Welcome back to another episode of Fratello On Air! Please forgive us for the tardy release, but Balazs is traveling far away on the west coast of Canada. This week, we discuss the idea of a Summer watch. Normally, this topic inspires lists of dive watches, but we take a slightly different track. Enjoy!

If May and June are predictors, this Summer is shaping up to be a hot one! Therefore, it calls for putting some thought into one’s wristwear. In this episode, we conclude that a Summer watch isn’t just about a watch for use during two or three weeks of vacation. No, this is about watches that work throughout the season.

Rolex Datejust 16200 Watch 6

Handgelenkskontrolle

While we all likely work over the next several months, there’s a good chance of some downtime or lengthy travel. We start the show by mentioning the Diddy On Trial podcast from BBC Sounds. It’s a brief weekly summation of the trial that started not long after the star’s arrest. There’s a lot to learn in terms of court procedures and legal jargon, and the hosts make it interesting in a non-celebrity trial way.

Omega Speedmaster "Speedy Tuesday" Limited Edition

Next, it’s BBC again with 7/7: The London Bombings, which documents the harrowing incidents that occurred in 2005. It’s not an easy watch, but it’s incredibly well done and respectful. Conclave, the 2024 Academy Award Winner for Best Adapted Screenplay, is also worth watching. We also mention the new New Balance store on Oxford Street, London, and the new 991v2 Grounded Pastels that were just released. Finally, we discuss the F1 movie and the IWC watches announced for the film. For the Handgelenkskontrolle, Mike is sporting his early 90s Rolex Datejust 16200, a watch equipped to handle the current hot and steamy weather. Likewise, Balazs is wearing a great daily watch in the Omega Speedmaster Professional SpeedyTuesday 1.

Doxa Sub 200 Caribbean with steel bezel and rubber strap on wrist

What is a Summer watch?

It’s easy to assume that any Summer watch must be a diver. After all, we think about the sea or the pool during this time of year. However, for those of us who live away from the water, is there a reason to change watch styles in the heat? Well, in short, yes! Last Summer, Mike was shopping in London while wearing a vintage watch. It was incredibly humid, but the stores were ice cold. After leaving one shop, Mike’s vintage watch fogged up immediately. Therefore, our idea for a good watch this time of year typically has to meet the following criteria:

  • New and water-resistant, or recently pressure tested
  • Worn on a bracelet or a strap that’s comfortable and easy to clean
  • Possibly a larger watch that works well with short sleeves or Summer wear
  • Depending on one’s location, such as a busy city or a hectic holiday location, choose a worry-free watch and bring easy change straps for variety

We’d love to hear your thoughts below on a definition for this season’s watch when you’re at work or on holiday. Also, feel free to share some of your favorite models or strap combos. As always, thanks for listening! If you have ideas for future episodes, please let us know.