doubt that this watch is ridiculous in almost every way, whether it be price, specs, or size. However, both of us appreciate it for what it is — an insane accomplishment from Rolex. It's an absolutely unnecessary watch, but we dig it.
We hope you enjoyed today's episode and we look forward to bringing you more. If you have any thoughts on future topic…