Welcome to Fratello Talks. Everyone knows that Switzerland is home to some of the world’s greatest and most famous watch brands. However, many brands outside the Alps region, and even outside Europe, produce high-end mechanical watches that can rival their Swiss contemporaries. Some of these non-Swiss brands are of great interest to collectors, who have developed communities around them. Some even rival the Swiss manufacturer, which has long held its place in the watch hall of fame. In today’s episode, Nacho, Thomas, and Rex take us through a number of these brands, from the entry-level value proposition we know and love to the very high end of watchmaking outside of the Helvetian realm. I will. First, let’s take a look at what’s on their wrist.
list check
We start with Dern, who rents an RJ to satisfy his curiosity about Bvlgari’s signature Diagono aluminum chronograph. With its combination of materials and chunky articulated bracelet, there’s nothing else quite like it.
Thomas continues to do well with his VPC Type 37HW Forest Green. As you already know, VPC is Thomas’ brand, so it’s only natural that he represents it at every opportunity, and today is no exception. That being said, I hope all his other watches don’t get too lonely in the vault.
To end this week’s wrist check on something thematically relevant to today’s talk, Nacho is wearing a 1993 Seiko 7002 Diver. This is a perfect representation of some of the more affordable yet attractive watches that make this Japanese brand a staple for watch collectors. This particular example also shows some intense patina. Whether it’s due to years of honest work or the previous owner’s DIY experiments, it’s unclear, but Nacho still enjoys the personality that gives this classic diver.
Fratello talks: The non-Swiss watch brands we love
Watches are made all over the world, so why should Switzerland get all the credit? Indeed, recognizing that this rather mountainous land has become a mecca for horology That is important. However, in today’s globalized world, the Swiss are not responsible for the production of all mechanical watches. So today I thought I’d take a look at a list of my favorite non-Swiss watch brands.
And while we’ve done our best to cover the spectrum, there’s probably a lot we missed. What do you think about these non-Swiss watch brands? Let us know in the comments section below. And of course, tune in next week for a new episode of Fratello Talks.
