Fratello Talks: Waitlists, Limited Editions, And Things That Make A Watch Worthwhile
Welcome to a fresh new episode of Fratello Talks. Today, RJ and Lex join Nacho for a varied chat centered around the topic of things that make a watch worthwhile. From waitlists to limited editions and even watches for special occasions, added value is not really a matter of price. Does a reasonable wait add to the experience of eventually owning a watch? And does too long a wait spoil the desire? This is one of the topics the guys tackle today. So is the matter of limited editions. These days, everything seems to be limited and exclusive, but does this spoil it for everyone? It seems that, on the other hand, a total lack of LEs from certain brands is also no fun. So where’s the sweet spot? And what makes a watch worthwhile? Let’s have a look at those on the guy’s wrists this week and find out.
Wrist check
We start with Lex, who happens to be wearing a Casio G-Shock GW-M5610NV-2. This watch is a special one for Lex, not just due to the fact that it’s impossible to read the time on but also because he bought it during a trip to Tokyo a few years back. It’s a limited-edition model exclusive to the Japanese market, making it a relatively rare “Square” and one that he often wears as a carefree summer watch.
RJ is next, and on his wrist, we find a watch that’s not a limited edition but faces limited production. It’s the Speedmaster Professional Silver Snoopy Award 50th Anniversary ref. 310.32.42.50.02.001. The watch is special not just for the presence of everyone’s favorite cartoon dog and NASA mascot on the dial and the automaton on the case back but also due to its limited production.
Finally, on Nacho’s wrist is a watch that he waited close to nine months for; it’s the Arken Alterum. Was it worth the wait? Absolutely! Nacho is thrilled to have received the Alterum after the long wait, and it has hardly left his wrist since it arrived in late February. If you want to know more about the watch and its unique solution to offering a GMT complication, check out its introduction article here.
Fratello Talks: Waitlists, Limited Editions, And Things That Make A Watch Worthwhile
They say absence makes the heart grow fonder, but how long is too long to wait to be united with your latest watch? At some point, the heart turns cold, and in the words of B.B. King, “the thrill is gone.” OK, so an indeterminate waiting period is perhaps not the best way to get someone excited about a watch. But how about limited editions? Those have always done well, but clearly, there can be too much of a good thing. Omega caught some flak for the brand’s infamous over-doing of the limited-edition models. But just a handful of years later, we already miss them. Were these watches more worthwhile than others? How about other potential factors, such as buying the watch to celebrate an occasion, opting to wear it on a special day, or even bringing it along on a holiday or expedition?
Your mileage may vary, but these factors certainly come into play. What are some things that make your watches special? Do you agree that a reasonable wait (whether due to a list or raising the funds) can enhance the experience of finally getting the watch? And finally, where do you stand on limited editions? Leave your thoughts in the comments section below.
As always, tune in next week for a new episode of Fratello Talks.
