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Fratello On Air: Balazs & Mike Talk Seiko Nov 01, 2022

Show notes

Well, hello folks! After a one-week respite, we're back with another episode of Fratello on Air! This time, we talk about Seiko and each discusses a couple of our favorite pieces. We must warn you, this is only the beginning...

Seiko is an absolute favorite here at Fratello, which makes picking favorites a daunting endeavor! Still, we've managed to start down the path in what will likely be the first of many episodes covering this storied brand. Of course, there's plenty of banter before getting into the main subject.
Handgelenks Kontrolle

Before moving to the Handgelenks Kontrolle and Seiko, the dynamic duo hit upon a few topics. Firstly, Mike is on the way to the Big Easy for the first time and Balazs is prepping for a seriously hectic schedule. Mike mentions his ho-hum experience at the "new" Berlin airport and a humorous tour of Szczecin, Poland. Both are excited to watch the newly released All Quiet On The Western Front film on Netflix and in theaters. As far as watches, Mike has on the new Monta Skyquest and is truly impressed by the fit and finish (review soon!). Balazs is wearing yet another lovely Excelsior Park — this time with the three-register EP40 movement.
Seiko

When it comes to Seiko, there are just so many models to consider. Somehow, we've each picked two to discuss, and hopefully, you'll appreciate just how much we enjoy these watches. We walk through the following pieces:

Seiko 6139-7070 "Baby Jumbo," an early automatic chronograph that Balazs has in his collection and truly loves wearing
6215-7000, which is Mike's all-time favorite Seiko diver that deserves more credit as a highly important watch
The Seiko 6117-8000 Navigator Timer, a late '60s "GMT" with a mesmerizing gray dial
Champion Alpinist J13043, which has a dial and handset that rank as unbeatable

We hope you enjoyed listening to this episode. Feel free to let us know if there's anything you'd like us to discuss in the future!

Balazs and Dave Talk Space Watches Beyond The Speedmaster (Urwerk, Fortis, IWC) Oct 31, 2022

Show notes

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

Fratello On Air: Balazs & Mike Talk About The Watch Market Oct 18, 2022

Show notes

Fratello On Air is back with a new episode and this time, we discuss the watch market. In the background, we bring up a couple of reports that have recently been published. There are some interesting numbers, but the market hasn't fallen apart to the extent where secondary prices are reaching retail. Will they?

The watch market is in a bit of turmoil lately as prices for hype watches have been on a 6-month downtrend. We discuss the recent third-quarter watch market report published by Morgan Stanley and go through some interesting and telling figures. The recent Chrono24 watch report contains some interesting figures as well. It collectively blows our minds how popular Rolex is versus all other brands.
Handgelenks Kontrolle

The Handgelnks Kontrolle this episode is on point! Balazs is sporting the new Doxa Army with green ceramic and bronze bezel. He declares it a winner and it seems that most people like the surprising color combination! Mike is wearing his Omega Speedmaster X-33 1st generation on an Artem strap. It has just returned from a €30 battery change and Mike vows to wear it more frequently.
The Watch Market

Let's start by saying that neither of us is predicting that the watch market is going to crash and burn to the point where Rolex Daytona models will be below retail. However, we do think that there are some serious macro headwinds that will continue to put pressure on the typical speculative watches. In the end, if it means that people will stand a chance to buy watches at retail, we're all for it and think it's actually more healthy than an overheated scenario. Funnily enough, if all of the hype watches were more available, neither of us would run out to buy something. If we did, though, the GMT-Master II with Pepsi Bezel ranks as the most likely candidate.

Thanks again for listening! We hope you enjoyed the show and as always, feel free to let us know if there's a topic you'd like us to discuss!

Fratello On Air: The Grandest Episode Yet — Featuring Grand Seiko Oct 11, 2022

Show notes

Fratello on Air returns with an episode about one of our favorite brands: Grand Seiko! That's right, it's an hour of back and forth about a premium line that got its start during the '60s. What are the favorite models from our hosts? Tune in and find out...

You've listened to our brand-focused episodes before and while we've taken on some big brands, Grand Seiko has so many great models that it was tough to pick our favorites. Whether we're talking about today or yesteryear, Grand Seiko is a treasure trove. Here's a hint: we've both decided to go vintage. With that, we've also decided to return to this brand in future episodes to focus on more vintage and modern pieces.
Handgelenks Kontrolle

Before getting to our Handgelenks Kontrolle, we discussed a recent trip to Washington D.C. where Mike had the chance to visit the National Air & Space Museum Udvar-Hazy Center. It's an incredible place that's only five minutes away from Dulles. Mike also mentions a run along the National Mall. which is a great way to sightsee while grabbing a workout. As far as watches, Mike is wearing his Grand Seiko SBGW047, a 44GS reissue from 2013. Balazs is wearing his newest Excelsior Park-powered piece, a chrome-cased Varix.
Grand Seiko

Things go awry from the get-go because Balazs picks the same Grand Seiko model line that Mike had in mind. Trust us, we don't pre-review and like to keep things spontaneous! All is well, though, because we spend some serious time talking about the true heavyweights from this storied marque: the VFA models. These watches were and still are incredible! Mike goes on to discuss the 4520, aka "45GS" models and focuses on the -7000 and -8000 models. Finally, Balazs closes us out with the 5646 models that feature day and date complications.

