Journal

Cleaning A Leather Watch Strap: First Steps 

Before you start cleaning your watch band’s leather strap, make sure you have a peaceful, well-lit workspace to do your cleaning in. It’s best to sit at a workbench or table for watch maintenance, keeping yourself as comfortable as possible. In addition, it’s a great idea to maintain and clean your watch in an environment where you won’t be distracted, ensuring that you have all your wits about you for the sake of getting the job done well. 

Cleaning a leather watch strap takes some time, and the task can be made more enjoyable by optimizing your work environment. 

Make sure you have a good freestanding light that you can shine directly on the watch and its strap, ensuring that you can accurately see any wear or residue left on the watch from daily use. Working on your watch in a well-lit environment also prevents eye strain. To make maintaining your watch more pleasant, you can even put on some music in the background while you work.

Gathering Your Materials

Now that your working space is optimized, you’re ready to gather the required materials for cleaning your watch’s leather strap. The primary supplies you’ll need to clean your leather strap are a clean, dry cloth and some gentle soap. An optional added step will require a leather conditioner, which, in the same way that hair conditioner keeps your locks looking healthy, can make a big difference in your leather strap’s appearance. 

For your cloth, microfiber is an ideal material. Microfiber cloths are soft and non-abrasive enough to gently remove dust, dirt, and other residue from the leather without being too rough. Any gentle soap will suffice for cleaning your watch strap, ideally one without too many harsh chemicals that could dry out the leather and leave it brittle.

Removing Your Strap

You definitely want to remove the leather strap from your watch before you begin the cleaning process. This will guarantee that your watch itself is not damaged during cleaning. In addition, removing your watch’s strap for cleaning gives you maximum access to the strap, making cleaning much easier.

The Dry Clean

To start the process of cleaning your leather watch strap, take your microfiber cloth and gently wipe off any dust, dirt, and grime that may be left on the strap from daily wear. This step comes before using any soap to ensure that the soapy water does not needlessly mix with any dry particles that could easily be wiped off without the use of water. 

During this stage in the process, make sure to be gentle with the leather. Leather is pliable and flexible, but it can wrinkle, crease, and even crack if it is handled without care. If you are cleaning your watch strap for the first time after long periods of use, be especially gentle, as your watch may have picked up larger amounts of debris over time.

Giving a great gift to your groomsmen is a perfect means of going above and beyond for the most important men in your life on one of the most important days of your life. 

Getting Ready For Your Wedding, But Not Sure What To Give Your Groomsmen?

So, what makes an ideal gift for your groomsmen? To start off, something that has an inherent air of masculinity is always a great option. However, masculinity does not need to be manifested in the form of cheap, macho-esque gifts. You certainly do not have to buy into the traditional standards of groomsman machismo. 

Some “masculine” gifts end up coming off as tacky – think of kitschy cowboy boot-shaped pint glasses, cheap engraved knives, and the like. These gifts are generic at best and come off as insincere and phoned-in at worst. 

When you want to make sure that your groomsmen feel special and are reminded that they are some of the most important people to you, you can’t settle for giving them mediocre gifts. This is why at Jack Mason, we believe the best groomsmen gifts you can give are great watches.

Why A Watch Makes The Perfect Groomsmen Gift

A great watch is an ideal groomsmen gift because of its timeless appeal, functionality, value, and artful craftsmanship. A well-crafted watch will never go out of style, lasting each groomsman in your bridal party decades. When wearing his watch, a groomsman at your wedding will remember you fondly and always feel grateful for your meaningful contribution to his life. 

The longevity of a gift says a great deal about a friendship – it is indicative of the fact that you take your relationships seriously and care deeply about the men in your life.

In addition, giving a high-quality watch gives each groomsman something that will serve a purpose in his life. A watch has constant utility and offers a man an upgrade in both convenience and style.

Wearing a well-made wristwatch is a surefire means of improving your daily looks, boosting your confidence, and making you feel ready to take on the world. Easy access to the time of day is an obvious perk of wearing a watch, but, as many timepiece aficionados will tell you, there is far more to it than that.

Watches also come in many different styles, meaning you can find one that is perfect for each groomsman’s personality and lifestyle. The general practice is to give groomsmen identical gifts. However, this can come off as impersonal and a bit of an afterthought. 

Giving a unique watch to each groomsman in your bridal party is a great move. It shows that you appreciate each person as an individual. Each of your groomsmen should feel special and honored by you on your wedding day, and giving each one of them a unique watch that is distinct from those given to the others makes a meaningful statement.

Choosing A Watch For Your Groomsmen

The ideal watch for each man depends on his personality, lifestyle, fashion and style preferences, and daily demands of his career and other responsibilities. There is a suitable watch for every man, and finding it can be accomplished by considering these factors. 

When you are looking for the perfect watch for your groomsmen, a great starting point is possessing basic knowledge of the primary types of watches. Below is a brief explanation of some of the best types of watches to look for for your groomsmen.

Dive Watches

Dive watches are designed to function under the intense pressure of ocean depths. However, the dive watch design has become a mainstay in modern style, both for casual and formal wear. The transition from specialized watches worn exclusively by divers to ubiquitous timepieces happened in the mid-20th century and cemented the dive watch in the annals of modern style.

The dive watch has minimal complications (extra features apart from the main clock interface), making it look great in many different contexts as a sleek, minimal accessory. It’s a design that has long been associated with luxury thanks to on-screen appearances on the wrist of none other than James Bond himself. Multiple actors playing 007 have sported dive watches when they starred as the British superspy.

Field Watches

Field watches were first worn by soldiers in WWI, and their rugged builds make them perfect for outdoorsmen and adventurers. The field watch design has stood the test of time, enduring into the 21st century as an extremely stylish timepiece ideal for casual wear. 

