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Lex And Balazs Talk Breguet
15 november 2022 · 1 uur 2 min
For the second week in a row, Balazs has a guest on the podcast, another member of the Fratello family. After last week’s discussion with Dave about space watches this week, we have our one and only Lex on Fratello On Air. The man known for refined taste in clothing and timepieces is also somewhat of a Breguet fan. His impressive knowledge of the brand was a delight to listen to whenever it came up in a conversation. Lees meer
So it was logical for Balazs to sit down with Lex and chat about the Swatch Group’s crown jewel.
Wrist check
We do not see Lex without something denim, so it was no surprise that he was sporting a piece that’s the love child of a watch company and a denim brand: the Oris Diver 65 Momotaro edition. The watch is the perfect blend of material and colors. A steel case with a bronze bezel, green dial, and indigo-blue denim strap. Such a fine eclectic ensemble. Not to mention that the watch is readily available on most used watch sites and for a very competitive price too. Great choice, Lex!
Balazs wore a loaner for the show, but boy, what a timepiece it was. He happened to have a Breguet with him that belonged to a friend. So Balazs chose that particular piece, the Breguet Classique 5157, as his wrist companion for the episode. It is an elegant and simple take on a dress watch with a beautifully decorated movement and display case back. Yet the magic of the 5157 lies in its breathtaking guilloché dial. And don’t forget those lovely Breguet hands, either.
Breguet
Finally, the boys arrive at the topic of this episode and the mighty Maison of Breguet. A brand that started in 1775 and, over the centuries, has had an incredibly intriguing history, just like its denominator and founder, Abraham-Louis Breguet. Lex and Balazs walk through the past and talk about some of the inventions still used in today’s watchmaking. Lex visited the atelier a few weeks ago, and we are lucky enough to hear his thought about that trip before we move to the final stage of the …
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Fratello On Air: Balazs & Mike Talk Seiko
1 november 2022 · 1 uur 11 min
Well, hello folks! After a one-week respite, we're back with another episode of Fratello on Air! This time, we talk about Seiko and each discusses a couple of our favorite pieces. We must warn you, this is only the beginning... Lees meer
Seiko is an absolute favorite here at Fratello, which makes picking favorites a daunting endeavor! Still, we've managed to start down the path in what will likely be the first of many episodes covering this storied brand. Of course, there's plenty of banter before getting into the main subject.
Handgelenks Kontrolle
Before moving to the Handgelenks Kontrolle and Seiko, the dynamic duo hit upon a few topics. Firstly, Mike is on the way to the Big Easy for the first time and Balazs is prepping for a seriously hectic schedule. Mike mentions his ho-hum experience at the "new" Berlin airport and a humorous tour of Szczecin, Poland. Both are excited to watch the newly released All Quiet On The Western Front film on Netflix and in theaters. As far as watches, Mike has on the new Monta Skyquest and is truly impressed by the fit and finish (review soon!). Balazs is wearing yet another lovely Excelsior Park — this time with the three-register EP40 movement.
Seiko
When it comes to Seiko, there are just so many models to consider. Somehow, we've each picked two to discuss, and hopefully, you'll appreciate just how much we enjoy these watches. We walk through the following pieces:
Seiko 6139-7070 "Baby Jumbo," an early automatic chronograph that Balazs has in his collection and truly loves wearing
6215-7000, which is Mike's all-time favorite Seiko diver that deserves more credit as a highly important watch
The Seiko 6117-8000 Navigator Timer, a late '60s "GMT" with a mesmerizing gray dial
Champion Alpinist J13043, which has a dial and handset that rank as unbeatable
We hope you enjoyed listening to this episode. Feel free to let us know if there's anything you'd like us to discuss in the future!
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Balazs and Dave Talk Space Watches Beyond The Speedmaster (Urwerk, Fortis, IWC)
31 oktober 2022 · 59 min
As Mike is on a business trip in the US Balazs pulls Dave out of retirement.
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Fratello On Air: Balazs & Mike Talk About The Watch Market
18 oktober 2022 · 1 uur 8 min
Fratello On Air is back with a new episode and this time, we discuss the watch market. In the background, we bring up a couple of reports that have recently been published. There are some interesting numbers, but the market hasn't fallen apart to the extent where secondary prices are reaching retail. Will they? Lees meer
The watch market is in a bit of turmoil lately as prices for hype watches have been on a 6-month downtrend. We discuss the recent third-quarter watch market report published by Morgan Stanley and go through some interesting and telling figures. The recent Chrono24 watch report contains some interesting figures as well. It collectively blows our minds how popular Rolex is versus all other brands.
Handgelenks Kontrolle
The Handgelnks Kontrolle this episode is on point! Balazs is sporting the new Doxa Army with green ceramic and bronze bezel. He declares it a winner and it seems that most people like the surprising color combination! Mike is wearing his Omega Speedmaster X-33 1st generation on an Artem strap. It has just returned from a €30 battery change and Mike vows to wear it more frequently.
The Watch Market
Let's start by saying that neither of us is predicting that the watch market is going to crash and burn to the point where Rolex Daytona models will be below retail. However, we do think that there are some serious macro headwinds that will continue to put pressure on the typical speculative watches. In the end, if it means that people will stand a chance to buy watches at retail, we're all for it and think it's actually more healthy than an overheated scenario. Funnily enough, if all of the hype watches were more available, neither of us would run out to buy something. If we did, though, the GMT-Master II with Pepsi Bezel ranks as the most likely candidate.
Thanks again for listening! We hope you enjoyed the show and as always, feel free to let us know if there's a topic you'd like us to discuss!
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Fratello On Air: The Grandest Episode Yet — Featuring Grand Seiko
11 oktober 2022 · 1 uur 8 min
Fratello on Air returns with an episode about one of our favorite brands: Grand Seiko! That's right, it's an hour of back and forth about a premium line that got its start during the '60s. What are the favorite models from our hosts? Tune in and find out... Lees meer
You've listened to our brand-focused episodes before and while we've taken on some big brands, Grand Seiko has so many great models that it was tough to pick our favorites. Whether we're talking about today or yesteryear, Grand Seiko is a treasure trove. Here's a hint: we've both decided to go vintage. With that, we've also decided to return to this brand in future episodes to focus on more vintage and modern pieces.
Handgelenks Kontrolle
Before getting to our Handgelenks Kontrolle, we discussed a recent trip to Washington D.C. where Mike had the chance to visit the National Air & Space Museum Udvar-Hazy Center. It's an incredible place that's only five minutes away from Dulles. Mike also mentions a run along the National Mall. which is a great way to sightsee while grabbing a workout. As far as watches, Mike is wearing his Grand Seiko SBGW047, a 44GS reissue from 2013. Balazs is wearing his newest Excelsior Park-powered piece, a chrome-cased Varix.
Grand Seiko
Things go awry from the get-go because Balazs picks the same Grand Seiko model line that Mike had in mind. Trust us, we don't pre-review and like to keep things spontaneous! All is well, though, because we spend some serious time talking about the true heavyweights from this storied marque: the VFA models. These watches were and still are incredible! Mike goes on to discuss the 4520, aka "45GS" models and focuses on the -7000 and -8000 models. Finally, Balazs closes us out with the 5646 models that feature day and date complications.
Thank you again for listening. We hope you enjoyed this episode. As always, feel free to let us know if you have any ideas for future shows.
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Fratello On Air: Balazs & Mike Are Back With The Omega X-33 Marstimer And Rimowa!
4 oktober 2022 · 53 min
Fratello On Air returns once again! Balazs and Mike are together after a three-week break due to heavy travel. It's a light-hearted show full of observations and head scratching. We talk about the Omega X-33 Marstimer, the Apple Watch, and even about luggage. Lees meer
Yes, it's been a while, but the boys are back in town again. Balazs has been all over Europe while Mike has been in three time zones within the USA. We focus on the craziness that seems to surround collecting anything today and then dip into some discussion around the Omega X-33 Marstimer. It's two friends getting back together after a while...enjoy it!
Handgelenks Kontrolle
We kick things off with the Handgelnks Kontrolle and Balazs is sporting a brand new piece. He is sporting a Benrus Sky Chief with a freshly serviced Valjoux 72. Mike is wearing his Rolex Sea-Dweller 1665 "Great White" and talks about how small it is versus the current Deep Sea Sea-Dweller. The discussion meanders to the classic pilot's chronographs and the Glycine Airman.
