Fratello Talks: Watches Every Collector Should Own At Least Once

The watches that represent a rite of passage for all collectors

July 16, 2026

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All watch collectors’ journeys are different. Some focus on a single brand, while others enjoy exploring as many corners of the hobby as possible. Still, there are certain watches (or even categories of watches) that many enthusiasts seem to encounter sooner or later. They may not become permanent fixtures in every collection, but they often leave a lasting impression and help shape a collector’s tastes. In this episode of Fratello Talks, Nacho is joined by RJ and Thomas to discuss the watches they believe every enthusiast should own at least once. The idea isn’t to create a definitive checklist or suggest that everyone should collect in the same way. Instead, it’s about the watches that offer experiences every collector can learn from, whether they end up staying in the watch box or moving on to the next owner. But first, a quick wrist check.

Wrist check

RJ is wearing his Rolex GMT-Master II ref. 16713, known to many collectors as the “Clint Eastwood.” Combining stainless steel and yellow gold with a light brown dial and a two-tone brown-and-gold bezel insert, it represents a distinctive chapter in the GMT-Master’s history and has aged like a fine wine.

Thomas has chosen the new Straum Frozen Metal Titanium, a lightweight sports watch with a textured dial and an angular titanium case showcasing the Norwegian brand’s contemporary design language.

Nacho is wearing his Doxa Sub 300T Professional, the iconic orange-dial diver that remains one of the most recognizable dive watches ever produced.

Fratello Talks: Watches Every Collector Should Own At Least Once

Collecting watches isn’t about ticking boxes, but some watches have earned their reputation as formative experiences for enthusiasts. In this episode, Nacho, RJ, and Thomas discuss the watches they believe every collector should own at least once, along with the lessons those watches can teach. We’ve only teased a few of the choices here, so if you’d like to hear the full list and the reasoning behind each pick, you’ll have to tune in to the episode.

In the meantime, we’d like to hear from you, Fratelli. Which watch do you think every collector should experience at least once, and why? Let us know in the comments below.