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Fratello On Air: Balazs & Mike Talk Travel, Theft and More Aug 08, 2022

Show notes

Welcome back to a long-overdue episode of Fratello On Air! Balazs and Mike have returned from lengthy travel and that forms the underlying agenda of today’s chat. There’s plenty more, though, so sit back and enjoy!

Yes, Balazs and Mike have been away for a couple of weeks. Balazs spent time in Japan after his vacation in Hungary. Mike flew the opposite direction and stayed in South Florida for some much-needed holiday. In this episode, travel sets the stage, but with watches as the primary focus.
Handgelenks Kontrolle

After a brief chat, Balazs introduces the newly reborn Vulcain Cricket that is in with him for review. He has the larger-sized model and we even get to hear it! Mike stepped off a plane only hours earlier and is wearing the watch that accompanied him for two weeks in a row: the new Breitling SuperOcean 42.
Travel

Before discussing travel, we discuss the new Glashütte Original Seventies Chronograph Panorama Date models in “Vibing Orange” and “Disco Blue.” Neither of us are fans although we do enjoy G.O. Then, Balazs recaps his visit to Japan and some watch-related topics. Mike talks about South Florida and a particularly weak visit to Wempe at Frankfurt Airport prior to departure. Finally, we cap things off with a talk about recent watch thefts and whether it’s beginning to shape what we wear when we hit the road. (Hint: yes) Is it safe to wear a Rolex or a gold watch?

As always, if you have a topic that you’d like us to discuss, feel free to let us know. Thanks for listening!

Fratello On Air: Talking About The Tudor Ranger And Field Watches Jul 19, 2022

Show notes

Fratello On Air is back with another winding episode where the Tudor Ranger and the idea of a field watch are in focus. Enjoy this flowing discussion while Balazs and Mike are sweating it out in Europe!

That's right, it's hot out there, but a little (or a lot of) heat can't keep Balazs and Mike away from the mic. Balazs is holding court at a castle in Chemnitz, Germany while Mike is roasting in Frankfurt. Both are looking forward to cooler days whenever or wherever. Before discussing the Tudor and what a field watch means to each, they take care of some wristy business and the news.
Handgelenks Kontrolle

Mike kicks things off with his late model Rolex Explorer 1016, a nice example within the field watch genre. Balazs debuts his new Angelus Datalarm, a stainless model that joins his gold-plated version. For a bit of off-topic news, Mike discusses airline woes and his unfounded excitement over the upcoming Rimowa Pilot's case. Balazs has received a pair of new, discontinued leather Adidas Stan Smith's.
Tudor Ranger and the field watch

Next, we discuss the new Tudor Ranger. We like the watch but aren't wholly convinced. Perhaps, seeing will result in believing. The Ranger sparks a conversation about the field watch category in general. What is it and why do people like them so much? Are we all adventurers at heart or do we simply crave a basic and capable watch with good legibility? We cover a lot of different watches in the genre such as the Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical, the Nivada Super Antarctic, and even a GShock!

As always, thank you for listening. Feel free to let us know if there are any topics you'd like us to cover in a future episode.

Fratello On Air: Balazs & Mike Talk Oris Jul 12, 2022

Show notes

Fratello On Air comes back with another brand-focused episode and this time, it's Oris! The independent watch company from Hölstein is in play and, as always, we've picked some unique models. Settle in and enjoy!

There's no doubt that Oris is a Fratello favorite. From the "FratellOris" to the Sixty-Five, we're fully locked into this fan-friendly brand. Most of us, though, know the company from the last decade or so. Are there some interesting gems from the past? Of course, there are!
Handgelenks Kontrolle

Traditional calls and that means that after some healthy banter, it's time for the Handgelenks Kontrolle. Mike kicks things off with his newly received Grand Seiko 6245-9000 (look forward to an upcoming review) and raves about its details. This also kicks off a broader discussion about King and Grand Seiko. Balazs pulls out a newly serviced black-dialed Angelus 210 chronograph. What a stunner!
Oris

When it comes to Oris, there's no doubt that the current models are winners. Did you know that there are some truly interesting older models? We take a look at a few of them!

Star ChronOris, although Balazs pinks a funky green version with hooded lugs
ChronOris 2005 Reissue, a 7750-powered model with a great kit
Star Diver with a case design that showed up on several brands during the '70s
Diver 7401, a wearable automatic dive watch from '90s
Oris Dynasty, a wild square watch with a manual movement and mirrored dial
The Divers Sixty-Five, the watch that put Oris on the map for many of us

We hope you enjoyed this look at some unique Oris watches! As always, feel free to contact us if there's a topic you'd like us to discuss.