For anyone who spends the majority of their life outside, favors casual outfits, and loves gadgets and accessories that can take a major beating and still look great, the field watch is a perfect choice. Field watches are typically worn with canvas straps, adding to their rugged appearance. 

Aviation Watches

Designed for pilots but fit to be worn by any man who loves to travel and embraces the wild side of life, aviation watches are stylish, functional, and steeped in history. 

Popularized in the 1950s as pilots began regularly making flights that would pass through multiple time zones, many pilot’s watches are designed to easily be calibrated for use while changing locations via plane. The design is sure to appeal to anyone who appreciates aviation, as well as frequent fliers who are always on the go.

Nautical Watches

Another specialized type of watch, the nautical watch was originally intended for use on the water. Often featuring chronometers that give the watch a distinctly intricate look, the nautical design is unique and ideal for any man who enjoys taking things both fast and slow. 

Having a comprehensive knowledge of how quartz watches work will make the process of choosing the best watch for you much more enjoyable, and it may even leave you with a new and rewarding hobby.

What Is Watch Movement?

Not all watches are built the same. Sometimes, the distinctions between one watch and another are more obvious, such as the presence of complications on a watch’s face or a different type of strap. These differences can affect the functionality of a watch, but there is more going on under the surface that also makes one watch different from another. 

One of the primary distinctions between different watches is the various types of watch movement. A watch movement is the mechanism that keeps the watch ticking and reading accurately. The primary types of analog watch movements are mechanical, automatic, and quartz. 

It is important to note that there is a difference between a watch’s type and its movement. You can wear a quartz watch of various styles, for example, such as a quartz dive watch or quartz aviation watch. Likewise, you can wear a mechanical dive watch or mechanical aviation watch. 

The watch’s type, usually easily distinguishable by its appearance and features, is independent of its movement. 

These two categories are some of the most important characteristics of a watch that you will need to know before buying it. 

Mechanical Movement

Mechanical watch movement is the oldest means of making a watch work. If you have ever seen a photograph of the inner workings of a wristwatch, filled with interconnected cogs and gears, you are likely looking at the interior of a mechanical watch. 

These watches are revered by many for the intricacies of their design. A mechanical watch needs to be manually wound periodically to keep ticking, whereas automatic watches only need winding if they go unworn for long periods of time, and quartz watches require no manual winding. 

Many consider watchmaking to be an art form, and, looking at the intricacies of the mechanisms that power a mechanical watch, it is easy to see why. However, the amount of effort and craftsmanship required to assemble a mechanical watch makes watches powered by mechanical movement luxury items in most cases. 

Generally speaking, a mechanical watch will not function more reliably than a quartz watch, and may even require more upkeep and maintenance due to the necessity of manual winding. However, many appreciate mechanical watches simply for the artfulness of their design. Ultimately, the high price point for mechanical watches has much more to do with their status as collectibles and pieces of art rather than being due to higher functionality.

Automatic Movement

Automatic watches require less hands-on upkeep than mechanical watches but still need to be wound occasionally if they are not worn regularly. 

A mechanical watch is indirectly powered by the movements of the wearer’s wrist, which causes a weighted rotor within the watch to spin, storing energy in the watch’s mainspring. This stored energy allows the watch to continue ticking accurately with minimal interference from the wearer, as long as the watch is worn consistently to provide energy to the mainspring.

Automatic watches are not as high-maintenance as mechanical watches, but they still require more from the wearer than their quartz counterparts. In addition, an automatic watch contains a weight as part of its rotor mechanism. This means that an automatic watch will typically be heavier than a quartz or mechanical one. The weight of an automatic watch is a selling point for some and a major drawback for others.

Quartz Movement

A more recent invention in the scheme of watchmaking history, quartz movement is a testament to human ingenuity. Quartz watches are powered by a battery that sends a current through a piece of quartz inside the watch, creating vibrations. These vibrations are precisely calibrated to make the hands of the watch tick at the necessary rate per second to keep the watch working properly.

The presence of battery power in a quartz watch means the wearer never needs to wind the watch to keep it ticking. Quartz watches are famously low-maintenance and have far fewer intricate components inside of them that might break down and take time and money to repair.

 Quartz movement has become something of a standard for analog wristwatches in recent decades since its invention in 1969. The technology is convenient, durable, and simple, making it ideal for daily wear. 

Why Wear A Quartz Watch?

Because of the low-maintenance design of a quartz watch, it is a perfect movement to power the watch you wear every day. Mechanical watches can feel too fragile to wear frequently and often end up becoming more artifacts than well-loved, useful accessories. 

Likewise, an automatic watch may feel clunky and hefty on your wrist and needs winding if not worn often enough. In contrast, quartz watches are durable enough for daily wear and require hardly any upkeep.

Understanding Watch Types

If you decide to make a quartz watch your primary timepiece for daily wear, you’ve made a great call. However, you still have plenty of freedom to express yourself with the type of watch you choose to wear. 

As you now know, a watch’s movement is independent of its type, meaning you can wear multiple types of quartz watches. Before you pick out your quartz watch, it’s essential to understand the key distinctions between the main types of watches you will find.

Dive Watches: Simple, Functional, Classy

Dive watches were originally designed to work under the intense pressure of ocean depths. However, this type of watch looks too good to just be worn with scuba gear. Even worn by 007 himself, a dive watch typically has few to no complications, allowing it to subtly complement both formal and casual outfits. 

If you want something tasteful, functional, and versatile that you can wear with a suit and tie or a t-shirt and jeans, a dive watch is a great option. The dive watch design looks great in numerous colors and is complemented by a metal or leather strap. 

Aviation, Nautical, And Racing Watches: Specialized and Versatile 

Known for having more complications such as chronometers, date displays, and more, these specialized types of watches, like dive watches, have transcended their original intended use. 

