Ep #40: Speedmasters, Collectibility and Finding The Next Watch Icon with RJ Broer From Fratello
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To mark the 1st birthday of the CP7 Podcast, which also happens to be our landmark 40th episode, we have an extremely special guest on to talk watches and a few other unexpected topics too! The CP7 Boys chat to none other than Robert Jan Broer, affectionately known as RJ, the Founder of Europe's leading watch enthusiast online platform Fratello. Not only is he the main man at Fratello, he is also the creator of Speedy Tuesday on social media and a huge Omega Speedmaster collector.
No show with RJ can start without a Speedmaster kick off and boy do we get into some depth about how important it is in the watch icon hierarchy, and how many different models have been made, including a red Speedmaster Racing Michael Schumacher Edition, that Andy had handled which was owned by former Williams and McClaren Formula 1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya.
You'll be blown away by what RJ thinks is the most important watch made in the history of the watch industry, as it's most certainly not what you think!
The boys also get RJ's valuable personal yet experienced insight into what will be a future icon that hasn't quite made it to that "label" yet, and what he rules out as not quite making the cut, of course giving his reasons why. Listen in to RJ's opinion on what is collectible and what is not as he uses the very interesting Porsche 911 vs Porsche Boxster collectibility debate. Finally what brands need a bit more recognition due to merit and continuous improvement rather than hype? So let's talk Omega, Rolex, Cartier plus many more.
Check out Fratello at:
Checkout Fratello Talks on YouTube at:
https://youtube.com/@fratellomagazine?si=-1Nicl3_sUdsFMS-
Or from your favourite Podcatcher.
For these answers, great insights and a lot of fun, buckle up and enjoy the ride as we mark this monumental show with one of the boys' most favourite and fun episodes so far.
Wristwatch check: RJ is wearing his Breguet Tradition 7027, followed by Parm with his classic two-tone Rolex Daytona 116523. We finish the wrist checks with Andy's 1930s Rolex Imperial Oyster.
RJ believes the most important watch ever made is the Rolex Datejust, and his favorite iteration is the classy two-tone version.
The Rolex Day-Date isn't as great on a leather strap; the President bracelet is the best option, the boys think. Do you agree?
Here's a look at all the Speedys featured today: We start with the incredible Speedmaster Racing Michael Schumacher Edition that Andy handled, previously owned by Juan Pablo Montoya, followed by the colorful range of the Schumacher collection. Next, we take a look at the Michael Schumacher Legend Limited Edition, which was first gifted to the Ferrari team before being made into a limited run. Finally, we compare how the iconic design of the Omega Speedmaster has remained largely unchanged over the years.
The Rolex Beach Daytona range has become more popular in recent years. Should Omega add more color to the modern Speedy lineup?
Now we kick off the Future Icons segment, starting with FP Journe.
Next up is the Bulgari Octo Finissimo, noticeable from 50 yards away! Does this make it iconic?
The A. Lange & Söhne Lange 1 is an iconic favorite for RJ. Does the Glashütte Original PanoMaticLunar look too similar, and does the SeaQ resemble many other dive watches on the market?
The next contender for the future Icon is the H. Moser Streamliner, but RJ feels it has some hints of Ebel in the bracelet design. Do you agree?
The Vacheron Constantin Overseas and the 222 both feature designs inspired by Genta, with the AP Royal Oak serving as a prime example. Do you think they have their own identity, or are they too close to other design concepts?
Maybe it's time for Japanese watchmaking to lead the way. Could the Grand Seiko Snowflake be the one? RJ's favorite edition is the Grand Seiko Mount Iwate.
Could Louis Vuitton be overlooked? The Tambour packs a serious punch.
Is Montblanc more than just a luxury bag and pen brand? Should their watches be more respected?
Hermès: with the H08 and the Cut, both brilliant pieces, but are they worthy of iconic status? Time will tell.
Lastly, we finish with Hublot. Do they really deserve all the bad press? RJ and the CP7 boys don’t think so.
That concludes the show notes for today's episode. Get involved in the conversation—we'd love to hear your comments and thoughts on all the topics discussed today! Thank you for listening, and we will see you on the next one!
