All watch collectors have one watch that they will never part with. It might not be the most expensive piece in the collection, the rarest, or even the one that gets the most wrist time. Sometimes, a watch becomes irreplaceable for reasons that have very little to do with specifications, market value, or prestige. In this episode of Fratello Talks, Nacho is joined by Daan and Thomas to discuss the watches they simply couldn't imagine selling. Along the way, the conversation touches on sentimentality, personal milestones, and how our relationships with watches can evolve. While many collectors talk about buying and selling as part of the hobby, some pieces seem destined to stay.

Welcome back to another episode of Fratello On Air! As promised, we've returned after a week with more banter and plenty of watch talk. This time around, we discuss the oft-mentioned summer watch and how we feel about it in 2026. Of course, we cover plenty of other subjects. Enjoy the show!

Ah, the summer watch. If given little thought, it's easy to call it a diver and walk away, but we find that definition limiting. We eventually come to the topic but hit upon more than a handful of other watches. Settle in for a lengthy chat while you're prepping the pool or the back terrace for the season to come.

Handgelenkskontrolle

We begin our show discussing recent performances that we've attended. Mike returned from Beetlejuice The Musical, a fun romp that just opened in London. Balazs, on the other hand, saw Slowhand, aka Eric Clapton, in concert. Then, there's the long-awaited opening of Terminal 3 at your hosts' favorite airport, Frankfurt.

Mike shares a tip about pre-ordering duty-free there and the availability of a desirable bourbon. For the Handgelenkskontrolle, Balazs is wearing one of his favorites, the Ming 17.09 on a Ming rubber strap. Mike is back into vintage with his Heuer Carrera 2447 S, a watch that recently accompanied him to Soccer Aid 2026.

The intermezzo — new releases

Before attacking our main topic, the summer watch, we discuss a bevy of new pieces that could qualify as timepieces of the season. First, there's the Tudor Black Bay Chrono 39 "Bumble Bee," which heralds a new case size from the popular brand. Both of us like it and are excited to see which colors may come next. The Girard-Perregaux Laureato Fifty is a beautiful, albeit luxurious, release that nails its brief as a true contender to other pieces in its competitive set. For Mike, this watch enters the horse race against his longtime crush, the Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda PF 36. Balazs mentions the surprising new Timex Atelier collection. It consists of four modern watches, some of which have Sellita automatic movements. More to come! Finally, Mike segues to our main topic with the Norqain Wild One Skeleton X-Lite, a watch that feels like nothing is on the wrist, an important criterion in the heat.

The summer watch

Balazs leads off our discussion of the summer watch and makes it clear that it's not only about dive watches. We mention some key attributes that help define a piece that works in the heat, by the pool, or just in general. Brightly colored dials work well during this sunny period, but so do audacious designs, including skeletonized pieces. However, we're both quick to agree that a skeletonized piece needs to be executed well, or it looks cheap. No one wants that by the Riviera!

If a brightly colored dial isn't your cup of tea, why not try a vividly hued strap instead? Loads of options can help a watch dress down during the warmer season. Of course, lightweight materials are very on-trend and feel great when the mercury rises. Titanium is incredibly common now, and carbon has become a go-to medium for many companies in different price ranges. Most of all, though, we think it's best to choose something enjoyable for the summer that's worry-free and satisfying.

We hope you enjoy today's episode and look forward to your comments. Let us know what you'll be sporting this summer, whether at the office or by the sea.

"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 that sounds more important than it feels in daily wear?

Today, on Fratello Talks, we're discussing Audemars Piguet. The brand is celebrating its 150th anniversary in 2025 and has kicked things off by introducing a selection of new models earlier this week. Lex was in Le Brassus to report on the novelties, and Nacho and RJ now join him for this week's discussion. They begin by looking at said novelties and wrap things up by sharing their thoughts on the brand's current direction and whether they've felt the influence of recently appointed CEO Ilaria Resta yet.

We're back with another episode of Fratello On Air. This week, we're in myth-busting mode. We've seen some silly things on social media, and it's time to shed light on them. For our listeners, the watch content begins after 25 minutes.

On one hand, we're pleased that so much watch-related content now exists. On the other, the flood of influencers brings a wide array of commentary. Social media is entertaining, but it's also important to keep a clear head while consuming it. In this episode, we go on a myth-busting mission. Enjoy the ride!

Handgelenkskontrolle

We kick off our episode discussing sneakers and TV shows. Nike and New Balance have released some new models worth consideration. Balazs mentions The Madness, a series on Netflix. For the Handgelenkskontrolle, Mike is wearing his new Timex Ironman 8-Lap Gray Shades. It's a model sold exclusively by Timex Japan and is relatively affordable. Balazs is wearing his tried-and-true Ming 17.09 on his favorite black rubber strap.

Myth-busting

We move on to our main topic and begin with one of the silliest claims we've heard on social media. Seemingly, it's trendy to make provocative comments to help build a fan base. One influencer proclaimed that there are no underrated vintage watches left to discover. Hogwash, we say! Then, we discuss a recent video on salesperson etiquette at a watch boutique. Next, we tackle an influencer's self-created fan Q&A. Finally, there's some silly terminology running amok, geezer.

We hope you enjoy today's episode. If you have ideas for future shows, please let us know!

In this week's episode of Fratello Talks, we're making a public service announcement: don't let money stop you from enjoying watches! This topic is close to our hearts and has come up more than once at Fratello HQ lately. So today Nacho, Lex, and Thomas gather around the microphones and hash out their thoughts on the matter. Ultimately, it's something we can recommend to you all: don't limit your appreciation. Ownership is a small (and somewhat arguably overrated) part of the equation. We believe it should still be possible to praise and enjoy a watch (or any other object of fascination) from a distance and on its merits alone. Arbitrarily discrediting something based on one factor eventually takes the fun out of it.

Welcome back to Fratello On Air! This week, we tackle the second half of our discussion on vintage chronographs. We get into the weeds in this episode, so we hope you like it nerdy!

Last week, we kicked off this discussion on vintage chronographs with our thoughts on why we find these watches so alluring. We mentioned racing, the space race, and other daring feats, along with how chronographs were present during many of these activities. Now we're ready to go into detail.