Originally designed for their namesake professions, aviation, nautical, and racing watches all feature complications that make them specifically useful in certain contexts, but they look great with many outfits and are not exclusively worn by pilots, boaters and racers. 

Field Watches: Rugged, Durable And Ideal For Casual Wear 

Field watches were originally designed to be worn by soldiers in the First World War, and they have the sturdy and simple design to prove it. A field watch is an ideal choice for anyone dressing more casual and wanting to accessorize accordingly. 

Field watches are also great for circumstances when you want to look your best but need a timepiece that can withstand the elements. These watches typically have few complications, with some, but not all, including just a date display next to the hands.

Which Watch Is Right For You?

With an abundance of different styles to choose from, your choice of watch largely depends on your lifestyle, fashion preferences, and what level of formality you tend to need to dress with. 

For an avid outdoorsman, a field watch is an excellent choice. For a style-savvy entrepreneur, on the other hand, a dive watch may be a better option. For many outfits and occasions, wearing any of the more specialized types of watches like aviation, nautical, and racing watches, can be ideal.

Choosing a watch doesn’t need to be difficult. Now that you understand the key differences between types of watches, make your decision based on your preferences. If you choose a quartz watch, you can count on having the most low-maintenance watch-wearing experience possible. 

However, make sure to consider the type of watch you choose, not just the movement. You may even want to own multiple watches to pair with different outfits and occasions. The color and materials of a watch can play major roles in the deciding process. 

Many watch wearers enjoy having options to coordinate with different looks. For example, it can be helpful to have one watch in a neutral color with minimal complications to pair with more formal outfits and a second watch with more complications and color combinations to wear in other settings.

Sources:

https://www.fashionbeans.com/article/watch-complications-guide/

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-11-16/a-concise-history-of-the-quartz-watch-revolution

https://thefashiontag.com/watches-trend/

Your Guide To Leveling Up Your Look With A Metal Watch Strap 

In this article, we’ll get you up to speed on how to choose the best metal strap for your watch. You will also learn how to coordinate your metal watch band with the rest of your outfit, giving your look a distinctly put-together feel.

When Did Metal Watch Bands Become Common?

In the latter half of the 20th century, metal watch bands began becoming as common as their leather counterparts. Before the 1950s, leather was the dominant material for watch bands. Leather gives a watch a unique look and feel that appeals to many wearers. 

However, the advent of the stainless steel watch band made it clear that there were other worthy contenders in the ring. In the 50s, as international travel by airplane became more common, specialized watches for pilots began featuring metal straps, giving them a distinctly modern look that is unmistakable even now.

The metal band has become a mainstay in watch-wearing culture, often associated with specialized watches for aviators, professional drivers, and seafaring hobbyists. Although pilot’s watches, racing watches, and nautical watches are some of the most common types of timepieces to feature metal straps, other watches can be found featuring metal bands as well.

As dive watches began becoming more common in the mid-20th century, they started to carry an inherent association with luxury. Although the dive watch design was originally intended for the specific purpose of underwater use, its stylish look made it easily cross over into the position it now holds as a staple for both casual and formal wear. Dive watches look great with metal straps, and this type of watch helped solidify metal’s reputation as an ideal material for watch bands.

Why Wear A Metal Watch Band?

Metal is an extremely stylish material for accessories, giving any outfit a unique look that cannot be provided by leather or canvas. It is also one of the most low-maintenance materials that a watch band can be made from. This is in large part due to the fact that metal will not absorb sweat and dirt in the same way leather does. 

Leather’s tendency to absorb debris after long periods of wear does not disqualify it as a great option for a watch band. However, the inherent characteristics of a metal watch band make it easy to wear without requiring much cleaning or maintenance.

In addition to being low-maintenance, metal watch bands are extremely versatile. As exemplified by the dive watch and other similar timepieces that look great with both formal and casual outfits, metal is easy to pair with many looks. If you intend to own just one watch, one with a metal band is definitely a viable option.

Metal watch bands have a reputation for modernizing an outfit and giving it a feel that is distinctly masculine. If you need to make a lasting good impression and appreciate a minimalist wardrobe, metal watch bands are a great choice for you.

What To Look For In A Metal Watch Band

We’ve laid out a few major dos and don’ts to live by when choosing a metal watch band. Sticking to these guidelines, you’ll end up with a strap for your watch that is high-quality, low-maintenance, and looks great.

• Always opt for stainless steel. Some lower quality metal straps will end up wearing down over time, but stainless steel will retain its good looks for decades.
• Look for a watch band with separate interlinked metal pieces. As opposed to one uniform piece of metal, linked metal bands feel more comfortable and fit much better on your wrist.
• Make sure your watch band is the same color metal as your watch. If you mismatch metals, your watch will end up looking jumbled and unsightly.
• Choose the color of your metal strap based on your style preferences and the colors you wear the most. Silver pairs better with some colors than gold, and vice versa. In addition, gunmetal and black stainless steel watch bands can also make excellent additions to many outfits.

Why You Should Own More Than One Watch Strap

For some situations, you need to augment your watch’s appearance to help it better fit with a specific outfit. In these circumstances, you don’t necessarily need an entirely different watch – a new strap can make a big difference. 

If your watch came with a metal band, it’s a great idea to get an additional strap made from leather. This way, if you wear an outfit that will be better complemented by a leather strap, you can quickly switch out your watch’s band and be good to go.

Below are several key considerations to bear in mind when looking for a secondary watch band for your metal-strapped watch.

• When looking for a secondary watch band, make sure you choose one that is the same width as your current band. Many watches have a 22mm band width, but it is always wise to double-check, especially if you are purchasing a third-party strap.
• Look for a leather strap that pairs well with the color of your watch and fits your fashion preferences. Remember that black leather is traditionally considered more formal, while brown leather tends to be associated with more casual looks.
• Consider the color of the rest of your accessories. If you wear an abundance of black leather, it is wise to pair your watch band with your black belt, shoes, and any other accessories that are part of your daily look. 

