Fratello Talks: Is Heritage Overused And Overrated?

These days, “heritage” might be the most overused word in watch marketing. Every other press release seems to reference archives, vintage inspiration, or a glorious past. But at what point does heritage become a crutch rather than a strength? In this episode of Fratello Talks, Nacho, Daan, and Thomas unpack the role heritage plays in today’s watch industry. Is it still meaningful? Is it overused? And are we, as enthusiasts, partly to blame for demanding it? As always, we kick things off with a wrist check.

Wrist check

Daan is wearing his recently discontinued Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Classic Medium Duoface. Few watches embody heritage quite like the Reverso. This design hails from the 1930s and is still instantly recognizable today. For Daan, it’s proof that genuine lineage can age gracefully without feeling forced.

Thomas has on the Vertex M100 A, a modern interpretation of the British “Dirty Dozen” military watches. It’s a contemporary watch built around historical inspiration. This is a perfect example of how brands lean on the past while delivering a modern product.

Nacho is wearing his Nivada Grenchen Antarctic GMT, a revival of a historic model that taps directly into mid-century tool-watch aesthetics. It raises an interesting question: when does a revival feel authentic, and when does it feel like repetition?

Fratello Talks: Is Heritage Overused And Overrated?

So, is heritage overused and overrated? Though potentially overused, it’s probably not an overrated quality, at least not when it’s genuine. Heritage can provide context, depth, and continuity. However, it shouldn’t replace creativity. The best brands manage to respect their past without becoming trapped by it. Now we’re curious: do you prefer faithful reissues, modern reinterpretations, or entirely new designs? Let us know in the comments below.