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Fratello On Air: Balazs & Mike Talk Travel, News, and More! May 17, 2022

Show notes

Get ready for a winding episode for this week's Fratello On Air! Balazs and Mike return after a one-week hiatus with news from the road. Enjoy this open discussion!

Mike has been on the road for much of the last month and Balazs is gearing up to leave. Movement around the globe forms part of today's episode along with a couple of news bits. As always, though, it's time to start with a Handgelenks Kontrolle.
Handgelenks Kontrolle

Balazs is sporting the new Nivada Datomaster Mecaquartz and we discuss this affordable entry. We also muse about how this watch looks like the Nivada Dato 4368 that Tomas reviewed for #TBT. Mike has pulled out his Omega Speedmaster Professional "TinTin" and decided to put it on the original bracelet for the first time in years. We're not sure how long that will last!
Travel and the news

We spend some time talking about the news. Specifically, we mention the new IWC Pilot's Watch for the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team. That sparks a conversation about racing in general. Then, we discuss shipping woes including lost and stolen packages. Regarding travel, we talk about some of the most common watches we see while moving through airports. Mike brings up the enduring Rolex GMT-Master II reference 16710 and 15 to 20-year-old Speedies. Balazs talks about Breitling. Finally, Mike mentions a quick coffee with Jason Heaton in Minneapolis and the Vertex AquaLion he was wearing.

As always, we thank you for listening! We're ready to discuss another brand, so if you have any suggestions, please feel free to let us know!

Fratello On Air: Balazs & Mike Are Finally Face To Face May 03, 2022

Show notes

Fratello On Air returns with an episode where both hosts are finally in the same room. It took two years, but the dynamic duo are together again. Face to face - reunited and it feels so good!

That’s right, Balazs and Mike are finally sitting in the same room, recording a podcast, and checking out watches. It’s a fun show with a couple reader questions and a look at a handful of watches from each host’s collection. Enjoy a candid discussion between two friends who haven’t seen each other in awhile.
Handgelenks Kontrolle

Before moving on to the main topic, the two discuss the recent DOXA ArmyDOXA Army release. They both offer their thoughts on this limited edition, sold out timepiece. Then, for the Handgelenks Kontrolle, Balazs discusses his prized Omega 27CHRO 12. Mike has decided on his Rolex Submariner 5513 MaxiRolex Submariner 5513 Maxi dial.

Face To Face

Once the formalities, are over, we decide to answer a couple reader questions. The first question relates to making a watch with a large lug to lug wear smaller. Next, we address a question about strap colors for watches with either black or white/silver dials. Then, we move on to looking at some key watches in the collection. Some of the watches we discuss are:

A variety of Datejust models
The Eterna 852
Various MING watches
A glorious collection of '40s and '50s chronographs
The Citizen Chronomaster Diver

We hope you enjoy this one! As always, feel free to send your questions. Thanks for listening!

Fratello On Air: Balazs & Mike Talk Vintage Chronograph Movements Apr 26, 2022

Show notes

Fratello On Air is here and we finally get around to answering a reader's question about vintage chronograph movements. Are there differences? Which do we like best? We attempt to answer some of these questions in a chatty, non-technical way. We hope you enjoy it!

Balazs and Mike love a good reader question and after over a month of travel and tackling different subjects, it was time to respond. Our reader sent us a question about vintage chronograph movements. Which do we like, are there differences, and should some be avoided? Well, we aren't watchmakers, so the technical discussion is light. Still, little differences find their way into the conversation along with some of our favorite watches that use these movements.
Handgelenks Kontrolle

Before moving on to the main topic of vintage chronograph movements, it's time for a Handgelenks Kontrolle. Balazs has come correct with his newly acquired Omega Speedmaster Professional 145.012-67 with a 321 caliber movement. Mike also enters the game with his Excelsior Park "Tuxedo Dial" with an EP4 movement.
The chronograph movements

