Podcasts about Fratello

Everyone knows the story: you start with a paperclip and trade your way up to a house. Canadian blogger Kyle MacDonald made it happen in 2006 with his One Red Paperclip project. Could this principle, on a smaller scale, be applied to watches? Today on Fratello Talks, Nacho, Thomas, and RJ join to discuss the topic and share their experiences trading their way up. It was a potentially lucrative pursuit back in the day, but whether you can still trade to upgrade your watch today remains to be seen.

- Premere il tasto PLAY per ascoltare la catechesi del giorno -+ Dal Vangelo secondo Luca +In quel tempo, Gesù disse ai suoi discepoli una parabola:«Può forse un cieco guidare un altro cieco? Non cadranno tutti e due in un fosso? Un discepolo non è più del maestro; ma ognuno, che sia ben preparato, sarà come il suo maestro.Perché guardi la pagliuzza che è nell'occhio del tuo fratello e non ti accorgi della trave che è nel tuo occhio? Come puoi dire al tuo fratello: "Fratello, lascia che tolga la pagliuzza che è nel tuo occhio", mentre tu stesso non vedi la trave che è nel tuo occhio? Ipocrita! Togli prima la trave dal tuo occhio e allora ci vedrai bene per togliere la pagliuzza dall'occhio del tuo fratello».Parola del Signore.

As Geneva Watch Days 2025 draws to a close, it's time to look back at some of our highlights from the fair. This bonus Fratello Talks episode was recorded on location at Piaget's boutique in Geneva, where the team had the opportunity to experience Geneva Watch Days 2025 and all the novelties presented. Set against the backdrop of one of Switzerland's most historic watchmaking landmarks, the discussion brings together a diverse selection of timepieces, trends, and commentary from the show. In this episode, Nacho, Lex, and Dave share personal impressions, highlighting the watches that stood out most for them during the fair.

Have you ever wondered if you're approaching the watch hobby in the way that suits you best or if social media has influenced how you do so? Today, on Fratello Talks, we're following up on some of Thomas's recent thought pieces with a more formal discussion. There are nearly infinite ways to approach the watch hobby. Some can passionately focus on just one reference, while others want variety. While a lucky few will casually purchase a grail-worthy piece, others will be just as happy with affordable, value-driven watches. It goes on and on, and it's how things should be. In reality, though, we all consume content online and on social media, which influences our perception and can shape how we feel we should approach watches. But those voices, while loud, are limited, and it's important to be aware that carving a path just for you is the way to go.

Welcome to another on-location episode of Fratello Talks, this time from the Watch Valley event in Utrecht, where the Swatch Group unveiled its latest novelties for 2025. In attendance were Nacho, Daan, and RJ, keen to get a full preview of the year's releases from the brands present. The event was packed with exciting novelties from Hamilton, Tissot, Rado, Certina, Balmain, and, for the first time, Mido.

It's been an exciting two weeks in the BB27 house!! We briefly chat about Ava's HOH week and then get into if Rachel Reilly is a genius or just a regularly smart person who knows how the tv show slash game works because Rachel's HOH week is amazing! We also chat about how Cowboy Back Tat Riley is an actual creep and we're happy to see him leave!

Have you ever wanted to know what it's like to enter the space where watches are made? These very real places remain an abstract thought to most people, as passionate as they may be about the time-telling objects on their wrists. You can read about them, see images and video, and hear all about them, but that only provides a two-dimensional view. As media voices in this field, we have often been lucky to get the immersive experience of visiting a Swiss watch manufacture. Today, Nacho, Lex, and Thomas come together to reminisce and share their experiences and impressions of visiting these places. They also talk about how brands' facilities differ, touch upon non-Swiss manufactures, and give some advice on how to make the pilgrimage to Switzerland to experience this for yourself.

This week, on Fratello Talks, RJ, Thomas, and Nacho are taking on a topic that's as old as the watch industry itself: storytelling. For decades, brands have built emotional bridges to their customers with tales of adventure, endurance, and achievement. Think of the watches strapped to astronauts on lunar missions, divers exploring the ocean's depths, or pilots navigating across continents. These stories transformed watches from mere tools into symbols of aspiration and identity. But the landscape has changed. In 2025, collectors have instant access to reviews, historical records, and technical specs. Marketing claims are scrutinized in seconds, and many enthusiasts are less willing to buy into the myths. So, does storytelling still have the same power to inspire a purchase, or has it been overtaken by cold, hard data? 

Dal Vangelo secondo Matteo Mt 18,15-20In quel tempo, Gesù disse ai suoi discepoli:«Se il tuo fratello commetterà una colpa contro di te, va' e ammoniscilo fra te e lui solo; se ti ascolterà, avrai guadagnato il tuo fratello; se non ascolterà, prendi ancora con te una o due persone, perché ogni cosa sia risolta sulla parola di due o tre testimoni. Se poi non ascolterà costoro, dillo alla comunità; e se non ascolterà neanche la comunità, sia per te come il pagano e il pubblicano.In verità io vi dico: tutto quello che legherete sulla terra sarà legato in cielo, e tutto quello che scioglierete sulla terra sarà sciolto in cielo.In verità io vi dico ancora: se due di voi sulla terra si metteranno d'accordo per chiedere qualunque cosa, il Padre mio che è nei cieli gliela concederà. Perché dove sono due o tre riuniti nel mio nome, lì sono io in mezzo a loro».

