As mentioned in the comments section of the last post, “Preppy Chic,” watch discussions are always worth preserving. This post ran 10 years ago and was picked up by several other websites. The Sartego watches have since been discontinued and will prove difficult though perhaps not impossible to find. At the bottom of the post you’ll find a new suggestion for 2021.
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Watches stir up all kinds of heated reactions. Whereas bow ties are something a guy can take it or leave it, watches are seen by many as more than just a style choice but a sign of success and status. In this sense, watches have more in common with cars than clothing.
So if you’re the kind of guy who can afford a costly watch that will inform everyone who notices it of your purchase power, you needn’t read any further. Likewise, if you’re the herd-mentality type who wears a Timex Easy Reader on a striped band to signal your membership in the Trad Club, this may not be the watch for you, either.
But several of you wanted to know what watches I’ve included in some of the outfits I’ve posted recently, so here it is: The brand is called Sartego.
It’s a bit presumptuous of me to say I’m “introducing” the brand to the style blogosphere, but I’d never heard of it before and suspect most of you haven’t either. Here’s how I found it.
While on assignment for The Rake with the perennially sockless FE Castleberry in tow, I went to visit Alan Flusser. Towards the end of our meeting I asked if the elegant tank-style watch he was wearing was Cartier. Flusser chuckled and said it was a $125 Seiko that he liked so much he owns three of them.
Now I’d already been feeling that while the sporty, traditional, cool and even retro-eccentric sides of my personality were being properly vented via my clothing, my sense of elegance was a little bottled up as of late. In addition, I’ve never been a watch guy: I’ve owned a Dunhill watch and several Dunhill pipes and I miss the pipes more. I’d been getting by on a 1929 Bulova with a brown leather band that I appreciated for its age, though it lacked a certain visual boldness. I also had an unusual vintage Timex with roman numerals on a black band as my dressier watch, but it too lacked a certain striking simplicity that I admire.
Inspired by Flusser I scoured the web looking for the Seiko. I found one that may have been it, but on closer inspection I wasn’t crazy about it. (As an aside, a guy with a house in the Hamptons wearing an inexpensive watch sends a very different message than that sent by a guy who rents in Queens, but that’s another story.)
During the search I stumbled across the Sartego pictured above. I immediately liked it for several reasons: the hands with circles on the ends (someone help me with terminology here), the roman numerals, simple white face, and even the typeface of the logo.
Best of all, the watch is just $70 on Amazon (you can also find it on eBay and through Google Shopping). I also scooped up the tank-styled one pictured at right.
Now here’s the story on the brand. According to its website, Sartego was founded in 1875 in Spain by Sarrano Telo Gomez, whose nickname was Sartego and who learned watchmaking in Switzerland. As you can tell by the website, the brand today makes fashion watches cranked out by some timepiece conglomerate. The movements are Japanese quartz and there is obviously no connection to the original family or factory.
But I found it amusing that the watch has “sart” in its name and its semblance to the world “sartorial,” which is based on the Latin word for tailor. Maybe it will become the official watch for clotheshorses who spend all their money on double monks and Drakes ties and have nothing left over for a timepiece.
But I’m probably overestimating my influence.
For me the watches fit the bill of telling the time in a stylish way from a brand no one has heard of — all at minimal cost. They have two critical flaws, however, that you will need to address.
First, the factory watch band is terrible, so throw it out. I got two alligator bands from Central Watch: a black one for the round watch and a brown one for the tank-style. (The bands ended up costing more than the watches.)
Next, the watches come with an ugly chrome finish which you will need to remove with fine sandpaper. Use a tiny piece and sand each section of the cases down to a dull brushed-metal appearance. The watches will be significantly more handsome as a result, and I can’t imagine anyone would possibly say, even on close inspection, “Hey, did you sandpaper your watch?”