Thank you again for listening. We hope you enjoyed this episode. As always, feel free to let us know if you have any ideas for future shows.

Fratello On Air: Balazs & Mike Are Back With The Omega X-33 Marstimer And Rimowa! Oct 04, 2022

Show notes

Fratello On Air returns once again! Balazs and Mike are together after a three-week break due to heavy travel. It's a light-hearted show full of observations and head scratching. We talk about the Omega X-33 Marstimer, the Apple Watch, and even about luggage.

Yes, it's been a while, but the boys are back in town again. Balazs has been all over Europe while Mike has been in three time zones within the USA. We focus on the craziness that seems to surround collecting anything today and then dip into some discussion around the Omega X-33 Marstimer. It's two friends getting back together after a while...enjoy it!
Handgelenks Kontrolle

We kick things off with the Handgelnks Kontrolle and Balazs is sporting a brand new piece. He is sporting a Benrus Sky Chief with a freshly serviced Valjoux 72. Mike is wearing his Rolex Sea-Dweller 1665 "Great White" and talks about how small it is versus the current Deep Sea Sea-Dweller. The discussion meanders to the classic pilot's chronographs and the Glycine Airman.
The Omega X-33 Marstimer and Rimowa

Before getting into the Omega X-33 Marstimer, we talk about how Rimowa has seemingly gone the way of Rolex. Apparently, the well-known luggage sells out on a daily basis these days and draws queues in front of the boutiques. The horror! We move on to the Omega and while we really like the looks of the watch, we both wish that it had more functionality such as solar or some sort of connectivity. It's a pricey piece and we feel like more could have been done with the opportunity. We finish our discussion by talking about the Apple Watch and how it has become so commonplace today that it just might be worth a try. Scary stuff indeed!

As always, thank you for listening, and thanks for waiting for us to return! We'll be back next week with another episode!

Balazs And Nacho Talk About... Sep 19, 2022

Show notes

Fratello On Air: Geneva Watch Days 2022 Sep 06, 2022

Show notes

Fratello On Air checks in with a new episode and Geneva Watch Days 2022 is the subject. Balazs and Mike discuss some of the key new releases. As always, expect banter and clear views on what's happening around us in the world of watches.

Geneva Watch Days 2022 is a wrap and Balazs was there. He gives his impressions on some of the most essential new releases while Mike weighs in. Naturally, there's talk about other watch news and equipment. Enjoy!

Handgelenks Kontrolle

Before getting to the Handgelenks Kontrolle and our main topic, our hosts have a few items worth mentioning. Mike brings up a seriously lightweight and packing-friendly rain "shirt" from Patagonia called the "Houdini Jacket." It's available for men and women. Next is the Manfrotto Befree GT XPRO tripod, which has a nifty horizontal guide rail that should allow for great macro work. Finally, Balazs has stumbled upon the Baseus Magnetic Wireless Power Bank and vouches for its convenience. As far as the Handgelenks Kontrolle, Balazs is wearing his '50s Omega 2505 with a caliber 256. Mike is sporting his Citizen Homer HO150401 with glossy black dial and lumed indices.
Geneva Watch Days 2022

Balazs was on the ground during Geneva Watch Days 2022 while Mike watched from afar. We discuss the big release that wasn't actually part of the show, the Tudor Pelagos 39. Then, it's onto the Doxa Army, the new Bvlgari Octo Finissimo novelties, and the Oris Divers Sixty-Five with 12-hour bezel. We finish with thoughts on the newly announced pricing for the Speedmaster Professional.

As always, we hope you enjoyed the episode. If you have any topics you'd like us to discuss in a future episode, please let us know!

Fratello On Air: A Rant Or Two And Geneva Watch Days Begins Aug 30, 2022

Show notes

Welcome to another episode of Fratello On Air! This week, Balazs and Mike rant a touch after talking about a number of topics and before finishing with Geneva Watch Days. We were feeling a bit feisty on this one, so forgive us…or don’t!

