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• Fratello Talks: Swatch Group Releases 2025 [Live From The Utrecht Watch Valley Event]

  Welcome to another on-location episode of Fratello Talks, this time from the Watch Valley event in Utrecht, where the Swatch Group unveiled its latest novelties for 2025. In attendance were Nacho, Daan, and RJ, keen to get a full preview of the year's releases from the brands present. The event was packed with exciting novelties from Hamilton, Tissot, Rado, Certina, Balmain, and, for the first time, Mido.

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• Fratello Talks: The Experience of Visiting A Swiss Watch Manufacture

  Have you ever wanted to know what it’s like to enter the space where watches are made? These very real places remain an abstract thought to most people, as passionate as they may be about the time-telling objects on their wrists. You can read about them, see images and video, and hear all about them, but that only provides a two-dimensional view. As media voices in this field, we have often been lucky to get the immersive experience of visiting a Swiss watch manufacture. Today, Nacho, Lex, and Thomas come together to reminisce and share their experiences and impressions of visiting these places. They also talk about how brands’ facilities differ, touch upon non-Swiss manufactures, and give some advice on how to make the pilgrimage to Switzerland to experience this for yourself.

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• Fratello Talks: Does Storytelling Still Sell Watches?

  This week, on Fratello Talks, RJ, Thomas, and Nacho are taking on a topic that’s as old as the watch industry itself: storytelling. For decades, brands have built emotional bridges to their customers with tales of adventure, endurance, and achievement. Think of the watches strapped to astronauts on lunar missions, divers exploring the ocean’s depths, or pilots navigating across continents. These stories transformed watches from mere tools into symbols of aspiration and identity. But the landscape has changed. In 2025, collectors have instant access to reviews, historical records, and technical specs. Marketing claims are scrutinized in seconds, and many enthusiasts are less willing to buy into the myths. So, does storytelling still have the same power to inspire a purchase, or has it been overtaken by cold, hard data? 

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• Fratello On Air: The Watches For New Collectors Entering The Hobby

  Welcome back to another episode of Fratello On Air. This week, we answer a listener's question about the watches new collectors should consider when entering the hobby. It's a question that has been asked many times, but, frankly, it's been a while since we've tackled it. For our listeners, the watch talk begins after 23 minutes.Years ago, when we were new collectors, the Seiko SKX007 was the natural response when someone asked about the best first watch. It was affordable, tough, and had enough chops to be taken somewhat seriously. However, that watch is long gone, which leaves an opportunity for a new answer. Well, as it turns out, there are plenty of answers.HandgelenkskontrolleBefore providing thoughts for new collectors, we discuss some recent TV shows. The White Lotus, MobLand, Gangs of London, and The Agency are some of the series we've been watching. Balazs is wearing his newest acquisition, the Ming 22.01 GMT Kyoto. Mike has dusted off a vintage Seiko 6215-7000 diver. Both pieces are working well in the summer heat!Watches for new collectorsA great deal has changed in the watch hobby over the past decade. Microbrands were still relatively new, and the selection was limited. Now, there are scores of brands offering fantastic pieces at affordable prices. Names like Baltic, Lorier, Christopher Ward, and others have great watches with respectable movements. Plus, some of these companies have existed for long enough that they've become globally recognizable. The traditional brands are also offering some fantastic options. The Seiko 5 GMT, the Swatch Group with its bevy of brands, and even Timex have created some fantastic timepieces for new collectors. When it comes to used watches at the top end of our fictional €2,500 price cap, it's hard to overlook the Tudor Black Bay 58.We hope you enjoy today's episode. Feel free to let us know about the first watch you bought when you began collecting. As always, if you have ideas for new shows, please contact us.

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• Fratello Talks: The Best Chronographs Of 2025 (So Far)

  A couple of weeks ago, we discussed what we considered some of the best watches of 2025 overall. We realized that chronographs were somewhat underrepresented in that episode and couldn't let that fly. Today on Fratello Talks, we're discussing the best chronographs of 2025 (so far). You join Nacho, RJ, and Thomas in the studio, each of whom has selected three of their favorite chronos released over the year until now. So, if you're looking to do a bit of on-the-fly timing (or want a perfectly soft-boiled egg), put your finger on the pusher and get ready; it's time to look at some of 2025's most remarkable chronographs.

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