Welcome back to another episode of Fratello On Air. This week, we answer a listener's question about the watches new collectors should consider when entering the hobby. It's a question that has been asked many times, but, frankly, it's been a while since we've tackled it. For our listeners, the watch talk begins after 23 minutes.Years ago, when we were new collectors, the Seiko SKX007 was the natural response when someone asked about the best first watch. It was affordable, tough, and had enough chops to be taken somewhat seriously. However, that watch is long gone, which leaves an opportunity for a new answer. Well, as it turns out, there are plenty of answers.HandgelenkskontrolleBefore providing thoughts for new collectors, we discuss some recent TV shows. The White Lotus, MobLand, Gangs of London, and The Agency are some of the series we've been watching. Balazs is wearing his newest acquisition, the Ming 22.01 GMT Kyoto. Mike has dusted off a vintage Seiko 6215-7000 diver. Both pieces are working well in the summer heat!Watches for new collectorsA great deal has changed in the watch hobby over the past decade. Microbrands were still relatively new, and the selection was limited. Now, there are scores of brands offering fantastic pieces at affordable prices. Names like Baltic, Lorier, Christopher Ward, and others have great watches with respectable movements. Plus, some of these companies have existed for long enough that they've become globally recognizable. The traditional brands are also offering some fantastic options. The Seiko 5 GMT, the Swatch Group with its bevy of brands, and even Timex have created some fantastic timepieces for new collectors. When it comes to used watches at the top end of our fictional €2,500 price cap, it's hard to overlook the Tudor Black Bay 58.We hope you enjoy today's episode. Feel free to let us know about the first watch you bought when you began collecting. As always, if you have ideas for new shows, please contact us.

Welcome to season 2 episode 18 of the Timist Podcast Series - check out the show notes below:In this episode...RJ Broer walks us through how he got bit by the watch bug, how he sold his car to buy his first Speedmaster, and even how Fratello Watches came to be the multi-national media and watch powerhouse that we know today!He also brings us behinds the scenes and explains what it actually takes to run an operation at this level - from the editorial stage, to design, marketing, localization and even watch collaborations with the likes of Omega!We also dive into topics such as journalistic integrity, the rise of AI within the industry, the recently announced tariffs that rocked the watch world, and of course maintaining an authentic and responsible voice in an age of clickbait titles and hype-driven media.Lastly, we end on a high note with a series of rapid fire questions!Check out RJ Broer's Instagram account:https://www.instagram.com/rjbroerINSTAGRAM:Follow me:https://www.instagram.com/the_timist_IGSupport the showSUBSCRIBE TO MY YOUTUBE:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBeDf0c0V70qISfpu_mHchw?sub_confirmation=1CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION ON INSTAGRAM:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_timist_IG

A couple of weeks ago, we discussed what we considered some of the best watches of 2025 overall. We realized that chronographs were somewhat underrepresented in that episode and couldn't let that fly. Today on Fratello Talks, we're discussing the best chronographs of 2025 (so far). You join Nacho, RJ, and Thomas in the studio, each of whom has selected three of their favorite chronos released over the year until now. So, if you're looking to do a bit of on-the-fly timing (or want a perfectly soft-boiled egg), put your finger on the pusher and get ready; it's time to look at some of 2025's most remarkable chronographs.

In the nearly 15 years since I began collecting watches in earnest, the watch industry has experienced significant growth. The last couple of years, however, have been a challenge. Inflation, geopolitical events, and other headwinds have now emerged. This has resulted in a tough market and high retail prices. So, what should brands do to reignite the passions of collectors and buyers? We don't have all the answers, but we discuss the topic in today's episode.Yes, it's tough out there, and while there's plenty of interest in timepieces, the watch industry is working through a slow period. High list prices have exacerbated this, and we haven't even brought up the potential effect of further tariffs in some countries. How should brands navigate these challenging times and drive demand again? That's our topic for today. Enjoy!HandgelenkskontrolleBefore we tackle our main topic, we discuss the recent Hungarian Grand Prix. Then, we mention recent travels to South Beach, where amazing watches were on display. Regarding our wristwear, Mike is wearing an under-embargo Aquastar. There's not much to say about this upcoming piece other than it's a diver and that it's a relatively thin watch. Balazs is sporting the SpaceOne Worldtimer, a wild blue titanium watch with an in-house module.Does the watch industry need to reignite the passion of collectors?Mike shared that several brands recently reported that the second quarter was incredibly challenging. This gave rise to our topic about whether the watch industry needs to retrench and figure out how to excite collectors. Sponsoring events and opening single-branded boutiques fit the traditional definition of a luxury brand, but is it what buyers want? Furthermore, have these luxurious touches contributed to prices that are now out of reach for some potential customers? We discuss these thoughts and more. In the end, we don't have the magic answer on how to create more foot traffic. We would love to hear your thoughts, though!