Handgelenkskontrolle

Because we recorded this episode directly after the last, we skipped the usual banter. Don't worry; it will return next week! For the Handgelenkskontrolle, both of us are on task with our choices. Mike is wearing a Roamer Stingray Chrono Diver, one of the wildest vintage chronographs he owns. The case shape, quality, patina, and Valjoux 23 movement all make it a lovable piece. Balazs is wearing his Grana LE, a Hungarian Air Force piece with a lovely patina.

Vintage Chronographs Part 2

We begin with a discussion on the market for vintage chronographs. Then, we mention buying these watches, what to look out for, and what to expect during ownership. After all, these are relatively complex timepieces, so there is a greater potential for issues. Condition and originality are also worth considering. Chronographs contain many details, including specific pushers, hands, and dials. Finding replacements can be impossible. Finally, we mention key models and movements. The Valjoux 72, Lemania 321, EP 4, and El Primero 3019PHC are some of the calibers we discuss. The Breitling Chronomat, Gallet Decimal, Omega Speedmaster, and Zenith El Primero A386 come up during the show.

As always, thank you for listening, and we hope you enjoy this episode. If you'd like us to come back and discuss our favorite vintage chronographs, just comment below. Of course, if you have suggestions for future shows, please let us know.

Hello, and welcome to Fratello Talks. In today's episode, we're taking on the challenge of building a €15,000 watch collection. Nacho, RJ, and Lex have crunched the numbers and leafed through the catalogs and each selected three modern (currently available at retail) watches that they would buy if they had a €15K budget. It's a hypothetical exercise and meant to be just a bit of fun, but ultimately, it's still a challenge trying to leverage the budget to get the most bang for their buck. So, if you want to know which watches these three members of the Fratello team would go for today, tune in to find out.

Welcome to another episode of Fratello On Air. This week, we begin a two-part series on vintage chronographs. Apparently, our listeners like hearing about these complicated watches that measure elapsed time. Note that the watch content starts after approximately 25 minutes.

Vintage chronographs are a special category of watches. They're complex, often fragile, and strangely addictive! In this episode, we'll begin exploring what makes them so alluring. In our next installment, we'll get specific on models, movements, and what to look out for when buying.

Handgelenkskontrolle

Our episode begins with a discussion about Super Bowl LIX. We then discuss more TV shows. Mike mentions a recent visit to Roseberys, a London-based auction house, where he attended a preview and witnessed some interesting behavior. For the Handgelenkskontrolle, Mike is wearing his cherished Rolex Datejust 1600 with a blue dial. Balazs is enjoying his Rolex Submariner 5513, which he recently featured in a fantastic article.

Vintage chronographs

We then begin discussing our main topic — why we are so attracted to chronographs. We began our collecting journeys wanting these types of watches but found ourselves attracted to pieces from different decades. Mike leaped into the '60s, while Balazs enjoyed the '40s, '50s, and '70s. We end our episode by mentioning iconic models, including the Omega Speedmaster, Rolex Daytona, Breitling Navitimer, Heuer Carrera, and Universal Genève Compax. Stay tuned for next week's podcast in which we uncover more details!

Thank you for listening to this week's edition of Fratello On Air. As always, if you have suggestions for future shows, please let us know!

Welcome back to Fratello Talks. It's time for some tough love! Today, Nacho, Lex, and Daan are talking about a handful of watch brands with untapped potential. These are big names in the watch world that they deeply respect and admire but feel are not currently delivering to the full extent of their capability. This can relate to a brand's history and legacy, its technical expertise, or even aspects of watchmaking on which a brand has fallen behind. Some of it may sound harsh, but it's all well-intentioned feedback. These are brands that they are rooting for to do better and that they know, with some finesse and adjustment, could be genuinely excellent.

Welcome back to another episode of Fratello On Air! This week, we stick to Rolex under €8K and pick our favorites. The entire history of the brand is up for grabs as long as the price is right. Enjoy the episode, and tune in to the watch content after approximately 19 minutes.

Getting a sweet Rolex under €8K is not only doable but pretty darn easy! There are loads of models available, including steel sports pieces and dress models in precious metals. Vintage or modern, we've got you covered!

 Handgelenkskontrolle

We kick off our episode with some schnitzel talk. Depending on where one travels, different types of schnitzels exist that we're ready to try — most of them, that is! We also mention some upcoming Jordan 1 sneakers celebrating 40 years since the first pair. Then, we talk about a few TV shows we've been watching. For the Handgelenkskontrolle, Balazs is wearing his faithful Seiko 6139 chronograph. Mike is sporting the recently reviewed G-Shock DW-5000R-1A Origin Revival.

Rolex under €8K

For our main topic, we discuss Rolex under €8K. How did we select this upper limit? That's a good question! We wanted to come in comfortably below the five-figure mark, but we also felt that €5K was too low in 2025. We realize that the upper end isn't inexpensive, but we mention several models that cost much less. For our search, we primarily used Chrono24 as a basis. Our picks are:

• Explorer II ref. 16570 "Polar" with drilled lug holes, a watch that is still somewhat of a Rolex outcast
• Day-Date ref. 1803 in 18K gold on a leather strap, a beautiful dress watch that costs significantly less without the full-gold bracelet
• Explorer ref. 14270, the iconic 36mm "GADA" watch that flies below the radar
• Air-King ref. 14000 from the '90s with a dark blue "Explorer-style" dial, the value king as long as a 34mm case isn't a concern
• Submariner Date ref. 16610 from the '90s with drilled lug holes, the legendary sports watch that put Rolex on the map as the must-have luxury brand
• Datejust ref. 160x "Pie-Pan," quite possibly the only watch you'll ever need due to its supreme comfort, go-anywhere looks, and endless variants

We hope you enjoy today's episode. As always, if you have ideas for future shows, please let us know!

Last week, LVMH Watch Week took place. This week, Nacho, RJ, and Lex are looking at all the watches released by Zenith, TAG Heuer, Louis Vuitton, and Daniel Roth (to name a few). We review all the releases and share our thoughts on those we found worth highlighting. With Watches and Wonders just a couple of months away, you might not have expected the deluge of novelties, but it seems LVMH and its brands have more than one ace up their sleeve. It's a strong start to the year for watches, setting the bar high for 2025. 

Welcome back to another episode of Fratello On Air! This week, we discuss a popular request from our listeners about traveling with watches. We've discussed this topic before, but it's been a while since we last did so. For our listeners, we begin the watch content after 32 minutes. 