For our main topic, we have decided not to boil the ocean. We simply could not discuss every vintage chronograph, so we chose our four favorite manual-wind movements with column wheels. As we mentioned, we aren't watchmakers, so technical intricacies are left for others. However, our research did point out that all four movements were stellar and that personal preference likely towers over true technical prowess. We discuss:

The Valjoux 72, is one of the most famous movements of all time. Its peculiar asymmetric pusher placement is a hallmark and its robustness is a key feature. This is the engine behind greats from Heuer, Rolex, Universal Geneva, and countless others.
The Venus 178 is a reliable, overlooked worker. Breitling used this movement heavily, but also Benrus and Clebar.
The Lemania 2310 (Omega 321) is the movement that went to the moon! However, lunar travel wasn't its only claim to fame. This movement found its way into many Omega watches and its predecessor, the 27 CHRO C12 is just as legendary.
The Excelsior Park EP4/EP40 just might be our favorite of all! This stunning movement is a niche piece versus the others listed here. These movements were used by Gallet, Girard Perregaux, and Zenith to name but a few.

As always, thanks for listening! Please feel free to let us know if you have any other show ideas.

Fratello On Air: Balazs And Mike Bring A New-Watch Rundown — Part Two Apr 19, 2022

Show notes

Fratello On Air returns after a one-week hiatus with Part Two of the new watch rundown. Balazs and Mike continue to roll through some of the more notable releases from the past month or so.

Who doesn't like a new watch? Well, if you're like us, the season's introductions mark an exciting period. Therefore, it was notable enough o mark the occasion with two episodes. Make sure to catch the first one if you haven't already!
Handgelenks Kontrolle

After a bit of chit-chat about travel, fitness, and normal life, the duo moves into the Handgelenks Kontrolle. Balazs is sporting a brand new watch with the Nivada Grenchen Datomaster Mecaquartz. Mike has received his MoonSwatch Mission to the Moon and the two discuss the fun around these watches.

New Watch Rundown Part Two

Then, we move onto the main part of the show and that's more from the new watch parade that has occurred over the last month. We discuss new pieces from:

Sinn — such as the 556, EZM 1.1S, and the U50 S BS
Doxa — looking at the new Whitepearl family
Citizen — with their new 200m Promaster Mechanical Diver
Vacheron Constantin — the triumphant return of the Les Historiques 222
Some additional tidbits on some of our favorite independents

As always, thanks for tuning in, and stay tuned for more from Fratello On Air!

Fratello On Air: Balazs & Mike Bring A New Watch Rundown Part 1 Apr 05, 2022

Show notes

It's time for another episode of Fratello On Air and, wow, do we have news! In fact, we have so much news that our New Watch Rundown will consist of two episodes. Enjoy the first one!

'Tis the season for all the debuts. Balazs and Mike are here with a new watch rundown! It's not just Watches & Wonders 2022 here, though, because plenty of brands have come to the table.
Handgelenks Kontrolle

As always, the duo kick things off with a bit of banter about Balazs's trip to Miami with Maurice Lacroix and then move on to the Handgelenks Kontrolle. Mike is wearing his fresh-off-the-delivery-truck Aquastar Deepstar Mid-Size chronograph. Stay tuned for a hands-on review! Balazs takes a trip to Saturn, not the german electronics store, with his new MoonSwatch! The two spend some time talking about the mania around these watches and some personal experiences near the Swatch boutiques.
New watch rundown, part 1

Next, we hit a number of new watch brands and discuss our thoughts on their newest pieces. In this episode, you'll find:

Breitling and their new Navitimer
Rolex with the new GMT-Master II, Air-King, and Yacht-Master Falcon's Eye
Tudor brought the Black Bay Pro, GMT S&G, Black Bay Chronograph S&S, and Black Bay S&G
TAG Heuer with its trio of Aquaracers
Grand Seiko with its Evolution 9 models and 9S64 duo

As always, thank you for listening, and be sure to check us out every week!

