Fratello.com

Fratello On Air: Catching Up With The New Amida Digitrend And A Tissot Antimagnetique

Welcome back to Fratello On Air! This week, we're coming back late due to our busy schedules. We've decided to cut this recording in half and will come back on our regularly scheduled day next week. For this episode, we talk about the new Amida Digitrend and a vintage Tissot Antimagnetique. Sorry, folks; we're late again! Work is having its way with our schedules, but we were able to come together and record a lengthy discussion that we have separated into two distinct parts. Today's episod...

Fratello Talks: Swatch Group Novelties From The Watch Valley Event In Utrecht

Fratello Talks: Watches And Wonders 2024

Welcome to this week's episode of Fratello Talks. In this special long-form episode, Nacho, RJ, and Morgan discuss Watches and Wonders 2024. There's much to unpack from this year's fair, so prepare for an extended episode. The trio tackles topics including the general atmosphere of the fair, noticeable trends from brands and the industry overall, and finishes by going through many of the show's notable releases. This year's show was slightly slower than what we've seen in the past, but there...

Fratello On Air: Watches And Wonders 2024 — Much Ado About Nothing

Fratello On Air returns after a three-week break. Half of us traveled to Geneva while the other went to Florida. Both of us saw fancy cars, but only one of us saw impressive watches. The question of who might have a surprising answer! Watches and Wonders 2024 has come and gone and, frankly, it was a bit of a stinker. Watches and Wonders 2024 certainly delivered on the first half of its name. The second part? Not so much in our opinion. There were several nice releases, but we'll go on recor...

Fratello Talks: A Guide To Gifting Watches

Hello there! Welcome to a new episode of Fratello Talks. This week, we have decided to discuss a topic we often get asked about: gifting watches. Nacho, RJ, and Daan explore the topic, from whom you should gift a watch, to when it's appropriate to gift someone a watch. Of course, they also provide some examples from their own experience and share some stories of times when they themselves have gifted and received watches as gifts. The former being the more common occurrence. Finally, they al...

Fratello Talks: Waitlists, Limited Editions, And Things That Make A Watch Worthwhile

Welcome to a fresh new episode of Fratello Talks. Today, Nacho is joined by RJ and Lex for a varied chat centered around the topic of things that make a watch worthwhile. From waitlists to limited editions and even watches for special occasions, added value is not really a matter of price. Does a reasonable wait add to the experience of eventually owning a watch? And does too long a wait spoil the desire? This is one of the topics tackled today. As is the matter of limited editions. These da...

Fratello Talks: The Best Watches Of 2024 So Far

Hello, and welcome to a rather rowdy episode of Fratello Talks. It's a Friday afternoon at Fratello HQ, and Nacho, Lex, and Thomas gather around the mics to list some of the best watches of 2024 so far. Each of them has picked three of their favorites released during this first quarter and three additional honorable mentions. But, despite their best efforts, it doesn't take long until the structure crumbles and their chat diverges into a discussion on some of their favorite (and not-so-favor...

Fratello On Air: Our Favorite Watch And Strap Or Bracelet Combinations

Fratello On Air returns with a new episode inspired by one of our listeners. Today, we're talking about our favorite watch and strap combinations. Of course, we're allowing bracelets to enter the conversation as well. Like always, we also have several other topics on tap. So, what are our favorite watch and strap combinations? It's a good question, but one that we seek to answer. We thank our faithful listener, Richard, for today's topics. Metal enters the fray too because some watches look...

Fratello Talks: Cut The Excuses And Enjoy Watches

Hi there, and welcome to a new episode of Fratello Talks. Excuses, excuses, excuses... Letting them get in the way of a good thing is a shame. So it's time to cut them out and enjoy watches. This is this week's topic of discussion, which Nacho, Lex, and RJ explore in detail. It's an interesting phenomenon that we've observed lately. A new watch is announced, and out pour the single-phrase comments providing personal justification for a lack of intention to purchase. It all results in a rathe...

Fratello On Air: Wearing Vintage Watches On Airplanes

Welcome to another episode of Fratello On Air. This week, we discuss flying on airplanes with our vintage watches and why we avoid it. We also cover several other watch-related topics before and after the main subject. Enjoy the show! Flying on airplanes may be a normal and safe activity, but how does it affect our vintage watches? We discuss our thoughts on the question and why we tend to wear newer pieces. For those who don't love our banter, we begin our main subject after 40 minutes. Ho...