The Omega X-33 Marstimer and Rimowa
Before getting into the Omega X-33 Marstimer, we talk about how Rimowa has seemingly gone the way of Rolex. Apparently, the well-known luggage sells out on a daily basis these days and draws queues in front of the boutiques. The horror! We move on to the Omega and while we really like the looks of the watch, we both wish that it had more functionality such as solar or some sort of connectivity. It's a pricey piece and we feel like more could have been done with the opportunity. We finish our discussion by talking about the Apple Watch and how it has become so commonplace today that it just might be worth a try. Scary stuff indeed!
As always, thank you for listening, and thanks for waiting for us to return! We'll be back next week with another episode!
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Balazs And Nacho Talk About...
19 september 2022 · 1 uur 1 min
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Fratello On Air: Geneva Watch Days 2022
6 september 2022 · 1 uur 16 min
Fratello On Air checks in with a new episode and Geneva Watch Days 2022 is the subject. Balazs and Mike discuss some of the key new releases. As always, expect banter and clear views on what's happening around us in the world of watches. Lees meer
Geneva Watch Days 2022 is a wrap and Balazs was there. He gives his impressions on some of the most essential new releases while Mike weighs in. Naturally, there's talk about other watch news and equipment. Enjoy!
Handgelenks Kontrolle
Before getting to the Handgelenks Kontrolle and our main topic, our hosts have a few items worth mentioning. Mike brings up a seriously lightweight and packing-friendly rain "shirt" from Patagonia called the "Houdini Jacket." It's available for men and women. Next is the Manfrotto Befree GT XPRO tripod, which has a nifty horizontal guide rail that should allow for great macro work. Finally, Balazs has stumbled upon the Baseus Magnetic Wireless Power Bank and vouches for its convenience. As far as the Handgelenks Kontrolle, Balazs is wearing his '50s Omega 2505 with a caliber 256. Mike is sporting his Citizen Homer HO150401 with glossy black dial and lumed indices.
Geneva Watch Days 2022
Balazs was on the ground during Geneva Watch Days 2022 while Mike watched from afar. We discuss the big release that wasn't actually part of the show, the Tudor Pelagos 39. Then, it's onto the Doxa Army, the new Bvlgari Octo Finissimo novelties, and the Oris Divers Sixty-Five with 12-hour bezel. We finish with thoughts on the newly announced pricing for the Speedmaster Professional.
As always, we hope you enjoyed the episode. If you have any topics you'd like us to discuss in a future episode, please let us know!
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Fratello On Air: A Rant Or Two And Geneva Watch Days Begins
30 augustus 2022 · 1 uur 13 min
Welcome to another episode of Fratello On Air! This week, Balazs and Mike rant a touch after talking about a number of topics and before finishing with Geneva Watch Days. We were feeling a bit feisty on this one, so forgive us…or don’t! Lees meer
Who doesn’t love a good rant every so often? As much as we try to keep things on a relatively positive note, every so often something raises our collective eyebrows. Today is that day! Still, there are plenty of other topics to discuss.
Handgelenks Kontrolle
Balazs is busy packing for his evening drive to Geneva Watch Days and informs us about the watches that will make the journey. On his wrist, though, is his prized Speedmaster 145-022“Transitional.” Mike is still living in his vintage higher-end Seiko world. He’s wearing a King Seiko 44-9990 from 1966 in support of an upcoming article on this classic.
A rant or two
We discuss a true-crime podcast called “The Yellow Car.” Then we shift to a documentary on the once-popular basketball brand, And1.” We recall the “Starbury” shoes that were supposed to revolutionize the shoe world…but didn’t. Mike also brings up the Mickey Mantle baseball card that recently sold for $12.6 Million…a sign that big spenders aren’t going anywhere anytime soon for top-grade collectibles. Balazs mentions an upcoming Michael Jordan-themed auction where a game-worn jersey is estimated to sell for around $5 Million.
The rant begins when we get to watches. We discuss a recent video made by a watch personality that is aimed toward Breitling and question the intent. Then, it’s on to a W.M.T. watch with a bent case that’s a replica of a battle-worn piece that took a bullet. Neither of us is impressed with the commercial venture. Finally, we talk about Geneva Watch Days and what we might see.
We hope you enjoyed this episode. As always, if you have ideas for the show, let us know and we’ll be happy to consider them for a future episode.
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Fratello On Air: Random Musings And Vintage Grand Seiko
22 augustus 2022 · 1 uur 6 min
Welcome to another episode of Fratello On Air where Balazs and Mike return to talk watches and other semi-adjacent topics. Vintage Grand Seiko is in play towards the end, but there's plenty of other banter to consume as we near the end of summer. Lees meer
Balazs and Mike are together again! Balazs just landed in Stansted and Mike returned from a weekend in Colmar, but they have united on the airwaves. In this episode, you'll hear about space-related TV, old trucks in Slovakia, straps, and, of course, watches. Vintage Grand Seiko comes into play when it comes to watches on Mike's radar. Balazs brings up some King Seiko models.
Handgelenks Kontrolle
Mike kicks things off with a truly brand-new (it arrived today) Sinn EZM 1.1 S and he's overjoyed with how well it fits despite its size. He offers a tip on some truly inexpensive but enjoyable straps from Fullmosa on Amazon. Balazs counters with his two-tone Rolex Datejust 16013. He ponders whether this watch would look good on a strap versus its stock Jubilee.
Vintage Grand Seiko
Before getting to vintage Grand Seiko, there are plenty of topics to discuss. We mention For All Mankind, a gripping TV show that's currently receiving great reviews. Then, we discuss old trucks from before the fall of the Berlin Wall. The Casio WV-59 Wave Ceptor from Better Call Saul has arrived, so expect a fun review soon! Gregoriades.com has some great-looking FKM Tropic-style straps with "Rally" holes and quick-release spring bars. Then, we come to Grand Seiko and we discuss the 44GS, the 4520-7000, and the SBGW235. We pivot slightly to some beautiful King Seiko models as well and end with custom display backs.
As always, we hope you enjoyed this episode. Feel free to let us know if there's anything you'd like us to cover in a future edition!
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Fratello On Air: Balazs & Mike Talk Casio
16 augustus 2022 · 57 min
Fratello On Air returns with an amusing look at Casio. That's right, it's not just about GShock this time! With these picks, get ready to measure temperature, barometer, and other fun data. Lees meer
Yes, Casio is in focus with Balazs and Mike on the airwaves. In this episode, the duo talks about a couple of their favorite watches from the Shibuya-based brand. As mentioned, there's more to GShock when it comes to the digital powerhouse. The discussion triggers a walk down memory lane and we hope you have as much fun as our hosts.
Handgelenks Kontrolle
Before heading into Casio, it's time for our one and only Handgelenks Kontrolle. Balazs leads off with the newly delivered King Seiko 45-7000. He's really enjoying the watch and its manual winding Hi-Beat movement. Mike is wearing his DOXA 300 SUB Black Lung. He feels it's still one of the best reissues and wore it on recent trips to England and Slovakia.
Casio
We turn our attention to Casio and give a brief history of the brand that makes a whole lot more than watches. Furthermore, we share some stories from childhood when it seemed that everyone was sporting some sort of digital watch. Then, it's time to name our favorites. We throw in a few surprise models along the way and in the end, but here are the main topics:
The CMD-40, a watch that could be used as a remote control for all your home electronics
Casio AMW-320, an ana-digi diver that was even worn by Arnie in some great movies
TSR-100 Thermo Scanner — this watch has a barrel-like protrusion that measures temperature!
GShock Riseman "Men in Rescue Orange" GW-9200RJ-4JF, a watch that Mike remembers from a 2008 trip to Japan
Thanks again for listening and, as always, feel free to let us know if there's a topic you'd like us to discuss.
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Fratello On Air: Balazs & Mike Talk Travel, Theft and More
8 augustus 2022 · 1 uur 18 min
Welcome back to a long-overdue episode of Fratello On Air! Balazs and Mike have returned from lengthy travel and that forms the underlying agenda of today’s chat. There’s plenty more, though, so sit back and enjoy! Lees meer
Yes, Balazs and Mike have been away for a couple of weeks. Balazs spent time in Japan after his vacation in Hungary. Mike flew the opposite direction and stayed in South Florida for some much-needed holiday. In this episode, travel sets the stage, but with watches as the primary focus.
