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Welcome back to another episode of Fratello On Air! This week, we're both back in our respective homes before traveling again. Our show is about modern watches destined to become classics. Now, before you accuse us of focusing on money, erase those thoughts! We don't care about value. No, we are talking about watches that will be interesting several decades from now.

Predicting the future is difficult, but we're here to try! This week, we're focused on modern watches that will command respect in the coming decades. As you'll see, we have some caveats. We chose relatively...

Microbrands have come a long way. What were once largely associated with inexpensive, enthusiast-driven watches have developed into a much broader part of the industry. Today, small brands are experimenting with materials, movements, manufacturing techniques, and design in ways that can make them serious alternatives to more established names. In this episode of Fratello Talks, Nacho, Daan, and Jorg discuss how microbrands have changed the game. The conversation looks at how quality has improved, how ambitious design has become a defining characteristic of the segment, and why the price of entry has also changed considerably. The result is a...

Welcome back to another episode of Fratello On Air! We've been away for a couple of weeks, but we're now back (sort of) and have taken the time to record. This week, we're talking about the watches that got away. Yes, this is a sad episode, but not really. The fact is that both of us have been very lucky while collecting, but that doesn't mean that there weren't moments of heartbreak and regret. Enjoy the show!

Since we last spoke, Mike has been in Brazil, back in America, and on a long weekend in Surrey to...

Two watches should be enough — at least in theory. If you had no budget limitations and could own only two watches, which would you choose? The challenge isn't simply to pick two favorites. With only two spots available, both watches need to earn their place. In this episode of Fratello Talks, Nacho is joined by Lex and RJ for a hypothetical collecting exercise. They each have to build a two-watch collection from scratch, without a budget limit, while keeping versatility in mind. That means considering everything from daily wearability and different occasions to the types of watches that complement ea...

The case back is easy to overlook. After all, it spends most of its time pressed against your wrist, hidden from view. But turn a watch over, and the case back can reveal a completely different side of the design. For some collectors, a beautifully finished movement behind a sapphire crystal is one of the best parts of owning a mechanical watch. For others, a solid case back is the only appropriate choice, particularly for a tool watch. In this episode of Fratello Talks, Nacho is joined by Timo and RJ to discuss one of those seemingly minor details...

First impressions matter, but they aren't always the last word. In the watch world, some of the most enduring designs are also among the most divisive. A watch that initially seems too large, too unconventional, or simply not to your taste can slowly grow on you as your experience develops. In many cases, understanding a watch's history and purpose or simply spending time with it on the wrist can completely change your perspective. In this episode of Fratello Talks, Nacho is joined by RJ and first-time podcast guest Jorg to discuss the watches they learned to like over the...

Welcome to another episode of Fratello On Air! This week, Mike is in Florida, and Balazs is in Hungary. But we're here for you! In today's discussion, we tackle a listener suggestion. We're talking about entry-level watches and how brands approach this. Hint: it's very different today, with greater expectations from the buyer.

Jumping into watches 15 to 20 years ago was a much different affair than now. Social media was barely present, prices were lower, and microbrands were almost non-existent. Our listener, Cezary, asked us to consider the brands representing the new entry-level category. We do that, but...

Ask any seasoned collector what his or her grail watch was upon first entering the hobby, and chances are the answer will be very different from what it is today. As our knowledge grows and our tastes mature, so too do the watches we aspire to own. Sometimes the grail gets bigger, sometimes it gets smaller, and occasionally, it turns out we already owned it without realizing. In this episode of Fratello Talks, Nacho is joined by RJ and Thomas to reflect on how their grail watches have changed over the years. They discuss the influence of experience, changing...

Welcome to another episode of Fratello On Air! This week, we discuss sleeper watches from the '90s and '00s. It was an interesting period for timepieces, representing a transition from smaller, often quartz-powered models to mechanical ones. Let's just say that watchmakers were finding their collective feet again with interesting results. Still, there were gems, and we mention a handful.

While Balazs was still a wee lad, Mike was checking out watch shops during the '90s and beginning to spend some of his hard-earned wages by the early '00s. One of the sleeper...

All watch collectors' journeys are different. Some focus on a single brand, while others enjoy exploring as many corners of the hobby as possible. Still, there are certain watches (or even categories of watches) that many enthusiasts seem to encounter sooner or later. They may not become permanent fixtures in every collection, but they often leave a lasting impression and help shape a collector's tastes. In this episode of Fratello Talks, Nacho is joined by RJ and Thomas to discuss the watches they believe every enthusiast should own at least once. The idea isn't to create a definitive checklist...

Welcome to another episode of Fratello On Air! This week, we discuss watch brands, models, and styles that we like but would probably never buy. To be clear, this episode isn't about picking on anyone or anything. Instead, there are other reasons these pieces aren't on our wrists and may never be.