Watch modding is a topic close to many watch enthusiasts' hearts. It can also go from just a bit of fun to hugely controversial in the blink of an eye. In today's episode of Fratello Talks, Nacho, RJ, and Thomas dive into the topic, sharing their experiences with modding watches and highlighting some notable examples of both entry-level and high-end work. They also consider the brands' perspective on having their watches modified and the potential dangers behind modifying a watch to appear more valuable than it truly is. So, whether you're a modding master or simply curious about trying it, tune in to learn more!

Il 30 ottobre 2015, la dodicenne Tiahleigh Palmer scompare misteriosamente dopo essere stata lasciata "a scuola" dal padre affidatario, Rick Thorburn. Nessuno la vede mai entrare, ma la poli-zia non indaga subito. Sei giorni dopo, il suo corpo viene ritrovato nel fiume Pimpama.Le indagini rivelano un segreto scioccante: Trent Thorburn, il figlio della famiglia affidataria, aveva abusato di lei e temeva fosse incinta. Per coprire tutto, Rick la soffoca e getta il corpo nel fiume.Nel 2018, Rick viene condannato all'ergastolo, ma il resto della famiglia riceve pene ridicole. Una giustizia tardiva e ingiusta per una bambina tradita da chi doveva proteggerla.

The concept of a microbrand is not new per se. Small independent watch brands were plentiful in the pre-quartz times. However, the term as we know it today has only been around in the watch world for the last two decades. Contemporary microbrands are a different beast altogether, and though they come in many shapes and sizes, one thing is certain: they have established themselves as key players in the broader watch industry. On this episode of Fratello Talks, Nacho, RJ, and Daan discuss the role of microbrands today. It's more multifaceted than some might imagine, from being agile and fearless in embracing trends to providing a value-driven entry point for new watch collectors and influencing big brands to offer features that have become commonplace for these smaller players.

Per approfondire gli argomenti della puntata: La nostra serie Imperatores, sugli imperatori romani : https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLpMrMjMIcOkkIDocjNI3Q7gCk-4bOiVVO Le altre puntate sulla storia di Roma antica : https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLpMrMjMIcOkkVlao9HeDl3jIHVKO3IcR_ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In case you haven't noticed, the first half of the year is already behind us. What better time to look back at some of the best watches of 2025 so far? That's precisely what RJ, Daan, and Nacho are doing on today's episode of Fratello Talks. The past six months have hosted hundreds of watch releases from as many brands, meaning the guys won't be able to do them all justice. Still, they decided to pick five watches each to offer a decent selection and keep the episode from running over an hour. So, tune in and check out 15 of the best watches of 2025 alongside some honorable mentions.

Timekeeping is a key element in most sports disciplines, so it should come as no surprise that the world of horology has long-standing ties to sports. In today's episode of Fratello Talks, the guys look at that link and discuss the presence and influence of watch brands in sports. Nacho is joined by RJ and Lex, who run through some of their most memorable watch brand/sport pairings. They also look at sponsored athletes and teams, official timekeepers, and the many other ways the watch world has made itself present in sports. Finally, they consider some hypothetical pairings that they would like to see.

Welcome back to another episode of Fratello On Air! This week, we aim to debunk some of the most prevalent myths surrounding our beloved watch-collecting hobby. Some will be obvious, but some require some discussion. Enjoy the show!Misconceptions within the hobby have run rampant for as long as folks have been collecting watches. Therefore, it's time for us to challenge these beliefs. We can thank one of our longstanding listeners, thelostspringbar, for our topic. Specifically, he asked about "the top 5 myths or misconceptions about watch collecting."HandgelenkskontrolleWe kick off our show with a discussion about this year's Wimbledon tournament. Mike had the opportunity to attend for a day, and there were plenty of watches to be seen. This turns into a discussion about Boom! Boom! The World vs Boris Becker, a documentary on Apple TV. For the Handgelenkskontrolle, Mike is wearing a watch he rarely brings out of hiding. The Rolex GMT-Master 16758 escaped from the bank for a couple of days for a dinner outside the city. Balazs has a new release on his wrist. The blue Nivada Grenchen Aquamar (€1,095) is a lovely watch with a cool party trick in the way of changing lume.The top myths surrounding watch collectingThankfully, most watch collectors are good people. We've met loads of them, and 99% of our interactions have been positive. The problems, it seems, come when people are left to ruminate on videos, in forums, or on podcasts! All sorts of horror stories come out, and while there's likely truth behind the tales, many are overblown. We discuss some of the most common myths we hear and why you shouldn't believe everything you hear when it comes to watch collecting. The topics are as follows:Pre-owned and vintage watches are scaryOnly expensive watches are worth collectingThe Grail watch existsA large collection is required to be a serious collectorRolex is the only answer, or focusing on one brand is the only way to collectQuartz watches aren't collectibleWatches are always a great investmentWe hope you enjoy the show, and feel free to share the most popular myths you've heard related to watch collecting. Thanks for listening!