Handgelenks Kontrolle
After a brief chat, Balazs introduces the newly reborn Vulcain Cricket that is in with him for review. He has the larger-sized model and we even get to hear it! Mike stepped off a plane only hours earlier and is wearing the watch that accompanied him for two weeks in a row: the new Breitling SuperOcean 42.
Travel
Before discussing travel, we discuss the new Glashütte Original Seventies Chronograph Panorama Date models in “Vibing Orange” and “Disco Blue.” Neither of us are fans although we do enjoy G.O. Then, Balazs recaps his visit to Japan and some watch-related topics. Mike talks about South Florida and a particularly weak visit to Wempe at Frankfurt Airport prior to departure. Finally, we cap things off with a talk about recent watch thefts and whether it’s beginning to shape what we wear when we hit the road. (Hint: yes) Is it safe to wear a Rolex or a gold watch?
As always, if you have a topic that you’d like us to discuss, feel free to let us know. Thanks for listening!
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Fratello On Air: Talking About The Tudor Ranger And Field Watches
19 juli 2022 · 1 uur 3 min
Fratello On Air is back with another winding episode where the Tudor Ranger and the idea of a field watch are in focus. Enjoy this flowing discussion while Balazs and Mike are sweating it out in Europe! Lees meer
That's right, it's hot out there, but a little (or a lot of) heat can't keep Balazs and Mike away from the mic. Balazs is holding court at a castle in Chemnitz, Germany while Mike is roasting in Frankfurt. Both are looking forward to cooler days whenever or wherever. Before discussing the Tudor and what a field watch means to each, they take care of some wristy business and the news.
Handgelenks Kontrolle
Mike kicks things off with his late model Rolex Explorer 1016, a nice example within the field watch genre. Balazs debuts his new Angelus Datalarm, a stainless model that joins his gold-plated version. For a bit of off-topic news, Mike discusses airline woes and his unfounded excitement over the upcoming Rimowa Pilot's case. Balazs has received a pair of new, discontinued leather Adidas Stan Smith's.
Tudor Ranger and the field watch
Next, we discuss the new Tudor Ranger. We like the watch but aren't wholly convinced. Perhaps, seeing will result in believing. The Ranger sparks a conversation about the field watch category in general. What is it and why do people like them so much? Are we all adventurers at heart or do we simply crave a basic and capable watch with good legibility? We cover a lot of different watches in the genre such as the Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical, the Nivada Super Antarctic, and even a GShock!
As always, thank you for listening. Feel free to let us know if there are any topics you'd like us to cover in a future episode.
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Fratello On Air: Balazs & Mike Talk Oris
12 juli 2022 · 1 uur 3 min
Fratello On Air comes back with another brand-focused episode and this time, it's Oris! The independent watch company from Hölstein is in play and, as always, we've picked some unique models. Settle in and enjoy! Lees meer
There's no doubt that Oris is a Fratello favorite. From the "FratellOris" to the Sixty-Five, we're fully locked into this fan-friendly brand. Most of us, though, know the company from the last decade or so. Are there some interesting gems from the past? Of course, there are!
Handgelenks Kontrolle
Traditional calls and that means that after some healthy banter, it's time for the Handgelenks Kontrolle. Mike kicks things off with his newly received Grand Seiko 6245-9000 (look forward to an upcoming review) and raves about its details. This also kicks off a broader discussion about King and Grand Seiko. Balazs pulls out a newly serviced black-dialed Angelus 210 chronograph. What a stunner!
Oris
When it comes to Oris, there's no doubt that the current models are winners. Did you know that there are some truly interesting older models? We take a look at a few of them!
Star ChronOris, although Balazs pinks a funky green version with hooded lugs
ChronOris 2005 Reissue, a 7750-powered model with a great kit
Star Diver with a case design that showed up on several brands during the '70s
Diver 7401, a wearable automatic dive watch from '90s
Oris Dynasty, a wild square watch with a manual movement and mirrored dial
The Divers Sixty-Five, the watch that put Oris on the map for many of us
We hope you enjoyed this look at some unique Oris watches! As always, feel free to contact us if there's a topic you'd like us to discuss.
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Fratello On Air: Flaming Comments And Scorching Summer Citizen Dive Watches
5 juli 2022 · 1 uur 7 min
Fratello On Air returns with a talkative episode. Balazs and Mike cover a lot of ground. Some of it is watch-related while some of it is not! We discuss the recent cranky comments on our site and ultimately spend a few minutes on our "grab and go" Summer favorites. There's a bit of Citizen headed your way. Enjoy this meandering episode. Lees meer
Yes, Summer is in full swing and Balazs is sweating it out in Hungary. Mike is staying relatively cool in Germany. Our readers, however, seem a bit hot and bothered! Maybe some inexpensive Citizen dive watches will help assuage sore feelings.
Handgelenks Kontrolle
When it comes to the handgelenks kontrolle, Balazs is wearing his tried and true MoonSwatch Mars! This one is super lightweight, which helps beat the heat. Mike has also gone with a bantamweight in the Breitling SuperOcean 57. However, he has taken it off of the mesh for the first time and put on an inexpensive green canvas strap. Comfy!
Loads of other topics including Citizen
We hit on loads of topics today. Adidas Stan Smith shoes, Oakley sunglasses, and Swatch watches and sunglasses are just some of the fun. Then we talk about a recent Strap Check article where Mike paired his Tudor Black Bay Fifty-Eight 925 with the Forstner Model J. Our readers weren't fans! Then, we discuss the polarizing new Breitling SuperOcean and third-party movements in general. The Serica 5303 also comes up and Mike is interested! Finally, we discuss some of our favorite easy Summer watches. Balazs mentioned the new Citizen JP2007-17W Aqualand with an all-lume dial. Mike mentions his Promaster Tough "Ray Mears" and BN0220 diver. Enjoy!
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Fratello On Air: Scottish Watches Join The Podcast
29 juni 2022 · 43 min
Rikki and David from Scottish Watches sit down with Rob for the first of two crossover episodes a la Murder, She Wrote, and Magnum P.I. (but with fewer murders and Rolex GMT-Masters). Lees meer
Follow me on Instagram @robnudds
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Fratello On Air: Mike & RJ Talk About The Rolex Day-Date
28 juni 2022 · 47 min
Fratello On Air returns with a focused episode on one of our favorite watches, the Rolex Day-Date. Mike and RJ are here with some serious heft on the wrist. You'll hear about their love for these decadent, yet classic pieces. Lees meer
We really think that you're going to enjoy today's episode on the Rolex Day-Date. This edition features two watch fans in an unscripted discussion about the flagship of the world's most famous watch brand. The watches are different, but the admiration is similar. A word of warning, though, have the pause ready after the opening salvo to regain your composure!
Handgelenks Kontrolle with the Rolex Day-Date
It's no surprise that the Hangelenks Kontrolle sets the stage for the main topic. RJ is wearing his new-to-him 18238 in yellow gold with an equally champagne dial. Mike, goes with a watch from a different era and in a different hue. He's sporting his "new" white gold 1803 with a black dial. Yes, this is the watch that suffered an agonizing shipping delay! Both talk about what makes this watch special along with their memories of seeing it on the wrists of others or on TV. Enjoy the ride!
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Fratello On Air: Balazs & Mike Talk Certina & The Stan Smith Interview
21 juni 2022 · 1 uur 14 min
Fratello On Air is here with an episode covering several topics. In the end, you'll want to stick around because Balazs meets his "shoe idol," who is none other than Stan Smith. Not the shoe, mind you, but the tennis player with an incredibly famous shoe. Of course, we talk about watches as well... Lees meer
That's right, Balazs has finally met Stan Smith and talks to him about several things including "the shoe." We also discuss travel and how good it is to get out again. There's also the topic of finding a MoonSwatch randomly and going hands-on with a new retro Certina dive chronograph.
Handgelenks Kontrolle
Mike is in Atlanta during this episode and it's a Sunday. He's heading back to Germany in about 6 hours. What to do? Well, he's wearing his Tudor Black Bay Fifty-Eight 925 on the Forstner Model J (and his Stan Smith sneakers). Plus, he has just returned from Waffle House! Balazs is in Germany and he's wearing the new "Mission to Mars" MoonSwatch that he unexpectedly found at the Swatch HQ in Biel!
