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Fratello On Air: A Questionable Auction And Swatch Group Stays Away From CPO

Welcome to another episode of Fratello On Air. In this installment, Balazs and Mike hit on two topics. We start with the fact that Swatch Group has no intentions of following Rolex into the CPO market. Next, we talk about a recent article highlighting concerns about a questionable auction that took place in 2018. Sit back and relax while we work the mics. Yes, it's another week and that means another podcast. This time we're talking more about CPO programs and a questionable auction. B...

Fratello Talks: New Year's Resolutions - The Watches We're Planning To Buy In 2023

Lex, Nacho, and RJ talk about their New Year's resolutions regarding watches. We look back at the watches we purchased in 2022, and what we have on our wishlists for 2023. Nacho already made his first purchase in 2023, to celebrate his upcoming 30th birthday. Bonus material: A small contribution from Sinara.

Fratello On Air: 2023 Is Here, And The Modern Rolex Secondary Market Is Falling Apart

Happy New Year! Yes, 2023 is here, and we're bringing you the latest episode of Fratello On Air! Balazs and Mike are ready for another rip-roaring year, and they start with a bang. The modern Rolex secondary market and the CPO program are back in focus. We're back — sort of. Balazs has returned to Germany from Hungary while Mike is still hanging out with the iguanas in sunny South Florida. They reminisce about the holidays and strike up some banter about other topics. The Rolex CPO pro...

Fratello Talks: Beef Between Thomas And Lex About Dress Watches

Daan, Thomas, and Lex talk about the definition of dress watches. In a recent article on Fratello, Thomas wrote about his vintage Seamaster being a dress watch. It upset Lex tremendously, and it ultimately led to a fight. Time to straighten it out, and what better way to do it in a podcast?

Fratello Talks: Buying Watches Pre-Owned Vs New

Lex, Daan, and RJ discuss the pros and cons of buying pre-owned watches versus new. We're not all on the same page, but agree that the pre-owned watch market does have something interesting to offer, aside from (often) more attractive prices. If you want to go worry-free, buying your watch new is the way to go. But you might miss out on some very nice offers out there.

Fratello On Air: Balazs & Mike With Way-Too-Early Hopes for 2023

Fratello On Air comes at you with a new episode. This time, we're talking about our horological hopes for 2023. Of course, there's some typical banter along with some pre-holiday cheer. Settle in by the fireplace (or at the beach, perhaps) and enjoy our last episode before Christmas. 2022 absolutely blew by and we're now less than two weeks from entering a new year. With that, we have hopes for 2023 and we get into some of our prognostications and questions. The economy looks a ta...

Fratello Talks: What Makes The Patek Philippe Nautilus So Special?

Fratello editors Gerard, Lex, and RJ talk about one of the most coveted watches: the Patek Philippe Nautilus. With the first reference in front of them, the 3700/1A, they talk about the history of the Nautilus, how it went from virtually no demand to an incredibly high demand in the past few years, and which version they like best. Enjoy our Fratello Talks series and let us know via Fratello.com what you think of the Nautilus.

Fratello On Air: Balazs & Mike Talk Holiday Watches And Gifts

Fratello On Air is getting ready for the holidays! In this episode, Balazs and Mike talk about holiday watches and gifts sure to please almost any watch lover. Enjoy! Yes, we are firmly in the season of giving, receiving, or buying for one's self! As such, we're here to discuss some of our favorite watches that debuted in 2022. Alongside these holiday watches, we've also decided to mention some watch-adjacent gifts that will delight you. Stick around and tune in for another fun ep...

Fratello Talks: Our Thoughts On The Rolex Certified Pre-Owned Program

This weekly "Fratello Talks..." podcast talks about the Rolex Certified Pre-Owned program that was introduced on December 1st. Thomas, Daan, and I are discussing the new Certified Pre-Owned program that Rolex introduced. Authorized Dealer Bucherer is the first partner offering Rolex watches with this certification. But what is it exactly, and how does it work? We also received some comments and questions about the consequences of this certification process, and we try to answer them in...

Fratello On Air: Balazs & Mike Discuss Rolex Pre-Owned And A Lovely New AP

Fratello On Air returns with Balazs and Mike in their respective saddles to discuss a number of topics. The new Rolex pre-owned program is a focal point along with new offerings from Nivada-Grenchen and Audemars Piguet. What do we think of all these new items? Have a listen and find out for yourself! Balazs and Mike are back after a couple of weeks away and they've got plenty to discuss. Shoes, the gray weather in Germany, and watches are on tap with the latest episode. Of course, there&apo...

Fratello Talks: Buying Your First Serious Watch

Ignacio talks with Sofia and Sinara about making that first big purchase! Buying your first serious (luxury) watch can be a nerve-racking process. How did Fratello's Ignacio, Sinara and Sofia dealt with it? They're all young (below 30), and spending that much money on your first watch can be stressful. What choices did they make, and why? Listen to our Fratello Talks — Buying your first serious watch podcast to hear about their stories.

Fratello Talks: Dress Watches

Fratello Talks is a new series next to the Fratello On Air podcast. In Fratello Talks, your hosts Ignacio and RJ discuss various horological topics. Ignacio, RJ, and Laurits talk about dress watches in this first episode. What is a dress watch exactly, and why would you need one? We also discuss our favorite dress watches.

Fratello On Air: The Rolex Deepsea Challenge & New Excelsior Park

Fratello On Air is here and Balazs and Mike are back together between extensive travels. This week, we talk about a number of random subjects and then move on to the main topics. New Excelsior Park is in focus as well as the massive Rolex Deepsea Challenge. We have been keeping the road hot! Mike has just returned from a two-week trip to the USA where he was all over the place and Balazs is getting ready to leave for another visit to Japan. Luggage enters the discussion yet again and Mike is cur...

Lex And Balazs Talk Breguet

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. So it was logical for Balazs to sit down with Lex and chat about the Swatch Gro...

Fratello On Air: Balazs & Mike Talk Seiko

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... 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...

Balazs and Dave Talk Space Watches Beyond The Speedmaster (Urwerk, Fortis, IWC)

As Mike is on a business trip in the US Balazs pulls Dave out of retirement.

Fratello On Air: Balazs & Mike Talk About The Watch Market

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? 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 Morga...

Fratello On Air: The Grandest Episode Yet — Featuring Grand Seiko

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... 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 ye...

Fratello On Air: Balazs & Mike Are Back With The Omega X-33 Marstimer And Rimowa!

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. 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 th...

Balazs And Nacho Talk About...

Fratello On Air: Geneva Watch Days 2022

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. 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 t...

Fratello On Air: A Rant Or Two And Geneva Watch Days Begins

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! 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 Bala...

Fratello On Air: Random Musings And Vintage Grand Seiko

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. 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 c...

Fratello On Air: Balazs & Mike Talk Casio

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. 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...

Fratello On Air: Balazs & Mike Talk Travel, Theft and More

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! 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...

Fratello On Air: Talking About The Tudor Ranger And Field Watches

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! 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 discuss...

Fratello On Air: Balazs & Mike Talk Oris

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! 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 ...

Fratello On Air: Flaming Comments And Scorching Summer Citizen Dive Watches

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. 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 bi...

Fratello On Air: Scottish Watches Join The Podcast

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). Follow me on Instagram @robnudds

Fratello On Air: Mike & RJ Talk About The Rolex Day-Date

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. 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...