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This week on Fratello Talks, we're looking at some of the best watches under €5,000 in 2025. The last time that Daan, Thomas, and Nacho discussed favorites was a few weeks ago. Back then, they discussed their favorites in the sub-€2.5k price bracket. Today, they're upping the ante and doubling the maximum price. This opens up their choice to countless more options, and you can bet they're taking advantage of it. This budget unlocks plenty of brilliant watches, including some from brands typically considered entry-level to mid-level luxury (including Tudor, TAG Heuer, Cartier, and many more). So, if you want to know their picks, tune in to this episode.

Today on Fratello Talks, we are joined by special guest Øystein Husby, co-founder of Straum watches. RJ and Nacho sit down with him to talk all things Straum, including the brand's origins, meeting co-founder Lasse Farstad at the Oslo School of Architecture and Design, how their background in design and love for Norway's wild nature has inspired their watches, recent innovations, and finally, the new Fratello × Straum Jan Mayen Titanium. Our second collaboration with the brand is available for pre-order from now until July 3rd at 6:00 PM CEST. So, whether you're already a fan of Straum or have yet to discover what the brand offers, we recommend you tune in to this episode!

Welcome back to another episode of Fratello On Air! Please forgive us for the tardy release, but Balazs is traveling far away on the west coast of Canada. This week, we discuss the idea of a summer watch. Normally, this topic inspires lists of dive watches, but we take a slightly different track. Enjoy!If May and June are predictors, this summer is shaping up to be a hot one! Therefore, it calls for putting some thought into one's wristwear. In this episode, we conclude that a summer watch isn't simply one to use during two or three weeks of vacation. No, it is a watch that can work throughout the season.HandgelenkskontrolleWhile we all likely work over the next several months, there's a good chance of some downtime or lengthy travel. We start the show by mentioning the Diddy On Trial podcast from BBC Sounds. It's a brief weekly summation of the trial that started not long after the star's arrest. There's a lot to learn in terms of court procedures and legal jargon, and the hosts make it interesting in a non-celebrity-trial way.Next, it's BBC again with 7/7: The London Bombings, which documents the harrowing incidents that occurred in 2005. It's not an easy watch, but it's incredibly well done and respectful. Conclave, the 2024 Academy Award Winner for Best Adapted Screenplay, is also worth watching. We also mention the new New Balance store on Oxford Street, London, and the new 991v2 Grounded Pastels that were just released. Finally, we discuss the F1 movie and the IWC watches announced for the film. For the Handgelenkskontrolle, Mike is sporting his early '90s Rolex Datejust 16200, a watch equipped to handle the current hot and steamy weather. Likewise, Balazs is wearing a great daily watch, the first Omega Speedmaster Professional Speedy Tuesday edition.What is a summer watch?It's easy to assume that any summer watch must be a diver. After all, we think about the sea or the pool during this time of year. However, for those who live away from the water, is there a reason to change watch styles in the heat? Well, in short, yes! Last summer, Mike was shopping in London while wearing a vintage watch. It was incredibly humid, but the stores were ice cold. After leaving one shop, Mike's vintage watch fogged up immediately. Therefore, our idea for a good watch this time of year typically has to meet the following criteria:New and water resistant, or recently pressure testedWorn on a bracelet or a strap that's comfortable and easy to cleanPossibly a larger watch that works well with short sleeves or summer wearDepending on one's location, such as a busy city or a hectic holiday location, choose a worry-free watch and bring easy-change straps for varietyWe'd love to read your thoughts about a definition for this season's watch when you're at work or on holiday. Also, feel free to share some of your favorite models or strap combos. As always, thanks for listening! If you have ideas for future episodes, please let us know.

Hublot has gotten a pretty bad rap in recent times. The brand is often dismissed as the butt of online commentators' jokes, but we don't feel this is entirely fair, so in today's episode, we're looking at the other side of things. RJ, Thomas, and Nacho have each whipped up three reasons why you should buy a Hublot or, rather, why one might consider buying one of the brand's watches. Before that, we briefly review the brand's history, from its inception in 1980 by Italian watchmaker Carlo Crocco to the Jean-Claude Biver chapter and the current stewardship of (former Zenith CEO) Julien Tornare. So, if you want to hear why we feel Hublot deserves more love than it gets, tune in to this week's episode.