Fratello Talks: Watch Marketing Past, Present, And Future

Welcome to Fratello Talks. This week, you join your host, Nacho, alongside RJ and Lex for a discussion on the evolution of watch marketing. The idea of marketing watches has been around since selling them became a lucrative endeavor. Since then, we have seen the watch industry's efforts take many different forms, from posters to print ads, television spots to ambassadors, and the many different ways in which watch brands are involved in the world of sports. Today, the guys take a look at man...

Fratello On Air: Brands Everyone Should Have In Their Collections

Fratello On Air returns and this week we discuss watches from brands that everyone should own at some point on their collecting journey. Our ideas come across as more of a suggestion than an edict, though. We also touch on several other watch-related topics before the main event. Enjoy the show! Whether we're talking watches, cars, or any other item, we're not sure that anyone likes being told what they should or shouldn't buy. That's why our main topic today on watch brands is fairly light...

Fratello Talks: Watch Pet Peeves

Welcome to this week's episode of Fratello Talks. Today, you join Nacho, Morgan, and Thomas, who join forces to discuss a number of their watch pet peeves. The guys are feeling particularly grumpy today, so they decided to go on an extensive rant, listing some of the things watch brands do that rub them the wrong way. There are plenty of groan-inducing factors to consider, whether it's a lack of micro adjust, gratuitous exhibition case backs, deployant clasps, lack of AR coating, or sub-par ...

Fratello On Air: What Would Make You Buy A New Cartier?

Welcome back to another episode of Fratello On Air. This week, we're asking what would make us buy a Cartier watch. It's a good question because neither of your co-hosts owns a timepiece from the incredibly popular brand. As we'll see, the reasons have little to do with what's currently on offer and more about our wearing habits. What would make us buy a Cartier? It's a good question and with popularity in the famed jeweler's watches at an all-time high, it's one that probably doesn't beg f...

Fratello Talks - Hidden Gems Under €5k

Fratello Talks: Hidden Gems Under €5k

Are rising watch prices getting you down? Well, we’ve got good news for you. In this week’s episode of Fratello Talks, Nacho, Timo, and RJ take a look at some horological hidden gems under €5K. These are watches you can buy either new or pre-owned that offer something truly interesting for the price. If you want to get the most for your money, these nine options are perfect ways to go. We’ve got a little bit of everything, from big-brand bangers at a fraction of their current-day equivalent ...

Fratello On Air: Opportunities For The Watch Industry

In this week's episode of Fratello On Air, we ponder what's wrong with the watch industry. Before you jump to conclusions, we're not upset. We have a wish list and think that certain areas within this sector could use further thoughts or updates. Get ready for a lengthy episode! So, what's wrong with the watch industry? Maybe "wrong" is too harsh a word, but we do see opportunities for improvement or alteration. Don't worry; we keep our suggestions above the beltline, but we do think we sco...

Fratello Talks: With Jérôme Burgert And Gabriel Vachette Of Serica Watches

In this week's episode of Fratello Talks, we're pleased to welcome special guests Jérôme Burgert And Gabriel Vachette, the men behind Serica watches. They join your host and Fratello's managing editor, Nacho Conde, for a deep dive into the every-classy French microbrand ahead of its fifth anniversary. They delve into the brand's origins and evolution over the last few years and give you a small taste of things to come later this year. So, whether you're a fan of the brand, have heard about i...

Fratello On Air: Choosing The Three Watches We'd Save In A Burning House

Fratello On Air is back with another listener-inspired show topic. This week, we talk about the three watches each of us would save from a burning house. Don't worry, we'll keep things light as a real fire is no joke. Of course, expect a bit of banter up front as we work up to the main theme. A fire at home is a terrible thought, so feel free to insert an emergency that would require a near-instantaneous choice of three watches from the collection. No more or no less can be taken. Of course...

Fratello Talks: What's The Deal With Watch Prices?

On today's episode of Fratello Talks, Nacho, RJ, and Lex take a look at and try to make sense of watch prices today. It's often a hot topic of discussion in the comments. In a world where price increases have become a bi-yearly phenomenon, it's a challenge to keep up with where value lies. But is it a mistake to expect bang-for-buck in the world of luxury? Then, the matter of brands' positioning within the world of watches comes into play. As watch enthusiasts, we are aware of the plate tect...

Fratello On Air: What Would Make You Buy A New Seiko?

Fratello On Air returns with an episode featuring a hypothetical question. This is a recurring series and this time we ask what would make us buy a new Seiko. We'll cover more than just sports watches and settle on a few key asks to one of our favorite brands. Enjoy the show! What would make us buy a new Seiko? It's a good question and one that has many different answers. You'll be able to predict some of them while others may surprise you! We hope you enjoy the show and please feel free to...