Certina and the Stan Smith interview
We talk about travel and that includes Balazs and his adventures in Switzerland. As mentioned, Mike traveled to Atlanta and enjoyed wearing his Tudor as an "only watch." We discuss the new Certina DS Chronograph Automatic 1968 that he has in for review. After that, it's time for the Stan Smith interview that Balazs held in person while he was in Switzerland. Stan stopped in on his way to where else but the French Open! Enjoy it!
As always, thanks for listening to Fratello On Air. Don't hesitate to let us know if you have any additional subjects you'd like us to cover in a future episode.
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Fratello On Air: The Breitling Navitimer Cosmonaute & An Interview With Fred Mandelbaum
14 juni 2022 · 1 uur 14 min
Fratello On Air is here and we’re excited to discuss the recent Breitling Navitimer Cosmonaute release and provide an interview with Fred Mandelbaum. Balazs and Mike are on the mics again talking travel. Tune in and listen to their latest experiences. Lees meer
That’s right, Breitling came with a new Navitimer Cosmonaute in the form of a limited edition model. It’s an interesting watch with an interesting build-up to its introduction. The introduction actually took place in Europe and there were some surprises. Enjoy the ride!
Handgelenks Kontrolle
Before hitting the new Navitimer Cosmonaute, Balazs and Mike do the usual with the Handgelenks Kontrolle. Balazs is wearing his beloved Eterna 852 and even shares a story related to the watch with his recent travels to Switzerland. Then, Mike brings out something he hasn’t worn in quite a while — the IWC Aquatimer 3536.
The Breitling Navitimer Cosmonaute
Mike had the opportunity to spend a couple of nights in Zurich for a Breitling event which included the release of the new Navitimer Cosmonaute. Next, we discuss the watch, its story, and a fantastic collectors dinner that loads of friends attended. Listen hard and you’ll even hear something from our friend Eric Wind — this sound byte will live on in eternity! Finally, enjoy a chat with Fred Mandelbaum where he shares some history about the original Cosmonaute.
As always, thanks for listening, and feel free to let us know if there’s anything you’d like us to discuss in future episodes.
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Fratello On Air: Balazs & Mike Talk Longines Along With An RJ Interview
7 juni 2022 · 1 uur 16 min
We’re back with another episode of Fratello On Air. This time, Balazs and Mike discuss Longines. This is an episode where we cover some of our favorite models and play an interview that RJ had with Giuseppe Maccio, the head of product at Longines. Enjoy it! Lees meer
It’s been a couple of weeks since Balazs and Mike have come together due to travel and life in general. Here they are, though, talking about one of the most iconic brands in history: Longines.
Handgelenks Kontrolle
Before coming to Longines, it’s time to hit the Handgelenks Kontrolle. Mike goes first with the Tudor Black Bay Fifty-Eight 925 and brings a twist. He has chosen to add the Forstner Model J and the results are positive. Balazs shares his Angelus 215 that has been on a weeklong trip to Switzerland. Good for him for wearing this classic on the road!
Longines
We then move onto some news which is actually specific to Longines. The new Ultra-Chron debuted as a 43mm diver with a 36,000vph automatic movement. This is an impressive watch and we like the brand’s direction. Then, we move onto the main topic and begin to name our favorite pieces. We discuss the:
• Admiral, an interesting early ‘70s collection that reminds us of the Omega Dynamic
• The Big Indian ref 6111 – an amazing ‘50s military piece that weighs in at a daunting 44mmWe then cut to the interview between RJ and Giuseppe. Then, it’s back to a couple more of our favorites.
• The Nonius Chronograph with the Valjoux 72
• Finally, the Weems watches with their innovative bezels used for flight navigationWe hope you enjoyed this episode on Longines. Thanks for listening and if you have ideas for future shows, feel free to let us know!
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Fratello On Air: Balazs & Mike Talk Bulova
24 mei 2022 · 57 min
Fratello On Air is back with another brand-focused episode. This time, Balazs and Mike focus on Bulova. Finding six favorites from this legendary brand was a real task, but we've pulled out some winners. We hope you enjoy it! Lees meer
Bulova, the brand founded in New York in 1875, is on the hot seat. We do our best to find six attractive models to help paint a picture of how varied this brand was during its heyday and even after the quartz crisis. Expect the unexpected — especially when it comes to Balazs' picks!
Handgelenks Kontrolle
Before getting to Bulova, we take care of our Handgelenks Kontrolle. Balazs kicks things off with a new arrival, his "NOS" vintage Excelsior Park EP 4 chronograph. Congrats on the arrival of this long-awaited stunner! Mike is doing his best Balazs impression with the late '40s, early '50s Siduna Commander. This is a Danish brand, but a Swiss watch with a 36.5mm "waterproof" stainless steel case and an ETA 1110.
Bulova
For the main part of our show, we discuss six of our favorite models from Bulova. Before doing so, though, we give a little bit of history and bring in some stories about how we were personally impacted by this brand. Then, it's time to hit the watches. We discuss the following:
Bulova "Parking Meter" Chronograph ref. 7392 from 1973, a watch that Mike declares as his favorite bullhead
"Stars and Stripes" Chronograph C from 1970 with its incredible dial and mesh bracelet
Accuquartz "Woody," a 1973 collection with wood-grain bezels and even a diamond!
The Accutron series, which debuted in 1960 with a focus on the Spaceview and Railroad-approved models.
Sea King, with its small whale on the dial and Seamaster-like looks
Bulova Sea Hunter chronograph, a weird child of the early '80s with a Squale-like case and Valjoux 7736
We hope you enjoyed today's show! As always, if there's anything you'd like to discuss, feel free to let us know.
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Fratello On Air: Balazs & Mike Talk Travel, News, and More!
17 mei 2022 · 1 uur 22 min
Get ready for a winding episode for this week's Fratello On Air! Balazs and Mike return after a one-week hiatus with news from the road. Enjoy this open discussion! Lees meer
Mike has been on the road for much of the last month and Balazs is gearing up to leave. Movement around the globe forms part of today's episode along with a couple of news bits. As always, though, it's time to start with a Handgelenks Kontrolle.
Handgelenks Kontrolle
Balazs is sporting the new Nivada Datomaster Mecaquartz and we discuss this affordable entry. We also muse about how this watch looks like the Nivada Dato 4368 that Tomas reviewed for #TBT. Mike has pulled out his Omega Speedmaster Professional "TinTin" and decided to put it on the original bracelet for the first time in years. We're not sure how long that will last!
Travel and the news
We spend some time talking about the news. Specifically, we mention the new IWC Pilot's Watch for the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team. That sparks a conversation about racing in general. Then, we discuss shipping woes including lost and stolen packages. Regarding travel, we talk about some of the most common watches we see while moving through airports. Mike brings up the enduring Rolex GMT-Master II reference 16710 and 15 to 20-year-old Speedies. Balazs talks about Breitling. Finally, Mike mentions a quick coffee with Jason Heaton in Minneapolis and the Vertex AquaLion he was wearing.
As always, we thank you for listening! We're ready to discuss another brand, so if you have any suggestions, please feel free to let us know!
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Fratello On Air: Balazs & Mike Are Finally Face To Face
3 mei 2022 · 1 uur 31 min
Fratello On Air returns with an episode where both hosts are finally in the same room. It took two years, but the dynamic duo are together again. Face to face - reunited and it feels so good! Lees meer
That’s right, Balazs and Mike are finally sitting in the same room, recording a podcast, and checking out watches. It’s a fun show with a couple reader questions and a look at a handful of watches from each host’s collection. Enjoy a candid discussion between two friends who haven’t seen each other in awhile.
Handgelenks Kontrolle
Before moving on to the main topic, the two discuss the recent DOXA ArmyDOXA Army release. They both offer their thoughts on this limited edition, sold out timepiece. Then, for the Handgelenks Kontrolle, Balazs discusses his prized Omega 27CHRO 12. Mike has decided on his Rolex Submariner 5513 MaxiRolex Submariner 5513 Maxi dial.