Unless, of course, they too have seen this blog post. — CHRISTIAN CHENSVOLD
And now an alternative: Dutch fashion watch Wortelboer, on sale for $72:
Not so sure I understand why you take the swipe (“herd mentality”) at people who wear Timex watches? This article isn’t really up to your normal level of talent, and this snide comment perhaps serves as a symptom of this failure. In clearing space for your identification of this commodity you feel the need to mark out a field with the conspicuous watch on one side and the Target model on the other. While a fairly standard maneuver (and one certainly required by the market position of this watch), I’m not sure it is necessary here. I find it rather amusing that you turn to the same source of bands that the “herd mentality” folks use for their Timex watches and then insist on sanding down the watch itself. There seems to be no real difference in terms of the construction between this watch and, say, that old Timex and it seems the real draw for you is to be found in the name and perhaps the obscurity of the product itself–neither of which seems compelling as an argument to purchase.
The hands with “circles on the ends” are known as Moon Tip hands and are a signature of Breguet, who introduced them in the late 1700’s, and still use them today on the vast majority of their watches.
@LongtimeReaderFirstTimeResponder; I think the comment was not directed so much at Timex/Timex wearers, but the trend to wear those style of watches with the striped/regimental ribbon bands. Here is simply an alternative to that.
Bold enough to satisfy my SARTorial EGO.
I think these are very sharp, classic looking watches. I myself agree with AEV’s (original) comment that one should invest in a quality timepiece over the long haul (I got mine for my 10th wedding anniversary), but to each his own. Anything we can do to turn the tide against the ghastly Rolexes that look like first prize for salesman of the year at the local Century 21 office or whatever should be encouraged.
The styling of this watch is exactly what I’ve been looking for! I have to agree with AEV though. I’m not going to spend any money on a watch until I can afford a nice one, and will continue to wear the presumably cheap Pulsar my dad gave me. Handmedowns are the preppiest items of all anyways.
On a different note, I have a feeling #0000 steel wool would work better than sandpaper for removing the finish.
I received what was for me a nice watch right after graduating high school from a close friend who had worked as a jeweler. It came with a note saying how he hoped it would help me be on time to my morning classes in college….for four years I only wore it for special occasions I was so scared of losing or damaging it. It essentially sat in its box hidden in the back of my drawer.
After graduating and breaking numerous cheap watches I began wearing it religiously. It turned out to be tough as nails while still being nice enough to wear dressed up. It still receives compliments even with its wear….A good watch is worth it.
Having commented on another page, I have proudly worn my Dad’s 1947 Wittnauer tank watch for 45 years. I’ve worn that watch more often than any other watch, including a Rolex. Why I bought the Rolex, I’ll never know. Just a foolish status symbol of the 1980’s, as well as today.
The styles of today’s watch are ridiculous. 2 inch case diameter is the norm, according to the fashion industry. All makers, cheap and pricy, seem to think bigger is better. Having an alarm clock on your wrist is stupid and uncomfortable. Those examples shown above are very nice gentlemens’ watches. Price is irrelevent. Understated and elegant, those watches will compliment any outfit, suits to khakis.
My advice. If anyone squints to see the brand name of your watch, hold the magnifying glass for them. I’ll probably buy the Sartego tank watch. Gets the thumbs up with me. Cheers!
My vintage Rolex Submariner sits on my wardrobe table next to my Seiko SARB031. Name brands, country of origin, and price means little to me. I wear watches to please only myself. Heck, my next watch is going to be a digital Casio! I also have my eyes on the Jaeger-LeCoultre 1931 tribute. Watches should be fun, not status symbols. People who don’t get that about fashion are kind of missing the point.
Just a thought – the name is a short form of the founder’s full name: SARrano TElo GOmez. I could be totally off base, but this is what appears to me. I’ll guess his cronies shortened his name at some point. Good looking watch.
Chens, thanks for going out on a limb and exposing yourself to the depredations of us commenters. I like the styling of the tank-style one myself, it’s hard to find nice Roman numerals these days.
I was recently recommended the brand Raketa via Kempt. http://www.getkempt.com/labeled/watches-from-the-motherland.php
I’ve never really worn a watch before, but I picked one up off of ebay for about $35. It’s mechanical, and the face is dead simple. It’s a safe bet that the “Made in USSR” on the face means it is by no stretch a trad watch, but it wasn’t made in China, and it makes a very satisfying clicking noise when I wind it every morning.
It’s a hoot to follow the comments of AEV and Admiral Clod from blog to blog. Both strike the pose of the connoisseur of the gentlemanly arts, yet their boorishness and bluster show them to be the two rudest horses’ asses on the gear blog circuit. They’ve learned a lot from salesmen, but nothing from their cotillion teachers.