Like any other hobby, watch collecting has its trends, its darlings, and its go-to models. We're aligned with many of these, but there are aberrations. In this episode, we touch upon some of those favorites and why we would likely never buy them. Funds, personal...

Few watches have inspired as many variations, stories, and passionate debates as the Omega Speedmaster. Over nearly seven decades, it has evolved from a racing chronograph into one of the most celebrated watches in horology, with countless references that appeal to a wide range of collectors. Ask three enthusiasts to name their favorite Speedmasters, and you're likely to get three very different answers. In this episode of Fratello Talks, Nacho is joined by RJ and Gerard to discuss the Speedmasters that have left the biggest impression on them over the years. Rather than compiling a list of the rarest...

Welcome back to another episode of Fratello On Air! Apologies for the late publishing time, but a baby and the World Cup have us keeping odd hours. This week, we target a humorous but potentially dangerous subject. Misleading words when describing a watch, especially a vintage one, are rife within our hobby, so we attempt to shed light on them. Enjoy the show!

Most of us have taken an English or social studies course and were required to read a newspaper article and cross out the non-factual content. Once all the fluff was gone, the paragraph was...

In all four seasons of the Fratello Talks podcast, we never dedicated an episode to watch dials. We thought it was about time to change that. The dial is one of the most important parts of a watch, as it's the "face" that gets the most attention when checking the time. It often draws the most attention and can be the reason for you to fall in love with a specific watch.

Watch dials have never been more interesting. Whether you prefer classic enamel, traditional guilloché, intricate textures, eye-catching motifs, or even stone dials, today's market offers s...

Welcome to another episode of Fratello On Air! This week, we ponder what would be different if we started collecting watches today. We're not allowing ourselves to roll in with all of the wisdom and hard knocks we've encountered. It would be a fresh start. Of course, we start with some other topics, per our custom.

Is collecting watches different now than it was 10 or 20 years ago? You bet it is! In this episode, we consider life anew as a collector. Just imagine it! As you'll hear, our chat is more about where we think we'd begin...

On the 225th anniversary of the tourbillon patent, we sit down with Breguet CEO Gregory Kissling. Before taking the helm at Breguet on October 1st, 2024, Kissling served as Vice President of Product at Omega. Having known him for many years and collaborated on memorable projects such as the Speedmaster Speedy Tuesday editions of 2017 and 2018, we were especially excited to see him take on the role of CEO at Breguet. In this episode of Fratello Talks, Kissling walks us through the newest Breguet Tradition Tourbillon 7047, reflects on the company's remarkable history, and shares his vision for its future.

Welcome back to another episode of Fratello On Air! This week, we talk about car watches, a curious subgenre within our hobby. Sure, the automobile industry is massive and has an equally huge fan base, but collaborations between watch and car brands often misfire. This draws us into a conversation about what we think of when pairing our vehicles with a watch. Whether it's for driving or attending a related event, what works best?

Yes, in this episode, we tackle a challenging topic. Or, for some of our readers and listeners, perhaps it isn't a consideration at...

For many collectors, buying a watch is about far more than the watch itself. The experience of discovering, trying on, and ultimately purchasing a watch can shape how we feel about it long after it leaves the boutique. Yet not all retail experiences are created equal. Some leave a lasting impression for all the right reasons, while others can sour the excitement of a purchase before it even happens. In this episode of Fratello Talks, Nacho is joined by RJ and Thomas to discuss the watch retail experience. From traditional authorized dealers and brand boutiques to online purchases and...

Welcome to another episode of Fratello On Air! This week, we talk about how hype can help or hurt brands. Naturally, there are plenty of other topics on the docket, including television, German culture, and more!

Hype is a funny thing. Nearly everyone or every company wants it, but at some point, enough can be enough. From one-hit wonders to oversaturation, there is no shortage of examples of when a once-popular topic becomes played out or hackneyed. While we aren't here to predict which brands could fall prey to such a situation, we do talk about some...

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...

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...

For years, the assumption was that the world would only become more digital — more connected, more automated, more dependent on screens. And yet, in recent years, there seems to have been a subtle shift in the opposite direction. Vinyl records are thriving, physical books remain popular, wired headphones and MP3 players are back, and younger generations increasingly talk about wanting more intentional, less connected experiences. So, where do mechanical watches fit into all of this? In this episode of Fratello Talks, Nacho is joined by Daan and Thomas to discuss whether this broader craving for the analog could point to...

Welcome to a long-awaited episode of Fratello On Air! Well, at least we're excited to be back. It's been a while, meaning we'll cover some recent news from the watch industry, sneaker landscape, television, and even our personal lives. We look forward to catching up with you!