Face To Face
Once the formalities, are over, we decide to answer a couple reader questions. The first question relates to making a watch with a large lug to lug wear smaller. Next, we address a question about strap colors for watches with either black or white/silver dials. Then, we move on to looking at some key watches in the collection. Some of the watches we discuss are:
A variety of Datejust models
The Eterna 852
Various MING watches
A glorious collection of '40s and '50s chronographs
The Citizen Chronomaster Diver
We hope you enjoy this one! As always, feel free to send your questions. Thanks for listening!
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Fratello On Air: Balazs & Mike Talk Vintage Chronograph Movements
26 april 2022 · 1 uur 23 min
Fratello On Air is here and we finally get around to answering a reader's question about vintage chronograph movements. Are there differences? Which do we like best? We attempt to answer some of these questions in a chatty, non-technical way. We hope you enjoy it! Lees meer
Balazs and Mike love a good reader question and after over a month of travel and tackling different subjects, it was time to respond. Our reader sent us a question about vintage chronograph movements. Which do we like, are there differences, and should some be avoided? Well, we aren't watchmakers, so the technical discussion is light. Still, little differences find their way into the conversation along with some of our favorite watches that use these movements.
Handgelenks Kontrolle
Before moving on to the main topic of vintage chronograph movements, it's time for a Handgelenks Kontrolle. Balazs has come correct with his newly acquired Omega Speedmaster Professional 145.012-67 with a 321 caliber movement. Mike also enters the game with his Excelsior Park "Tuxedo Dial" with an EP4 movement.
The chronograph movements
For our main topic, we have decided not to boil the ocean. We simply could not discuss every vintage chronograph, so we chose our four favorite manual-wind movements with column wheels. As we mentioned, we aren't watchmakers, so technical intricacies are left for others. However, our research did point out that all four movements were stellar and that personal preference likely towers over true technical prowess. We discuss:
The Valjoux 72, is one of the most famous movements of all time. Its peculiar asymmetric pusher placement is a hallmark and its robustness is a key feature. This is the engine behind greats from Heuer, Rolex, Universal Geneva, and countless others.
The Venus 178 is a reliable, overlooked worker. Breitling used this movement heavily, but also Benrus and Clebar.
The Lemania 2310 (Omega 321) is the movement that went to the moon! However, lunar travel wasn't its only c…
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Fratello On Air: Balazs And Mike Bring A New-Watch Rundown — Part Two
19 april 2022 · 1 uur 17 min
Fratello On Air returns after a one-week hiatus with Part Two of the new watch rundown. Balazs and Mike continue to roll through some of the more notable releases from the past month or so. Lees meer
Who doesn't like a new watch? Well, if you're like us, the season's introductions mark an exciting period. Therefore, it was notable enough o mark the occasion with two episodes. Make sure to catch the first one if you haven't already!
Handgelenks Kontrolle
After a bit of chit-chat about travel, fitness, and normal life, the duo moves into the Handgelenks Kontrolle. Balazs is sporting a brand new watch with the Nivada Grenchen Datomaster Mecaquartz. Mike has received his MoonSwatch Mission to the Moon and the two discuss the fun around these watches.
New Watch Rundown Part Two
Then, we move onto the main part of the show and that's more from the new watch parade that has occurred over the last month. We discuss new pieces from:
Sinn — such as the 556, EZM 1.1S, and the U50 S BS
Doxa — looking at the new Whitepearl family
Citizen — with their new 200m Promaster Mechanical Diver
Vacheron Constantin — the triumphant return of the Les Historiques 222
Some additional tidbits on some of our favorite independents
As always, thanks for tuning in, and stay tuned for more from Fratello On Air!
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Fratello On Air: Balazs & Mike Bring A New Watch Rundown Part 1
5 april 2022 · 1 uur 34 min
It's time for another episode of Fratello On Air and, wow, do we have news! In fact, we have so much news that our New Watch Rundown will consist of two episodes. Enjoy the first one! Lees meer
'Tis the season for all the debuts. Balazs and Mike are here with a new watch rundown! It's not just Watches & Wonders 2022 here, though, because plenty of brands have come to the table.
Handgelenks Kontrolle
As always, the duo kick things off with a bit of banter about Balazs's trip to Miami with Maurice Lacroix and then move on to the Handgelenks Kontrolle. Mike is wearing his fresh-off-the-delivery-truck Aquastar Deepstar Mid-Size chronograph. Stay tuned for a hands-on review! Balazs takes a trip to Saturn, not the german electronics store, with his new MoonSwatch! The two spend some time talking about the mania around these watches and some personal experiences near the Swatch boutiques.
New watch rundown, part 1
Next, we hit a number of new watch brands and discuss our thoughts on their newest pieces. In this episode, you'll find:
Breitling and their new Navitimer
Rolex with the new GMT-Master II, Air-King, and Yacht-Master Falcon's Eye
Tudor brought the Black Bay Pro, GMT S&G, Black Bay Chronograph S&S, and Black Bay S&G
TAG Heuer with its trio of Aquaracers
Grand Seiko with its Evolution 9 models and 9S64 duo
As always, thank you for listening, and be sure to check us out every week!
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Balazs & Mike Talk Zenith
29 maart 2022 · 52 min
Fratello On Air is here with Balazs and Mike. This week, Zenith is in focus as the duo roll through their favorite models out of Le Locle. You'll be surprised with this list because the El Primero doesn't factor so heavily. Lees meer
Zenith dates way back to 1865 with its founding in Le Locle, Switzerland. While we won't go back that far at all, we will look backward at some of our favorite models. Of course, Zenith makes some fantastic new models (ooh, we love that Chonomaster Original!), but bring two vintage nerds together and vintage is what you get!
Handgelenks Kontrolle
As always, Balazs and Mike kick off with a Handgelenks Kontrolle. Balazs is sporting his Casio G-Shock GW-B5600 with Bluetooth. Mike is wearing his vintage Technos Sky Diver on a bracelet.
Zenith
As mentioned, there's more to Zenith than just the El Primero and there are some proper surprises here. In fact, there are watches that one of our hosts had seen for the very first time. We discuss:
S.58 Diver made from 1958 to 1968
A3736 Super Sub Sea Chronograph Diver from the early '70s
A3635 Super Sub Sea Diver, a big 40mm piece that pairs with the chronograph above
Time Command Futur, an incredible '70s quartz watch with an analog dial and LED display showing the seconds
A386 El Primero because it's one of the most iconic chronographs of all time. We reference the site alphahands.com with its amazing research.
Defy Surf Quartz, a '70s piece that's highly on point these days with its integrated bracelet
As always, thanks for tuning in and we look forward to "chatting" with you next week!
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Balazs & Mike Talk Hamilton
22 maart 2022 · 1 uur 1 min
Fratello On Air is back with another brand-focused episode. We truly promise that we're not on a Swatch Group parade, but we will hit our third marque within the portfolio. Hamilton is our topic today with Balazs and Mike on the - erm - mic. Enjoy it because the guys really enjoy this brand. Lees meer
Before we get to what was once America's most famous brand, we talk a little bit of news. Mike brings up the latest MING 22.01 GMT and asks Balazs what he thinks about "caller" GMT's. In the end, both think this is a subject that receives more scrutiny than necessary. It's not Hamilton time yet because next, it's time for a...
Handgelenks Kontrolle
Balazs is in point with his Hamilton Intramatic chronograph, a stunning modern reissue in blue. This watch will play a part later on in the episode. Mike is wearing his MING 17.09 in blue on the Universal bracelet. It's a watch that offers the perfect move from his recent blue-dial Datejust infatuation.
Hamilton
We move on to Hamilton and talk a bit of history. This is a brand that truly appeals to Mike as he lived in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, the ancestral home of this longstanding company. With the six watches that we'll discuss, watches from both Lancaster and Switzerland will make their appearances. We discuss:
Piping Rock, is an art deco watch that was first made from 1928 to 1935 and has a baseball tie-in
Super Compressor 600, a lovely 36mm diver
Odyssee 2001, the late '60s watch with a connection to Stanely Kubrick's 2001: A Space Odyssey (Balazs mentions the book by Horolovox where this watch is featured)
Military W-46374, the 33-34mm '70s and '80s military watch with a manual wind movement
Military Chronograph, a watch issued to the RAF and Royal Navy from 1970-82 and largely produced by Breitling. Head to cwcaddict.com for loads of information.
7730 Chronograph, built by Heuer and known as a "poor man's Carrera"...check those prices now!
As always, we thank you for listening - stay tuned for more!
