Fratello.com
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!
Episodes
Fratello On Air: Are Military Watches Ok For Everyone?
Welcome to another episode of Fratello On Air ! This week, we discuss military watches new and old. We're not here to discuss our favorite models, but we hit upon some major themes with these pieces. Some of these pieces come from disgraced regimes while newer models are similar to high fashion collabs. Stick around and see what we think! Military watches are a deep subject. Books have been written about them and brands continue to invest in creating new models. We discuss the topic and exp...
Fratello Talks: The Most Underrated Watch Brands
Hey there, welcome to this week's episode of "Fratello Talks." What are some of the most underrated watch brands out there? That's the question that Nacho, RJ, and Daan have chosen for today's discussion. And though there are indeed many brands out there that could be seen as not receiving the praise and recognition that they deserve, they have chosen to focus only on a handful. For the sake of brevity, they also specify that their picks are limited to larger, more mains...
Fratello On Air: Is In-House In The Outhouse?
Welcome to another episode of Fratello On Air ! This week, we discuss the increasing number of movement production claims and wonder whether it all really matters. In-house, in-house designed, and third-party are only some explanations we hear about movements and their origin. It's gotten a bit nutty! For our listeners, there's horology content interspersed initially, but fast-forward to 23 minutes for uninterrupted watch talk. Do you remember when life was simple and watch movements w...
Fratello Talks: Ressence — With Founder And CEO Benoît Mintiens
Welcome to this latest installment of "Fratello Talks," where we speak with a special guest. Today, we are happy to be joined by Benoît Mintiens, founder and CEO of the avant-garde Belgian watch brand Ressence. In this long-form episode, we learn about Benoît's origins as an industrial design consultant, how he transitioned into the watch world, and the philosophy that informed the creation of Ressence. Join us for this in-depth chat, you might just learn something about the brand...
Fratello On Air: In-Depth Watch Research & Myth Busting
We're back with another episode of Fratello On Air ! We apologize for missing last week, but travel and visitors got in the way. This week, we're discussing watch research, the time it takes, and the self-satisfaction obtained when uncovering a new fact. It's another nerdy episode, but recording was a lot of fun. For our listeners, the watch content begins after 22 minutes. Watch research sounds like a decidedly dull topic. However, this couldn't be further from the truth bec...
Fratello Talks: Should You Wear Your Watch While Playing Sports Or Exercising?
Welcome back to "Fratello Talks." Should you wear your watch while playing sports or exercising? It's a question we often hear. What could the possible risks be for your beloved mechanical timepiece? Or is there no real reason to be worried at all? In today's episode, Nacho, RJ, and Lex explore these questions and talk from their own experience. They also look to some sports professionals to see what their approach is and whether it should serve as an example in the first pla...
Fratello Talks: Does Modern Rolex Still Have The Magic?
Welcome to this latest episode of Fratello Talks. Does modern Rolex still have the magic? That's the question that Nacho, RJ, and Lex tackle today. There's no question that modern Rolex watches are reliable, luxurious timekeepers. But for many enthusiasts and collectors, nothing quite comes close to the magic of the older four and five-digit references. This is reflected in the prices that some of these (let alone rarer examples) can fetch in the pre-owned market. But what (if anything...
Fratello On Air: Our Favorites From Geneva Watch Days 2024
It's time for another episode of Fratello On Ai r! This week, we cap off Geneva Watch Days 2024 with our favorites from the event. We saw some fascinating watches and met new and old acquaintances. For our listeners, there's not much banter in this episode! We've returned to our respective countries, are fully rested, and ready to go. Still, the glow from Geneva Watch Days 2024 hasn't completely left us. We spend the show talking about our favorites from the week before and w...
Fratello Talks - Geneva Watch Days 2024 Recap And Highlights
Fratello On Air: On The Go At Geneva Watch Days 2024
Welcome back to another episode of Fratello On Air ! This week, we have a different episode style. Your friendly co-hosts check in while on the go at Geneva Watch Days 2024. Ultimately, we try to give you a feel for the non-stop schedule and what it's like to be at a show. There's no banter beforehand, so let the audio roll! We're back from Geneva Watch Days 2024, but while we were on the go at the show, we turned the microphones on for brief segments. You'll hear us discuss ...