It's been nearly two months since we last published an episode of Fratello On Air. Yes, that's too long, but life has gotten in the way. It's mainly Mike who has had a crazy travel schedule, with just 36 hours spent in the UK in April. Balazs has been at the...

Every watch collector has wondered about this at some point. If you could go back to the beginning, armed with everything you know now, what would you do differently? Would you buy fewer watches, take bigger risks, or even skip certain phases altogether? In this episode of Fratello Talks, Nacho is joined by RJ and Timo to tackle exactly that question. Looking at today's watch landscape rather than the one they entered years ago, the three discuss the watches they would buy if they were starting their collecting journeys from scratch. Along the way, they touch on changing tastes...

Most of us here at Fratello love vintage watches, but not all of us are comfortable buying and wearing them. Do you wear it, or do you spare it? Damaging a vintage watch can be expensive, but it might also just feel wrong to wear it daily. Can it withstand today's abuse? Is it still water resistant enough? How about shocks? In this week's installment of Fratello Talks, RJ, Max, and Daan discuss whether they wear or spare their (neo-)vintage watches.

Mechanical watches were once essential tools for pilots, divers, scientists, race car drivers, etc. You’ve probably seen the advertisements in old National Geographic magazines, showing spelunkers proudly wearing their Rolex Explorers or a pilot checking his Breitling Navitimer, using it to calculate fuel consumption. For many years (decades) now, this has been handled digitally, as that’s quicker and perhaps more reliable and precise. Yet, we still call certain timepieces “tool watches.” Prime examples are diving and aviation watches that often cost more than an average monthly salary (or two).

Watch prices have been creeping upward for years, but recently, it feels like something more fundamental is happening. It’s no longer just about incremental increases, as entire segments seem to be shifting. Brands are moving into price territory once occupied by others, microbrands are pushing higher than ever before, and the old mental map of “what you get for your money” is becoming harder to navigate. In this episode of Fratello Talks, Nacho is joined by Daan and Thomas to unpack this growing dilemma. What’s driving these shifts? Are they justified? And perhaps most importantly, how does this aff...

Skeletonized watches and openworked dials seem to be everywhere this year. From subtle cutouts that reveal just a hint of mechanics to fully open displays that showcase the entire movement, brands across price segments are leaning into transparency. Whether driven by aesthetics, technical ambition, or simply a desire to stand out, it’s a trend that’s hard to ignore. In this episode of Fratello Talks, Nacho is joined by Thomas and Lex to discuss what feels like a particularly strong year so far for skeletonization and openworked designs. The trio explores why brands keep returning to this idea, what...

Another Watches and Wonders is in the books, and as always, it takes a moment to process everything. Between the main fair at Palexpo, meetings across Geneva, and visits to the various satellite events around the city, the week becomes a blur of watches, conversations, and quick (yet lasting) impressions. Only afterward do the highlights start to settle. In this episode of Fratello Talks, Nacho is joined by Daan and Max (our man behind the camera, making his podcast debut) to debrief after a packed week in Geneva. The trio discusses the watches that stood out, the surprises that...

"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?

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 apprec...

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...

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...

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 address a listener's question about price transparency in the vintage market. Does it exist, and if not, how should a new collector navigate these murky waters? Listen in as we take a long look at this interesting topic.

After last week's episode about what happens when a previously undervalued brand gains attention, we decided to focus on another deep topic. This time, we pick a listener's suggestion and discuss price transparency in the vintage watch marketplace. Thanks to Tachytales for the suggestion, and thankfully, we've got...

The microbrand segment of the watch industry has evolved dramatically over the last decade. What once felt like a niche corner of the horology world has grown into a thriving ecosystem of small companies producing thoughtful, design-driven watches. Some focus on value, others on originality, and a few are beginning to push the boundaries of what a small brand can achieve. In this episode of Fratello Talks, Nacho, Daan, and RJ discuss the microbrands they believe are worth keeping an eye on in 2026. These aren’t necessarily brands that just released something big; rather, they’re the ones the trio...

Welcome back to another episode of Fratello On Air! We're back (sort of) after more travels, and this week, we discuss the fallout that happens once a formerly unloved brand becomes popular. Call it sour grapes or wanting to keep something to oneself, but feel free to listen to our thoughts on the subject. Enjoy the show!

I'm sure you know what it's like to be holding a secret. No, I don't mean the salacious kind, but when you know of something good that others are ignoring. Sometimes, it's the best song on a new album that...

What watch would you buy with €5k in your pocket today? And what if you could spend no less than €4,500? That's the hypothetical dilemma we're tackling on Fratello Talks today. RJ, Daan, and Nacho have taken the challenge, and in this week's episode, they go through their picks. They were shocked at how few watches actually land within the price point, with Tudor holding the lion's share of options. Still, they managed to put together a varied series of watches, both new and pre-owned. Be sure to tune in if you want to hear about the watches they'd buy for...