Balazs & Mike Talk Zenith Mar 29, 2022

Show notes

Fratello On Air is here with Balazs and Mike. This week, Zenith is in focus as the duo roll through their favorite models out of Le Locle. You'll be surprised with this list because the El Primero doesn't factor so heavily.

Zenith dates way back to 1865 with its founding in Le Locle, Switzerland. While we won't go back that far at all, we will look backward at some of our favorite models. Of course, Zenith makes some fantastic new models (ooh, we love that Chonomaster Original!), but bring two vintage nerds together and vintage is what you get!
Handgelenks Kontrolle

As always, Balazs and Mike kick off with a Handgelenks Kontrolle. Balazs is sporting his Casio G-Shock GW-B5600 with Bluetooth. Mike is wearing his vintage Technos Sky Diver on a bracelet.
Zenith

As mentioned, there's more to Zenith than just the El Primero and there are some proper surprises here. In fact, there are watches that one of our hosts had seen for the very first time. We discuss:

S.58 Diver made from 1958 to 1968
A3736 Super Sub Sea Chronograph Diver from the early '70s
A3635 Super Sub Sea Diver, a big 40mm piece that pairs with the chronograph above
Time Command Futur, an incredible '70s quartz watch with an analog dial and LED display showing the seconds
A386 El Primero because it's one of the most iconic chronographs of all time. We reference the site alphahands.com with its amazing research.
Defy Surf Quartz, a '70s piece that's highly on point these days with its integrated bracelet

As always, thanks for tuning in and we look forward to "chatting" with you next week!

Balazs & Mike Talk Hamilton Mar 22, 2022

Show notes

Fratello On Air is back with another brand-focused episode. We truly promise that we're not on a Swatch Group parade, but we will hit our third marque within the portfolio. Hamilton is our topic today with Balazs and Mike on the - erm - mic. Enjoy it because the guys really enjoy this brand.

Before we get to what was once America's most famous brand, we talk a little bit of news. Mike brings up the latest MING 22.01 GMT and asks Balazs what he thinks about "caller" GMT's. In the end, both think this is a subject that receives more scrutiny than necessary. It's not Hamilton time yet because next, it's time for a...
Handgelenks Kontrolle

Balazs is in point with his Hamilton Intramatic chronograph, a stunning modern reissue in blue. This watch will play a part later on in the episode. Mike is wearing his MING 17.09 in blue on the Universal bracelet. It's a watch that offers the perfect move from his recent blue-dial Datejust infatuation.
Hamilton

We move on to Hamilton and talk a bit of history. This is a brand that truly appeals to Mike as he lived in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, the ancestral home of this longstanding company. With the six watches that we'll discuss, watches from both Lancaster and Switzerland will make their appearances. We discuss:

Piping Rock, is an art deco watch that was first made from 1928 to 1935 and has a baseball tie-in
Super Compressor 600, a lovely 36mm diver
Odyssee 2001, the late '60s watch with a connection to Stanely Kubrick's 2001: A Space Odyssey (Balazs mentions the book by Horolovox where this watch is featured)
Military W-46374, the 33-34mm '70s and '80s military watch with a manual wind movement
Military Chronograph, a watch issued to the RAF and Royal Navy from 1970-82 and largely produced by Breitling. Head to cwcaddict.com for loads of information.
7730 Chronograph, built by Heuer and known as a "poor man's Carrera"...check those prices now!

As always, we thank you for listening - stay tuned for more!

Fratello On Air: Meet The Strapmaker - Alex Gravelle From Velle Alexander Mar 14, 2022

Show notes

In the second episode of “Meet The…”, Balazs chats with Alex Gravelle, the man behind Velle Alexander, a strap company from Minneapolis, Minnesota. Alex tells us why he chose this path, what watches he’s into, and which timepiece is on top of his wish list.