Yes “AEV” I am a man, my wife is woman and we are both serious about dressing and style. And we wear $70 quartz watches made in Spain. I don’t know what you’re trying to imply about my wife and I but here’s a tip for you; next time you think you have something intelligent to say just keep your mouth shut!
So who’s the bigger cad, the man who wears the cheap watch or the man who judges him for it?
For God’s sake, don’t be an ass. This isn’t religion or politics – it’s just a damn watch.
I bought a new 42mm Automatic Omega Seamaster (~$1200) about 6 years ago and had been happy with it until I got hooked on these trad blogs. Wanting something a bit more understated, I pulled the trigger on a $25 Easy Reader a couple of weeks ago seeing FEC’s first Wardrobe post. My initial impression is that Im not yet entirely comfortable wearing it. Im not sure if its a confidence problem or what but something about it doesn’t feel right. Im now thinking of looking for a c.1970 seamaster in same style as the Timex. The nice thing about an older watch is that it is not going to depreciate much if kept in good condition. If I decide I don’t like the vintage Omega I should be able to sell it and not take much of a loss.
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-YSr63DQZUZI/Te1_lMD8a7I/AAAAAAAAABg/NOCMei-33gA/s800/IMG_0489.JPG
Very handsome watches indeed. The fact that they are manufactured by an unheard of maker and sold at a reasonable price does not detract from this. Minimalist simplicity, not ostentation is the guiding principle–the watchword–of classic style.
By the way: How can anyone who chooses to live in Laguna Beach (or anywhere in Southern California) consider himself to be an arbiter of taste and style?
Highly recommended to those who who want a proper watch, even at the risk of being branded as a having a “herd mentality” by one who is usually more Christian in judging his felllow man:
http://www.amazon.com/Timex-timex-t20501-Watch-T20501/dp/B0002LYEJK
For those who missed out on the original headline:
“Watch What Happens: Introducing Sartego, The Sartorial Timepiece”
Seems like a lot of work for a cheap watch, but I’ll take your word on it. Having to buy a band that is more expensive, then take the time to sand the chrome….I’ll just keep looking at antique shops. You can find great stuff in there.
Just thought I’d throw my 2 cents in, but you may want to take a look at the Orient watch company (http://orientwatchusa.com/mens) which offers some pretty simplistic designs, automatic movements, and only for a couple hundred dollars (even less if on sale). I’m not really a watch guy either, but I think my next will probably be an Orient.
I wasn’t much of a watch guy myself, but I have started to realize the importance of a nice time piece lately. My cellphone just is not cutting it anymore.
Oh geez, it’s not a “time piece” – it’s a friggin’ watch. Who the hell actually calls these things “time pieces?”
That’s from the old headline, since I didn’t want to repeat the word “watch.”
It’s still in the URL but note new headline without word “timepiece.”
Hey, at least it’s not as bad as “aesthetic.”
“Folks”!? Ask AEV to tell us how he got Sarah Palin to buy him the Vineyard Vines Whale watch (made in China of course) that he was recently spotted wearing on the Metro in DC.
I second the Orient Watch suggestion. Seiko also offers incredible bang for the buck. You can get reliable automatic models for not too much more than $75.
oh good lord….are people actually taking this cAdmiral Sod seriously?
Either he is a hoax perpetrated by yet another sad little internet attention-whore, or just a completely hate-filled bore of epic proportions.
Either way, just ignore the creep.
I think these watches are nice, but then again I sport a Timex Easy Reader 😛
We can’t all afford Pateks and Jaegers. I hope to one day, but it’s just not in the cards right now. There really is no subsitution for the craftsmanship that goes into a quality watch. But until I can afford such a watch I’m sticking with cheapies.
And if one day I actually can afford a Patek Phillip Calatrava or that A. Lange & Sohn Datograph I promise I will sport my Easy Reader no and again. I’m a watch enthusiast, not a watch snob.
Excuse my typos. My keyboard is shot to hell.
Forgot to mention great post, Christian. I like the debate it stirred.
@all of you – Get a life.