Traveling with watches is a typical topic on forums and boards. Some may think it's a tired subject, but with new collectors always entering the fray, the theme deserves more attention. Plus, with new schemes arising to defraud watch wearers, it is constantly on some folks' minds.

Handgelenkskontrolle

To kick off this episode, we have a lengthy chat about Burns Night, television, movies, and shoes. Balazs mentions one of his favorite Scottish comedians, Kevin Bridges. We've been watching or awaiting titles such as The Night Agent, Nosferatu, Cross, Shining Girls, Paradise, Landman, and a documentary on Kimbo Slice on the VICE channel. Regarding shoes, the latest Nike Air Tech Challenge 2 retro tennis shoes worn by Andre Agassi are about to launch. We discuss the anniversary of Kobe Bryant's tragic death and mention the upcoming Nike Kobe V Protro "Year of the Mamba" shoes. For the Handglenkskontrolle, Mike is wearing his newly repaired Movado Curviplan with a black dial and an 18K gold case. Balazs is sporting a new release, the Nivada Grenchen Antarctic Diver in green. The piece is limited to 75 pieces with a date and the same number without the function for €956. Expect a review soon!

Traveling with watches

Several people in our Discord group have asked about traveling with watches. It seems that the new year will bring heavy travel, and with watch friends all over the world, it's fun to bring a few watches to show and tell. However, is this the best idea? We discuss the pitfalls of packing precious timepieces for the trip. Safety, forgetfulness, how to pack, and more enter into the discussion. We hope you enjoy the episode and thanks again to our community for the topic suggestion!

If you have ideas for future shows, please feel free to let us know!

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 safe buy for others. It’s a conversation about nuance, experience, and the difference between appreciation and recommendation.

Welcome back to Fratello Talks, folks! What's the best way to spend your hard-earned cash as a watch collector? Should you splurge on many or save for one special piece? One method satisfies curiosity and is fulfilling for some, but it can also leave you with your head spinning, a full watch box, and an empty wallet. The other limits you to fewer watches, but those can, in turn, be more expensive, rare, and "special." This is the topic of discussion for today's podcast. Nacho is joined by Daan and Thomas, who provide their thoughts on the matter and share their experience. If this dilemma has ever haunted you, be sure to tune in; this one's for you!

Welcome to another episode of Fratello On Air. This week, we discuss our favorite divers from the '60s, '70s, and '80s. We also offer more affordable alternatives. Enjoy this lengthy episode! For our listeners, the watch content begins after 27 minutes.

We're receiving some great show ideas from our listeners. For example, today's show on our favorite divers from the '60s, '70s, and '80s came from our chat group. We aim to please with this discussion, and it's one of our longest recordings yet!

Handgelenkskontrolle

We kick off our show with a lengthy chat about TV shows. The Penguin, Bad Sisters, and Silo are some of the titles we discuss. For the Handgelenkskontrolle, we're both wearing some of our favorite divers. Balazs kicks it off with his Doxa Sub 300T Sharkhunter, a big dive watch from the late '60s. Mike is wearing his early '70s Rolex 1680 Red Submariner.

Our favorite divers

We head to the main topic and mention a watch from each decade along with an affordable alternative. Two top picks per decade isn't a lot, so we expect differing views in the comments section. During the episode, we discuss the following:

'60s:

• Doxa Sub 300
• Seiko 6159-7000 / 7001
• Skin Divers
• Aquastar 63

'70s:

• Rolex Submariner 5512 / 5513
• Omega Seamaster 166.068 "Banana" and 166.091"Pilot Case"
• Lucerne / Caravelle / Other Skin Divers
• Citizen Crystron 4-730453 Y 150M Diver

'80s:

• CWC Royal Navy Quartz
• TAG Heuer Super Professional
• Citizen 51-2273 150M Diver
• Zodiac Super Sea Wolf 506.54.44 "Sawtooth" (yes, this is technically from the '90s)

We hope you enjoy today's episode. If you have ideas for future episodes, please feel free to let us know.

Welcome to this week's episode of Fratello Talks. How much should you spend on your first watch? It's a valid question we've all faced at some point. However, there are plenty of different ways to answer it. Today, Nacho, RJ, and Daan delve into the topic and discuss their approaches to budgeting for a first watch. It's worth mentioning that we aren't talking about a "first-ever" watch but, rather, a first "nicer" watch. Whether you ultimately decide to go all out or cleverly invest a smaller amount to test the waters, we hope today's discussion will help you navigate the subject.

Welcome back to another episode of Fratello On Air! This week, we discuss the watch community and how to find a group of like-minded (or differently minded) people within it. Whether you seek to meet people in person or online, there's even a great option if you don't live in a major city. For our listeners, the watch content begins after 25 minutes.

At times, it feels like the watch community is an exclusive place. Flashy Instagram photos in New York show groups of people having fun around watches. But how can typical watch fans living in more rural areas have fun and meet people? Plus, are you missing something if you're not at these parties? We chat about the community and how to find your cadre of collectors. A big thanks to Kevin, who suggested today's topic!

Handgelenkskontrolle

Guess what? The dad joke is back, and Balazs falls for it hook, line, and sinker! We deliver on our promise to discuss sneakers, including the latest Nike announcements. New Agassis and the Deion Sanders Air Diamond Turf "Falcons" models are coming in a few weeks! For the Handgelenkskontrolle, Mike is wearing a 34mm stainless steel Movado ref. 14775. It's a simple three-hand watch with a lovely dial. Balazs is opting for a modern Ming 17.09 with the fantastic new Ming rubber strap.

The watch community

Look, we get it: the watch community seems daunting at times. The same names show up everywhere, and the whole environment feels exclusive rather than inclusive. Don't fear, though, because there are many ways to get involved and enjoy watches with friendly people. Reaching out to collectors of a similar brand or theme on Instagram is a great way to learn and become active in a subcategory. Chat groups are all over that app, WhatsApp, and Facebook. Before you know it, you'll be chatting away and enjoying watches more than ever! Different meetups also occur in smaller towns and cities. If nothing is happening, why not start a group? It's easy, and you'll be surprised at the response when organizing an easy night out to chat about timepieces.