Fratello Talks: Our Vintage Watch Wishlists
Hello, and welcome to Fratello Talks! Today, Nacho, RJ, and Thomas share their vintage watch wishlists. As you can imagine, these guys spend a lot of time thinking about watches. But when they're not writing about the latest releases, they're often lusting after (and hunting down) vintage watches online. It's a hazard of the job. Today, inspired by RJ's latest object of desire, the guys lend you insight into the timepieces on their current list of vintage (and neo-vintage) fa...
Fratello On Air: Servicing A Large Watch Collection
Fratello On Air returns with an episode discussing how we service a watch collection. It's another listener suggestion and it's a good one! You'll hear about how and when we choose to service a watch and where. Then, we end the episode with some suggestions on the tools we have on hand. For our listeners, the watch content starts after approximately eight minutes. Servicing a watch collection sounds daunting, but it doesn't have to be. Your friendly hosts have a decent number...
Fratello Talks - Geneva Watch Days 2024 Wishes And Predictions
Hello, and welcome to Fratello Talks! If you're listening to this latest episode on the day it was released, then Geneva Watch Days 2024 is just a week away. Today, Nacho, Lex, and Thomas gather around the mics to discuss the event and make some wishes and predictions about what they'd like to see from brands at the show. There's plenty to look forward to, as more brands than ever will take part in this year's edition of the event. Be sure to stay tuned here on Fratello for a...
Fratello On Air: Our Favorite '90s And Early '00s Watches
Fratello On Air returns with our favorite watches from the '90s and early '00s. It's hard to believe that this period is nearly 30 years old! This was a key period for watches and brought pieces that exist today or are highly revered. Join us as we take a trip down memory lane. For our listeners, the watch content begins after approximately 14 minutes. The '90s and early '00s gave us some truly memorable watches. We're thankful that our listener, Richard, asked us t...
Fratello Talks: Guilty Pleasure Watches
Welcome, dear Fratelli, to this latest episode of Fratello Talks. Today, Nacho, Lex, and Thomas spotlight some of their guilty pleasure watches. Everyone has at least one; most of us can list at least a handful. These are watches that, though we like them, we aren't too quick to admit it. This can be due to a number of reasons, whether it's a brand's (arguably undeserved) reputation, an eye-watering price tag, or even just a case of off-the-wall design. And though we often highlig...
Fratello On Air: Likes And Dislikes Of Working In The Watch Industry
Fratello On Air is back with another rip-roaring episode! This week, our topic comes from one of our dear listeners and we talk about what like and dislike about working in the watch industry. It's a candid take on some of our favorite aspects with some that don't rate as highly. For those who wish to skip the banter, begin your journey after approximately 16 minutes. The watch industry is a business like many others except that it entails one of our favorite subjects! While the good f...
Fratello Talks: How Much Genta Is Too Much Genta?
Fratello On Air: What's So Special About Rolex Anyhow?
Welcome back to another episode of Fratello On Air ! This week, we ask what the hell is so special about Rolex anyhow. Sure, the brand has been discussed heavily, but both hosts have had recent Submariner experiences and hash out what makes these watches so fantastic. For our faithful listeners, the watch content begins at approximately 23 minutes. What is the secret to the success of Rolex and why are they so special? Before you Rolex-haters bring venom to the comments section, give us a listen...
Fratello Talks: Our Favorite Affordable Watches Vol. 1
Hello, welcome! You're listening to Fratello Talks. This week's episode features RJ, Daan, and Nacho: three members of the Fratello team who join forces this week to wax poetic about some of their favorite affordable watches. This is the first volume of what will almost certainly become a recurring topic for the podcast. There are simply too many great watches with reasonable price tags to cover them all in one episode. But over the next twenty-six minutes and nine seconds, you'll...
