Fratello Talks: Humor In Watches
Welcome to this week’s episode of Fratello Talks. Watches are many different things — functional objects, fashion accessories, charming anachronistic timekeeping companions… The list goes on. But one thing they aren’t is funny. In the world of watches, the only thing more serious than the timepieces themselves is their prices. But does that mean there’s no room for humor and levity in the watch world? That’s the question Nacho, RJ, and Lex set out to answer today. In an industry that tends to take itself rather seriously, we look to find rare examples of humor and levity with varying degrees of success. Though not always visible at a glance, when you delve deeper, you can just about identify the odd example of humor in watches. In today’s show, we run through every example we can think of, from the clever tongue-in-cheek humor of seconde/seconde/ to some questionable advertisements and the odd time (or two) when Rolex has cracked a grin. But before we do that, let’s see what’s on the wrist!
Wrist check
Today, we begin with Lex, who happens to be wearing his rather serious Omega Speedmaster Broad Arrow “Replica” (ref. 3594.50.00). Lex’s love affair with the khaki-green Serica rubber strap is still going strong, and that’s precisely how he opts to wear this watch. This Speedy does not present any signs of levity behind its steely facade. However, there’s something to be said about its “Replica” name. Don’t let it fool you; it’s a bona fide Speedmaster!
As if to prove that very point, RJ is also wearing his Speedmaster 3594. He has chosen to wear it on the lovely OEM cognac leather strap with an Omega deployant buckle. It certainly dresses up this already serious watch. Is there truly no room for levity in watches?
Just when you thought it was going to be poker faces all around, Jacques Bianchi delivers. On Nacho’s wrist is the stunning Fratello × Jacques Bianchi JB200 Poulpro Night Diver.
Fratello Talks: Humor In Watches
Attempts have been made in the past to incorporate some levity into the all-too-serious world of watchmaking. You can see an example above — inspired by the infamous Joker watch, the work of renowned Russian watchmaker Konstantin Chaykin in collaboration with Behrens. Other attempts (see below) include the work of seconde/seconde/, Oris, Maurice Lacroix, Studio Underd0g, Mr Jones Watches, H. Moser & Cie., and (on rare occasions) even Rolex!
What do you make of the matter? Do you think humor has a place in watches? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments section below.
For now, we leave you with a horology joke:
A man goes to his watchmaker. He says, “My clock is defective. It only goes ‘tic…tic…tic…tic…’ unlike the others, which go ‘tic…toc…tic…toc…’.”
“No problem,” says the watchmaker, taking the clock from its owner. He then shines a light on the clock’s face and says menacingly, “We have ways to make it toc…”
Tune in next week for a brand-new episode of Fratello Talks!