We hope you enjoy today's show! If you have ideas for future episodes, please let us know.

What better way to venture into another trip around the Sun than by setting yourself up with a solid set of New Year's watch resolutions? In today's episode, Nacho, Daan, and Lex discuss theirs for 2025. They include everything from pondering potential future purchases to considering consolidating comprehensive collections. The guys also reflect on some of last year's resolutions and report on how they managed to (or didn't) stick to them. Finally, they also share a handful of non-watch-related resolutions they have set for 2025. We encourage you to share your New Year's resolutions (horological and otherwise) in the comments section below.

We're finally back with another episode of Fratello On Air after a lengthy break from the holidays, illness, and travel! This week, we're reflecting on 2024 and some key events that shaped the year. Enjoy the episode, and we look forward to 2025! For our listeners, the watch content begins after 27 minutes.

Whew, it's been a few weeks since we last recorded. The holiday period was fantastic, but we had a bout of the flu. Finally, illnesses have subsided, and we're reflecting on 2024. In many ways, this was a tough year for the industry, but it was a great year for the community.

Handgelenkskontrolle

Before reflecting on 2024, we discuss a variety of topics. Our Handgelenkskontrolle signals a rare instance when we've come together and are wearing the same brand. Balazs is wearing his beloved new Angelus Chrono Dato Luxe. Mike received a package from Balazs on Christmas Eve. An Angelus 250 chronograph arrived from Germany, and it's a beauty. This sparks discussion on the next Angelus that needs to join Mike's collection, the 215.

Reflecting on 2024

Last year was a great one for both of us. The podcast grew, and we ran into a lot of listeners in cities across the globe. Thank you for listening! Today, we discuss the following topics:

• Geneva Watch Days
• The end of Rolex "for exhibition only" signs
• Balazs's purchases during the year, including his Rolex Submariner 5513
• Mike's purchases of smaller watches, including tanks and researching them
• The Omega Speedmaster saw a huge number of releases throughout 2024

We hope you enjoy this latest episode. As always, if you have ideas for show topics, please let us know!

Welcome all to a new year and a new season of Fratello Talks, your favorite watch podcast in the whole wide world. What should we expect from the world of watches in 2025? Nacho, RJ, and Lex share their predictions on today's show. Some of these are wishful thinking, but others are educated guesses based on anniversaries, notable dates, and insider secrets we swore blood oaths not to break. Okay, maybe nothing that secret will be revealed. But it's still worth tuning in because some of these predictions may just end up coming true (or be hilariously wrong). Being aware of some of the anniversaries taking place, which may be celebrated with corresponding releases, will certainly give us an idea of what to expect!

As we come to the end of the year, we’ll be looking back at some of the best watches of 2024. Nacho is joined by RJ and Lex, who have come prepared with a list of favorites under six pre-determined categories. And though they’ll discuss some of what they consider to be the best watches of the year, you can decide which of said timepieces will earn the title of Fratello reader’s choice for best watch of 2024. Be sure to vote for your favorite on the website (link below)!

The winner will be revealed after a week of voting. For now, tune in for an overview of horological highlights from the past 12 months.

Vote for the best watch of 2024 here!

Welcome back to Fratello Talks. Everyone knows Switzerland is home to some of the world's greatest and most renowned watch brands. But plenty of brands outside the Alpine region—and even outside Europe—produce high-end mechanical timepieces that can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with their Swiss contemporaries. Some of these non-Swiss brands have even garnered the fervent interest of collectors, who have formed communities around them. Some even rival Swiss manufacturers that have long held their place in the pantheon of horology. In today's episode, Nacho, Thomas, and Lex highlight more than a handful of these brands. From the entry-level value propositions we know and love to the very high-end of watchmaking outside the Helvetian domain.

Welcome back to another episode of Fratello On Air. In this episode, we stray from our original topic and discuss questionable vintage watches. Lately, too many questionable watches have received universal praise from "noted experts." We get on topic after approximately 15 minutes.

Sorry for the aberration. We both love watches from brands that are non-mainstream. This means that shady activity is often afoot from unscrupulous vintage dealers. Ingrain yourself within a community and quickly find out what's correct and what isn't. Hear about watches that have been passed around for years, but somehow find a home with an unsuspecting buyer.

Handgelenkskontrolle

Before we get cranky, it's time to discuss the Handgelenkskontrolle. Mike is wearing his VPC Type 37HW Dove Grey. The watch just arrived, and it's fantastic! Balazs is still under the weather and is wearing his stunning new Angelus Chrono-Datoluxe.

Questionable vintage watches and dealers who need to disclose

We're not sure what put a bur under the collective saddles of our hosts. We started the show discussing an Angelus 250 that Mike bought and had delivered to Balazs. Balazs has an incredible spreadsheet of serial numbers, photos, and dial types. With this, he provided a bill of clean health before Mike bought it. Another Angelus 250 popped up on eBay, and Balazs checked the serial number. Someone, along the way, changed the dial and polished the case. This leads to a discussion about vintage dealers and a recent Movado Celestograph that sold in France for an eye-watering sum of €10,000. Unfortunately, the watch lacks a bezel, but many dealers and "experts" commented on its beauty. Further research revealed that this watch was offered to many collectors and dealers before finally falling into the hands of an unsuspecting buyer. To be fair, the watches simply needed more disclosure to allow fair consideration.

We hope you enjoy today's episode. Next week, we'll begin our year-end and holiday topics. If you have any suggestions for future shows, let us know!

Welcome back to another episode of Fratello On Air! This week, we discuss underrated vintage brands that are worth a long look. We've had these types of chats before, but it's always nice to see what we've missed. You'll hear some familiar names today, as well as about some smaller companies that could be new to you.

While both of us have a penchant for vintage Rolex, Heuer, and other well-known marques, our love for vintage brands is universal. Whether it's a cool piece from a one-hit wonder or an everyman's watch company that made some seriously good stuff, we're up for it. Today, we'll mention some oft-overlooked opportunities to grab some of that vintage goodness.

Handgelenkskontrolle

We begin our show with a discussion about Mike's home state, Florida. Then, we move on to television, where Balazs has been watching Tehran, Hijack, and His & Hers. Meanwhile, Mike has engaged his '90s youth with Love Story. For the Handgelenkskontrolle, Balazs is wearing his trusty vintage Rolex 5513 Submariner after his latest journey. Mike has been exploring modern watches lately due to the never-ending rain in the UK. This week, he's wearing his Aquastar Benthos H2.