I think i found the perfect seikos which you’d mention. These are the domestic(japan) model which are not exported out. It has a ‘made in japan’ mechanical movement (6R15) which is their upper workhorse range. The accuracy matching some swiss watches but at a fraction of their prices.
http://www.seiyajapan.com/c=qprMSN98ua42v80oCs1fwY63S/category/3_seiko_quartz_etc_/
The SARB 043 looks like one you’ll like w the roman numerals.
I personally own the seiko SARB031. Very beautiful piece, but seiya doesn’t sell them anymore.
http://www.seiyajapan.com/product/S-SARB031/SALE-SEIKO-Automatic-Watch-6R15-SARB031.html
@Evan, Seiya sells some great Japanese market Seikos.
@Nard Dog, go Seiko and Orient and you’ll get an in-house automatic movement (like Patek or Lange) for no more than the price of 2 tickets to a Broadway show. I love Swiss watches as well, but half the Swiss makers out there just use modified ETA ebauches and not in-house movements.
@Evan, I almost picked up an SCVS013 back in the day but didn’t pull the trigger. Too bad!
Somehow got linked to this site from Valet as passenger back to Kiawah Island after dinner in Charleston. Couldn’t help but be amused. Have a Timex, the Sieko which Flusser references, a Tiffany, and a Rolex which was a gift from my wife, not from a real estate agency. The only thing about which I care less than the watch someone else is wearing is what someone thinks about that which I’m wearing. Really, now. Get a life.
Good work, Christian! All this kerfuffle is a sign that you’ve done a good job.
I’d say something about the watches, but it seems superfluous at this point.
I think I’ve found an even nicer watch in the same price range, the hands of which you will surely enjoy:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001LMX9E0/
By peugeot
I looked at the description for the Peugeot and discovered that the band is 17mm wide; would this make it too narrow to switch out with the standard 18mm grosgrain bands that are popular during the summer months? A pity if so.
Just got word back from O’Connells, who inform me that their 18mm bands will work just fine with a 17mm width. Perhaps, then, all of their 18s are actually a bit narrower.
Christian, what size bands did you purchase for each? I appreciate the timing of your article as I was looking for a low cost dress watch.
The round watch takes an 18, the tank style a 20.
I also like this one with a rectangular face, from Skagen. The band is specialized and would require replacement from the manufacturer or from Ebay, but if it is well-maintained it ought to last many years.
http://www.amazon.com/Skagen-Denmark-Brown-Leather-224LSLC1/dp/B004K60KQ4/?tag=exfoncom-20
Upon some reflection, I think a man should own at least one “important” watch if his means should permit it. But he should only buy it because he wants it and not because people tell him he’s some kind of philistine for not owning a several thousand dollar watch.
I love my easy reader, my camper, etc., but I want a watch that is worth passing on to a son.
I’ve read most of the threads on trad watches over at Ask Andy and the only true concensus is that a trad watch is elegant and understated. It shouldn’t attract attention, but upon inspection it should yield compliments. With that in mind, I am saving for a Jaeger Lecoultre Master Control. The styling is classic and with the appropriate care it should far outlive me.
Nard Dog–maybe it’s just coincidence, but you mentioned this almost verbatim, and it’s worth posting anyways:
http://www.gilt.com/giltmanual/2010/09/a-watch-to-pass-onto-your-son/
Ha! Too funny. I assure you I haven’t read it before, but I couldn’t agree with the author more. Except that if I drop more than $5000 on a watch then my kid can take it off my wrist just as they’re closing my casket. [half joking]
http://www.christopherward.co.uk/men/view-all-1.html
London calling!
sandpaper tip, great, used it on mine and killed the blingy glare,
As a Swiss who cannot afford an IWC or a Patek Philippe (yet), I recommend to choose a Calvin Klein Watch. Yes it’s just a brandname on a watch, but it’s a clean and elegant “Swiss Made” watch for a small budget. The company is part of the Swatch Group with it’s precise movements and they use the same steel as for their Omega Watches. And we live in times where big brands actually produce fine watches (e.g. Hermès) and not just put their names on someone else’s products.
Loving the up tight watch (time piece), snobs. I like the Sartego desgin watch too. I wouldn’t spend more than $200 on a watch, if I have $10 million in the bank. Buying power is for real estate not trinkets. Besides a cheapo quartz will keep better time than the best automatic.