Welcome back to another episode of Fratello On Air! We've been away for a while, but we're here and talking about new releases. In particular, we're discussing the barrage of dive watch announcements from multiple brands. As always, expect candid commentary and a bit of fun!That's right — we're back! Over the last several weeks, we've been traveling and engaging in watch-related activities such as get-togethers and brand events. We mention some of these and, naturally, we engage in a bit of banter. Then, we discuss a handful of new dive watch introductions.HandgelenkskontrolleWhew, it is sweltering in our respective recording sites! Still, we're at the microphones for an hour talking about watches and more! We mention recent activities such as Balazs' trip to Los Angeles and Mike's visit to Manchester. Each of us had a great time connecting with friends and listeners. Regarding the Handgelenkskontrolle, Balazs is the proud new owner of a Ming 22.01 GMT Kyoto. He's in the honeymoon phase with the watch and is enjoying it immensely. Mike is off to an event for London Watch Week after the show and is wearing his silver-dialed Heuer Carrera 2447S.The dive watch strikes back — or does it?The hot weather has brought the dive watch back into focus after a cold and gloomy winter. Brands seem to be taking note because some significant releases were announced over the past month. We discuss these and give our honest opinions on each. The following watches are in focus:Blancpain Fifty Fathoms 38mmGirard-Perregaux Deep Diver Legacy EditionTudor Black Bay 54 "Lagoon Blue"Breitling SuperOcean HeritageSeiko 5 SRPL91 / 93 "Gene Kranz"Yes, it was a bumper month for the dive watch. Some of the watches are critical to the brand's success, so did they nail the release or not? Listen in and hear our thoughts!As always, thank you for listening to Fratello On Air! If you have ideas for future show topics, please feel free to let us know.

Today on Fratello Talks, Nacho, Thomas, and Lex join forces to discuss the topic of watch styling for enthusiasts, sharing some of their thoughts, opinions, and methods. Though some people like to think of watches as functional objects, they are closer to fashion accessories in today's world. As much as that might sound like blasphemy to some, it's hard to deny that it's the truth. Many watches have blurred the lines between function and fashion, so it's worth acknowledging the potential sartorial implications of wearing watches. So, whether you choose to dress with or around your watch, tune in and share your thoughts on the topic in the comments.

Rolex only makes one chronograph, and it's called the Daytona. This has been a statement of fact since the first model bearing the name was created in 1963. Okay, fine; there's one notable exception, the Yacht-Master II. But we'll leave that as a topic for another day. Today on Fratello Talks, it's all about our favorite modern Rolex Daytonas! Nacho, RJ, and Lex are in the studio and have each picked a trio of references that they are partial to. Just like when we picked our favorite Speedmasters, we're sticking to "modern" references. This means only those produced within the last 25 years. While this leaves us with a relatively limited selection given the scope of what is out there, there's still plenty to pick from. Will we feature your favorite Daytona? You'll have to tune in and find out.

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Send us a textThis week, Robert-Jan Broer joins the podcast to chat Omega, Speedy Tuesday, and the state of the industry as a whole. RJ is the founder of Netherlands based media outlet, Fratello Watches, and the instigator of #SpeedyTuesday. Here, talk about the first two SpeedyTuesday Speedmaster collaborations, the prospect of a third, and much more. Show Notes:Fratello WatchesRobert-Jan Broer on IGSpeedmaster Apollo 11 50th AnniversaryJake's Rolex WorldBreitling CosmonauteAstronaut Johnny KimOmega RailmasterOmega ‘57 TrilogySpeedyTuesdaySpeedyTuesday I Speedmaster SpeedyTuesday II SpeedmasterMoonSwatch Mission to Mars Speedmaster Moonwatch ProfessionalSupport the show

We're all more than familiar with the Speedmasters, Submariners, and Royal Oaks of this world. We're even familiar with the Ingenieurs, Reversos, and Andy Warhols. But many watches in top brands' catalogs are painfully overlooked. On today's episode of Fratello Talks, we're taking a look at a handful of them. You might not hear about these watches every day, but we believe they deserve more credit than they get. Of course, these will just be some of the many underappreciated watches out there, so if we missed one of your favorites, be sure to let us know.

Today, we're looking at some of the best watches under €2,500 in production right now. This is one of the most contested price points in the watch market, though many brands that previously operated in it have slowly but surely priced themselves out. That said, a handful of microbrands, both new and old, have made sure not to leave this bracket empty. Nacho, Thomas, and Daan have each selected a handful of favorites at this price. These include some from mainstream brands and several less obvious picks from smaller ones. As we have limited the picks to just three each, there are also some honorable mentions, but it's by no means an exhaustive exploration of all the great watches available below the €2.5K price point. So tune in, check out their picks, and let us know your favorites in the comments section below. 

Welcome to another installment of Fratello On Air. This week, we respond to a listener's request for a strap episode. Today's show covers how to choose, which brands we enjoy, and pairing specific watches. Enjoy it! For our listeners, the watch content begins after approximately 21 minutes.There's no other way to put it — Balazs is a strap monster! His Watch Strap Review articles are legendary and quite literally span the globe, as far as covering different makers. Comparatively speaking, Mike is a novice, but he's learned a few tricks from the master. Today, we address the topic from many angles.HandgelenkskontrolleWe kick off the show with some news about local London watch events from Fears and Vacheron Constantin. Regarding TV, Your Friends & Neighbors has started well and offers some watch-related content. For the Handgelenkskontrolle, Mike is wearing his trusty Patek Philippe Calatrava 570 after forgetting to wear a watch during a recent watch event. Balazs is sporting his bulletproof G-Shock GW-B5600-2ER with Bluetooth.Picking the right strap and more!Our listener Alex asked many questions about one of the most important accessories, the watch strap. In this episode, we discuss our favorite brands, including GLC, Gabarro, Delugs, Atelier Romane, and more! Different leather types, styles, and buckles also surface during the conversation. We mention that there's no such thing as a good, dirt-cheap leather strap, but that a good accompaniment doesn't have to cost a fortune. Finally, we respond to Alex's question about pairings with the Tudor Submariner 94010 "Snowflake" and a modern 42mm Zenith Chronomaster.We hope you enjoy today's show and look forward to bringing you more content next week. As always, if you have ideas for future episodes, please let us know!