Likewise, if you favor brown leather, go for a brown watch band. Color coordination can take any outfit to the next level, and it is especially important to consider when you are wearing leather goods.

When Is Another Material A Better Option For Your Watch Band? 

Some watches are not designed to pair as well with metal straps. Field watches, for example, are typically found paired with canvas bands, which complement their rugged design. 

Metal watch bands are often on specialized watches such as those designed for sailing, racing, and aviation. These watches are complemented by the modern look of a metal band but can also look great with leather bands. 

As for dive watches, there is a relatively even split between rubber, metal, and leather bands, all of which pair extremely well with the dive watch’s versatile design. 

One of the only circumstances in which you will definitely want to opt for a watch band that is not made of metal is when wearing a field watch. Because field watches are widely considered to be much more casual, they typically look great with the standard canvas strap. However, leather is also a viable option for a field watch’s band, pairing well with the rugged, timeless look of the field watch.

As for other types of timepieces like dive, nautical, racing, and aviation watches, both metal and leather bands are common and look great. Some watch enthusiasts consider leather, particularly black leather, a more formal-looking material than metal. However, this is a relatively subjective debate, coming down more to traditional standards of watch-wearing and having less of an impact on the modern watch-wearer. 

In almost every circumstance, a metal watch band will look formal enough to wear. Metal-banded dive watches, for example, are often even worn with tuxedos. It is worth considering, though, that black leather is traditionally considered the only viable watch band material for extremely formal outfits. Fortunately, most men rarely have to don black-tie attire, making this a relatively moot point for the majority of watch enthusiasts.

Choose A Watch You Love

Of course, one of the most important considerations to make when it comes to your watch and its band is your personal preferences. If you love the look of a metal watch band, your decision-making process ends there. 

You always have the option of owning multiple watch bands made from different materials and in different colors, offering you plenty of different looks from a single watch. Ultimately, it’s up to you which direction you take your watch-wearing in. 

There’s plenty of freedom for personal expression with watches, and your choice of band is just one of the ways that you can make a statement with your timepiece. Wearing a high-quality metal strap lets the world know that you mean business and know how to look sharp for any occasion. It’s a perfect pick for nearly every watch.

Sources:

https://www.cnn.com/2011/10/07/living/how-to-dress-rs/index.html

https://www.becomingminimalist.com/

https://www.lifehack.org/367501/the-ultimate-guide-dress-codes-what-wear-for-every-occasion

One of the most important factors to take into consideration when choosing a watch is its condition. Buying a new watch is not your only option. Although most products, especially clothes, accessories, and other forms of apparel, are commonly purchased new, buying vintage used goods has become more common in the last decade. 

Vintage watches are sought after for the history they carry, the intricacies and craftsmanship of many older watches, and because of the inherent appeal of older items for the sake of their aesthetic beauty and timeless style. There is certainly a case to be made for wearing a vintage watch, especially one that has sentimental value.

On the other hand, there are plenty of perks to purchasing a new watch instead. In this article, we will cover the main pros and cons of owning a vintage watch and a new watch. By the time you’ve finished reading, you will be prepared to make an informed decision on which watch is right for you.

What To Expect From A Vintage Watch

Older watches, especially those made before the latter half of the 20th century, are often powered by a different type of mechanism, or movement. Watch movements are the different types of mechanisms used to make a watch tick and keep time accurately. The primary forms of watch movement are mechanical, automatic, and quartz. 

When wristwatches were first coming on the market, all of them were powered by mechanical movement. However, in the early 20th century, the first automatic watches were introduced. Both of these types of watches remained prominent for decades, and automatic watches are still commonly found on the market today. 

However, with the introduction of quartz watches in the late 1960s, mechanical watches began to wane in popularity. Automatic and quartz watches require less interference from their wearers, and these watch movements are far more common now than mechanical watches.

However, the use of mechanical watch movement is one of the primary reasons why many watch enthusiasts seek and collect vintage watches. Mechanical watches are artfully made and expertly crafted. The inner workings of a mechanical watch are truly a work of art, fascinating to look at and difficult to fathom. 

A mechanical watch requires manual winding by the wearer, making it slightly less convenient in comparison to more recently invented forms of watch movement. However, this has not deterred many watch lovers from opting to own and wear mechanical watches.

You can still find vintage watches powered by quartz and automatic movement. However, many of these watches will be more recently made than their mechanical counterparts. In addition, even vintage automatic and quartz watches are often more affordable than mechanical watches.

Why People Opt For Vintage Watches

A vintage watch is often a major investment due to the oftentimes collectible nature of older luxury goods. This is even more so the case when it comes to vintage mechanical watches, especially those made by renowned luxury brands. 

You can easily spend thousands of dollars on a vintage watch, far more than most can justify dropping on an accessory, no matter how well-made and good-looking it is. 

In addition, vintage does not always automatically equate to better, nor does it guarantee that a watch will be in worse shape than a new one. One of the best parts about owning a high-quality watch is that its value will not depreciate over time, and with proper care, it will last decades. 

In many cases, time can even increase the value of a watch, leading to many watches, eventually being deemed collectors’ items. This adds an additional layer of incentive to owning a good watch and makes it far more worthwhile than opting for a mediocre one.

Ultimately, the primary reason that many watch wearers opt for a new watch over a vintage one is the more accessible price point of newer quartz and automatic watches over older mechanical ones. To spend a fraction of the money and get a new watch seems like a better call to many than making a huge investment for a pre-owned watch that was made decades before. However, many die-hard watch enthusiasts appreciate the collectibility of older watches, and in many cases, vintage watches are even passed down and inherited through generations. There are numerous circumstances in which buying a vintage watch is more viable and seems more worthwhile, but in many cases, it is not on the table on the sheer basis of financial feasibility.