If you are a fan of the Fratello On Air podcast, first of all, thank you. Your support means a lot to us all, who sit down week after week to research, record, edit, and put out new episodes for your listening pleasure. I consume a lot of podcasts myself, so I know how it feels when my phone notifies me about a new episode from one of my favorite channels.
Velle Alexander

We featured Velle Alexander for the first time on Fratello in 2019. Then, last year, we revisited the brand, and I was happy to see how well the company had taken off since our initial article. Aside from the fantastic craftsmanship Alex imbues in his straps, he is also a great guy to talk to. His passion, attention to detail, and meticulous process never cease to amaze me. So, when the opportunity came to interview him for the next episode of “Meet The…” I did not hesitate one bit. The first part of our interview revolves around straps. We chatted about leathers, designs, special orders, and more. Later on, Alex and I moved on to other topics like watches, a bit about cars, and some more watches.

We finished the talk with a fun round of This or That, but not before he gave us his SOTC (as we often used on watch forums back in the day, State Of The Collection). If you are looking for a strap, need inspiration for what to get, or want to spend some time on IG browsing through watch eye candy, I suggest you check out Velle Alexander’s Instagram page. I kept on scrolling up and down during our interview, sometimes for questions, other times just admiring the level of watch (strap) photography he posts there.
The idea for our new “Meet The…” series is simple. We’ll feature another job or position in and around the watch industry or community in every episode. We’ll chat with watchmakers, owners of strap ateliers, CEOs, collectors, and researchers. It’s going to be fun and, hopefully, highly informative.
As always, thanks for tuning in to Fratello On Air! Feel free to let us know if there’s anything you’d like us to cover in future episodes.

Fratello On Air — WASP LIVE Episode 10 — Rolex, Angelus, Omega, And More... Mar 13, 2022

Show notes

Well, well, well. After a hiatus of almost exactly four months, WASP returns for the (very) long-awaited LIVE Episode 10, which was so important to Balazs and me that we even went down the route of decimal show numbers to ensure we kept our promise.
And keep it we did (eventually)! Now, for the first time in ages, the Fridge & Freezer presenting duo have the chance to chat in person. The show was recorded in one take and is available in video format too.
Check out fratellowatches.com to see us in all our dubious glory, as we rattle through our favorite watches from Balazs's private collection, mock my "old-fashioned" diameter preferences when it comes to Rolex, and discuss what those extended lines on the minute counter sub-dial of many aviation chronographs are actually there for.
When WASP will return to the airwaves on a regular basis, we don't know. If you've enjoyed the show and would like to hear more from us in this vein, hit us up in the comments section below.
Follow us on Instagram @robnudds and @ferenczibazs

Fratello On Air: Balazs And Mike Talk Certina Mar 08, 2022

Show notes

Fratello On Air is here with another vintage-focused episode. This time, we talk about our favorite models from Certina. If you enjoyed our previous episode on Tissot, this will be right up your alley.

Balazs and Mike return with an episode focused on Certina. Before getting to the heart of the matter, there is some news related to current events. Then, it's time to move on to what has become a tradition: the Handgelenks Kontrolle.
Handgelenks Kontrolle

Neither Mike nor Balazs chose a Certina for today's episode, but hopefully, you'll enjoy these choices just the same. For Balazs, he's wearing his Hi-Beat Grand Seiko 5640, a lovely example with both a day and date wheel. Mike is wearing his newly arrived Citizen Homer HO140501 from 1964.
Certina

It's time to move on to the main topic: Certina. After a bit of history, six great models receive mention.

'70s Argonaut chronographs with their column-wheel Valjoux movements
'50s and '60s DS 5601-013 and 113 with their incredible lume-laden dials
Biorhythm — a funky watch that belongs in Tomas' collection
'60s DS and DS PH200M 346.825 with their amazing dials
EA split-seconds chronograph — a proper vintage gem
1968 DS-2 Super PH500M — a diver used in the Tektite studies

As always, thanks so much for tuning in, and feel free to send us topics!

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