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Have you ever wondered if you're approaching the watch hobby in the way that suits you best or if social media has influenced how you do so? Today, on Fratello Talks, we're following up on some of Thomas's recent thought pieces with a more formal discussion. There are nearly infinite ways to approach the watch hobby. Some can passionately focus on just one reference, while others want variety. While a lucky few will casually purchase a grail-worthy piece, others will be just as happy with affordable, value-driven watches. It goes on and on, and it's how things should be. In reality, though, we all consume content online and on social media, which influences our perception and can shape how we feel we should approach watches. But those voices, while loud, are limited, and it's important to be aware that carving a path just for you is the way to go.

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.

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.

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? 

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.

Handgelenkskontrolle

Before 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 collectors

A 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.

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.

In the nearly 15 years since I began collecting watches in earnest, the watch industry has experienced significant growth. The last couple of years, however, have been a challenge. Inflation, geopolitical events, and other headwinds have now emerged. This has resulted in a tough market and high retail prices. So, what should brands do to reignite the passions of collectors and buyers? We don't have all the answers, but we discuss the topic in today's episode.

Yes, it's tough out there, and while there's plenty of interest in timepieces, the watch industry is working through a slow period. High list prices have exacerbated this, and we haven't even brought up the potential effect of further tariffs in some countries. How should brands navigate these challenging times and drive demand again? That's our topic for today. Enjoy!

Handgelenkskontrolle

Before we tackle our main topic, we discuss the recent Hungarian Grand Prix. Then, we mention recent travels to South Beach, where amazing watches were on display. Regarding our wristwear, Mike is wearing an under-embargo Aquastar. There's not much to say about this upcoming piece other than it's a diver and that it's a relatively thin watch. Balazs is sporting the SpaceOne Worldtimer, a wild blue titanium watch with an in-house module.

Does the watch industry need to reignite the passion of collectors?

Mike shared that several brands recently reported that the second quarter was incredibly challenging. This gave rise to our topic about whether the watch industry needs to retrench and figure out how to excite collectors. Sponsoring events and opening single-branded boutiques fit the traditional definition of a luxury brand, but is it what buyers want? Furthermore, have these luxurious touches contributed to prices that are now out of reach for some potential customers? We discuss these thoughts and more. In the end, we don't have the magic answer on how to create more foot traffic. We would love to hear your thoughts, though!

Watch modding is a topic close to many watch enthusiasts' hearts. It can also go from just a bit of fun to hugely controversial in the blink of an eye. In today's episode of Fratello Talks, Nacho, RJ, and Thomas dive into the topic, sharing their experiences with modding watches and highlighting some notable examples of both entry-level and high-end work. They also consider the brands' perspective on having their watches modified and the potential dangers behind modifying a watch to appear more valuable than it truly is. So, whether you're a modding master or simply curious about trying it, tune in to learn more!

The concept of a microbrand is not new per se. Small independent watch brands were plentiful in the pre-quartz times. However, the term as we know it today has only been around in the watch world for the last two decades. Contemporary microbrands are a different beast altogether, and though they come in many shapes and sizes, one thing is certain: they have established themselves as key players in the broader watch industry. On this episode of Fratello Talks, Nacho, RJ, and Daan discuss the role of microbrands today. It's more multifaceted than some might imagine, from being agile and fearless in embracing trends to providing a value-driven entry point for new watch collectors and influencing big brands to offer features that have become commonplace for these smaller players.

In case you haven't noticed, the first half of the year is already behind us. What better time to look back at some of the best watches of 2025 so far? That's precisely what RJ, Daan, and Nacho are doing on today's episode of Fratello Talks. The past six months have hosted hundreds of watch releases from as many brands, meaning the guys won't be able to do them all justice. Still, they decided to pick five watches each to offer a decent selection and keep the episode from running over an hour. So, tune in and check out 15 of the best watches of 2025 alongside some honorable mentions.