Fratello On Air: Flaming Comments And Scorching Summer Citizen Dive Watches Jul 05, 2022

Show notes

Fratello On Air returns with a talkative episode. Balazs and Mike cover a lot of ground. Some of it is watch-related while some of it is not! We discuss the recent cranky comments on our site and ultimately spend a few minutes on our "grab and go" Summer favorites. There's a bit of Citizen headed your way. Enjoy this meandering episode.

Yes, Summer is in full swing and Balazs is sweating it out in Hungary. Mike is staying relatively cool in Germany. Our readers, however, seem a bit hot and bothered! Maybe some inexpensive Citizen dive watches will help assuage sore feelings.
Handgelenks Kontrolle

When it comes to the handgelenks kontrolle, Balazs is wearing his tried and true MoonSwatch Mars! This one is super lightweight, which helps beat the heat. Mike has also gone with a bantamweight in the Breitling SuperOcean 57. However, he has taken it off of the mesh for the first time and put on an inexpensive green canvas strap. Comfy!
Loads of other topics including Citizen

We hit on loads of topics today. Adidas Stan Smith shoes, Oakley sunglasses, and Swatch watches and sunglasses are just some of the fun. Then we talk about a recent Strap Check article where Mike paired his Tudor Black Bay Fifty-Eight 925 with the Forstner Model J. Our readers weren't fans! Then, we discuss the polarizing new Breitling SuperOcean and third-party movements in general. The Serica 5303 also comes up and Mike is interested! Finally, we discuss some of our favorite easy Summer watches. Balazs mentioned the new Citizen JP2007-17W Aqualand with an all-lume dial. Mike mentions his Promaster Tough "Ray Mears" and BN0220 diver. Enjoy!

Fratello On Air: Scottish Watches Join The Podcast Jun 29, 2022

Show notes

Rikki and David from Scottish Watches sit down with Rob for the first of two crossover episodes a la Murder, She Wrote, and Magnum P.I. (but with fewer murders and Rolex GMT-Masters).
Follow me on Instagram @robnudds

Fratello On Air: Mike & RJ Talk About The Rolex Day-Date Jun 28, 2022

Show notes

Fratello On Air returns with a focused episode on one of our favorite watches, the Rolex Day-Date. Mike and RJ are here with some serious heft on the wrist. You'll hear about their love for these decadent, yet classic pieces.

We really think that you're going to enjoy today's episode on the Rolex Day-Date. This edition features two watch fans in an unscripted discussion about the flagship of the world's most famous watch brand. The watches are different, but the admiration is similar. A word of warning, though, have the pause ready after the opening salvo to regain your composure!

Handgelenks Kontrolle with the Rolex Day-Date

It's no surprise that the Hangelenks Kontrolle sets the stage for the main topic. RJ is wearing his new-to-him 18238 in yellow gold with an equally champagne dial. Mike, goes with a watch from a different era and in a different hue. He's sporting his "new" white gold 1803 with a black dial. Yes, this is the watch that suffered an agonizing shipping delay! Both talk about what makes this watch special along with their memories of seeing it on the wrists of others or on TV. Enjoy the ride!

Fratello On Air: Balazs & Mike Talk Certina & The Stan Smith Interview Jun 21, 2022

Show notes

Fratello On Air is here with an episode covering several topics. In the end, you'll want to stick around because Balazs meets his "shoe idol," who is none other than Stan Smith. Not the shoe, mind you, but the tennis player with an incredibly famous shoe. Of course, we talk about watches as well...

That's right, Balazs has finally met Stan Smith and talks to him about several things including "the shoe." We also discuss travel and how good it is to get out again. There's also the topic of finding a MoonSwatch randomly and going hands-on with a new retro Certina dive chronograph.
Handgelenks Kontrolle

Mike is in Atlanta during this episode and it's a Sunday. He's heading back to Germany in about 6 hours. What to do? Well, he's wearing his Tudor Black Bay Fifty-Eight 925 on the Forstner Model J (and his Stan Smith sneakers). Plus, he has just returned from Waffle House! Balazs is in Germany and he's wearing the new "Mission to Mars" MoonSwatch that he unexpectedly found at the Swatch HQ in Biel!
Certina and the Stan Smith interview

We talk about travel and that includes Balazs and his adventures in Switzerland. As mentioned, Mike traveled to Atlanta and enjoyed wearing his Tudor as an "only watch." We discuss the new Certina DS Chronograph Automatic 1968 that he has in for review. After that, it's time for the Stan Smith interview that Balazs held in person while he was in Switzerland. Stan stopped in on his way to where else but the French Open! Enjoy it!

As always, thanks for listening to Fratello On Air. Don't hesitate to let us know if you have any additional subjects you'd like us to cover in a future episode.

Fratello On Air: The Breitling Navitimer Cosmonaute & An Interview With Fred Mandelbaum Jun 14, 2022

Show notes

Fratello On Air is here and we’re excited to discuss the recent Breitling Navitimer Cosmonaute release and provide an interview with Fred Mandelbaum. Balazs and Mike are on the mics again talking travel. Tune in and listen to their latest experiences.