Here’s an even better deal on a Sartego knock off: http://cgi.ebay.com/New-Fashion-leather-PU-Men-quartz-watch-Roman-numerals-/280584550768?_trksid=p5197.m7&_trkparms=algo%3DLVI%26itu%3DUCI%26otn%3D4%26po%3DLVI%26ps%3D63%26clkid%3D972518522393448698
I’m actually a woman and got this watch for a more casual look, I do have a Cartier Tank but wanted something that looked classic and casual for every day wear.
Not precisely minimalist, but still elegant and with their own ivy-like flair, these two watches from Skagen, this time with standard instead of proprietary watchbands. One is round, the other rectangular.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004K634C6/?tag=exfoncom-20
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B006037X3I/?tag=exfoncom-20
The latter is available also in a not-unpleasing rose gold: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005MT3XJ4/?tag=exfoncom-20
What do you think?
I know this post was from a while ago, but I just read about someone looking for an Omega Seamaster. I’m putting up my 60’s Omega Seamaster Deville on eBay in a week or two. I’ve worn it about 3-4 times and it runs great. It’s also in near-mint condition. Everything is original except for the crystal. I’ve decided to stick to my Timex Weekender instead.
Gents (and ladies), I found this blog post doing a search for Sartego watches, of which I am a fan. First of all, Sartego watches are made in Japan, not China. At least this is the case for the two Sartego dive watches I own. Japanese/Movado movt. and Japanese manufacturing… for whatever that is worth. Great watches for the money if you ask me. And since no one is asking me, I’ll check you snobs out later. -MJ
(BTW – In addition to being Japanese made, the watch is pronounced “Sar-teh-go” as in “leggo my eggo.” Not “Sar-tee-go” like the old board game “Stratego.” It’s a name from Spain, so pronounced with a Spanish pronunciation. You’re Welcome.)
Do you realize that you are just a poor writer? You will always be a want-to-be Ivy League fellow. You should have gone to a real college (Yale) and gotten a real job (anything BUT a writer) and then I would respect your opinion.
As everyone is not a fan of heavy watches with automatic movements and cannot afford an Altiplano, some easier but still classy choices are brands like Tissot and Calvin Klein…and while some may cringe at the thought of wearing a “Calvin” they are a “Certified” Swiss watch company and produce quality watches with swiss quartz movements that are housed in a 5-6 mm thick case and are better than a Sartego.
If one knows what they are looking for there are plenty of very thin older classic Seiko quartz watches for $100 or less on the net, both round and tank. New watches, just older models.
As it says in the post, that’s what Flusser wears!
Flusser knows best:
http://www.amazon.com/Seiko-SNF672-Dress-Black-Leather/dp/B000S6T0KW
@Jack Spratt:
I’m sure Mr. Flusser would also approve of this minimalist model:
http://www.amazon.com/Seiko-SKP330-Dress-Black-Leather/dp/B000VCGVC8/ref=pd_sim_watch_4
AWaspySoutherner,
Do you realize you are just an obnoxious boor? You will always be a want-to-be gentleman. You should have gone to a real finishing school and used real constructive criticism (anything BUT insults) and then I would respect your opinion.
Mentioned by Philologist in 2011, this classic is still available:
http://www.amazon.com/Timex-timex-t20501-Watch-T20501/dp/B0002LYEJK
Jack Spratt & J.I. Rodale
I own two each of those Seikos you gentlemen linked, round and tank. They replaced three I bought in the mid 80s, two round and one tank, same Seiko models. Can’t have too many watches, khakis or OCBDs. 😉
Christian
I should read the post more carefully. Met Flusser once, his books are a wealth of knowledge.
@MAC
Woıld be nice to learn what other watches you own/like.
It’s all a matter of personal taste, I prefer gold, white faced, roman numerals if not to obtrusive. Of the Seikos, the two tanks have one with a black, one with brown reptilian straps. Of the rounds, one is for nylon straps, the other has a brown reptilian strap.
I do own my father’s WWII AAF stainless field watch and his 60s Omega, they are put away.
