A regular podcast about watches. Hosted by Fratello Magazine. During our podcast shows, we discuss watches, the watch industry, watch collecting, watches events and more. Make sure to subscribe!
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Another Watches and Wonders is in the books, and as always, it takes a moment to process everything. Between the main fair at Palexpo, meetings across Geneva, and visits to the various satellite events around the city, the week becomes a blur of watches, conversations, and quick (yet lasting) impressions. Only afterward do the highlights start to settle. In this episode of Fratello Talks, Nacho is joined by Daan and Max (our man behind the camera, making his podcast debut) to debrief after a pac...
"Chronometer" is one term that frequently comes up in watchmaking. We see it stamped on dials, highlighted in marketing materials, and often used as a synonym for "high quality." But how much does chronometer certification actually matter to us as collectors? In this episode of Fratello Talks , Nacho is joined by Daan and RJ to unpack the role of this certification in modern watch collecting. Is it something we actively look for? Does it influence buying decisions? Or is it one of those things t...
We all have watches we absolutely love but would hesitate to recommend to someone else. That might sound contradictory at first, but spend enough time in this hobby, and it starts to make sense. Not every great watch is universally great. Some require a certain mindset, a specific wrist, or simply a willingness to embrace their quirks. In this episode of Fratello Talks , Nacho, Daan, and RJ discuss precisely those watches — the ones they enjoy for themselves but wouldn’t necessarily suggest as a...
This episode explores underrated vintage watch brands offering great value and satisfaction beyond well-known marques. Discussions range from Bulova's diverse styles to Roamer's unique designs and Mido's pioneering automatic movements. The hosts share insights on finding hidden gems, including department store brands that often featured rebadged movements from famous manufacturers.
Spend enough time around watches, whether at events, in boutiques, or just talking to fellow enthusiasts, and you start to notice the same talking points coming up again and again. Certain topics seem to define how we think about watches today. In this episode of Fratello Talks , Nacho is joined by Lex and RJ to unpack those recurring conversations. The idea for the episode came to Lex while chatting with a friend and watchmaker in Geneva, a reminder that even at the heart of the industry, the s...
It’s a question that comes up from time to time in today’s watch world: Does resale value affect how much you enjoy a watch? With secondary market prices discussed almost as frequently as specifications, it’s hard to ignore the financial side of collecting. In this episode of Fratello Talks , RJ, Thomas, and Nacho discuss whether resale value changes the way we approach watches. Does strong value retention make a watch easier to enjoy, or does thinking about future resale quietly undermine the w...
This episode of Fratello On Air delves into the complex world of vintage watch pricing, addressing a listener's query about market transparency. Mike and Balazs discuss the challenges of valuing vintage pieces, differentiating trustworthy dealers from those creating artificial hype, and the importance of extensive personal research. They share insights on when to buy from a dealer versus sourcing independently, analyzing factors like condition, rarity, and the limitations of reliable market data, ultimately advising collectors to prioritize due diligence and cross-referencing information before making a purchase.
The microbrand segment of the watch industry has evolved dramatically over the last decade. What once felt like a niche corner of the horology world has grown into a thriving ecosystem of small companies producing thoughtful, design-driven watches. Some focus on value, others on originality, and a few are beginning to push the boundaries of what a small brand can achieve. In this episode of Fratello Talks , Nacho, Daan, and RJ discuss the microbrands they believe are worth keeping an eye on in 2...
Welcome back to another episode of Fratello On Air ! We're back (sort of) after more travels, and this week, we discuss the fallout that happens once a formerly unloved brand becomes popular. Call it sour grapes or wanting to keep something to oneself, but feel free to listen to our thoughts on the subject. Enjoy the show! I'm sure you know what it's like to be holding a secret. No, I don't mean the salacious kind, but when you know of something good that others are ignoring. Sometimes, it's the...
What watch would you buy with €5k in your pocket today? And what if you could spend no less than €4,500? That's the hypothetical dilemma we're tackling on Fratello Talks today. RJ, Daan, and Nacho have taken the challenge, and in this week's episode, they go through their picks. They were shocked at how few watches actually land within the price point, with Tudor holding the lion's share of options. Still, they managed to put together a varied series of watches, both new and pre-owned. Be sure t...