What To Expect From A New Watch

If you choose to purchase a new watch, make sure not to compromise on quality. Not all watches are created equal, and many do not have the same levels of craftsmanship that were considered standard during the first decades of watchmaking history. 

To make matters worse, smartwatches and digital watches have come on the scene, attempting to steal the thunder from their analog forefathers. When it comes to purchasing a new watch in 2020, you are far better off opting for a high-quality analog watch over a cheaply made digital watch or a smartwatch. 

Smart and digital watches, with their bells and whistles and less traditional builds, can seem attractive at first, but neither is capable of replacing the classic look and feel of a great analog watch. 

In contrast, newer analog watches that are made well can be found with the same level of quality and craftsmanship seen in watches of decades past. Automatic and quartz movements have become more common since the latter half of the 20th century, leading to a relative decrease in the production of mechanical watches, which initially were the only types of timepieces on the market. 

As automatic and quartz watches have become more common, watch wearing has become much lower-maintenance overall. While vintage mechanical watches require routine manual winding by their wearers, quartz and automatic watches are much easier to maintain. The battery-powered quartz movement mechanism is especially hands-off for its wearer, requiring no manual winding.

Newer watches may not have the same sentimental value as their vintage counterparts, but as time passes, they can become meaningful heirlooms in their own right. Purchasing a new watch may not be continuing a legacy, but it certainly is starting one. 

When you are looking for a surefire way to add something to your life that will benefit future generations in your family, purchasing a great watch is a perfect way to go. After your time wearing it has run its course, you can pass it on to a fitting heir, carrying on the legacy you’ve started. 

Is There A Winner?

Ultimately, vintage watches will always have a unique appeal with some collectors and enthusiasts. However, like most niche interests, antique and vintage timepieces may not be as accessible or appealing to the average watch wearer as they are to their devoted fans. For most men, a new watch is a great option, and often a much more affordable one. 

When looking for the best possible new watch, make sure to purchase from a watchmaker with an emphasis on quality and craftsmanship. Many watches are cheaply made and mass-produced without care for the art form of watchmaking. At Jack Mason, we deeply value the legacy started by watchmaking legends of decades past and believe that excellence is always worth the time and effort. 

Legends

2. Alsta Nautoscaph: Richard Dreyfuss In Jaws

Another classic from the latter half of the 20th century, Stephen Spielberg’s Jaws was largely responsible for propelling the director, as well as actor Richard Dreyfuss and other cast members, into becoming household names. In the film, Dreyfuss plays Hooper, a marine biologist who joins Roy Scheider’s Sheriff Brody and Robert Shaw’s grizzled fisherman Quint in hunting down a vicious and elusive great white shark.

Dreyfuss’s character, Hooper, has a distinct and iconic style, with his watchman’s beanie, denim jacket, and Converse-style sneakers. However, the element of his look that has most often been the topic of discussion for style connoisseurs is his watch. 

For decades after the film’s release, fans of the film were left scratching their heads, trying to determine what watch Dreyfuss’s character wore. Eventually, over 30 years after the film released in 1975, the watch was determined to be made by the Swiss company Alsta. 

Like the “Arnie,” Alsta’s Nautoscaph is a dive watch. Sported by many instantly recognizable characters that have graced the silver screen (including the next entry on our list), dive watches were initially designed for, as their name suggests, scuba diving. However, characters like Hooper, Predator’s Dutch, and others played a major role in popularizing dive watches for everyday wear.

3. Rolex Submariner: Sean Connery In Goldfinger

007 has always been a style role model for aspiring dapper gentlemen everywhere, and it all started with the first suave fellow to play the role: Sean Connery. The Scottish actor set the standard for all Bonds who followed with his signature style, the centerpiece of which was his luxurious Rolex watch. 

The Submariner, another dive watch, was also worn by Connery as 007 in From Russia With Love. It’s an iconic timepiece that has continued to be sought after for decades since the first Bond films were released. The iconic British spy’s choice of a dive watch also contributed to the popularization of dive watches that continues to this day.

4. Casio CA53W: Michael J. Fox In Back to The Future

A well-loved classic from 1985, Robert Zemeckis’s Back to The Future highlights some of the most memorable aspects of the 80s, and style is no exception. The lovable Marty McFly, portrayed by Michael J. Fox, with his puffy red vest and retro Nike sneakers, has a look that wouldn’t be complete without his quirky watch. The Casio CA53W is a digital timepiece with a built-in calculator, making it an instantly recognizable product of its time.

5. IWC Pilot Watch: Tom Cruise In Top Gun

In one of the most iconic roles of his career, Tom Cruise sported a truly iconic watch. The pilot watch design is tailor-made for aviators, and the IWC’s multiple chronographs and sleek black build make it stand out in a crowd. 

Unfortunately, the watch worn by Cruise on screen has a nearly unattainable price tag, but if you are in the market for a pilot watch, you’re not out of luck. The Avigator by Jack Mason is a great alternative to the IWC pilot watch’s nearly $8000 price. Although the pilot watch was originally intended for use by aviators, the design is now a staple as a component in many outfits. 

6. Heuer Monaco: Steve McQueen In Le Mans

Long hailed as a 20th-century style icon and often nicknamed “The King of Cool,” Steve McQueen wore a Heuer Monaco for his turn as Michael Delaney in the classic racing film Le Mans. The Heuer Monaco has a unique style and shape, with its multiple displays and overall build looking much boxier than the typical rounded watch. 

To this day, Heuer’s Monaco watch is associated with McQueen and his role in Le Mans. The watch worn by McQueen in the film continues to be sought after by collectors and enthusiasts around the world and, as of late 2020, is set to be auctioned.