Vintage brands worth looking into

There are fantastic opportunities within the watch hobby to enjoy great pieces at an affordable price. Sure, a vintage Rolex or Patek Philippe is a wonderful thing to own. However, with high prices, scary fakes, and the risk of loss as ever-present concerns, it's worthwhile to look elsewhere. Today, we're focused on vintage brands that don't get much attention but still offer loads of value and satisfaction.

We start our discussion with Bulova, a once-mighty Swiss-American brand that's thriving again under Citizen's ownership. Still, aside from a few pricey key chronographs and dive watches from the 60s, this high-volume brand has some gems that are very easy to find and affordable. With in-house movements and enough styles to fill a museum, there's likely something for everyone.

Roamer is another brand that receives almost no attention from collectors. This is a shame because the company made some truly high-quality and uniquely designed watches. Signed crystals, monobloc cases, and NSA bracelets are just some of the goodness one can find.

Wittnauer is another interesting case. Longines formerly owned the brand, and it is now another entrant in the Citizen stable. Here again, aside from a few select chronographs and an interesting electronic watch, there are oodles of fantastic references available for little money. In particular, see the military or military-inspired pieces.

Loads of options

We also discuss another Swiss-American brand, Gruen. From the Curvex to later models, there are plenty of great options. Similarly, check out bygone house brands from American jewelry and department stores. Companies such as Baylor (a Zales brand) or Le Gant (from Montgomery Ward) are often great places to find watches from more famous marques, like Heuer.

Finally, there's Mido, a brand that used fancy

Hi there, and welcome to Fratello Talks. Would you rather buy a watch from a microbrand or an entry-level legacy brand? That's the question Nacho, Thomas, and Lex ask themselves today. As we've begun to see microbrands develop and offer better quality and undeniable value while entry-level big-name brands stand relatively still, this has certainly become a valid thing to ponder. But do specs and value always trump a household name? And what about the difference in post-sales support? A legacy brand promises to be able to service a watch 20 years down the line. But can a micro/independent deliver on that promise? Clearly, there are many factors to consider, so tune in, listen to what we have to say, and then join the debate in the comments section below. 

Welcome to another edition of Fratello On Air! This week, we're back with a lengthy episode to see you through holiday travels or unruly guests. We received a listener suggestion to discuss our favorite watches from the '90s and '00s. We've added the '10s to the mix as a bonus. Wait 20 minutes for the watch content!

One of our favorite listeners, Richard, suggested today's subject. Our favorite watches from three different decades inspired our lengthiest episode to date. We hope you enjoy it and the special surprises along the way.

Handgelenkskontrolle

We kick off our episode discussing Japan-related topics. Balazs just returned from a quick trip to the country, while Mike visited Seiko UK in Maidenhead. For the Handgelenkskontrolle, Mike is wearing a Movado with Breguet numerals and caliber 125 that has just returned from service. Balazs is wearing his trusty Rolex Submariner 5513.

Favorite watches from recent decades

We enjoyed discussing our favorite watches from the '90s, '00s, and '10s. Balazs put in extra work and decided to bring affordable and expensive suggestions from each decade. He also mentions his favorite shoes and movies from each period. Mike joins the fray and adds watches, flicks, and kicks too! We discuss the following pieces:

• Omega Seamaster 300M 2531.80
• Girard-Perregaux Chronograph 47930 with a Lemania 1872 movement
• Audemars Piguet John Schaeffer 14994 BA
• Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Day-Date 25594ST
• Breguet Type XX
• IWC Aquatimer IW354806 Cousteau Divers
• Patek Philippe Aquanaut 5164R-001
• Rolex Submariner 14060M
• Vacheron Constantin Patrimony Traditionelle 82172/000R-9382

Thanks for listening to our latest episode, and thanks to Richard for the fantastic suggestion! If you have any thoughts on future episodes, please feel free to let us know.

This week on Fratello Talks, we're talking all things Breitling with author, collector, and brand historian Fred Mandelbaum. Nacho and RJ join Herr Mandelbaum in a conversation that starts in the early 20th century with some of Breitling's earliest wrist-worn chronographs and spans the brand's development to the present day. We touch upon the evolution that led to some of the brand's most recognizable collections, most of which are still around today. From the dressy post-war Premier to the brand flagship Navitimer and many others. We're sure you'll enjoy this extended and insightful episode, so be sure to tune in!

Welcome to another episode of Fratello On Air! This week, we discuss Japanese watches. That's a wide subject, so we attack it in different ways. Stick around to find out how we tackle one of our favorite watch genres. For our listeners, the watch content begins after approximately 17 minutes.

Japanese watches rate highly in the minds of both hosts. Mike owns a large collection of pieces from the Land of the Rising Sun. Balazs has a tight collection of modern and vintage stalwarts. Still, we're going to discuss some highly recognizable pieces and some of our favorites. This isn't exhaustive. Otherwise, we'd still be recording!

Handgelenkskontrolle

After some banter and an obligatory dad joke, we ease into the Handgelenkskontrolle. Mike is dressed for the occasion. He's wearing the Seiko Cronos J13846 from 1962. The watch has a two-piece screw-in case back. It's generally regarded as the brand's first waterproof watch. Balazs is wearing his hi-beat King Seiko 5625-7000, a lovely watch that continues to inspire Grand Seiko models.

Japanese watches

Our purpose in discussing Japanese watches is twofold. Balazs mentions five of the most well-known pieces from various brands. Mike heads in a different direction and discusses a handful of his favorite models. This was an extremely difficult task to come up with just five per person. Each Japanese brand has a deep history and, therefore, many important references. We are just scratching the surface! We discuss the following:

• Seiko Turtle in new and vintage form, one of the most recognizable dive watches in history
• Seiko 6215-7000, an incredible vintage diver that set a design standard
• Seiko SKX diver, probably the most popular "gateway drug" to mechanical watches ever
• Seiko Champion Alpinist J13043, one of the greatest designs from the brand
• Casio G-Shock original DW-5000C or its modern DW-5600 counterparts, the digital watch that started it all
• Grand Seiko 4420-9000 "44GS," likely one of the most important dress watch designs of all time
• Citizen Promaster Nighthawk, one of the most recognizable watches and potentially the most popular pilot's watch
• The Citizen Auto Dater Uni ADUS31201-T, a little-known gem that took on the Seiko Silver Wave
• Credor as a brand and the highest form of expression from Seiko
• Calendar Auto Orient 21 Diver T19755, a beautiful '60s JDM dive watch with stunning lume

Folks, that's a wrap, and we look forward to hearing about your top five Japanese watches. We're almost 100% sure they're different from our picks! Thanks for listening, and if you have any suggestions for show topics, please let us know.