Fratello Talks: Affordable Watches That Punch Above Their Weight

In this week's episode of Fratello Talks, we're taking a look at three affordable watches that punch above their weight. Nacho, Thomas, and Morgan have set their sights on sub-€500 offerings. This is a space in which the likes of Seiko, Hamilton, and even Tissot once reigned supreme. Today, it's the battleground for many microbrands. But there are still hundreds of options available. Today, we'll take a look at three. Each of the guys has selected one of their favorite watches available at t...

Fratello On Air: Enjoying Watch Collecting Without Buying More Of Them

Fratello On Air returns after a one-week break. In this episode, we're discussing a topic suggestion from one of our listeners and readers. It's a question that likely comes into most of our minds at some point along the way. Namely, how do we enjoy watch collecting without always thinking about the next acquisition? We share our thoughts. Our listener, "Cleon.XIII," is responsible for this week's episode where we talk about watch collecting and how to find satisfaction without moving on to...

Fratello Talks: When Should You Service Your Watch?

Welcome to this week's episode of Fratello Talks. Today, Nacho is joined by Morgan and RJ to discuss the topic of watch servicing. More specifically, they answer common questions on the topic, including: when should you service your watch? How often should you service your watch? And how much should you expect to pay for a service? Keeping your beloved watch ship-shape is not something you should overlook. Most watch brands have a recommended service interval, but do you really need to stick...

Fratello Talks: LVMH Watch Week 2024 Special

Welcome to this special episode of Fratello Talks for LVMH Watch Week 2024! You join Nacho, Timo, and RJ, who run through the list of releases from Bulgari, TAG Heuer, Hublot, and Zenith. It may yet be early in the year, but we've already seen a ton of new watches. These brands have given us more than a handful of new watches to be excited about. You'll find technically impressive innovations and contemporary takes on classic designs among the novelties. From Zenith adding a classic complica...

Fratello Talks: What Makes A watch Brand Great?

Welcome to this episode of Fratello Talks, where Nacho, Lex, and Laurits try to answer the question: what makes a watch brand great? It's not as obvious as one might imagine. There are as many factors to consider as parts of a watch's movement. Yet a handful of specific criteria come into play in separating the many from the few. From heritage to storytelling and, ultimately, the product itself. Make sure to tune in to this week's discussion for a nuanced dive into the topic as the guys shar...

Fratello On Air: Starting Over With Our Collections And A Pot Of Money

Fratello On Air is back with another rip-roaring episode. This time, we talk about what starting over would look like for our watch collections. Of course, we give ourselves all the funds that we've used in the past for watches and are armed with the knowledge we've picked up over the last decade or so. We hope you enjoy it! One of our favorite readers, "Goldenyears," commented on our last podcast with the following: "Sometimes I wonder what watches would I own if I could start all over ag...

Fratello Talks: The Most Important Watches Of The Last Five Years

Welcome to the year's third episode of Fratello Talks. Today, Nacho is joined by Morgan and RJ to discuss the most important watches of the last five years. We had a look back and carefully selected nine pieces that we consider to be the most influential, impactful, and interesting horological creations of the last half-decade. Swiss watch brands present hundreds (if not thousands) of new watches each year. In an effort to innovate, iterate, and attract potential customers around the world, ...

Fratello On Air: Curating Our Watch Collections

Welcome to another episode of Fratello On Air! This week, we talk about curating our watch collections. That's a large topic with a lot of room for discussion. How have our interests changed over time and where do we go to look for help? Enjoy the casual discussion between two watch addicts who own and admire a wide variety of pieces. Watch collections are a funny thing. Some folks stick to one or two themes while others seem to have no rhyme or reason. Both of us seem to fall into the latt...

Fratello Talks: The Myth Of Perfect Watch Size

Welcome to the second episode of the second season of Fratello Talks! As we kick off the year, we're dusting off old debates, and today, we talk about the myth of a perfect watch size. Your host, Nacho, is joined by RJ and Thomas to discuss horological proportions. Is there such a thing as a perfect watch size? We don't think so. Too many factors come into play, from thickness to lug-to-lug and even the case shape, not to mention the wearer's wrist circumference and profile. Ultimately, the ...

Fratello On Air: What Would Make You Buy A New Rolex?

Fratello On Air returns with a new episode and this time, we ask what would make each other buy a new Rolex. While there's no question that the brand makes amazing watches, we tend to be vintage lovers around here. So, what would make us pull the trigger on a new model? A new Rolex is on everyone's shopping list, right? Not so fast. Neither of your co-hosts has a new Rolex at the top of our shopping lists. So, what would sway us? We talk about the models we do enjoy and a couple of desired ...