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Fratello On Air: Meet The Strapmaker - Alex Gravelle From Velle Alexander
14 maart 2022 · 1 uur
In the second episode of “Meet The…”, Balazs chats with Alex Gravelle, the man behind Velle Alexander, a strap company from Minneapolis, Minnesota. Alex tells us why he chose this path, what watches he’s into, and which timepiece is on top of his wish list. Lees meer
If you are a fan of the Fratello On Air podcast, first of all, thank you. Your support means a lot to us all, who sit down week after week to research, record, edit, and put out new episodes for your listening pleasure. I consume a lot of podcasts myself, so I know how it feels when my phone notifies me about a new episode from one of my favorite channels.
Velle Alexander
We featured Velle Alexander for the first time on Fratello in 2019. Then, last year, we revisited the brand, and I was happy to see how well the company had taken off since our initial article. Aside from the fantastic craftsmanship Alex imbues in his straps, he is also a great guy to talk to. His passion, attention to detail, and meticulous process never cease to amaze me. So, when the opportunity came to interview him for the next episode of “Meet The…” I did not hesitate one bit. The first part of our interview revolves around straps. We chatted about leathers, designs, special orders, and more. Later on, Alex and I moved on to other topics like watches, a bit about cars, and some more watches.
We finished the talk with a fun round of This or That, but not before he gave us his SOTC (as we often used on watch forums back in the day, State Of The Collection). If you are looking for a strap, need inspiration for what to get, or want to spend some time on IG browsing through watch eye candy, I suggest you check out Velle Alexander’s Instagram page. I kept on scrolling up and down during our interview, sometimes for questions, other times just admiring the level of watch (strap) photography he posts there.
The idea for our new “Meet The…” series is simple. We’ll feature another job or position in and around the watch industry or community i…
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Fratello On Air — WASP LIVE Episode 10 — Rolex, Angelus, Omega, And More...
13 maart 2022 · 47 min
Well, well, well. After a hiatus of almost exactly four months, WASP returns for the (very) long-awaited LIVE Episode 10, which was so important to Balazs and me that we even went down the route of decimal show numbers to ensure we kept our promise. Lees meer
And keep it we did (eventually)! Now, for the first time in ages, the Fridge & Freezer presenting duo have the chance to chat in person. The show was recorded in one take and is available in video format too.
Check out fratellowatches.com to see us in all our dubious glory, as we rattle through our favorite watches from Balazs's private collection, mock my "old-fashioned" diameter preferences when it comes to Rolex, and discuss what those extended lines on the minute counter sub-dial of many aviation chronographs are actually there for.
When WASP will return to the airwaves on a regular basis, we don't know. If you've enjoyed the show and would like to hear more from us in this vein, hit us up in the comments section below.
Follow us on Instagram @robnudds and @ferenczibazs
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Fratello On Air: Balazs And Mike Talk Certina
8 maart 2022 · 53 min
Fratello On Air is here with another vintage-focused episode. This time, we talk about our favorite models from Certina. If you enjoyed our previous episode on Tissot, this will be right up your alley. Lees meer
Balazs and Mike return with an episode focused on Certina. Before getting to the heart of the matter, there is some news related to current events. Then, it's time to move on to what has become a tradition: the Handgelenks Kontrolle.
Handgelenks Kontrolle
Neither Mike nor Balazs chose a Certina for today's episode, but hopefully, you'll enjoy these choices just the same. For Balazs, he's wearing his Hi-Beat Grand Seiko 5640, a lovely example with both a day and date wheel. Mike is wearing his newly arrived Citizen Homer HO140501 from 1964.
Certina
It's time to move on to the main topic: Certina. After a bit of history, six great models receive mention.
'70s Argonaut chronographs with their column-wheel Valjoux movements
'50s and '60s DS 5601-013 and 113 with their incredible lume-laden dials
Biorhythm — a funky watch that belongs in Tomas' collection
'60s DS and DS PH200M 346.825 with their amazing dials
EA split-seconds chronograph — a proper vintage gem
1968 DS-2 Super PH500M — a diver used in the Tektite studies
As always, thanks so much for tuning in, and feel free to send us topics!
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Fratello On Air: Talking To Martin Klocke From Sherpa Watches
1 maart 2022 · 1 uur 17 min
Fratello On Air returns and this week, Mike talks to Martin Klocke from Sherpa Watches. If you're a watch lover and want to hear a tale about an incredible passion project, this episode is definitely for you! Lees meer
Martin Klocke is someone I "met" well over a year ago via Instagram. He had aired his intentions to bring back highly faithful, yet modern, renditions of vintage Enicar models. Sherpa Watches was born and, now, production of the Sherpa OPS and Ultradive models is about to begin.
Handgelenks Kontrolle
Martin is from Germany, so you'll get to hear "Handgelenks Kontrolle" pronounced correctly! Martin is wearing one of his watches and I'm sporting my Enicar Sherpa Super Jet. After some pleasantries, we get into how Martin got into vintage and the story of Sherpa Watches.
Sherpa Watches
In our discussion, we walk through the painstaking research that Martin did on EPSA, the engineering behind the cases, crowns, and all the details. Next, we talk about how challenging this project was to ensure sourcing from Europe. Again, you won't want to miss this! Finally, it's an honest and open story that sheds a lot of new light on a subject all of us truly enjoy — watches! A huge thanks to Martin for his time and look out for an upcoming full review of the new Sherpa Watches.
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Balazs & Mike Talk Tissot - Vintage Content!
22 februari 2022 · 1 uur 12 min
Fratello On Air kicks off a new series where Balazs and Mike discuss their six favorite watches of all time from a given brand. First up on the docket is Tissot, a historic Swiss brand with loads of options. Settle in and hear about some watches that you know and some that just might surprise. Lees meer
Before getting to Tissot, Balazs and Mike talk a bit about cycling, lead-lined film bags as a radium shield, and Balazs' informative article on the Tissot Antimagnetique. We also hit upon the recent Seiko 5 Brian May release and both declare it to be a bit of a head-scratcher!
Handgelenks Kontrolle
Regarding our Handgelenks Kontrolle, Mike is wearing his Gallet Decimal with its glorious EP4 movement. He chose it as a nod to Balazs' recent fascination with Excelsior Park, their watches, and movements. Balazs storms in with an on-point piece. He's sporting his Lemania 174 and it's relevant because it was a related brand to both Tissot and Omega.
Our favorite Tissot models
Once we enter the main topic, we go back and forth discussing our six favorite Tissot models. We hope this sheds some light on some previously unknown watches for you!
T12 Seastar Chronograph "UFO" reference 40505
PR 516 Series from the 1970's
Navigator 817 "Military-styled" Chronograph
6216 Chronograph
T12 Seastar Chronograph reference 40506
Navigator Worldtime 4002-1
As always, thanks for tuning in, and feel free to let us know if you have any questions or suggestions on future topics.
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Fratello On Air: Balazs & Mike Answer a Reader Question About Sinn, Orfina, & Breguet
15 februari 2022 · 1 uur 12 min
Fratello On Air is here with your weekly installment. This time, Balazs and Mike handle a reader question about a few rather different chronographs. Lees meer
We love a good reader question and this week, our faithful listener John sent us a great one! Firstly, thanks, John! John works at a hospital and we're thankful for the efforts he's putting in during these trying times. We're glad that our podcast helps just a little during those tough days.
Handgelenks Kontrolle
Before getting to our reader question, though, we talk a bit about bicycles and then get into our "Handgelenks Kontrolle." Mike is still in love with his '90s Rolex Datejust 16200 with few signs of it leaving his wrist. Balazs is wearing a truly uncommon Certina Chronolympic with Hungarian Air Force cred.
The Reader Question
John's question brought a number of subtopics. He brings up the legendary Sinn EZM1 with its Lemania 5100, the original Orfina Porsche Design chronograph, and the Breguet Type XX. John asked what we thought about these watches and why they haven't become as legendary as some other iconic pieces. It's a fun discussion on three watches that we wouldn't have considered discussing otherwise.
As always, we thank you for tuning in to Fratello On Air and welcome your questions!
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Fratello On Air: TAG Heuer Special — Max Verstappen Is World Champion!