I own a Cabels black matte field watch with NATO strap, it was a gift from a hunting buddy. It is indestructible and comes in handy in the field. I also own two olive plastic, black faced, NATO strap Timex field watches my nephew sent me from Iraq and Afghanistan. Marines, thank you. While talking field watches, I have a $12 1970s plastic Casio strapped to my hunting jacket, the alarm comes in handy for some jurisdictions.
I own a Triumph stainless, carbon fiber faced, black strap MC watch, it too was a gift. It never fails to impress do rag wearing HD road pirates. Yes, I leather up, I collect and ride Triumphs.
Have a Citizens day/date gold case, gold face, gold hour markings, brown strap, another gift. wear it only when around the gift giver. The lines of the watch are nice, but I can’t read the damn thing with just a glance.
I do have a box of old Seikos with various defects, it’s cheaper to just replace.
My favorite watches were a Tissot my father gave me at 14 and a very plain gold Rolex with brown leather strap I bought in the early 70s. The Tissot got destroyed in HS, the Rolex was stolen at the Palmer House in Chicago, no hookers were involved. :-0
The loss of the Rolex converted me to cheap watches.
I don’t know if I related this story before. A decade or so ago, the wife and I used to visit yard and garage sales. It’s amazing what neat stuff people will just about give away. (We don’t go much anymore, due to having too much stuff ourselves.) Anyhow, we were looking around at a sale, and I casually looked into a cigar box containing cheap quartz throwaway watches and costume jewelry. The wife comes up to me a few minutes later and asks me if I saw the watches. I followed her back and she picked out one. It was a 1960’s white gold Longines tank watch, with a tattered band and no crystal. I looked at it and carefully started to wind it. It ran.
Asking the lady what she wanted for it, she replied “A dollar”. I paid the dollar, barely able to contain myself. I took the watch to a jeweler, who replaced the crystal for $20. I bought a serviceable leather band for $12.
I wear my $1 watch on occasion. I was offered $500 for it, but it has more value to me as a “dollar” watch. Some may comment that I took advantage of the lady selling, so maybe that’s the reason I won’t sell it. I don’t really want to profit financially on the deal. (I’m sure someone in my family will sell it for a dollar someday.)
All the antique and ebay dealers get their stuff from estates and yard sales. A good living can be made buying and selling junk.
@MAC
Re:” Can’t have too many watches, khakis or OCBDs”
I would add navy blazers and polo shırts,
Great story, Wriggles! You really didn’t take advantge of her. She was happy to be rid of something that was junk to her. Heck, you paid her to take away her junk! In her eyes, she came out ahead.
My $3 Elgin watch came from a thrift store. $100 dollars in repairs & cleaning later, and I have a nice watch that looks good and runs well. Sure, it’s not as nice as a Longines, but it is worth about double what I paid overall.
I take it no one would appreciate the $18.18 Casio watch I wear when I play tennis. Oh well, it serves me well, and the price suggests its tradliness by proxy (The price being the year the venerable retailer, Brooks, opened its doors).
I have my Grandfather’s gold wrist watch, a Universal Geneve wind up on it’s original gold band for fancy occasions, a gold Elgin wind up pocket watch with assorted chains and fobs for 3 piece suit wear and for formal wear, a rhodium plated Elgin hexagonal faced watch on a lizard skin band (got that from my ex-wife for my first managerial position), and a rhodium plated Waltham wind up pocket watch for much the same occasions as I use my gold one, but when gold is too showy. I got both pocket watches for under $100; gold was $99., and the rhodium was $65. I think the Elgin wrist watch was about $115. at a pawn shop. Buying up those broken dreams! They all run excellently and are great values for their price, and handsome to boot! I think these watches are interesting, but I will probably stick with the watches that I already have. I don’t think I’d want to spend over $100, even just over, or even $75., for a new non wind up watch. I could get a wind up Timex for less, or a nice Elgin or Waltham.
I must say however; the watches as shown, do look nice! I’d be concerned however with someone thinking that I was wearing an obvious faux version of the Tank however. Too edgy for me on that point, and I don’t like the idea of having to sand my watch…..Still, they look nice!
Sarrano Telo Gomez was born in 1835 in Sariego, city Asturias, Spain, into a watchmaker’s family which consisted of 12 siblings. Sarrano was the sixth sibling and was the creative child within the family. Sarrano had a charming smile and innocent blue eyes that won everybody’s heart even his father’s. At school, Sarrano was given a nickname Sartego (short form for his long name Sarrano Telo Gomez). He loved his new name and introduced himself to others as Sartego rather than his real name.