Fratello Talks: Watch Wishes And Predictions For 2024

Welcome to the first episode of Fratello Talks of 2024. We hope the new year has been treating you well so far. Here at Fratello HQ, we decided to tackle the new year head-on and make predictions for what we expect to see over the coming twelve months. You join Nacho, your host, alongside Morgan and Lex, who voice their expectations and wishes for the new year. From educated guesses to wild predictions, the guys have the bases covered. And, who knows? Maybe some of their wishes may just come...

Fratello On Air: Sending Out 2023 And Moving On To 2024

A very Happy New Year from your co-hosts at Fratello On Air! We're back with our first episode of the year. 2024 is here and we discuss some of the trends we expect to see while sending out 2023. It was quite a year with plenty of drama and plenty of new watches. We hit the high and low points. Sending out 2023 - the year that was! In some ways, we're ready to move on, but it's worth taking some time to look back on some of the key events. We cover both vintage and new topics and then look ...

Fratello Talks: The 2023 Wrap-Up Episode

Hello, and welcome to the last episode of Fratello Talks in 2023. Today, RJ, Lex, and your host, Nacho, are here to discuss their personal, professional, and horological highlights of the year. It's the 2023 wrap-up episode! Tune in and watch (or listen) as the guys reminisce over some of the past twelve months. They touch on topics ranging from some of the year's best watch releases and events to horological innovations, articles, and personal achievements. We put a ribbon on 2023 and send ...

Fratello On Air: Gary Shteyngart Joins The Show

Mike and I are celebrating Christmas with our loved ones this week. But this is the last Fratello On Air of the year, and we had to go out with a bang, so I recorded a talk with fellow watch enthusiast, New York Times bestselling author, and all-around nice guy Gary Shteyngart. Enjoy this special holiday episode! Gary, a fan of Fratello On Air, is a delight to talk to. As he’s passionate about watches and horology in general, I had an easy job. Aside from Gary’s state of the collection, we ...

Fratello Talks: Building A Watch Brand In 2023

Hello, and welcome to the 50th and penultimate episode of Fratello Talks this year. Today, we dive into the topic of building a watch brand in 2023. Your host, Nacho, is joined by Morgan and Thomas. The latter comes well-equipped to share some insights into the experience. As some of you may know, Thomas—as well as being a writer for Fratello—is also the brain behind the upcoming watch brand, VPC. But what exactly goes into starting a watch brand today? What are the challenges one faces? And...

Fratello On Air: Our Vintage Integrated Bracelet Picks

Fratello On Air is here for you during the holiday period! In this episode, we talk about some wild integrated bracelet models that stray from the norm. Folks, there are loads to choose from at all price levels! Pour some mulled wine and enjoy the ride! Ah, the integrated bracelet. Some like them while some abhor these fixtures. We're fine with either stance, but today, we discuss some very unique vintage opportunities that fit within the ever-popular sub-genre. We have a lot of fun in this...

Fratello Talks: Current State Of The Watch Market

Welcome to the penultimate episode of Fratello Talks in 2023. Before wrapping up the year, we thought we'd do a little bit of housekeeping. So today, your host, Nacho, and his guests, RJ and Lex, are here to bring you a watch market update. Before settling into the holidays, it's good to look back at the year we'll soon be leaving behind. And one thing that really caught our eye is the current shift in the state of the watch market. New watches' prices have grown like never before, playing c...

Fratello On Air: Balazs Talks With Bosko About The Zenith 143-6 And More

Mike and I are taking some time off from the podcast this week, but we’d still like to leave you with an episode. So this week, I’ll publish my talk with Bosko, the man behind the “Zenith Yugoslavian Military Chronograph Collector’s Guide.” This guide won’t be out for another few days, but rest assured, it’s coming this week. Don’t worry; vintage chronographs are not the only topic the guys will discuss. While this is indeed a vintage-heavy episode, plenty of other timepieces get a mention. ...

Fratello Talks: Watch Photography Q&A Ft. Bowl Of Salmon

Welcome to the 48th episode of Fratello Talks. Today, we have a very special episode lined up for you. We invited our good friend, watch photographer, and Instagram staple, Tom, a.k.a. Bowl of Salmon, onto the show. We've always received a lot of questions on watch photography. Even more so after our first episode on the topic featuring Nacho and Morgan. So what better way to answer some of these recurring questions than to get not two but three photographers on the show? Slightly longer tha...

