I’m sure you’ve heard by now that this weekend we will be hosting the WindUp Watch Fair in Chicago for the very first time. The Windy City is not only home to the Cubbies and Lou Malnati’s deep dish pizza (local pizza aficionados sound off in the comments), but is also a breeding ground for independent watch companies. One brand among those leading the way out of Chi-Town is Oak & Oscar. They’ve come a long way since 2015, expanding their line of frequently sold out watches to the likes of the Jackson Flyback Chronograph and the Humboldt GMT. You might have even caught a glimpse of O&O on national television as the Humboldt 12-HR was front and center on the wrists of the USA Curling Team during this year’s Winter Olympics. Needless to say, there’s plenty of reasons to come check out O&O this year at Windup Chicago, but let me give you two more if you need them; one, share a glass of fine bourbon with founder Chase Fancher and two, check out the latest two tone Humboldt Seven Year.
The Humboldt Seven Year is a tasteful blend of stainless steel and golden brass that come together like the spirits in a well made cocktail. The brass bezel was specially made and hand-cut right in the O&O watch shop by their Director of Watchmaking, Nathan Bobinchak. The result is a perfectly shaped and finished bezel that fits the Humboldt case. The specific brass used throughout the Humboldt Seven Year is a special led-free alloy (693 EcoBrass) known for its mechanical strength and exceptional corrosion resistance. The brass itself comes untreated so that the watch will develop a patina that will be unique to its owner.