At a young age, Sartego was very dedicated more to watch making rather than playing with his friends. Every day, after returning from school, Sartego could only be found in the basement of his house helping his father in watch making. Sartego learned the basic mechanical skills from his father. However, he already had the artistic and creative skills in designing unique watches. He even impressed his father who was an experienced watchmaker. At the age of 12, Sartego put together is first watch, which he wore throughout his lifetime.
At the age of 18 Sartego had collected enough money to make a trip to the heart of the watch making world-Switzerland. It was his fathers’ dream to make a Sartego a Spaniard with watch making talents that would be known around the world for “Quality and the art of time-keeping.” Sartego was sent to Neufchatel, Switzerland where Sartego’s father had a friend named Van Der Lehures who was also in the watch making industry and ran a small workshop of 20 people. Mr. Lehures accepted Sartego as an apprentice into his watch making business. There Sartego learned all his skills of making outstanding timepieces. Sartego had surprised many big watch manufacturers in Switzerland and was a being offered jobs he had always dreamt of.
In 1865, Sartego married a young charming lady named Ana Lucia. She gave birth to two sons by the name of Fernando Sartego Gomez and Harold Sartego Gomez. It was 1875 when Sartego received the sad news of his father’s poor health. With the love of his father in his heart, Sartego left back for Spain and met his father a few days before he died. Sartego’s father handed over a key to the basement door and asked Sartego to carry on the family tradition of watch making and to create a name in the watch industry that would make Spain proud. Sartego kept up that promise and turned his basement into a watch making workshop. He employed passionate young men and women to become heirs of the Spanish watch making industry.
1901 was a mourning year, as Sartego, who once was the time-keeper (forefather) of Spain’s watch industry has passed away in his deep sleep. He was still wearing the same watch that he had made when he was twelve years old. Until today, Sartego watches are known for “Quality and the art of time-keeping” within the international watch industry for the sophisticated and the world class movements used in making Sartego watches. Sartego’s sons Fernando and Harold carry on the life long tradition of making Sartego ‘Quality and Luxury Timepieces.’
I started wearing a watch back in the 60s, when I was in high school. A Timex. I didn’t wear a watch thru college or my early work years; not until 1980. My work then had critical deadlines and required precise timing. I wore G-Shock 5600s for 30 years. About 5 years ago, I stumbled into the world of “serious” watches – Seiko divers. A few are on bracelets, most are on NATO straps. Today, my watch is a part of my wardrobe.
Once again, CC comes up with a classic of minimalist design.
The Wortelboer watch at the bottom is the “Rembrandt” model.
It used to be available from Amazon, but is now “currently unavailable”, which usually means “never again available”.
However, as mentioned above, it is directly available from the manufacturer:
https://wortelboer.co/collections/rembrandt/products/rembrandt-white-black?variant=28477296345178
That watch reminds me of the Tiffany watch that I wore for many years, until a fancier watch became necessary (working in finance). But my favorite has to be my Jeanrichard Paramount Times Square. Its hour hand is a rotating triangle whose color-coded points line up with the numbers on the watch face every hour as it moves around a square track. It might not appeal to hard-core watch snobs, but its unique (I believe) complication makes it appeal to me. I have several other watches in a drawer somewhere, but they all seem to not have the same level of thingness that the Times Square does, and I’m hard pressed to even remember what the other ones are like.
Rather than taking umbrage at CC’s demoting me to the ranks of hoi polloi, I thank Philologist, for introducing me to the minimalist Timex T20501. The fact that it’s still available on Amazon 10 years after being mentioned above is amazing in the Land of Rapıd Obsolescence.
I’m so pleased with the Timex that I have given away all of my other wristwatches. (My New England grandmother may have been frugal, but she also told me that gentlemen don’t sell anything).
For years, I wore a Field Watch from L.L. Bean. It even had an alarm on it. When the time came to replace it, that model/version was gone, and I went with a Hamilton Khaki Field. I also have three dressier, old Tudor watches (eBay) with the Tudor rose logo. For me, a proper vintage look and still very affordable.