Fratello Talks marks Breitling’s 140th-anniversary year with a historical conversation featuring Fred Mandelbaum, introduced by Fratello as an author, collector, and brand historian. The episode overview traces the brand’s story from early wrist-worn chronographs to collections such as the Premier and Navitimer, with several watches from the hosts’ own collections adding detail.
What the episode covers
Published in early December 2024, the episode is framed around Breitling’s 140th anniversary. Fratello’s overview says the conversation begins with some of the brand’s earliest wrist-worn chronographs and follows the evolution of collections that remain recognizable today. It specifically highlights the post-war Premier and the flagship Navitimer. Fratello’s episode page is an overview rather than a full chronology or transcript, so it supports the broad scope but not detailed claims about what Mandelbaum says on particular historical questions.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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Breitling Superocean Heritage B20 Automatic Blue Dial Watch UB2010161C1S1 | $6,900.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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Breitling Avenger Chronograph 45mm Mens Blue Watch | $5,550.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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Avenger B01 Chronograph 42 | $5,250.00 | Buy on Amazon |
Who is Fred Mandelbaum?
Fratello describes Mandelbaum as an author, collector, and brand historian. His participation makes this an anniversary-focused history discussion, rather than a product comparison or buying guide. The episode page does not provide a verified transcript or attributable spoken quotations.
Watches named in the episode overview
Chrono-Matic ref. 2110: a historical example
Mandelbaum wore a Breitling Chrono-Matic ref. 2110 for the episode’s wrist check. Fratello describes the model as one of the world’s first automatic chronographs and notes debate among Swiss contenders that includes Zenith’s El Primero. That wording leaves the question of which watch was first unsettled; it should not be treated as a definitive ranking.
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- Breitling Superocean 42mm Heritage B20 Automatic Blue Dial Watch UB2010161C1S1
Chronomat B01 42 and Aerospace: the hosts’ wrist checks
RJ wore a two-tone Chronomat B01 42, ref. UB0134101C1U1, and a 2003 Aerospace, ref. E75362. Nacho wore an Aerospace, ref. F65362; Fratello says it was originally two-tone and that a previous owner modified it with steel rider tabs. These are examples shown in the episode’s wrist check, not evidence of current availability or recommendations.
How the episode fits Breitling’s anniversary
The “140 years” framing refers to Breitling’s 2024 anniversary. The brand’s official history page presents its origins in the mid-1880s and names the anniversary book 140 Years in 140 Stories. Rizzoli’s fall 2024 catalog lists Mandelbaum among the book’s contributors. The catalog confirms the title and contribution, but does not establish current store availability.
Rank #2
- Breitling Avenger Chronograph Automatic Blue Dial Men's Watch A13317101C1X1
Where to watch
Fratello’s YouTube listing provides the episode and broad historical framing. Platform dates differ: the Fratello article is dated December 5, 2024, while the YouTube listing is dated December 4, 2024, so “early December 2024” is the clearest general publication date.
Quick Recap
Rank #3
- Chronograph Movement: Self-winding
- Case Size: 42mm Stainless Steel
- Dial Color: Black
- Water Resistance: Up to 300 Meters
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