Fratello On Air: Talking About Our €25,000 Watch Collection Picks

Fratello On Air returns for another episode and this week, we're talking about our recent €25,000 watch collection choices. Lists are always sure to create some sort of kerfuffle and these articles were no exception. We discuss the watches along with some of the feedback. Enjoy the show! Our site's recent series on a €25,000 watch collection has been enormously popular. People love to chime in with their thoughts on our picks. This week, we talk about them along with some of those comments,...

Fratello Talks: Watches That Changed The Way We Look At Watches

Another week, another episode of Fratello Talks! This is our 47th episode so far, and one in which we're feeling a bit philosophical. You join Lex, Daan, and Nacho who get into some eye-opening moments in their watch-enthusiast experience, and the watches responsible. That's right, today's discussion is all about watches that changed the way we look at watches. It might be a timepiece that taught us a lesson, a first when it comes to ownership, or one that opened our eyes to a different horo...

Fratello On Air: Our Favorite Watches Of 2023 Including Grand Seiko, Moser, and More

Fratello On Air returns with a fresh new episode! 2023 still has a month left in the tank, but we're ready to declare our favorite watches thus far. You'll hear about a wide variety of pieces this week at different price points and why they made the list. Enjoy the ride! Yes, we're in the final stretch of 2023 and that means it's time to look back upon the year. We do know that there will still be new releases to come, but that's ok. Plenty has crossed our keyboards and wrists over the past...

Fratello Talks: Watch Accessories

Today's episode of Fratello Talks is all about accessories. And no, we're not talking about wallets, scarves, and pinkie rings, don't worry. Have a listen as your host, Fratello managing editor Nacho, editor Daan, and shop manager Laurits discuss the watch accessories we can't live without. Despite the somewhat hyperbolic titles, these are all accessories that we truly use just about every single day. Most watch enthusiasts are affected by the same challenges: storage, transport, and strap c...

Fratello On Air: Balazs & Mike In-Person Talking Vintage Excelsior Park, Gallet, And More

Welcome to another episode of Fratello On Air! This week, we're excited because we're recording from the same room and we're in London. In fact, we're in the Square Mile! Today, we're talking about vintage Excelsior Park watches, movements, and the related brands that used the movements. Enjoy this vintage deep cut! Together again! Balazs has made the voyage from the continent over to Blighty and we've decided to record an episode before heading off to the year's last Time4APint get-togethe...

Fratello Talks: G-Shock Watches

Welcome, Fratelli, to Fratello Talks. This week, your host, Nacho, is joined by Gerard and Daan. Together, the three take to the topic of G-Shock watches. The great equalizers, the trusty go-to's, and the watch that every collector should own at least one of. But if you're reading this, you're deep enough down the horological rabbit hole (unless they're genuinely not your thing, which is also OK) that you probably have at least one.

Fratello On Air: Case Back Engravings

Fratello On Air returns and this week, we discuss the wide world of case back engravings. Whether they relate to military-issued pieces or special occasions, there's a lot to potentially learn from these inscriptions. We hope you enjoy this episode and feel free to comment below about your thoughts on these adornments. Case back engravings are a wide subject. They cover some of life's most special moments and achievements. Or, they can give us clues about a watch's origin and story. Whateve...

Fratello Talks: Watches In Movies

Thank you for tuning in to this week's episode of Fratello Talks. You join RJ, Timo, and your host Nacho, who are going to be covering a rather broad topic. That's right, this week it's all about watches in cinema. In this episode we'll cover anything from memorable sightings, to examples of marketing gone too far. How much can brands get away with when it comes to blatant product placement? And does it actually have its desired effect? We also cover movie-themed watches and touch upon some ...

Fratello On Air: The Status Of Our Collections

After a three-week hiatus, Fratello On Air is back with a new episode. This week, we're talking about our collections, what we are currently wearing, and what's on our radar. As always, it's a recording with plenty of diverse topics. We invite you to kick back and enjoy the show. We've been on the road for the past several weeks and we apologize for the lack of new episodes. However, we're back and talking about our collections. That's a large topic, so we're focusing on what we've purchase...

Fratello Talks: Best Watches Of 2023

Welcome to the 43rd episode of Fratello Talks. Today, we are feeling retrospective, so we decided to look back at some highlights released throughout this year so far. You join RJ, Lex, and Nacho, who will run through what, to them, are the best watches of 2023. Each has been tasked with picking their five favorites from the year. They kept these picks to themselves, but as you’ll see, there was no overlap. But before we check out their highlights of the year so far, it’s time for a wrist ch...