Hello, and welcome to Fratello Talks! Today, we are celebrating our 100th-episode milestone with a special Q&A. We asked you to send us your questions, and you delivered. We've gathered, sorted, and selected said questions over the past few weeks, and in today's episode, Nacho, RJ, and Thomas come together to answer them. We cover topics ranging from the usual hypotheticals to journalistic practices, favorite watches below a certain price point, and even lessons learned throughout recording these past 100 podcasts. Be sure to tune in and stick around as your question might be one of the many that we answer on this celebratory episode.

Welcome to another episode of Fratello On Air! We're a little later this week than usual because we decided to record this episode in person in London. We discuss several topics, but we end with a brief holiday gift guide. Our watch content starts after approximately 20 minutes.

It's holiday gift guide season but also the last Time4APint of the year in London. Balazs has made the journey into the Big Smoke and we've decided to record in his hotel. We exchanged some gifts before the episode, are prepped for the night's festivities, and have holiday gift guide suggestions.

Handgelenkskontrolle

This week's Handgelenkskontrolle is complicated because we mention the watches on our wrists and several we brought for the evening's get-together. Balazs has brought the new Nivada Grenchen F77 Collection Ceramic, a stunning watch that starts at just €1,370 with a full ceramic case and bracelet. Mike has his Ming 37.02 Minimalist on an olive Jean Rousseau Barenia leather strap. We've listened to previous requests and have included a picture of all the watches discussed in the episode. From left to right, a '50s Tissot, an Omega 27 Chro, a Lemania 27 Chro, a Breitling Chronomat 769, an Angelus 250, an Angelus Chronodato Luxe, and a Gruen Ocean Chief.

Holiday gift guide

For the holiday gift guide, we each mention three different items. Some our watch-related, while others are great for daily life or travel. We mention the following:

• On Cloudmonster running shoes — Balazs swears by them and Mike needs to give them a try!
• The Fratello x Bergeon Mini Tool — both of us own one and it's a great stocking stuffer
• The Star 69 straps from Joseph Bonnie — these look like rubber Tropic straps, but are made of leather
• Treating yourself to a bespoke strap from the likes of Delugs or Handdn — there's nothing like a tailored strap to pair with your favorite watch
• The book, Chronographs for Collectors — we reviewed this in 2016 and it's a fantastic gift!
• Finally, the Rimowa Pilot Case — an expensive splurge, but such a cool piece for travel or storing camera gear

Thanks so much for listening and we'll be back next week with a new episode! If you have ideas for future show topics, please let us know.

Hello, and welcome, folks, to Fratello Talks. Germany's most prestigious watch brand has turned thirty this year! So today, in honor of their third decade of watchmaking from their seat in Glashütte, we're talking all about A. Lange & Söhne. Now, some of you may be thinking: "Wait, Lange has only been around since the 90s?" And you'd be right to question the fact, as the brand was originally founded in 1845 but closed its doors in 1948. After several decades of dormancy, Walter Lange, the great-grandson of Ferdinand Adolph Lange, brought the brand back to life. Since then, the brand has quickly risen to the top of the heap alongside prestigious that have been around for centuries. Today, we take a look at the brand, its watches, and what makes them both so special. 

After a two-week hiatus, Fratello On Air returns with an episode about how we research watches before buying. This is a listener suggestion that likely comes from the South in the USA. We know this because the message contained the word, "ya'll." Well, giddyup because it's time to discuss our top tips. For our listeners, the watch content starts after 20 minutes.

Specifically, our listener Adam emailed us and asked how we research watches with little published history. He's especially interested in how we approach long-dormant brands or those who exist in name only. We've danced around this subject, but it's time to go head-on and share.

Handgelenkskontrolle

Mike is in the middle of moving, which caused us to miss last week's episode. Our apologies! We'd also appreciate it if you'd send your episode ideas as we've lost our shared file! We kick off our episode discussing Sneakerness, a recent sneaker event Balazs attended in Budapest. Then, we discuss the recent PAM01655 and our displeasure with the display that reveals an underwhelming movement. For the Handgelenkskontrolle, Balazs is wearing the new Nivada Grenchen Antarctic GMT. Mike is wearing his trusty Rolex Submariner 14060M.

How we research a watch

There's no perfect answer when it comes to researching a watch, but we have plenty of thoughts. Firstly, ask someone who knows more about a given watch. Importantly, do this before buying! Next, we appreciate reference sites like Ranfft and other blogs dedicated to research. Old advertisements and catalogs are a good tip but need to be treated with caution if the illustrations are hand-drawn. eBay and old auction results can provide useful information. We also like Google Images and Instagram. Forums can hold key details even if many images have disappeared. Finally, YouTube is a newer medium that is increasingly useful. The reality is that researching a vintage watch, especially an obscure model, is hard work and it takes time. The key, once again, is to do this work before buying.

Thanks, Adam, for the suggestion, and thanks everyone for listening. Again, if you have ideas for future shows, please send them our way!

Could this be the next new Rolex? In today’s episode, we put ourselves in the shoes of the brand’s product developers and exchanged some pitches about what kind of watch we’d love to see Rolex release next. We fully acknowledge it’s practically impossible to guess The Crown’s next move. Still, it was a fun thought experiment to see which direction it could take. We discuss far-fetched wishful thinking, tongue-in-cheek suggestions, and potentially great ideas that genuinely got us excited.

Today, we're bringing back the fan-favorite topic of affordable watches. Nacho, Lex, and Daan picked one favorite under €1000 from their personal collections. In this second time diving into the topic, we have a more varied lineup than last time. On our first time highlighting affordable favorites, we ended up with three divers: two from Seiko and one from Citizen. Today's selection is a bit more varied and counts among it an integrated bracelet steel sports watch, a titanium GMT, and a bio-ceramic lookalike of one of the most well-known dive watches out there. Tune in to find out more!

