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The watch industry is constantly changing, whether through new product launches, shifting ownership structures, or brands reassessing their place in the market. Some developments have implications that go well beyond a single release. They can influence a brand's direction, its identity, and the watches it chooses to make. In this episode of Fratello Talks, Jorg, RJ, and Lex discuss a few recent developments that caught their attention. The conversation starts with news about Ebel following its acquisition by F.P.Journe and Chanel. From there, the trio turns to Zenith, examining its current position and how its proposed restructuring might impact the brand's future. It's an opportunity to look beyond individual watches and consider the wider changes happening across the industry.

Welcome back to another episode of Fratello On Air! This week, we return after more travel and a birthday celebration to discuss the Japanese watch market. While the topic may sound quizzical, the Land of the Rising Sun presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities. We talk about this and more!
As watch collectors, many of us visit various online marketplaces when looking for our next purchase. Often, we find the best opportunities in Japan. In fact, the sheer quantity of watches available in the faraway nation boggles the mind. There are also "JDM-only" pieces, which speak to the country's influence on brands at home and in Europe. Whether a collector is visiting the country or shopping from abroad, interesting cultural differences can make the buying experience unique.
Handgelenkskontrolle
We kick off our episode on the Japanese watch market with a return to Germany. Balazs explains a recent run-in with the healthcare system that felt like trying to untie a Gordian knot.  We then turn our attention to television and the cornucopia of fantastic recent shows. Mobland, The Gentlemen, Slow Horses, Tulsa King, The Terminal List, and Below are just some of the series we've been enjoying. For the Handgelenkskontrolle, Mike is wearing his vintage Rolex GMT-Master 1675. Balazs has opted for the 2023 Fratello × Nivada Grenchen Racing Chronograph.
The Japanese watch market
For our main topic, we share our experiences of buying and shopping for watches in Japan. We've both traveled there and purchased watches in person. However, we've also dealt with online sellers and marketplaces. For starters, it's important to note that before FOMO became a trend in the West, Japan was the originator of fervor for limited-edition products. Watches are just one example of the excitement Japanese fans feel for special drops. This helps explain why brands often produce Japan-only models or variants. We also mention Sinn and how Japan is, interestingly, one of its most important markets.
Regarding vintage watches, we've found that condition on the Japanese watch market is often superlative. This contrasts with the modern market, where watches typically receive a light polish to look new. In either case, though, don't expect much negotiation. In Japan, the price shown is typically the best the dealer can offer. Finally, when shopping online, take seller ratings seriously because there's often no buyer protection. Believe us; we learned this the hard way! For more of our detailed stories about the Japanese watch market, tune in to the rest of the episode.
As always, thanks for listening! If you have ideas for future show topics, don't hesitate to share!

Watch fairs offer something online releases and product announcements can't replicate — the chance to see watches in person, handle them, and talk directly to the people behind the brands. For enthusiasts, they can also be a great way to discover independent watchmakers and meet others who share the hobby. In this special on-location episode of Fratello Talks, Nacho and RJ are joined by Daniela Pusch, unit and editorial director of WatchTime. Recorded live at WatchTime Düsseldorf, the conversation explores the role of watch fairs today, how they have evolved, and what makes events like this valuable to both brands and collectors.

Welcome back to another episode of Fratello On Air! This week, Balazs is alone in the driver's seat while Mike enjoys his much-deserved birthday time off. Join us in wishing a happy (belated) birthday to "Mike Stockton from London, England." Instead, we invited our friend Sébastien Chaulmontet, Sellita’s head of innovation and the man behind the brand Albishorn, for a chat. We will cover a wide range of topics, from vintage to modern and in-house movements.

Sébastien and Balazs have been talking about having him on the podcast for a long time. His professional journey in the industry is astonishing. Besides, he is an avid vintage (chronograph) collector. Lastly, the excitingly different brand Albishorn is also his baby. Mike’s absence was the perfect opportunity to invite Sébastien for a casual talk. We split the podcast into three parts — Sellita and AMT, Albishorn, and vintage watches.

James Bond has worn some memorable watches over the years, but what about the people standing in his way? A villain's watch needs to do more than tell the time. It can hint at character, signal status, or offer a subtle clue about the wearer. So, which watches would suit the villains of the Bond universe? In this episode of Fratello Talks, Nacho, RJ, and Jorg turn their attention to the other side of 007's world. They pick watches for Bond villains, considering the characters' personalities and the details that might make a particular watch a good fit. We won't reveal their choices here. You'll have to listen to find out which watches each of them picked and whether the others agree.