2 februari 2022 · 50 min
Shortly after the turn of the New Year, I invited our resident Formula One fantastic, Ben Hodges, into the smooth booth to record a TAG Heuer special, focusing on the brand's most visible ambassador on Planet Earth right now: the flying Dutchman, Max Verstappen. Lees meer
We discuss the controversial conclusion to the 2021 Formula One season that saw Sir Lewis Hamilton denied a record eighth driver's championship in almost unbelievable circumstances. Whether what came to pass should have happened in the first place is, by now, a moot point: the result is in the books and the Netherlands has its first World Champion in the sport.
In addition to recapping the wild final lap that decided one of the most talked-about titles in recent memory, Ben also shares with us his favorite TAG Heuer pieces from the current collection, surprisingly confirming along the way that ambassadorship really do work.
Follow me on Instagram @robnudds
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Fratello On Air: Balazs & Mike Talk About Precious Metals
1 februari 2022 · 1 uur 18 min
Fratello On Air is back! This time, Balazs and Mike come back to case materials and focus on precious metals. Specifically, we discuss gold and platinum along with some of our favorite examples. Before we get to the main topic... Lees meer
Precious metals are in play this week, but Balazs and Mike pick up on the latest news. It's watch-release season with LVMH week in full swing! First, though, it's time for a Handgelenks Kontrolle and Balazs is sporting a pair of light blue DOXA watches — the SUB 200 and SUB 300 — while Mike is enjoying his new MING 17.09 in blue (everything runs well, thanks for asking).
Some news and onto precious metals
The news was fast and furious over the past week. We discuss the King Seiko Collection and how, in the end, we are fans of these reasonably sized watches. Then, it's time to discuss the new Zenith Defy Skyline. We see it as a great entrant in the integrated bracelet game and remark how Zenith is on a roll in general.
When it's time to discuss precious metals, we admit that our interest in gold has grown over the past several years, We also talk about how it feels in the wrist and, oddly, how it even sounds different! Regarding some picks, Balazs mentions the Tudor Black Bay Fifty-Eight 18K along with the Grand Seiko SBGW252. Mike also brings in a Grand Seiko with the SBGW264 and throws in a '90s crush with the Patek Philippe Gondolo 5014G. Then it's time to "flatten 'em with platinum." Platinum is a stealthy and expensive material, but it's like getting a free arm workout! Balazs discusses the eye-watering Patek 5970P Perpetual Calendar Chronograph along with the Omega Speedmaster Moonphase Chronograph — both mortgage-worthy timepieces. Mike discusses one of his favorite all-time watches, the Patek Calatrava 5196P, and ends the discussion with a 36mm Rolex Day-Date.
As always, thanks for tuning in to Fratello On Air! Feel free to let us know if there's anything you'd like us to cover in a future episode!
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Fratello On Air: Meet The Watch Designer - Davide Cerrato From HYT
31 januari 2022 · 1 uur 5 min
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Fratello On Air: Interview with Pim Koeslag — Frederique Constant, Alpina, And Ateliers de Monaco
27 januari 2022 · 44 min
Today, I sit down with Pim Koeslag, the CEO of Ateliers de Monaco, and technical director of both Frederique Constant and Alpina. Lees meer
Perhaps the highlight of the exchange is the conversation surrounding Frederique Constant's innovative high-frequency oscillator, the "monolithic" oscillator, created from a single piece of silicon. With an operating frequency of 40Hz, this affordable regulating organ (installed in pieces starting around €5,000) looks to change consumer expectations in regards to accessible accuracy from a mechanical watch.
The conversation strays into the philosophical as I ask Pim what it is that defines the line between tradition and innovation and what brands and watchmakers, and the surrounding innovators themselves, must do to stay on the right side of it.
If you enjoyed this podcast, you can learn more about Alpina here, Frederique Constant here, and Ateliers de Monaco here.
You can follow me on Instagram @robnudds.
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Fratello On Air: Balazs & Mike Discuss Exotic Materials — Tudor, Zenith, & More
25 januari 2022 · 1 uur 11 min
Exotic materials — titanium, ceramic, and carbon. What do we think of them for our watches? Tune in to the latest episode of Fratello On Air to find out what Balazs and Mike have to say. Lees meer
What happens when two vintage watch lovers come together to discuss exotic materials? Well, we had to open our minds and consider alternatives to our beloved stainless steel. In the first of a two-part series, we talk about materials that find their way to watch cases. Titanium, ceramic, and carbon are in play and while they aren't our favorites, we come up with some suggested models.
Getting into exotic materials
As always, we begin with the Handgelenks Kontrolle and Balazs is rocking his vintage Heuer Montreal and Mike has his (titanium) Seiko Marinemaster "Emperor Tuna" SBDX011. Then, we chat a little about TV shows as Mike expresses his boredom related to the movie, The Eternals. Balazs gives some watchable suggestions to help get past those winter blues including Endeavour, Grantchester, Broadchurch, and Bodyguard.
When we come to the main event related to exotic materials, neither of us is truly in love with titanium, ceramic, or carbon, but that doesn't stop us from providing some suggestions. Regarding titanium, Mike brings up the trusty Tudor Pelagos, while Balazs discusses Zelos. Ceramic brings to mind one of Mike's favorite all-time review pieces, the Omega Speedmaster Grey Side of the Moon. Balazs chimes in with some wild card suggestions such as the Bell & Ross like the BR 03-92. Finally, we discuss the fanciest material: ceramic. We discuss the ultra-pricey such as the Zenith Defy Classic and the Panerai Luminor Marina PAM1661. Balazs mentions a crowd pleaser with DOXA SUB 300 Carbon (a watch both of us would love to own) and affordable options from Tempest.
Enjoy the show and, as always, feel free to let us know if there are any topics you'd love for us to discuss on a future episode!
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Fratello On Air: Balazs & Mike Talk Big Watches For Small Wrists & Vice Versa
18 januari 2022 · 1 uur 21 min
Fratello On Air returns with what we think is a fun episode. We talk about large watches that work for smaller wrists and small watches for larger wrists. Balazs and Mike exist on both sides of the wrist border, so there's plenty of personal experience on this subject. Lees meer
Balazs and Mike are here to talk about large watches for those with small wrists and vice versa. It's a show chock full of ideas and, thankfully, watches. Some other topics weave their way in as well.
"Handgelenks Kontrolle" and Sneakers!
Before hitting the main topic on large watches for small wrists and the reverse, though, Balazs talks about one of his favorite other subjects: sneakers. First, there's a "Handgelenks Kontrolle" that sees Balazs rocking an Angelus Dato 12 and Mike with his Seiko SBCM023 Perpetual Calendar, The Jordan 12 Playoffs are back again and the Air Jordan 13 "Court Purple" has already come and gone. We briefly reminisce about retro shoes, Stan Smiths, and then get into the main topic.
Large watches for small wrists and vice versa
We have a lot to say about large watches for small wrists. Watches like the Omega Ploprof, the Speedmaster Professional, and the Breitling Navitimer all make sense with their large diameters and short lug to lug measurements. The Rolex Submariner makes a guest entrance and the Seiko Turtle offers an affordable option. No matter what, we suggest trying these watches on and, importantly, trying different straps to make a watch more comfortable or to look larger or smaller.
For small watches, there are loads of great options for the thick wristed! The 36mm Rolex gets a brief mention while the gents spend more time on the 39mm Omega Railmaster 2503.52.00. The vintage Universal Geneve Polerouter, modern twin crown Seiko Alpinist, and Hamilton Khaki Mechanical all receive a discussion.
Finally, Balazs mentions a great YouTube channel called Wristwatch Revival - it's worth watching!
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Fratello On Air: Balazs And Mike Look Into 2022 — Universal Geneve, Nivada, And More!
11 januari 2022 · 1 uur 10 min
That's right, we're trying to do keep our podcast on a tight weekly schedule! Fratello On Air returns and this week, Balazs and Mike talk about some wishes for 2022. This isn't a pure recap of a recent 2022 Watch Wishes article, so tune in for new content! Lees meer
Balazs and Mike are keeping the microphone hot! Both return and while Balazs is not feeling his best, they're here to talk about what they're looking forward to in 2022. Some of those wants are realistic, while others are hopeful thinking.