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 same themes keep resurfacing. From in-house movements to size, heritage, and hype, the trio explores what really drives modern watch conversations and the impact these exchanges can have on the industry. 

Welcome to another episode of Fratello On Air. This week, we take on another listener topic and discuss passing down our watch collections or what might happen to our watches as we age. We're hopefully not near that time, but it's a subject worth discussing. For our listeners, the watch talk begins at approximately 17 minutes.

The thought of passing down a watch collection to a family member is natural, but what if no one likes watches? Even if they do, will they like the watches we've collected? We talk about this and more on today's podcast.

Handgelenkskontrolle

We kick off our latest episode with several topics before embarking on the main topic of passing down a watch collection. The latest release from Awake surfaces after Mike wrote a hands-on article. For the Handgelenkskontrolle, Mike is wearing his Ming 22.01 GMT. He's had it on for nearly a week with the brand's titanium bracelet. Balazs is on a Speedmaster kick with his pre-moon 145.012.

Passing down our watch collections

Inevitably, we will all need to think about what to do with our watch collections. In the absence of a deeply interested relative, what will we do with our beloved timepieces? Our listener, Stephan, who comes from Switzerland but lives in Birmingham has asked the question. The easiest answer is to sell them over time at some point. However, many of us fancy ourselves as curators and have built focused collections of specific brands or models such as Seiko and Angelus. We'd hate to see the collection split up, so perhaps museums or other collectors are interested in obtaining the collections as a whole. We discuss these possibilities and more.

Thanks for listening to Fratello On Air and thanks to Stephan for the topic. If you have suggestions for future shows, please let us know!

This week on Fratello Talks, we examine the Patek Philippe Cubitus. Nacho, Lex, and Daan join forces to discuss this hotly debated release from one of the world's most prestigious watch brands. Initially leaked via a magazine ad, the watch did not receive the warmest welcome from watch enthusiasts. And despite journalists at the launch event providing some positive silver lining to Patek breaking its 25-year hibernation from releasing new models, the online rhetoric remained rather cynical. Today, we speak on the topic and provide our honest take on what has become one of the year's most polarizing new releases.

Welcome back to another episode of Fratello On Air. This week, we tackle a listener question about pairing watches and straps with our clothing. Do we care or put a lot of thought into what we wear with our garb? Stick around to find out more. Watch content begins after approximately 20 minutes.

Halloween is upon us, which means starting the show off with another great joke to hear Balazs groan. Somehow, we get stuck on clothing brands including J.Crew, which takes us to the main topic. Our faithful listener, Saku from Finland, is back again and asked if we purposely pair our watches and straps with our clothing. It's a deceptively simple question that leads to a sprawling conversation.

Handgelenkskontrolle

When we finally get around to the Handgelenkskontrolle, Balazs admits that he's been neglecting his Rolex GMT-Master 1675. He's wearing it on an original period-correct Oyster bracelet. Mike is wearing a first-generation Heuer Carrera 2447 with a horribly overpolished case he purchased ten years ago. He's just found an older case online and will complete the swap within weeks.

Watches and clothing

When it comes to watches and clothing, it's fair to say that both of us live by loose rules. There are rules, though. We both prefer straps unless we're wearing a Rolex. Then, if our clothes are extremely casual, we shy away from strict dress watches and always avoid black or brown alligator and crocodile straps. We both enjoy a bold strap pairing with a more toned-down watch and a look that contrasts with our clothes. However, we never mix a black or brown strap with the opposite color belt. Is it a pedantic discussion? You bet, but that's why you're listening! Let us know your favorite watch, strap, and clothing combos below.

Thanks for listening to the latest episode. If you have future show ideas, feel free to let us know!

Hello, and welcome to Fratello Talks! Today, Nacho, RJ, and Thomas discuss some of the best watch bracelets, looking at every element that goes into one, from end link to clasp. There’s nothing worse than a bracelet that feels cheap or like an afterthought. The way you fasten it to your wrist is truly an important part of any great watch. And, as opposed to straps, which are ultimately “disposable” products, a bracelet feels much more like an integral part of the watch as a whole. In this episode, the guys take a look at examples of great bracelets from Rolex, Tudor, Omega, and more. Thomas even lends us some of his insights from having recently worked on designing and producing a watch for his brand, VPC. We cover all the stops, from the shape of the end links and integration to clasp size, micro-adjust, and sizing systems.

We're back with another episode of Fratello On Air. Balazs has just stepped off a plane from New York and is ready to record. In this episode, we kick off with a healthy dose of banter, touch on some news, and review the two watch shows that just concluded. Watch content starts after roughly 25 minutes.

WatchTime New York and Windup just finished and Balazs was on site. You'll hear about the events and how they've grown in stature. Plus, we discuss a certain square-shaped elephant in the room from Patek Philippe. We jabbered so much that the Handgelenks is last!

New York City

We kick off the show with a discussion about luggage and the Rimowa Pilot Case. Then, it's onto Balazs' retail and social experience in New York. Before we hit the main topic, we devote time to the controversial Cubitus.

Balazs was in New York for a full week and attended the two watch shows. There were a few debuts, but we had seen the watches under embargo in Switzerland or London. We discuss how the two shows have changed and also mention some of our faithful listeners who stopped and said hello. Some of the brands that make the highlight reel are Angelus, echo/neutra, Sherpa, Marathon, Furlan Mari, Baltic, Christopher Ward, and Maurice de Mauriac.

Handgelenkskontrolle

This episode, we end our show with the Handgelenkskontrolle. Balazs brought an armada of pieces to New York, but is back to his Rolex Submariner 5513. Mike is wearing his newly serviced sterling silver Omega 30T2. We hope you enjoyed today's episode. As always, if you have ideas for future shows, please let us know.

Watches are many different things: functional objects, fashion accessories, charming anachronistic timekeeping companions... The list goes on. But one thing they aren't is funny. In the world of watches, the only thing more serious than the timepieces themselves is their prices. But does that mean there's no room for humor and levity in the watch world? That's the question Nacho, RJ, and Lex set out to answer today. In an industry that tends to take itself rather seriously, we look to find rare examples of humor and levity with varying degrees of success. Though not always visible at a glance, when you delve deeper, you can just about identify the odd example of humor and levity in watches. In today's show, we run through every example we can think of, from the clever tongue-in-cheek humor of seconde/seconde to some questionable advertisements and the odd time (or two) when Rolex has cracked a grin.