It's no secret that we're Speedmaster fans here at Fratello. RJ, our founder, is an avid collector of these chronographs and the mind behind #SpeedyTuesday. But not all Speedies are created equal. Today, we're looking at some of the best modern Omega Speedmaster models. RJ, Thomas, and Nacho have tasked themselves with selecting their top five favorites. Now, as mentioned, we're focusing only on "modern" models, meaning only those introduced or available during the past 25 years. Though the watch has been around for nearly 70 years, a quarter century still leaves us with plenty to pick from. Omega produced countless special and limited editions over the last two and a half decades, so we're truly spoiled for choice.

Welcome back to another episode of Fratello On Air! This week, we discuss a recent news story about another questionable vintage watch. We aren't taking sides, but it allows us to mention, yet again, the pain it causes the hobby. Still, plenty of great pieces are out there if you do your homework.Another week, another newsworthy big-ticket vintage watch with incorrect, fake, or swapped parts. It's the kind of news vintage collectors hate to read! Then again, it's nice to see that the hobby has matured to the point where photographic evidence of prior sales is surfacing and helping to prove and disprove claims. Stick around, and we'll address this topic from multiple angles.HandgelenkskontrolleDuring our banter-filled opening section, we mention that the Adidas Stan Smith is back in full-leather as a normal model. This comes after the brand seemingly abandoned the material for the squeaky Primegreen polyurethane. Rejoice! For the Handgelenkskontrolle, Balazs is wearing a new Ming under embargo. Look for the official announcement soon! Mike is wearing a Movado 18241 with a 35mm stainless steel Borgel case. An article on this lovely vintage watch will hit Fratello in the next couple of weeks.Vintage watch troubleLast week, a story surfaced about a false Rolex Daytona Red Khanjar. Perezcope, the well-known sleuth, wrote about the piece, which was commissioned for sale to Menta Watches in Miami. Controversy ensued, and while we don't take sides, the conclusion is clear. It's another black eye for the vintage watch market. As both of us favor vintage over new, we're constantly in touch with listeners considering their first vintage watches. Then, an incident like this occurs, arousing fear and causing a setback. What to do? We hope you enjoy listening to our thoughts on the subject, and we look forward to your comments.Thanks for tuning in to the latest episode. If you have thoughts for future show topics, please feel free to let us know!

Every other week, we're bombarded with an onslaught of new watches. And though we're not too upset about it in principle, the incessant pace at which the majority of watch brands pump out new products has recently had us asking, "Are watch brands doing too much?" Today, on Fratello Talks, Nacho, Thomas, and Gerard join forces to discuss the topic. Of the three, Thomas has the unique perspective of owning and managing a watch brand. Gerard can provide some perspective as a former retailer and from his longtime involvement in watch media. Though we're usually thrilled to see new watches, we can't help but feel that things seem to be on a precipitous crescendo. Today, we dive into the topic and look at what underlying factors might be leading to this trend and what we think will come of it.

Welcome to the latest episode of Fratello On Air! This week, we imagine certain current brands as independent watchmakers. The topic was a lot of fun to discuss and came as a suggestion from two of our listeners. Enjoy the show!Most of today's watch brands belong to large groups. Undoubtedly, this helped many survive the Quartz Crisis during the '70s. However, what if some brands went independent? In today's episode, we envision several companies on their own and what it would look like.HandgelenkskontrolleWe start our show with a bit of DIY talk. Then, Balazs mentions a recent auction of Kobe Bryant's debut jersey. It sold for US$7 million! For the Handgelenkskontrolle, Mike is wearing a watch that can survive all the yardwork. It's the Citizen Promaster Tough "Ray Mears." Balazs met with a mutual friend from Swatch Group Germany and is sporting his Omega Speedmaster Professional Speedy Tuesday "Ultraman."Current brands going independentFor our main topic, we respond to the request from two of our listeners who asked if some brands could benefit by going independent. We do our best to tackle the subject and mention five marques. Cartier is a huge brand and could likely survive on its own, but we're not sure if there's a benefit to being alone. Longines is a brand that made world-class movements long ago, and we'd love to see some of the classic chronograph movements again. Omega, like Cartier, could likely survive as an independent, and we play out the possible scenarios. Finally, Vacheron Constantin and Panerai make the list as possible spin-offs.We hope you enjoy the show, and thanks to our listeners for the suggestion! If you have ideas for future episodes, please let us know!