That’s right, Breitling came with a new Navitimer Cosmonaute in the form of a limited edition model. It’s an interesting watch with an interesting build-up to its introduction. The introduction actually took place in Europe and there were some surprises. Enjoy the ride!
Handgelenks Kontrolle

Before hitting the new Navitimer Cosmonaute, Balazs and Mike do the usual with the Handgelenks Kontrolle. Balazs is wearing his beloved Eterna 852 and even shares a story related to the watch with his recent travels to Switzerland. Then, Mike brings out something he hasn’t worn in quite a while — the IWC Aquatimer 3536.
The Breitling Navitimer Cosmonaute

Mike had the opportunity to spend a couple of nights in Zurich for a Breitling event which included the release of the new Navitimer Cosmonaute. Next, we discuss the watch, its story, and a fantastic collectors dinner that loads of friends attended. Listen hard and you’ll even hear something from our friend Eric Wind — this sound byte will live on in eternity! Finally, enjoy a chat with Fred Mandelbaum where he shares some history about the original Cosmonaute.

As always, thanks for listening, and feel free to let us know if there’s anything you’d like us to discuss in future episodes.

Fratello On Air: Balazs & Mike Talk Longines Along With An RJ Interview Jun 07, 2022

Show notes

We’re back with another episode of Fratello On Air. This time, Balazs and Mike discuss Longines. This is an episode where we cover some of our favorite models and play an interview that RJ had with Giuseppe Maccio, the head of product at Longines. Enjoy it!

It’s been a couple of weeks since Balazs and Mike have come together due to travel and life in general. Here they are, though, talking about one of the most iconic brands in history: Longines.
Handgelenks Kontrolle

Before coming to Longines, it’s time to hit the Handgelenks Kontrolle. Mike goes first with the Tudor Black Bay Fifty-Eight 925 and brings a twist. He has chosen to add the Forstner Model J and the results are positive. Balazs shares his Angelus 215 that has been on a weeklong trip to Switzerland. Good for him for wearing this classic on the road!

Longines

We then move onto some news which is actually specific to Longines. The new Ultra-Chron debuted as a 43mm diver with a 36,000vph automatic movement. This is an impressive watch and we like the brand’s direction. Then, we move onto the main topic and begin to name our favorite pieces. We discuss the:

• Admiral, an interesting early ‘70s collection that reminds us of the Omega Dynamic
• The Big Indian ref 6111 – an amazing ‘50s military piece that weighs in at a daunting 44mm

We then cut to the interview between RJ and Giuseppe. Then, it’s back to a couple more of our favorites.

• The Nonius Chronograph with the Valjoux 72
• Finally, the Weems watches with their innovative bezels used for flight navigation

We hope you enjoyed this episode on Longines. Thanks for listening and if you have ideas for future shows, feel free to let us know!

Fratello On Air: Balazs & Mike Talk Bulova May 24, 2022

Show notes

Fratello On Air is back with another brand-focused episode. This time, Balazs and Mike focus on Bulova. Finding six favorites from this legendary brand was a real task, but we've pulled out some winners. We hope you enjoy it!

Bulova, the brand founded in New York in 1875, is on the hot seat. We do our best to find six attractive models to help paint a picture of how varied this brand was during its heyday and even after the quartz crisis. Expect the unexpected — especially when it comes to Balazs' picks!

Handgelenks Kontrolle

Before getting to Bulova, we take care of our Handgelenks Kontrolle. Balazs kicks things off with a new arrival, his "NOS" vintage Excelsior Park EP 4 chronograph. Congrats on the arrival of this long-awaited stunner! Mike is doing his best Balazs impression with the late '40s, early '50s Siduna Commander. This is a Danish brand, but a Swiss watch with a 36.5mm "waterproof" stainless steel case and an ETA 1110.
Bulova

For the main part of our show, we discuss six of our favorite models from Bulova. Before doing so, though, we give a little bit of history and bring in some stories about how we were personally impacted by this brand. Then, it's time to hit the watches. We discuss the following:

Bulova "Parking Meter" Chronograph ref. 7392 from 1973, a watch that Mike declares as his favorite bullhead
"Stars and Stripes" Chronograph C from 1970 with its incredible dial and mesh bracelet
Accuquartz "Woody," a 1973 collection with wood-grain bezels and even a diamond!
The Accutron series, which debuted in 1960 with a focus on the Spaceview and Railroad-approved models.
Sea King, with its small whale on the dial and Seamaster-like looks
Bulova Sea Hunter chronograph, a weird child of the early '80s with a Squale-like case and Valjoux 7736

We hope you enjoyed today's show! As always, if there's anything you'd like to discuss, feel free to let us know.

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