7. Hamilton Ventura: Elvis Presley In Blue Hawaii (And Will Smith & Tommy Lee Jones In Men in Black)

When the Hamilton Ventura hit shelves in 1957, it made waves for being the first battery-powered watch in history. A few years later, in 1961, legendary singer and occasional actor Elvis Presley wore the Ventura in the film Blue Hawaii. 

Cinema legend has it that the watch worn by Presley on screen was his own personal timepiece, not a watch given him by the costume department. The Ventura has a distinct look and design. Like the Heuer Monaco, it is a departure from the classic rounded watch design, instead looking more like a futuristic spacecraft.

Speaking of spacecraft, the Ventura was also worn by the iconic agents in the Men in Black film series, played by Tommy Lee Jones and Will Smith. The watch’s futuristic design fits perfectly in the context of the films in the Men in Black Series and adds to the agents’ cool factor.

8. Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Grande Taille: Christian Bale In Batman Begins

Paying homage to Val Kilmer’s earlier performance as the caped crusader Christian Bale wore a slim and stylish Jaeger-LeCoultre timepiece when he played the role of Bruce Wayne in 2005’s Batman Begins. Kilmer also wore a Reverso as Bruce Wayne in Batman Forever, the last live-action Batman film released before Batman Begins in 2005. 

The Reverso Grande Taille worn by Bale in Batman Begins is distinctly slim and stylish, a perfect fit for the billionaire playboy persona of Bruce Wayne. When The Dark Knight Rises was released in 2012, Jaeger-LeCoultre released a limited edition Reverso watch engraved with Batman’s iconic insignia. The watch is now a widely sought-after collector’s item.

9. Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch: Robert Downey Jr. In Captain America: Civil War

The Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch has major historical significance as the first watch worn on the moon. Astronaut Buzz Aldrin wore the watch when he took his first steps on the lunar surface, forever cementing it in history. Since then, numerous films about space travel have honored the watch’s place in NASA history by featuring it, including The Right Stuff and Apollo 13. 

However, the watch can also be found on the wrist of Tony Stark, the alter ego of Iron Man in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. In Captain America: Civil War, Robert Downey Jr.’s Stark can be seen wearing the Moonwatch, a style choice that reflects his eccentric personality and scientific ingenuity. 

The Speedmaster sits in a price range similar to a Rolex or other luxury watch, making it unattainable for most watch enthusiasts. However, if you are looking for an ideal alternative, look no further than Jack Mason’s Halyard Sport Chronograph. 

Sources:

https://www.gq.com/story/steve-mcqueen-le-mans-tag-heuer-monaco-auction

https://www.roadandtrack.com/news/a34519823/steve-mcqueens-famous-heuer-monaco-wristwatch-to-be-auctioned/

https://www.cinemablend.com/news/2555780/the-dark-knight-rises-behind-the-scenes-facts-about-christopher-nolans-final-batman-movie

So, what do you get for a young man turning thirteen? An ideal bar mitzvah gift is something that will make any boy feel like a man. This is why at Jack Mason, we think watches make great bar mitzvah gifts. In this article, we’ll cover some of the best watches to pick out as gifts for a bar mitzvah. These watches are elegant, durable, and stylish and are sure to appeal to a teenager even as he grows up.

A watch is a gift that will stay with a young man for years to come. Wearing a high-quality wristwatch boosts a man’s confidence. For a teenager, it makes a major impression on teachers, friends, and peers, indicative of maturity and good fashion sense. 

These five watches are our top picks for bar mitzvah gifts. They’re sure to appeal to a teen for decades after his coming-of-age celebration and can even be worn and loved for a lifetime.

1. The Field Watch: Durable, Classic And Minimal

A field watch is a perfect bar mitzvah gift for a young man who loves spending time outdoors. Field watches were originally designed to be worn by soldiers, and their timeless look is steeped in history. This type of watch has a more casual look, lending itself to many outfits worn by a younger man throughout his time at school, home, and out and about. 

Field watches often include few to no complications, giving them a simple and timeless appearance. A complication is any additional feature on a watch’s face aside from the clock display itself. Some field watches include a date display complication, but many have no complications at all.

The field watch design embodies the spirit of adventurousness and willingness to take the road less traveled. For a young man on the day of his bar mitzvah, receiving a field watch serves as a reminder to him of his transition into adulthood and the freedom that comes with it. 

Jack Mason’s three-hand field watch is a perfect gift option for a young man for his bar mitzvah. With its stylish dark green accents, this watch pairs perfectly with casual outfits. It’s sturdy enough to withstand long hikes, camping, and other outdoor adventures, but stylish enough to wear to school, work, or for any day you want to look your best.

2. The Racing Watch: Sleek And Stylish

There is something about a great car that has a distinct association with coming of age. The freedom of the open road and the sense of ownership of your vehicle that you have behind the wheel are feelings loved and cherished by many long after they first get their drivers’ licenses. 

In addition, cars have long been romanticized for the exhilarating and liberating experience offered by driving, especially driving fast. This is why when a teenager reaches his bar mitzvah, getting him a gift that embodies the freedom and excitement of driving is a great option. 

How do you capture that exhilaration that you get from driving a great car in something you can wear? In the form of a racing watch. Sleek, stylish, and highly functional, racing watches were originally intended to be worn to meet the timekeeping needs of competitive drivers. 

Whether you are a professional racer or not, a racing watch looks great on your wrist with a formal or casual outfit. For a young man turning thirteen, a racing watch is a perfect gift, especially for someone who is passionate about cars and deeply interested in the history and culture surrounding them. 

Racing watches typically include chronometers, unique complications that can be incredibly useful and look great. A racing watch’s chronometers distinguish it from watches with simpler interfaces, giving the watch’s face a distinctly intricate look. For a young man, such a detailed and carefully crafted watch is a perfect introduction to an elevated level of fashion. 

