Podcast: Fratello On Air #11 – Where To Service Your Watch (And More)

Episode 11 is about the effect of the Coronavirus on the watch shows and the watch industry in general, where we service our watches and an open discussion on the Seiko and Grand Seiko limited editions.

This means we are all over the place in this episode, but we decided to touch a few different topics since it was already a few weeks ago when we recorded our last Fratello on Air podcast.

After the mandatory wrist check (see below), Michael and RJ discuss these topics in this 50-minute podcast. Our Fratello-on-Air podcast can be played via Apple, Soundcloud, Spotify, Google Podcast, and Buzzsprout.

During the recording of this episode, Michael was wearing his Seiko SKX011 that he recently sourced in the USA. RJ was wearing a Bvlgari Octo Finissimo in rose gold.

As we reported here and here, the Coronavirus COVID-19 killed the Time to Move, Watches & Wonders and Baselworld shows, as well as the Breitling and Grand Seiko summits. Michael and RJ talk about the impact of this virus on these shows and how brands deal with it. When we recorded the news on Baselworld wasn’t there yet, but to be expected. Michael also starts a discussion on having your watch serviced or repaired. How he finds a watchmaker, sources his parts and the role of watch forums. RJ elaborates on the importance of finding a good watchmaker when you’re a collector, and why you should find a (different) skilled watchmaker for your specific watches.

Another topic they touch is the flow of Seiko and Grand Seiko special and limited editions. How (Grand) Seiko changed their strategy over the last few years and what the effects are of these changes. For starters, we see more variations of existing watches and limited editions popping up. A good thing, or does it dilute the brand a bit? Michael and RJ share their thoughts on this topic.