Welcome to another episode of Fratello On Air. This week, we cover the latest news on watches and other subjects. We discuss the 250th Anniversary of Breguet and several other high-end brands.It was a relatively quiet week on the watch front, but there were still releases and news. Breguet released its first anniversary model, and it's worth some words. This leads to our thoughts on other higher-end brands. Also, we discuss Rolex, but not in the way you'd expect.HandgelenkskontrolleWe kick off the episode with a discussion about a vintage mesh JB Champion bracelet Mike purchased on eBay. It's a nice accompaniment to a Speedmaster, but the current Forstner is a fantastically accurate reissue. Then we discuss several TV shows, including You, Daredevil, and Dope Thief. Balazs has bought new New Balance sneakers, which leads to a discussion on some of the brand's other releases. For the Handgelenkskontrolle, Mike is wearing a 14K Movado "Ellipse" he recently received from his father. Balazs is also wearing a recently acquired family piece, the Girard-Perregaux Scuderia Ferrari Foudroyante Rattrapante.Breguet, Rolex, and other newsWe talk about Rolex because Balazs is potentially in the market for a new model. The Datejust has become quite expensive, especially with the white gold fluted bezel. This has Balazs considering an Oyster Perpetual with a dark green dial. We'll report back once he visits the local AD's to see if there is a waiting list. Breguet released the Classique Souscription 2025, a 40mm gold watch with an enamel dial and one hand. This spawns a longer discussion about the brand and how we hope great releases are coming during this important year. Blancpain and, ultimately, Vacheron get pulled into the episode as we long for iconic classic dress watches.We hope you enjoyed today's show. As always, if you have future topics, please feel free to let us know.

Fratello Cigars certainly had a busy 2025 Premium Cigar Association (PCA) Trade Show. Each year I try to come up with a theme for a booth, but when it comes to Fratello owner and founder Omar de Frias, there is one word that comes to mind - "excitement". Omar brings an energy and genuine excitement to the projects he is developing. Like each year, Fratello's booth is quite busy in 2025, but our team managed to get to Omar on day one as opposed to trying to catch him before the Trade Show closes on the final day. With over a decade in the cigar business, Fratello Cigars has built up a nice portfolio of core and limited edition offerings.  2025 saw several new additions introduced at PCA 2025. Full PCA Report: https://wp.me/p6h1n1-wfl  

Fratello Cigars certainly had a busy 2025 Premium Cigar Association (PCA) Trade Show. Each year I try to come up with a theme for a booth, but when it comes to Fratello owner and founder Omar de Frias, there is one word that comes to mind - "excitement". Omar brings an energy and genuine excitement to the projects he is developing. Like each year, Fratello's booth is quite busy in 2025, but our team managed to get to Omar on day one as opposed to trying to catch him before the Trade Show closes on the final day. With over a decade in the cigar business, Fratello Cigars has built up a nice portfolio of core and limited edition offerings.  2025 saw several new additions introduced at PCA 2025. Full PCA Report: https://wp.me/p6h1n1-wfl

Welcome to another episode of Fratello On Air! This week, we discuss two popular complications and their usefulness. It's the type of nerdy talk we hope you enjoy!Watch complications are a big part of why many of us collect timepieces. Dive watches, chronographs, alarms, and others form the cornerstone of some collections. Today, though, we focus on two types of watches that couldn't be any more different if they tried! The GMT and perpetual calendar genres were popular at Watches and Wonders 2025, so we discuss the utility of each.HandgelenkskontrolleBefore tackling two very different complications, we engage in some banter. This week, we keep it relatively brief and discuss a few TV shows. Silo, 3 Body Problem, Dope Thief, Stranger Things, and You all come up in our chat. Balazs also quickly mentions some New Balance 990V6 Miusa Action Bronson Untitled shoes he will purchase. For the Handgelenkskontrolle, Mike is wearing his Ming 18.01 H41 with a newly received mango rubber strap. It's a great color! Balazs is enjoying his Omega Speedmaster 145.022 transitional from 1968. He has it on a perforated strap from Joseph Bonnie.Complications — useful or useless?For some reason, there were a lot of GMT and perpetual calendar complications at Watches and Wonders 2025. Seeing GMTs wasn't a surprise, but the flood of new perpetual calendars gave us pause. In this episode, we talk about whether anyone is actually using these functions. Simply put, we see a GMT as useful and a perpetual calendar as relatively useless. A GMT is potentially practical, but we bring up that it might be better behind a desk in a global job. A perpetual calendar is interesting and expensive, but does anyone keep them running consecutively to ensure they stay on track? Plus, is this type of complication a way to show off for the wearer and/or the brand? Have a listen, and tell us what you think. Do you or would you use either of these complications?Thanks for listening! If you have ideas for future shows, please let us know.

It's 2025, and dress watches are in! But that doesn't mean you have to dust off your tuxedo. In fact, it's quite the opposite: the dress watch's link to formal attire has never been less relevant than it is today. Dress watches — both in the stricter definition and in adjacent style — are gaining popularity, but it's not because of all the opulent, Great Gatsby-esque cocktail parties that millennials and zoomers are throwing; it's because of a relatively recent styling trend of juxtaposing a geezer-worthy timepiece with the most casual of outfits. Today, on Fratello Talks, we discuss the phenomenon and get into some exquisite examples of recently introduced dress watches. Whether we'll see them poking out from beneath the cuff of a dinner jacket or a Carhartt jacket seems just as likely, but one thing is sure; we're all for it.