Racing watches are typically more fitting when paired with formal outfits than field watches, and they look great with leather or metal straps.

Jack Mason’s racing chronograph is a perfect bar mitzvah gift. Expertly crafted and reminiscent of some of the best luxury timepieces from auto racing history, it’s a testament to the fact that a watch can truly be a work of art.

3. The Dive Watch: Uniquely Functional And Classy

Many young men grow up wanting to dress sharp, aspiring to look as grown-up and put-together as possible. For a bar mitzvah gift for a well-dressed teenager, a dive watch is a peerless choice. Dive watches are famous for their versatility and their ability to pair well with some of the most formal looks, as well as more casual ones. 

As the name suggests, dive watches were originally intended to be water-resistant under the depths of the ocean for use by scuba divers. However, in the mid 20th century, the dive watch made a notable transition into becoming an extremely fashionable and luxurious timepiece for more than just divers. Now, the dive watch design is instantly recognizable thanks to its simple face and distinctly sleek design.

The dive watch is another type of timepiece that looks great with both leather and metal bands. However, for a younger man who may be wearing the same watch for decades to come, a watch with a leather band is an ideal choice. 

Leather, especially black leather, has long been associated with luxury and is one of the most versatile materials for a watch band, compatible with the most formal outfits as well as more casual ones. A dive watch with a black leather band has a timeless look that will never go out of style.

4. The Pilot Watch: For The Aspiring Adventurer

If you are giving a bar mitzvah gift to a young man who dreams of traveling the world, look no farther than an aviator’s watch. Designed for pilots and to traverse multiple time zones, a pilot watch is a truly unique timepiece that can be worn and appreciated by an adventurous young man for decades to come. At thirteen, a young person may not be quite ready for solo international travel just yet, but having a pilot watch on his wrist will serve as a reminder of when he is. 

The pilot watch design, like a racing watch, often features chronometers and other complications that give the watch’s face a more complex look. This style of watch, with its many components and intricacies, is often appealing to younger people and adults alike. Pilot watches, like racing and dive watches, are perfectly suitable for both casual and formal wear, and their versatility makes them great gifts.

5. The Nautical Watch: A Perfect Choice For A Young Man Who Loves The Ocean

Nautical watches are another type of timepiece that both look great and have a significant history behind them. Intended for use on the water to meet the needs of boaters, these watches often feature chronometers and other useful complications, adding them to the ranks of specialized watches that are perfect for everyday wear.

A nautical watch is the perfect bar mitzvah gift for a young man who loves the water, whether or not he is an active sailor. The nautical watch’s design is sure to turn heads and make a lasting impression, with its classic look and unique build. 

Another specialized watch that looks great with either a leather or metal band, the nautical watch gives a young man a distinctly mature look, making it an excellent bar mitzvah gift.

Whichever You Choose, A Watch Is a Classy, Personal Gift

Whichever watch you choose to give to a young man turning thirteen, your gift is sure to make an impact. A bar mitzvah is an extremely important moment in a young man’s life, and a watch is one of the most important possessions he will ever own. He can wear it and enjoy it for decades after he receives it, making it a gift that is certainly worth giving. 

Watches will never go out of style and are always useful for any man as he grows up and enters his career. Starting out wearing a watch earlier builds a young man’s confidence and helps him feel like a part of his world rather than just a spectator. 

Sources: 

https://theconversation.com/what-is-a-bar-mitzvah-129745

https://www.realmenrealstyle.com/7-reasons-wear-watch/

https://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/22/fashion/watches-young-fan-baselworld.html

In addition, you will learn the key differences between the different types of movement used to power watches, as well as how to determine which one is best for you.

Understanding Quartz Watches

One of the primary types of mechanisms that can be used to power watches is quartz movement. A quartz watch is powered by a battery, which sends an electric current through a piece of quartz. This signal causes the hands of the watch to move at a consistent speed, keeping the watch accurate. 

Quartz watches are a more recent invention, initially created by the notable Japanese watchmaker Seiko in the mid-late 20th century. Quartz watches have become well known for numerous reasons, but especially for their durability. Watches powered by quartz movement do not have as many moving parts that have the potential to break down and need repair.

In general, luxury watches are typically not powered with quartz movement. This is primarily because luxury watchmakers tend to favor mechanical movement, which is considered by many to be an art form due to the intricacies of each mechanical watch.

However, a quartz watch is not necessarily inferior in quality to a mechanical watch. Mechanical watches are often favored for the sake of tradition and out of an appreciation for the ingenuity behind their design. On the other hand, quartz watches tend to be easier to maintain and are often more affordable than their mechanical counterparts.

Quartz Watches: The Pros

If you choose to wear a quartz watch, you can count on it being one of the most low-maintenance timekeeping devices you can own. While a mechanical watch needs to be routinely wound to keep it accurate, a quartz watch will give you the correct time consistently without any need for maintenance or intervention. This ease of use is possible thanks to the use of a battery as opposed to a wide array of interconnected components. 

In addition, quartz watches tend to cost significantly less than mechanical ones. The level of time, materials, and effort needed to assemble a mechanical or automatic watch is greater than that of a quartz watch, and thus quartz watches are priced more affordably. 

Mechanical watches, in particular, can often run for thousands of dollars due to their status as luxury or collectors’ items. In contrast, a quartz watch can offer you the same level of quality with less of an investment required in terms of both money and maintenance.

Another major selling point for quartz watches is the ability to confidently wear your watch on a regular basis without worrying as much about it getting lost or stolen. Luxury watches, often powered by mechanical movement, are extremely valuable, and wearing one on a daily basis can leave you anxiety-ridden due to the burden of carrying something so expensive everywhere you go. 