Who doesn’t love a good rant every so often? As much as we try to keep things on a relatively positive note, every so often something raises our collective eyebrows. Today is that day! Still, there are plenty of other topics to discuss.
Handgelenks Kontrolle

Balazs is busy packing for his evening drive to Geneva Watch Days and informs us about the watches that will make the journey. On his wrist, though, is his prized Speedmaster 145-022“Transitional.” Mike is still living in his vintage higher-end Seiko world. He’s wearing a King Seiko 44-9990 from 1966 in support of an upcoming article on this classic.

A rant or two

We discuss a true-crime podcast called “The Yellow Car.” Then we shift to a documentary on the once-popular basketball brand, And1.” We recall the “Starbury” shoes that were supposed to revolutionize the shoe world…but didn’t. Mike also brings up the Mickey Mantle baseball card that recently sold for $12.6 Million…a sign that big spenders aren’t going anywhere anytime soon for top-grade collectibles. Balazs mentions an upcoming Michael Jordan-themed auction where a game-worn jersey is estimated to sell for around $5 Million.

The rant begins when we get to watches. We discuss a recent video made by a watch personality that is aimed toward Breitling and question the intent. Then, it’s on to a W.M.T. watch with a bent case that’s a replica of a battle-worn piece that took a bullet. Neither of us is impressed with the commercial venture. Finally, we talk about Geneva Watch Days and what we might see.

We hope you enjoyed this episode. As always, if you have ideas for the show, let us know and we’ll be happy to consider them for a future episode.

Fratello On Air: Random Musings And Vintage Grand Seiko Aug 22, 2022

Show notes

Welcome to another episode of Fratello On Air where Balazs and Mike return to talk watches and other semi-adjacent topics. Vintage Grand Seiko is in play towards the end, but there's plenty of other banter to consume as we near the end of summer.
Balazs and Mike are together again! Balazs just landed in Stansted and Mike returned from a weekend in Colmar, but they have united on the airwaves. In this episode, you'll hear about space-related TV, old trucks in Slovakia, straps, and, of course, watches. Vintage Grand Seiko comes into play when it comes to watches on Mike's radar. Balazs brings up some King Seiko models.
Handgelenks Kontrolle

Mike kicks things off with a truly brand-new (it arrived today) Sinn EZM 1.1 S and he's overjoyed with how well it fits despite its size. He offers a tip on some truly inexpensive but enjoyable straps from Fullmosa on Amazon. Balazs counters with his two-tone Rolex Datejust 16013. He ponders whether this watch would look good on a strap versus its stock Jubilee.
Vintage Grand Seiko

Before getting to vintage Grand Seiko, there are plenty of topics to discuss. We mention For All Mankind, a gripping TV show that's currently receiving great reviews. Then, we discuss old trucks from before the fall of the Berlin Wall. The Casio WV-59 Wave Ceptor from Better Call Saul has arrived, so expect a fun review soon! Gregoriades.com has some great-looking FKM Tropic-style straps with "Rally" holes and quick-release spring bars. Then, we come to Grand Seiko and we discuss the 44GS, the 4520-7000, and the SBGW235. We pivot slightly to some beautiful King Seiko models as well and end with custom display backs.

As always, we hope you enjoyed this episode. Feel free to let us know if there's anything you'd like us to cover in a future edition!

Fratello On Air: Balazs & Mike Talk Casio Aug 16, 2022

Show notes

Fratello On Air returns with an amusing look at Casio. That's right, it's not just about GShock this time! With these picks, get ready to measure temperature, barometer, and other fun data.

Yes, Casio is in focus with Balazs and Mike on the airwaves. In this episode, the duo talks about a couple of their favorite watches from the Shibuya-based brand. As mentioned, there's more to GShock when it comes to the digital powerhouse. The discussion triggers a walk down memory lane and we hope you have as much fun as our hosts.
Handgelenks Kontrolle

Before heading into Casio, it's time for our one and only Handgelenks Kontrolle. Balazs leads off with the newly delivered King Seiko 45-7000. He's really enjoying the watch and its manual winding Hi-Beat movement. Mike is wearing his DOXA 300 SUB Black Lung. He feels it's still one of the best reissues and wore it on recent trips to England and Slovakia.
Casio

We turn our attention to Casio and give a brief history of the brand that makes a whole lot more than watches. Furthermore, we share some stories from childhood when it seemed that everyone was sporting some sort of digital watch. Then, it's time to name our favorites. We throw in a few surprise models along the way and in the end, but here are the main topics:

The CMD-40, a watch that could be used as a remote control for all your home electronics
Casio AMW-320, an ana-digi diver that was even worn by Arnie in some great movies
TSR-100 Thermo Scanner — this watch has a barrel-like protrusion that measures temperature!
GShock Riseman "Men in Rescue Orange" GW-9200RJ-4JF, a watch that Mike remembers from a 2008 trip to Japan

Thanks again for listening and, as always, feel free to let us know if there's a topic you'd like us to discuss.

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