Fratello Talks: The Best Watches Of 2025 So Far
In case you haven’t noticed, the first half of the year is already behind us. What better time to look back at some of the best watches of 2025 so far? That’s precisely what RJ, Daan, and Nacho are doing on today’s episode of Fratello Talks. The past six months have hosted hundreds of watch releases from as many brands, meaning the guys won’t be able to do them all justice. Still, they decided to pick five watches each to offer a decent selection and keep the episode from running over an hour. So, tune in and check out 15 of the best watches of 2025 alongside some honorable mentions. But before that, it’s time for the weekly wrist check.
Wrist check
Daan is wearing his long-time favorite GADA watch, the 2006 Cartier Santos Galbée XL. This perfectly proportioned predecessor to current-day Santos models has heaps of charm. The completely square bezel gives it a different look, and while the date at 4:30 is sure to divide opinions, it gives the watch a functional edge. The golden factor, though, is the size. Something about the 32 × 45mm case just nails the sweet spot. Can you blame Daan for liking this one so much?
You won’t be surprised to see RJ going for gold with his 2019 Omega Speedmaster Apollo 11 50th Anniversary edition in Moonshine Gold (ref. 310.60.42.50.99.001). Just like Daan, RJ is wearing his “hero” watch, or at least one that has become synonymous with and ever-present on his wrist.
Last up to bat, we have Nacho, who is wearing his RZE × Fratello Resolute Pro “Contour” limited edition. We introduced this collaborative model in March of last year. With its coated titanium case and unique forged carbon dial, it still looks as good today as it did when it first came out. If you want to see a bearded Nacho taking it on a little adventure, check out the old campaign video here.
Fratello Talks: The Best Watches Of 2025 So Far
In today’s episode, Daan, RJ, and Nacho are taking a retrospective dive into the watches released over the first six months of 2025. They’ve each selected five favorites that debuted during that time, so clear your calendar and tune in to this special long-format episode to check them out. As always, we won’t give them all away here, but here’s a sneak peek at one pick from each of the guys. As seen above, RJ has gone with the new Rolex Land-Dweller. Though it is perhaps a controversial choice, it is also probably a safe bet since Rolex does tend to (in hindsight) make all the right calls. We’ll have to wait and see how we feel about it as the years go by.
Daan has selected something quite different, not just in price and form factor but also in that it’s a watch with a solar quartz movement. The TAG Heuer Formula 1 returned earlier this year in a nod to the original from the late 1980s. This new 38mm take on the original charmed Daan into selecting it as one of his top picks, and we totally get it!
And finally, Nacho has chosen the Citizen Promaster Aqualand 40th Anniversary limited edition (ref. JP2008-06E). You’ve heard him wax poetic about this one already, so we won’t get into it here. However, we will hand it to him; this sea-turtle-shaped diver is certainly unlike anything else out there and gets a well-earned spot on his list of favorites.
But don’t let the guys have all the fun. What have been your favorite watches of 2025 so far? Let us know in the comments below, and tune in next week for more Fratello Talks action.