In contrast, you can easily wear a quartz watch on a day-to-day basis, leveling up your style and presentation without worries about damaging it, misplacing it, or having it stolen. 

The case for quartz watches is strong. They tend to be easier on your wallet, better for everyday use, and much easier to maintain. A mechanical watch is often more of a collectors’ item than a staple accessory for daily wear. If you are looking for a versatile, low-maintenance, and lower-cost watch, opt for one powered by quartz movement.

Understanding Automatic Watches

Automatic watches are a subcategory of mechanical watches. Unlike quartz watches, automatic watches are not powered by batteries. Instead, an automatic watch transfers energy from the wearer’s wrist into a weighted rotor within the watch, allowing the watch’s hands to move without power from a battery.

Wearing an automatic watch regularly will keep it working since the wearer’s wrist’s movement allows for energy to be stored in the watch’s mainspring. After some time without wearing an automatic watch, the watch will need to be wound to work.

Automatic Watches: The Pros

One of the primary reasons automatic watches are favored by those who wear them is the association mechanical watches have with luxury. Whether a mechanical watch is manual or automatic, it will often be priced higher than a quartz watch due to the intricacy of its components and the effort required for assembly. This means that an automatic watch can be something of a status symbol.

In addition, automatic watches tend to have a distinct weight to them, which can lead to a pleasant handling and wearing experience. The components inside the watch are typically heavier than those inside of a manual or quartz watch, giving it a weight that often is indicative of the watch’s quality.

This article will specifically focus on automatic watch movement, which can be described as something of a perpetual motion mechanism. Automatic watches are also known as self-winding watches due to their ability to store up energy via either a manual wind from the wearer or from a spinning rotor within the watch that allows it to wind itself. 

As you read, you will learn how automatic watches work, how automatic movement compares to the other movement types, and why an automatic watch is worth looking into.

A Brief Introduction To Watch Movements

As you just learned, there are three primary types of watch movement – mechanical movement, automatic movement, and quartz movement. Below is a brief explanation of each:

• Mechanical movement is the oldest and most traditional method of making a watch tick. Inside a mechanical watch is a wide array of turning cogs which, when the watch is manually wound by the wearer, will continue turning at a precise rate to keep the watch ticking accurately. 

Mechanical watches are often considered luxury items, and watchmaking has rightfully been deemed an art form, largely thanks to the expert craftsmanship behind mechanical watches.

• Quartz movement is a more recent method for powering watches. This type of watch movement relies on a battery which sends an electrical current through a piece of quartz inside the watch, vibrating at a precise frequency that keeps the watch’s hands ticking with great accuracy.
• An automatic watch, also known as a self-winding watch or perpetual motion watch, is powered by energy stored in the watch’s mainspring. The energy is generated by a weighted rotor that spins as the wearer’s wrist turns. 

Automatic movement is a fascinating feat of human inventiveness, allowing a watch to keep ticking accurately without a battery or much interference from the wearer as long as it is worn consistently. An automatic watch can also be manually wound if necessary, something the wearer might have to do after going a long time without wearing the watch.

Each of these movement methods can be found in watches on the market today. However, since quartz and automatic movement are more recent inventions and typically provide the wearer with a more convenient, low-maintenance timekeeping experience, they have become significantly more popular over the past few decades.

A Guide To The Different Types Of Watch Bands

In this article, we will cover the most common types of watch bands and the pros and cons of each. After reading, you will be able to make an informed decision regarding which type of watch band is best for you.

Leather Watch Bands

One of the most common and best-loved types of watch bands is a strap made of leather. Leather is tanned animal hide, a material commonly used for furniture, shoes, belts, and accessories like watch straps. Leather has a timeless look and continues to stay in style as the decades go by.

Leather watch bands can be found in numerous colors, but some of the most common are brown and black. Leather is an extremely versatile material to accessorize with, pairing well with both casual and formal looks. Used for watch bands since timepieces first started being worn on the wrist, it gives a watch a classic look that is hard to beat.

While leather watch bands have plenty of inherent appeal due to the unparalleled look and feel of the material, there are some drawbacks to wearing a watch with a leather strap. 

Leather is an absorbent material, meaning that if you are working hard and sweating throughout the day, your watch band will end up getting potentially discolored as it soaks up sweat from your wrist. This means that a leather watch band needs frequent cleaning and conditioning to keep from getting discolored and damaged by sweat, oil, and dirt. Maintaining a leather watch band is not difficult, but wearing a band made from leather does require more time and effort than some other materials. 

Cleaning a leather watch band is easy – it just takes a microfiber cloth, some gentle soap, and a leather conditioner designed for clothing and jewelry. If you choose leather as the material for your watch band, be prepared to clean and condition it once every few weeks. If you wear your watch daily and do not frequently clean and care for it, the leather will eventually become dry and brittle, leading to cracks and an overall decline in your watch’s appearance.

Metal Watch Bands

Metal is another one of the most common materials used for watch bands. Easier to maintain than leather and equally timeless, metal watch bands look great and are suitable for formal and casual occasions. 

A metal watch band is typically made from small, interlinked pieces of metal and features a buckle that straps the watch to the wearer’s wrist. The design of a metal watch band can give a watch a more modern look than some other materials like leather, which does typically give a watch a more vintage feel.

When wearing a metal watch band, one factor to be aware of is the material’s propensity for reacting to the temperature. In cold weather, your metal watch band will feel very cold on your wrist. In contrast, when you are in hot weather, your watch may feel uncomfortably warm. However, metal does not absorb water and sweat in the same way leather does and is more resistant to heavy wear. 

A metal watch band is a great option for anyone who wants their watch to have a timeless look but prefers to keep things as low-maintenance as possible. There is always the potential for any watch to require some extra care and attention, but metal tends to be one of the easiest watch band materials to care for.