Hands-On Review of the Jack Mason Strat-O-Timer Espresso
The world of watches has always been dominated by players hailing from countries who are traditional juggernauts with respect to design, engineering, manufacturing, and technology - namely, Switzerland, Germany, and Japan, among others. Considering the United States does not have the most robust watch manufacturing pedigree in comparison, it is always nice to see brands pop up offering pieces that are designed and assembled right here at home. When and brand such as that ALSO provides top quality functionality and finishing for the pricepoint, you may just have a home run on your hands. Enter: Jack Mason. Based in Dallas, Texas, this brand started just shy of ten years ago and aims to offer an olive branch to new collectors looking to enter a world that can be intimidating from the outset. All priced below $1000, their timeless designs span multiple styles and should make them a serious contender for anyone looking to start collecting. I have had the privilege of wearing their Strat-O-Timer GMT in the gorgeously understated ‘Espresso’ colorway for the last few weeks.
Admittedly, my initial reactions to this piece were mixed. I am new to their signature Strat-O-Timer line, and as such, the unique shape of the case. After my second day with it on my wrist, I had already come to treasure the case’s funky shape - it gives the watch a uniquely personal identity (similar to a Seiko Turtle). At 40mm, the case was incredibly comfortable on my wrist, and with a 47mm lug-to-lug distance, I can imagine it would be perfectly proportioned on a wide variety of wrist sizes. The case skates the line between a cushion shape and a more traditional round case, with beautiful polished finishing all over. With over-pronounced lugs, the bracelet melts seamlessly into the side of the case with a very fluid, rounded aesthetic. The case sports domed sapphire guarding both the dial and the open case back - where you can get a peek at the Jack Mason-finished rotor that powers the Miyota Caliber 9075 GMT movement.
The Caliber 9075 is a ‘true’ GMT (otherwise known as a ‘traveler’ GMT), as it offers users the ability to jump the hour hand to adjust local time while on the go. This GMT variant is also known as a ‘flyer’ GMT, for the obvious travel functionality. This is a function that has historically only been available in GMT watches at much higer price points (normally ~$3,000 and above, if I had to estimate). For a watch that is under $1000 to be equipped as such is certainly impressive, and hopefully indicative of a looming shift in the GMT watch market.
A bidirectionally rotating 48-click bezel with a sapphire insert rounds out the GMT functionality, giving reference to the 24-hour hand. I am a particularly big fan of the black and brown bicolor design of the bezel. With 24-hour markers that are in a creamy off-white, these features really bolster the vintage-inspired nature of the piece. Red accents on the GMT had provide great contrast with the black dial and bolsters legibility. I really love the simplicity on the dial, with minimal branding subtle graduation. White contrasting hour markers stand out boldly on the dial, and allows the date window at three o’clock to blend seamlessly at a glance. In low light, all twelve hour markers and all four hands on the dial illuminate in a striking blue which makes reading at a glance possible, even in total darkness. A screw down crown etched with the company’s signature star logo keeps water at bay, to the tune of 200 meters of water resistance - just another detail that makes believe that this is one of the best daily sports pieces on the market in its price range.
The bracelet is a classic seven link style, which gives the watch something of a vintage inspired feeling. There is also a three link version available, which I can only imagine is a little more friendly to arm hairs. Either way, the bracelet is a highlight of the piece, as it’s incredibly comfortable and wearable for daily use. There are small details all over the bracelet that make it especially impressive: Quick release spring bars for easy strap changes, an inspiring etching on the arms of the folding clasp reminding you to ‘Be Your Best’, but most importantly, a micro-adjustment feature on the clasp. This surprise made wearing this watch daily an absolute delight, especially during a muggy summer in New York, when my wrist size can fluctuate by the hour on a humid day. Allowing for a solid few centimeters of adjustment, the micro-adjustor has easily ended up being my favorite feature of the entire piece, and one that I was not expecting to be found on a piece in this price range. I am not normally a daily bracelet wearer - my personal daily driver has a rubber strap, which I love for the flexibility. The micro adjustor on this bracelet achieves that same effect and makes this a joy to wear every day.
Overall, I have very little, if anything, negative to say about this piece. It was a true pleasure to wear it, and it’s with to my serious chagrin that I will have to send it back. The reactions I got from other watch collectors and enthusiasts were the same as mine: this is the perfect watch to get someone interested in the hobby. It is a strong, reliable daily piece that won’t break the bank and you won’t have to worry about taking a few licks here and there. I asked a few people familiar with the hobby what they thought this piece would cost after getting to see it in person. The reaction was almost unanimous in that this watch looks and feels like it is more expensive than it is. The sub-$1000 price point stunned a few people, myself included. This piece is an absolutely unbelievable value offered in a gorgeously finished package. This is one I have to recommend to all new watch collectors. You can pick it up on their website for $999 USD.