Fratello On Air: Thinning Out The Watch Collection
Welcome back to Fratello On Air! This week, we discuss thinning out our watch collections. It's a tough topic because only one of us has ever sold a watch! We're happy to take on the subject, though, because it's easy to pile up watches that see very little wrist time. For our listeners, the watch content begins approximately 23 minutes into the episode. Thinning out the watch collection is an idea that Balazs is comfortable with because he's done it! On the other hand, Mike ...
Fratello Talks: Picking A New Watch For The Next James Bond
Fratello On Air: Talking About Watch Bracelets
Welcome to another episode of Fratello On Air. This week, we discuss watch bracelets and cover a wide range of subtopics about these important devices that fasten watches to our wrists. It's another listener suggestion and we hope you enjoy the show! For our listeners, the watch content begins after approximately 20 minutes. Watch bracelets are always the subject of heavy criticism. When a company decides to offer one with a watch, it can come under fire for the smallest reasons. Great brac...
Fratello Talks: Watch Market Update — Summer 2024
Welcome to this latest episode of the Fratello Talks podcast! This week, Nacho, RJ, and Daan have prepared a watch market update for you. We often like to circle back to this topic as things evolve and change. We go through the facts and figures (so you don't have to) and summarize different trends and patterns, breaking it all down with their unique industry insights. We've all heard talk of a slump in the market, but is it actually the case? Are the speculative buyers backing out? An...
Fratello On Air: Revisiting Our Exit Watches — Patek Philippe, Rolex, And More
Welcome to another episode of Fratello On Air. This time, we discuss exit watches after receiving a great topic request from one of our favorite listeners. It's a familiar theme we may have touched upon before. Let's see if our collective tastes have changed. For our listeners, watch content starts after eight minutes. Exit watches are a touchy subject. Some folks believe in the ultimate watch and the end of collecting. Admittedly, neither of us can picture an end to the hunt. Still, w...
Fratello Talks: How To Find The Perfect Summer Watch
Hello, and welcome to a sunny and warm episode of Fratello Talks! This week, Nacho, Lex, and Daan discuss summer watches. More specifically, they look at the ways they go about picking their ideal watch for the season. Is there such a thing as a perfect summer watch? If there is, you can follow Daan's method to find it. We also outline some categories, specs, and styles that make a watch ideal for the warm weather, active lifestyle, and water-based activities that we often enjoy in summer. ...
Fratello On Air: The Power Of Fonts On Watches
At long last, Fratello On Air has decided to address a request from one of our faithful listeners. The topic of font on watches has come up as a suggested topic many times. Does it sound mundane? Perhaps, but it couldn't be further from the truth. Our watch content begins after 15 minutes. Fonts are a characteristic of most watches that we rarely consider. Yet, it's one of those details that if done badly can ruin a watch. Today, we discuss the power of typeface and why it matters. We ...
Fratello Talks: Where Did All The Watches Go?
Welcome to this week's episode of Fratello Talks, where Nacho, RJ, and Daan ask themselves the question: where did all the watches go? Whether consciously or otherwise, watch-spotting is something every watch-minded person partakes in. It may be walking down the street, at your office, in a restaurant, or even on holiday. Essentially, anywhere where there are people and where said people are wearing watches. But sometimes, a lack of watches can be as noticeable as the watches themselves. An...
Fratello On Air: How We Research Watches Before Buying
Welcome to another episode of Fratello On Air. This week, we take a listener suggestion and discuss how we research watches before buying. We've hit upon this before, but it's a constantly evolving topic that deserves an update. For our beloved listeners, the watch content begins after 19 minutes. If you're a watch collector and enjoy vintage, landing a great specimen often requires research. In this episode, we mention some of our most common tactics. Some of these processes are ...
Fratello Talks: Our Favorite Recently Released Watches
Hi there! Welcome to the latest episode of your favorite watch podcast: Fratello Talks. This week, Nacho is joined by Daan and Lex to run through some of their favorite recently released watches. Having not done one of these for a while, we thought we'd look back to some of the latest introductions from the post-Watches And Wonders period. As you might have come to expect, we've seen a ton of new watches released from the world's biggest brands. However, there are also a handful o...