The "Handgelenks Kontrolle" kicks things off with Balazs wearing his bi-color Datejust 16013 and Mike sporting his Breitling Superocean Heritage '57. Then, we talk about a few movies that we're excited to see in 2022 with the hopes that cinemas remain open for the whole year. Batman, Death on the Nile, Operation Fortune, Mission Impossible: 7, and Top Gun: Maverick make an appearance. We are a watch podcast, however, so, we move on to the main part of our episode.
Mike kicks things off with an unlikely wish about a proper reincarnation of Universal Geneve. Balazs talks about Nivada and what they will likely do next. Will we ever see a Nomos chronograph? Will Tudor add a new color for their GMT? What will Omega come with during 2022 after the Speedmaster 65th Anniversary launch?
Finally, we mention the upcoming Vintage Rolex Datejust Buyer's & Collector's Guide that is still available on Kickstarter. We can't wait to read this one!
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Fratello On Air: Balazs & Mike Talk About Vintage Watch Opportunities for 2022
4 januari 2022 · 1 uur 3 min
We're back with more block rockin' beats — errrr, talk! Balazs and Mike return (quickly) to talk about vintage watch opportunities in 2022. If you love the old stuff and are looking for value, tune in and relax! Lees meer
That's right, the dastardly duo of Balazs and Mike are back and we return to one of our favorite subjects: the vintage watch market and where to find opportunities. As we know, there's little out there that hasn't been uncovered. However, that doesn't mean that value doesn't exist. There's no highfalutin talk during this podcast, so your trust funds are safe!
Vintage watch picks for 2022
After a bit of a "Handgelenks Kontrolle," we head off into our vintage watch picks for 2022. Balazs talks about Angelus, the Certina DS, and even the ubiquitous 7750 (respect due for this nearly 50-year-old movement!). Mike brings up '60s Omega Seamaster models with fat lugs, 34-36mm Rolex such as the 6694 Precision, and (gasp!) '90s IWC.
As always, thanks for tuning in to Fratello On Air! If you have any thoughts on what you'd like to hear next, feel free to let us know!
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Fratello On Air: Mike Talks To Nick From DC Vintage Watches
1 januari 2022 · 1 uur 17 min
Fratello On Air returns with a seriously focused episode as our resident Seiko nut, Mike, speaks with Nick Ferrell, the owner of DC Vintage Watches. If you're a Seiko fan, you won't want to miss this! Lees meer
Nick Ferrell is the owner and founder of DC Vintage Watches, a site that not only sells vintage Seiko, but will help clients find the watch of their dreams. Nick is a seriously nice person to speak with and, together with Mike, they go in many directions related to vintage Seiko. Whether it's the JDM scene in Southern California (where Nick now lives), favorite "hidden gems" in the vintage Seiko world or a number of helpful tangents for collectors, this is a podcast you won't want to miss.
A big thanks to Nick for joining and sharing so many stories about one of our favorite watch topics here on Fratello. Vintage Seiko - we just can't get enough!
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Fratello On Air: Balazs And Mike Return To Talk 2021 — Breitling, Excelsior Park, Tudor, & More!
28 december 2021 · 1 uur 12 min
Welcome to another episode of Fratello On Air! Finally, Balazs and Mike got their collective acts together and are back with a return engagement! Settle in and enjoy the banter about our favorite watches from 2021 along with a healthy rant for good measure! Lees meer
Folks, we're back and better or worse than ever! Balazs and Mike come together at the end of 2021 to talk about some of their favorite watch releases from another wild year. We won't give away everything, but the list is heavy on dive watches and chronographs. Seriously, what else do you expect from these two?
Tudor, Breitling, Synchron, Excelsior Park, and Omega make the last along with a few more. Plus, the dynamic duo shares some recent encounters in the outside world at AD's. Finally, there's a healthy dose of crankiness when Mike kicks off a rant about the current behavior in the marketplace. Tune in and enjoy!
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Fratello On Air: Rob Talks To Monica Porracin Of The Blue Company
14 december 2021 · 26 min
Today, I am is joined in the studio by Monica Porracin, the founder and director of The Blue Company, based in London. The Blue Company manages the interests of seven popular brands in the UK, working as a distributor for some and an agent for others. Lees meer
Monica represents Doxa, Junghans, Meistersinger, Maurice Lacroix, Mühle Glashütte, Scatola del Tempo, and SwissKubik in the UK and at events all around the world. Her tireless championing of brands she seems united by a mutually strong design DNA has earned her the respect of her peers.
With over ten years of specific experience in this sector of the industry (the Blue Company was founded in 2008), she has amassed a broad knowledge of not just her own brands, but also those competing with them. Jump into the conversation to find out exactly what we talked about.
Follow me on Instagram @robnudds
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Fratello On Air: WASP 9.92 — Talking Omega With Canadian Olympic Medalist Brent Hayden
16 november 2021 · 1 uur 13 min
This week, Balazs takes the reigns and welcomes the fastest Canadian swimmer of all time, Olympic medalist Brent Hayden to the smooth booth. Lees meer
In a wide-ranging chat, Brent and Balazs explore the mental pressures endured by professional athletes, track the human side of the sport, and delve deeply into a couple of unexpectedly personal issues that place our hobby of watch collecting in sharper context.
This is one of the longest WASP episodes ever and it really makes use of every second. This is why we created this podcast: to mold a perfect fusion of our love of sports and watches. Brent is not only a pro athlete and an inspiration to those around him, but he is also a genuine watch nut, having been bitten by the Omega bug when he won his first watch in the early 2000s.
Follow us on Instagram @robnudds, @balazsferenczi, and @thebrenthayden
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Fratello On Air: Guido Terreni, CEO Of Parmigiani Fleurier Talks To Rob
10 november 2021 · 29 min
Rob talks to Guido Terreni of Parmigiani Fleurier. With over twenty years of experience in the industry, a decade of which was spent with Bvlgari, Terreni brought with him a definite vision to a brand that still benefits from having its iconic founder a living, breathing part of the company. Lees meer
In this podcast, Terreni explains how it is important to honor your existing customer by keeping the product message close to a clearly recognizable core silhouette in order to add permanence to the client's purchase.
Watchmaking is not a business of fads, nor even fashion in the short term. He aims to create timeless watches that need no explanation. Distilling a design down its bare elements is the hardest but most rewarding endeavor when achieved satisfactorily. Listen to the podcast now to find out more.
Follow me on Instagram @robnudds
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Fratello On Air: Antoine Pin, Managing Director Of Bvlgari Talks To Rob
7 november 2021 · 38 min
The ever-charming Antoine Pin of Bvlgari fame sits down with Rob to chat about his life in the industry, how his experience has shaped his approach to watch design and story-telling, and what possibilities might lie in store for Bvlgari in the future. Lees meer
In an energetic chat, Pin explains how he became bewitched by the industry and never managed to stay away from it for long. The fusion of passion, talent, and manual skill enthralls him on a daily basis at Bvlgari, and his guiding "why not" principle has led him to many happy design discoveries.
He touches also on his perception of the effects the COVID-19 pandemic has had on the industry and what we can expect to see from brands as they adjust their communication and product strategies going forward.
Follow me on Instagram @robnudds.
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Fratello On Air: A Conversation With Laurent Lecamp (Montblanc's Managing Director Watch Division)
28 oktober 2021 · 56 min
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Fratello On Air: Casio Collectors Podcast
11 oktober 2021 · 1 uur 25 min
Here at Fratello, we love Casio. Some would say we love the brand too much. Those people would be wrong. Very wrong indeed... Today, Rob is talking to three of his teammates to the smooth booth to discuss their shared love and long-held obsessions with the Japanese Juggernaut that blessed the world with the G-Shock watch family. Lees meer
First up is G2. As the elder statesman of the team, "the G-Father" was actually an adult when G-Shock first appeared in the early eighties. This gives him a unique perspective within the team as the rest of the gang we either in their teens, nappies, or fathers' eyes when Casio first unveiled the model that would go on the redefine the quartz watch industry.
Design classics come along rarely. The Casio G-Shock square series has remained largely unchanged for almost 40 years now. That kind of permanence speaks volumes. But for Balazs, our second guest on the show, his Casio journey started with a much more demure (although no less interesting timepiece) that has since been stolen by his mother
Lastly, Rob welcomes Mike to the show. Our in-house Floridian shares a tale of global proportions and explains how his collection of Casio watches grew to four pieces and is showing no signs of stopping there.
If you love Casio, this is a must-listen show. Let us know what you make of it in the comments below.