Welcome back to another episode of Fratello On Air! This week, your hosts discuss the vintage watches currently tickling their collective fancies. Before that, though, there's plenty of banter about sneakers and watches. For your convenience, watch content starts after 20 minutes.

Vintage watches are some of our favorite watches. We're always looking and thinking about what to buy next. In this episode, you'll hear about what has us searching auction sites and sale boards. We also discuss the vintage market and the watches that will become popular (again).

Handgelenkskontrolle

Christmas came early in Germany and England. Mike received his Nike Air Tech Challenge 2's via the eBay authentication program and Balazs received the latest Nike x Travis Scott shoes from StockX. We then discuss a recent watch event in London held by 289 Consulting with 25 brands including Raymond Weil, Krayon, Doxa, Artya, Favre Leuba, and more. These intimate affairs are refreshing and a nice way to see a lot of watches in one place. For the Handgelenkskontrolle, Balazs is wearing the soon-to-be-released Albishorn Air chronograph. We cannot say much about it, but it's a different take on a vintage aviator's chronograph. Mike is wearing a just-received 18K Movado Curviplan with a black dial. The watch came from France and was a buying adventure.

Vintage watches on our radar

For our main topic, we discuss the vintage watches on our radar. You'll hear about Movado chronographs, Angelus, and Hungarian military watches from Balazs. From Mike, tanks, a nice early Heuer 2447 Carrera, and a later gilt dial Rolex Submariner or GMT-Master make the list. We then discuss the current vintage market and how simple dress watches have become popular. However, these watches have limitations such as a lack of popular, commonly known references. We also opine that '60s chronographs will make a slow return to prominence. Also, vintage Rolex sports watches such as the 5512 we just reviewed are beginning to awaken from a lengthy slumber.

As always, thank you for listening to our latest episode. If you have ideas for future shows, please let us know.

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 explain what we like and what makes us uncomfortable.

Handglenkskontrolle

After our quick weather run-down, we jump straight into watches. Last week provided a bumper crop of new releases. The revamped Omega Speedmaster First Omega in Space debuted and was met with near-universal praise. We're fans! Then, the quizzical Nomos Tangente 2Date dropped with its bonkers complication. Like many, we hope the watch previews other pieces to come. For the Handgelenkskontrolle, Balazs is wearing a special Grana chronograph with Hungarian military history. Mike is wearing a new old stock Certina Jubilé from 1971, a quirky tank-shaped watch with a manual wind movement.

Military watches

Military watches form an interesting sub-genre in our hobby. People collect them because of history, innovation, or even personal ties to the event or service branch. Some collectors have served while others may have a relative who fought for their country. Of course, some of these pieces were used by enemy forces. Some collectors choose to avoid these watches altogether. Then, there are modern military watches and collaborations. How do we feel about wearing a current production watch made in partnership with a special ops unit? We discuss all of this and more!

Thanks for listening today and we hope you enjoyed the show. If you have additional show topics, please let us know!

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 mainstream brands that they believe to be underrated. Being such a subjective topic, it's one that always results in a polarizing and interesting discussion that we know you'll enjoy. 

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 whole point of wearing one?

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 were in-house or off-the-shelf? It was never the case, it's that we didn't care so much. Or, we weren't told to care. Now, we have a veritable buffet of descriptions for how a caliber ended up in a watch case. It's all too much now and in the end, does anyone give a rip? We're not so sure.

Handgelenkskontrolle

This week, we kick off our episode on in-house and other descriptions for movements with a load of banter. Balazs discusses his time at a Turkish airport. Mike mentions a friend who purchased a gray market Rolex Submariner Date in London and how demand is alive and well. Then, both hosts failed in their quest to purchase the recent Travis Scott Nike shoes (Mike was trying for Balazs). Finally, Mike has had it with snarky, know-it-all commenters who want gold stars. For the Handgelenkskontrolle, Mike is wearing his Rolex Datejust Oysterquartz reference 17000. Balazs is wearing the cool new Nivada Grenchen Chronoking Mecaquartz Interchangeable Bezel. Stay tuned for an upcoming review here on Fratello!

In-house, designed by, made by, whatever!

Recently, Mike reviewed the new Norqain Independence Skeleton Chrono models. There was nothing wrong with the watches, but the movements were peculiar with in-house design and production at AMT. It got us thinking, do people really care about in-house, in-house designed, or off-the-shelf? We discuss the topic. You'll hear about mighty Rolex and the brand's purchase of Aegler, its longtime exclusive outside movement manufacturer. We mention Oris and question whether their in-house strategy has been helpful to sales.

We hope you enjoyed today's episode and thank you for listening! If you have ideas for future shows, please let us know.

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 you didn't know before.

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 because there is plenty to uncover deep in the digital library stacks. We discuss the effort and time it takes to scour the internet for information and the feeling of joy when something interesting is discovered.

Handglenkskontrolle

We are back in good form and before we move on to the main topic of watch research, we discuss travel, shoes, and more! It has been two weeks and we have much to chat about during the beginning of this episode! We move on to the Handgelenkskontrolle and Balazs is enjoying a beachside holiday in Turkey with his Ming 17.09. Mike has unearthed a late '90s Junghans Max Bill hand-winding model he bought on his first business trip to Germany in 1999. It's a lovely 34mm stainless steel watch that is finally seeing some use 25 years later!

Watch Research

Mike leads off with a quick synopsis of his recent in-depth article on the Movado Museum Watch. A sizeable amount of watch research led to debunking a couple of myths surrounding these watches. We discuss the power of digital archives such as the Library of Congress, newspaper archives, legal case histories, and more! The work wasn't easy or fast, but it led to publishing new information. Of course, several people helped along the way. We compare this recent research to a 2019 Angelus military vintage chronograph collector's guide that Balazs wrote about in 2019 and how information sources have changed. Finally, we bring up the official new Submariner book and how it mentions production totals. What could it mean for Rolex information in the future?

We hope you enjoyed this latest episode and thank you for listening! As always, if you have ideas for future shows please let us know.