These days, "heritage" might be the most overused word in watch marketing. Every other press release seems to reference archives, vintage inspiration, or a glorious past. But at what point does heritage become a crutch rather than a strength? In this episode of Fratello Talks , Nacho, Daan, and Thomas unpack the role heritage plays in today’s watch industry. Is it still meaningful? Is it overused? And are we, as enthusiasts, partly to blame for demanding it?
Collecting watches can be as simple or as complicated as you make it. For some, it’s a slow accumulation of pieces they like. For others, it’s a focused, evolving pursuit built around themes, eras, or even specific references. In this episode of Fratello Talks , RJ, Daan, and Nacho discuss how to get the most out of the hobby — not in terms of value retention or flipping strategies but, rather, in terms of enjoyment. How do you keep things fresh? How do you avoid burnout? And how do you build a ...
Welcome to another episode of Fratello On Air . This week, we hop into our time machine and travel back 10 years to 2016. As we'll see, in some ways, this wasn't so long ago. Yet, in others, it was a different lifetime. Join us as we look back on fonder days. Handgelenkskontrolle It's been a while since we've recorded, and much of this is down to Mike's travels in Germany. Sadly, on one of the trips, he had a very Balazs-like travel experience involving planes and trains. If he did have a time m...
For many of us, there’s a clear line between the watches we liked and the first one we considered "serious." Maybe it was the first mechanical piece we bought with our hard-earned money. Maybe it was the first watch that required actual research, comparison, and a deep breath before hitting "confirm order." In today’s episode of Fratello Talks , Thomas, RJ, and Nacho discuss the different approaches to buying that first “serious” watch. Should you go safe and classic? Should you follow your hear...
Have you ever wondered exactly what the water resistance rating on your watch's dial means? In this episode of Fratello Talks, Nacho, Thomas, and Daan get into the different ratings, what they mean in theory, and, more importantly, in practice for the person wearing a watch. Tune in and listen to this episode, and if you don't already, you'll come away fully understanding water resistance. The guys also offer some easy-to-follow advice to keep your watches safe from a watery demise.
Why do we choose analog watches in a digital world? It's a valid question, as these mechanical timekeepers (though still functional) are no longer the necessity they once were. Why, then, do they remain not just an obsession for the few but also relevant and ever-present objects in people's private lives and even pop culture? That's the subject we're grappling with in today's episode of Fratello Talks. Nacho, RJ, and Lex are in the studio, and they go through many of the reasons why, to them, wa...
We're barely three weeks into 2026, and things are off to a strong start. It used to be that we'd have to wait until Watches and Wonders to get the first proper wave of novelties. But LVMH has taken it upon itself to produce the first major round of releases early in the year. Today, on Fratello Talks , we're taking a look at some LVMH Watch Week highlights. Thomas, Daan, and Nacho are in the studio to talk through some of the major releases from Zenith, Hublot, Daniel Roth, Louis Vuitton, Geral...
Welcome back to another episode of Fratello On Air ! This week, we discuss the latest Speedmaster Professional reverse panda. However, this isn't your standard review. We take it all the way back to Speedy Tuesday 1 and rue the passing of the limited-edition models of yore. Fear not, though; it's not all about Speedies. Yes, last week's Speedmaster reverse panda caused quite a stir. In many ways, it feels like Omega's move was easy, but it took until 2026 for it to arrive. Overall, we're happy i...
The year is off to a flying start with some big releases from fan-favorite brands. In today's episode of Fratello Talks , we're taking a look at the first watch releases of 2026 and, based on patterns they present, seeing what they reveal about the year ahead. Though we haven't had many new introductions so far, the handful of novelties is still enough to get us excited, from Seiko celebrating its 145th anniversary and bringing back the tonneau case to Oris appealing to two price segments and Om...
Happy New Year from Fratello On Air ! We're back with a new episode, and we're going shopping. Well, maybe. One of us has his eyes on several pieces while the other is taking a wait-and-see approach. Enjoy our 2026 kickoff! Yes, we're back for another year, and it's great to be here! With a new year, we usually make resolutions. However, last year's resolutions didn't go so well. In particular, Mike failed miserably on his plan to sell watches. He was simply too lazy. So instead of making these ...
