Mike and I are celebrating Christmas with our loved ones this week. But this is the last Fratello On Air of the year, and we had to go out with a bang, so I recorded a talk with fellow watch enthusiast, New York Times bestselling author, and all-around nice guy Gary Shteyngart. Enjoy this special holiday episode!

Gary, a fan of Fratello On Air, is a delight to talk to. As he’s passionate about watches and horology in general, I had an easy job. Aside from Gary’s state of the collection, we touch on several topics. Nomos gets mentioned alongside brands like Patek Philippe, Rolex, and Grand Seiko. Gary also shares some inside info about the making of Succession, the HBO hit TV show of 2023.

Balazs and Gary Shteyngart

Gary and I at an event in New York. Notice that sweet Aquanaut on the bracelet.

Handgelenks Kontrolle

Just like the last time I talked to a collector, we do a quick “pour check” before jumping into watches. Gary is sipping some Amaro from a local distillery, while I’m making my favorite, a negroni. After the drinks, we arrive at the timepieces. A bit of a Rolex GMT-Master 1675 talk warms us up, but soon, we discuss what Gary is wearing. The watch he is sporting is none other than one the most understated and elegant pieces from A. Lange & Söhne, the Saxonia Thin in white gold. It is a beautiful, simple timepiece by arguably Germany’s best watch manufacturer. So it’s no surprise that the A. Lange & Söhne Saxonia Thin is one of Gary’s favorite timepieces in his collection.

Gary Shteyngart Podcast

Gary’s state of the collection as of 2023

Talking with Gary Shteyngart — Watches, books, and TV shows

Most of the watches in Gary’s collection are mentioned, from Grand Seiko to Rolex. Nomos has a special place in Gary’s heart, so it’s only fair that we spend more time on the German brand. We talk about the Nomos manufacture in Glashütte and share some stories about Berlin, which is both where Gary used to live and where Nomos’s other HQ is. An episode with a New York Times bestselling author is incomplete without a book suggestion. I request our favorite writer to give us his best watch-related books, and his answer is not surprising. But that’s enough spoilers. Make sure you listen to this episode of Fratello On Air.

We hope you enjoy this episode with Gary Shteyngart, and thank you for your support during 2023! If you have ideas for future shows, please let us know!

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