Fratello Talks: Watch Modding

Watch modding is a topic close to many watch enthusiasts’ hearts. It can also go from just a bit of fun to hugely controversial in the blink of an eye. In today’s episode of Fratello Talks, Nacho, RJ, and Thomas dive into the topic, sharing their experiences with modding watches and highlighting some notable examples of both entry-level and high-end work. They also consider the brands’ perspective on having their watches modified and the potential dangers behind modifying a watch to appear more valuable than it truly is. So, whether you’re a modding master or simply curious about trying it, tune in to learn more. Before we get into it, however, let’s see what’s on the wrist.

Wrist check

We start with RJ, who is wearing an Omega diver with a bright orange strap. And no, it’s not his PloPro; it’s the new Seamaster 300M. He’s been wearing it nonstop for the last couple of days and has grown fond of it. It seems that this one was not love at first sight but, rather, one that he has come to enjoy with a little bit of time. In the end, this makes sense because, despite its orange accents, with a matte black dial and no date, this is a clear case of less is more.

Thomas is unapologetically rocking the VPC Type 37HW. At this point, it seems that the only thing that will bring some variety to his wrist game is the release of his upcoming diver. For now, though, he’s sticking to his guns.

Finally, Nacho is wearing his trusty Tudor Pelagos FXD. After a brief hiatus, it’s back on the wrist and ready for summer on a khaki-green NATO strap. This could easily be a daily watch, so creating a bit of diversity in what lands on the wrist becomes a conscious effort. However, sometimes you have to play the hits, and to Nacho, the FXD does just that.

Fratello Talks: Watch Modding

Have you ever looked at a watch and thought, “I like this watch, but I wish that it had a different seconds hand,” or, “Wow, this is a cool diver, but what if it had a 12-hour bezel?” Well, it seems that you’ve already embraced the modding mentality. Although not every collector or enthusiast goes down this path, it’s certainly one that many explore. And lately, it has gone from a niche side hobby to gaining mainstream popularity. This is partly thanks to watch-modders like Seconde/Seconde, IFL Watches, and (at the highest end of the spectrum) Artisans de Genève.

Today, on Fratello Talks, we sink our teeth into the topic of watch modding, so if you’ve ever been curious to find out more on the topic, be sure to tune in. We’d also love to hear your thoughts on the topic, so share those in the comments section below. And, as always, tune in next week for a new episode of Fratello Talks!