We're back with another episode of Fratello On Air. This week, we're wrapping up Watches and Wonders. We've had time to think about the show, the adjoining events, and the watches. You'll hear our impressions and some good old banter. For our listeners, the watch content begins after 30 minutes.Mike is at his childhood home in Parkland, Florida, this week while Balazs is in Germany. We apologize for the late release, but vacations get in the way every so often. We've had some time to digest all the releases and news that occurred in Geneva. Now, we're wrapping up with our thoughts.HandgelenkskontrolleWe kick off our show with errant banter about travel to the USA, current trends, and a bit about old-school Rimowa. Then, it's time to talk TV and the latest shows, including The Last of Us and The Narrow Road to the Deep North. We eventually move on to watches, and Balazs shares that he's finally trying the Ming universal bracelet on his 17.09. It was a slow burn, but now he's hooked on the supple links! Mike is in full vacation mode with his favorite beach watch, the Citizen Promaster BN0220. It's a carefree piece that works well and takes a beating.Wrapping up Watches and Wonders 2025Wrapping up Watches and Wonders isn't the easiest task because it leads to many tangential conversations. We discuss some key trends at the show. Then, we tackle some of the standout releases, such as the Rolex Land-Dweller, Angelus watches, Parmigiani, JLC, and more. We also mention the undeniable rise of Sellita and La Joux-Perret. Finally, we wonder if 2025 was so good or if 2024 was that bad! Regardless, it was a fun show to record, and we hope you enjoy it.Thanks for listening! As always, if you have suggestions for future episodes, just let us know.

We don't just go to Watches and Wonders to get our hands on all the new watches; we also keep our eyes on the bigger picture, looking at the overarching themes that emerge at the show. On today's episode of Fratello Talks, we're looking at some of the trends that we felt were most prominent this year. These are the things we expect to see more of as the year goes on — the influential factors that shape what watch brands will be doing over the coming months. Daan and Lex join Nacho for some trend spotting and to discuss some of the most interesting and noticeable ones they noticed during the fair. 

Welcome to this special installment of Fratello Talks. This is the Watches and Wonders 2025 debrief episode, where Nacho, RJ, Daan, and Lex share their highlights from this year's show. We also discuss just about every brand and novelty released at the fair. Honorable mentions go to some of the novelties released at the other events that took place in town last week. It's not unfair to say that it was the biggest this ever-monumental week for the watch world has been in recent times. There's a lot to take in. So whether you want to hear our take on a specific novelty or to find out what our favorites are, make sure to tune in to this long-form episode of Fratello Talks. 

Welcome back to a special episode of Fratello On Air! This week, we bring you a compilation of recordings from Watches and Wonders 2025. We patched together several segments and even had a guest! Enjoy this inside look at the world's largest watch event.Watches and Wonders 2025 may be over, but it's still fresh in our minds. As we did for the last Geneva Watch Days, this episode is a collection of small recordings from the conference. It reflects our thoughts about the latest releases, people, and trends. Enjoy the content, and remember, this show was recorded on the floor in a crowded space.HandgelenkskontrolleWell, there's no real Handgelenkskontrolle this week. However, Mike brought two watches to help ward off the hairy eyeball of Swiss customs. The Patek Philippe Calatrava 570 and Ming 22.01 GMT made the cut. Balazs is wearing his Rolex GMT-Master 1675 at Watches and Wonders and brought several pieces, including a lovely Angelus 215. Mike delivered a vintage Montal beads-of-rice bracelet and another Angelus to Balazs — special delivery!Watches and Wonders — live reportingWhile we weren't at Watches and Wonders together the entire time, we found the time to meet up for a few different recording sessions. As a special treat, we managed to corner Gary Shteyngart, a friend of the show, and got his thoughts about the releases, the fair, and the craziness. We even gave our friend Eric Wind a shout-out! You'll hear about all the big brands, including Rolex and some smaller marques too!We hope you enjoy the show, and thank you for listening! As always, if you have ideas for future episodes, please let us know!

On this rapid-fire episode of Fratello Talks, Nacho and Lex take a short break from their busy schedules to discuss some of their Watches and Wonders 2025 highlights. On location at the YouTube studio at the show, they quickly run through some of the most notable releases, starting with Rolex and Tudor and moving on to some oddball favorites and unexpected head-turners. This episode only scratches the surface, of course. We'll be back next week with a full-length episode to discuss more of the new watches.

Watches and Wonders 2025 is just a few days away, so today, on Fratello Talks, we're making our predictions, voicing our wishes, and expressing our fears for the week ahead. Nacho, RJ, and Lex are feeling the pre-Watches and Wonders excitement. After all, it's the biggest week of the year for the watch industry, with a record 60 brands showcasing their novelties at the fair. Though we have unique early access to some of the new watches, we do our best not to give anything away and look to fill the gaps where we can only make an educated guess. Though you'll have to wait until next week to see what some of the world's biggest watch brands have got in store for us this year, we think this episode will whet your appetite for what's to come.