Fratello On Air: Balazs And Mike Talk Travel, News, And More

A free-flow conversation about a number of subjects

May 17, 2022

comments 13

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 model. 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!

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Fratello On Air: Balazs And Mike Talk Travel, News, And More

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RR
WatchesSwiss says:

May 17, 2022 at 11:00

Hi Michael. In one of your previous articles (from years ago) about the Rolex GMT Master II, ref 16710, you refer to this particular reference as a “future classic”. Do you still feel this way? Overall, do you like or dislike this reference as a collectible? To answer some of your questions: I would take the GMT over the Sub based on comfort and appearance. No, I don’t use the GMT function on any of my GMT watches. Thanks. Cheers!

Reply
1. Mike Stockton says:
  
  May 17, 2022 at 12:24
  
  Hey there – thanks for writing and listening! Well, I think that the 16710 has cemented itself as a classic. People love them. As I mentioned in the podcast, I’m not in love, but I do think that it’s primarily due to the bracelet with SEL’s. It feels clunky to me and less comfortable but I’m keenly aware that many likes this upgrade. I’m firmly in the 14060 camp, but I can understand why some like the thinner more colorful GMT’s.
  
  Reply
  1. RR
    WatchesSwiss says:
    
    May 17, 2022 at 13:02
    
    Thanks, Mike. I like the 16710, in fact, I own one. I agree that it’s an iconic, timeless classic. The last of it’s era. I own a few GMT watches but won’t buy anymore GMT watches. I feel the complication is just “meh” now.
    
    Do you think it’s accurate and acceptable to call some new watches in a brand’s current catalog “iconic classics”? A friend and I have this disagreement. Can we call a watch that hasn’t stood the test of time “iconic and classic?” Please help us to settle this difference of opinion. Thanks.
    
    Reply
    1. SB
      S.M.B says:
      
      May 17, 2022 at 16:52
      
      I think it depends on the watch when calling new watches icons. For me a new watch that is an icon has to have a model rooted in history or some other redeeming quality.
      
      For those new watches I think of the Rolex 124270 and its return to 36mm. I would also put the 3861 Speedy in this as it is an icon with an upgraded movement. I would also call the Moonswatch and even Apple Watch icons as they have done, or will do so much to bring people into the hobby of fine watches.
      
      Reply
      1. RR
        WatchesSwiss says:
        
        May 17, 2022 at 19:00
        
        Hi S.M.B. The term “vintage” is used loosely and many have different definitions. I think the same is true for the words “timeless, classic, iconic.”
        
        I agree that some modern day, current catalog watches can be described as, “timeless, classic, and iconic.” For example, a few of the Cartier Tank watches, a few of the the JLC Reverso watches, and the Omega Moonwatch Professional watch and a few other Speedmasters. But I’m of the opinion that the Rolex Oyster Perpetual Tiffany dial, the Rolex Explorer, ref 124270, the Cartier Santos de Cartier, Patek Calatrava, ref 5226G, and all the remakes are technically not timeless, classic or iconic. Hope that makes sense. Just my two cents.
        
        Reply
    2. Ray says:
      
      May 18, 2022 at 08:45
      
      The watch need not be old to *look* iconic or classic , just has to use a tried and true design, one of the originals IS CLASSIC . The rest are just reusing or referencing that look.
      
      Reply
      1. RR
        WatchesSwiss says:
        
        May 18, 2022 at 09:51
        
        Yes, the originals can definitely be described as iconic, classics, or timeless. The newer references of the same models can say they have iconic or classic looks or are based on an iconic or classic design BUT they themselves are not iconic, classic or timeless unless…there’s those nuances.
        
        Reply
      2. RR
        WatchesSwiss says:
        
        May 18, 2022 at 09:53
        
        Anyway, we can add these terms to the Horological List of Overused and Poorly Defined Words. But I still think the Rolex GMT 16710 is a classic, iconic watch.
        
        Reply
B says:

May 17, 2022 at 20:53

Not sure I’m a fan of the red and white checkered Omega. Is there a reason for that, or is it just purely a design decision? Makes it look like a Checkers (fast-food restaurant) -themed watch.

Reply
1. Robert-Jan says:
  
  May 17, 2022 at 21:04
  
  That’s the Tintin inspired watch. It’s long time discontinued now and fetching incredibly high prices. For background info, read: https://www.fratellowatches.com/speedy-tuesday-speedmaster-tintin/
  
  Reply
Koji says:

May 17, 2022 at 21:02

On your last episode you talked about recent shipping woes. I just had a vintage Omega Chronostop shipped to me via eBay’s global shipping services. The watch arrived with the second hand completely snapped off of the center pinion. The post was still embedded in the pinion and the hand was floating loose on the dial. I took it to my local watchmaker who said that the calibre 865 orange second hands are no longer available to him for replacement. EBay ended up refunding me the amount I paid.

Reply
Jason Heaton says:

May 17, 2022 at 21:39

Thanks for the mention, guys! Mike, it was great catching up. Let’s not wait til another pandemic or depth record Omega launch!

Reply
AK
Asko says:

May 19, 2022 at 00:20

Another great episode, Mike and Balazs. I like the free flow discussion, it doesn’t always have to be about watches.

If you’re looking for another brand to cover I’d like to suggest Sinn. They make quintessential tool watches and have been on my radar for a very long time.

Sinn have a lot of variety and make amazing watches especially for their price point. I’m very curious which references you two would pick.

Cheers from Canada!

(Go Oilers Go!!!)

Asko

Reply