You Forgot To Buy A Proper Valentine’s Day Gift? Not On Fratello’s Watch!

Today is Monday, February 13th — the day before the sixth Speedy Tuesday of 2023. It’s also the day before Valentine’s Day, the most romantic day of the year. The day you celebrate your love for your partner with gifts straight from the heart. Last year, we spoke of a perfect pair of Swatch watches for you and your loved one. But if you’re reading this, it’s definitely too late. In an ideal world, you’ll have bought your heartfelt gift already. Reality, however, is often less poetic. Valentine’s Day gift shopping is almost always a rush job. We’re sorry if we’re causing you stress, but don’t worry, we won’t have you show up empty-handed. Not on Fratello’s watch! We’ve got your back. Well, we’re going to give it a good try anyway. Don’t rush to the store for cliché flowers, chocolate, or champagne just yet. First, have a look at what we managed to rustle up for you.

Did you immediately go to the Fratello online shop in the hope of finding the perfect Valentine’s Day gift after reading the headline? The fact that you’re reading this means you haven’t found what you were looking for. Of course, you didn’t find the perfect gift that saves the day. We have no romantic Valentine’s Day-themed gifts in our store; we sell watches! Like the upcoming Fratello × Aquastar Deepstar II LE, a retro-inspired tool watch that’s not at all romantic. Pretty? Yes. Romantic? No. There are also watch accessories like straps, tools, pouches, books, and stuff like that in the shop. And we also don’t sell insurance. And that’s too bad because if we did, we could recommend that as the ultimate present for your valentine. Maybe next year; who knows? For now, you will have to make do with these last-minute Valentine’s Day gift suggestions.

Book a room at the Hôtel des Horlogers — Over-booked? Not on Fratello’s watch!

Waking up next to your loved one with an unobstructed view of the Vallée de Joux could possibly be the most romantic thing ever. When you keep very still, you can even hear the ticking of the historical timepieces in the Audemars Piguet museum nearby. The brand-new Hôtel des Horlogers, situated in Le Brassus in the valley of horological complications, is quite the experience.

Designed by the Danish Bjarke Ingles Group as a six-story progression of ramps, the hotel has 50 rooms, two restaurants, a bar, a fitness area, and a spa by Swiss botanical beauty brand Alpeor. Things to do and see in the Vallée de Joux include hiking through the wonderful nature, breathing in fresh, Swiss-made air, and seeing historical buildings like the Jaeger-LeCoultre, Blancpain, and Breguet ateliers — you might give your favorite brand a call to request a factory tour. Oh, and visiting the Musée Atelier Audemars Piguet, of course.

Here’s another tip. Try to reserve room 607, and if they say it’s booked, just mention you know people at Fratello. Room 607 at the very end and top of the hotel is a spacious one, and it has an immense window — a couple of meters wide — for the best possible view of the valley and the Risoud forest. Oh, and also reserve two seats in the restaurant where French chef Emmanuel Renaut — he was awarded three Michelin stars and named “Meilleur Ouvrier de France” — works his magic, plus a spa treatment for two while you’re at.

Go skiing in Zermatt in matching Fusalp jackets

Nothing says “we’re a couple” better than wearing the same outfit. I know, wearing the same tracksuit while parading through the local shopping mall is frowned upon by many. But being all matchy-matchy can also be properly stylish. Picture this: it’s a sunny day in Zermatt, and with the Matterhorn standing proud and monolithic in the background, you and your loved one are hitting the pristine slopes in matching Fusalp × Zenith skiwear. Fusalp is a French luxury ski and ready-to-wear brand that, together with watch brand Zenith, created a special capsule collection for both men and women. And Zenith made two watches to go with the ski attire.

The Zenith Defy Classic Skeleton Fusalp comes in two versions. The black ceramic version (€9,700 / US$10,000) is limited to 300 pieces, and the white ceramic (€10,700 / US$11,000) one is limited to 100. The rubber straps show elements inspired by the Fusalp capsule collection. A very cool feature of the Fusalp × Zenith ski jackets is the storm cuff of the sleeves that features a zippered opening. It is designed so that you can comfortably wear and view your watch between the outer shell layer and the soft, fine-knit fabric underneath. Get the jackets now, and also book the last-minute plane ticket and a nice hotel while you’re at it. And once in the very picturesque and luxurious town of Zermatt, find a Zenith dealer and buy the matching watches. I’m sure you will get to enjoy a free glass of champagne while trying them on too. Now that’s romantic!

For your efforts, a discount code for the Fratello Shop

Did you see anything you like? Anything your partner would actually like? If so, congrats, and good for you; you saved the day. Now make it perfect by, for instance, putting the printed-out Hôtel des Horlogers reservation in an envelope with a personal letter composed of only loving words — we’re not going to do all the work for you; come on, make an effort.

And since you did make an effort, please enjoy this special Valentine’s Day discount, and spend it in the Fratello Shop on something you like. Use the code “I-Made-A-Valentine’s-Day-Effort-And-Now-I-Deserve-A-Reward” during checkout, and you will get a 10% discount on all accessories, including straps, pouches, cases, you name it. Hurry up, though, because the discount code will only last for five days, from Monday the 13th until Friday the 17th. Now go on, treat yourself; you deserve it. Happy Valentine’s Day!

Find and follow me at Lex Stolk • Instagram, but please, don’t send me Valentine’s Day cards; I prefer flowers.