Happy New Year, dear Fratelli! We are following up on our kick-off to this new lap around the sun with a fresh new episode of Fratello Talks , where we're discussing our watch wishes and predictions for 2026. RJ, Thomas, and Nacho are here to express some of what they'd love to see more of in the new year from watch brands, as well as to make specific predictions. They also go over some anniversaries taking place that may reveal some of what we can look forward to in 2026.
Welcome to the fourth season of Fratello Talks ! To kick off the new year, we're discussing some of the best entry-level watches to start a collection in 2026. Daan, RJ, and Nacho come together to present some of their favorite options available today. Many of the watches discussed are great if you're looking to start a collection. However, they also serve as a fun purchase, even for seasoned collectors. So tune in, check out our picks, and let us know which ones would be yours.
Hello and happy holidays from your Fratello Talks team! Today marks the final episode of 2025 and the end of our third season of the show. What better way to round out the year than by looking back at some horological highlights of 2025? RJ, Daan, and your host, Nacho, join forces to discuss some of the most remarkable moments of this past year. Consider this final episode of the year our gift to you this holiday season.
Merry Christmas and welcome to another episode of Fratello On Air ! We're back with an episode on Christmas Eve, and we're talking about our favorite Seiko watches of all time. That's a tough mission, but like Santa's job of delivering toys to all the children, we're up to the task! Grab some mulled wine, settle in by the fireplace, and enjoy the banter. Folks, we've been on the road for the last few weeks. America, Japan, and Germany are just some of the places we've been. However, we're back j...
As 2025 draws to a close, it’s a natural moment to pause, take stock, and look ahead at what the coming year may hold for the watch industry. In this week’s episode of Fratello Talks , Nacho is joined by Daan and Lex for an in-depth conversation about the various factors and forces that are actively reshaping the watch world. The discussion covers a broad range of topics, from emerging players in traditionally untapped markets to shifts in design approaches and production methods, as well as evo...
As 2025 winds down, it's the perfect time to reflect on some of the standout microbrand watches released this year. That’s precisely what we’re doing in this week’s episode of Fratello Talks. Nacho, Daan, and Thomas are back in the studio. Each has brought a list of three personal favorites — plus plenty of honorable mentions — for a lively discussion. If you appreciate the creative, unconventional, and often boldly experimental world of microbrand watchmaking, this episode is one you won’t want...
There's something special about gold watches that goes beyond the opulent, warm tone of their shiny exteriors. In the past, they served to mark significant milestones, special occasions, or outstanding achievements. These are often immortalized with an engraving on the case back. Today, on Fratello Talks , we've found inspiration to revisit the topic of gold watches. Several new releases from Nomos with solid-gold cases, including three new Tangente models and two new Ludwig references, prompted...
Welcome to another episode of Fratello On Air ! With Thanksgiving barely in our rearview mirrors, we decide to spend time giving thanks to the watch hobby. In this installment, you'll hear what we love so much about this addiction and why. Settle in for this candid chat. In honor of Thanksgiving, we figure that giving thanks is well overdue. Today, you'll hear a lovable Balazs talk about all the things he enjoys about collecting watches and the industry. Mike chimes in with a few of his thoughts...
Over the last few weeks, we've seen an unseasonal deluge of watch releases, with brands big and small unveiling fresh pieces at an incessant pace. Today, on Fratello Talks , we're taking a moment to look back at some highlights and reflect on what stood out to us. Nacho, RJ, and Thomas are on the microphones to break down a diverse array of novelties and share their thoughts on emerging trends. Notable launches include several debuts tied to Dubai Watch Week 2025, which displayed the biennial ev...
Welcome back to another episode of Fratello On Air ! This week, we enter the depths and declare the greatest dive watches of all time. Yes, there are some expected entries, but we also offer a surprise or two. Enjoy the listen! While neither Balazs nor I dive, we've realized that the style of watch used for this activity has probably become the most popular genre. Not so long ago, a dive watch was relegated to casual and sporty environments. Now, these capable pieces, for better or worse, are wo...
