Oak & Oscar is a Chicago-based, independent watchmaker that boasts a modern look and feel that is perfected by Swiss-trained experts. Based on three main principles of making no little plans, the belief that good people make great products, and that the details always make the design, Oak & Oscar is committed to trust and transparency in its range of products. From watches for every occasion to accessories such as watch wallets, leather and nylon straps, and poster prints, the team offers only the best.
Oak & Oscar watches are affordable and stylish. The Humboldt, for instance, is a 40mm Swiss-powered automatic watch with an external, rotating 12-hour bezel. Named after the 18th century explorer Alexander von Humboldt, who explored the world in the name of science, this watch is perfect for the adventurous. Drilled lugs mean it’s easy to change straps and its 20 ATM water resistance means it’s still functionable in water up to 200 meters and 656 feet, the Humboldt also boasts a Swiss-made ETA 2892A2 that has 21 jewels.
Similar to the Humboldt, the Olmstead 38 is named after another trailblazer in history, conservationist and founder of landscape architecture, Frederick Law Olmstead. He advocated for natural spaces for the public and designed public parks such as New York City’s Central Park and Chicago’s Jackson Park. Like its namesake, the Olmstead 38 has an eye for design with its full numeral sandwich dial and striking orange minute indicator.
All Oak & Oscar watches come in distinctive cases rather than boxes because of its commitment to sustainability and sourcing locally when possible. The Humboldt and The Olmstead 38 are thus presented in sleek waxed canvas watch wallets with Horween leather accents. The wallets have a zipper closure and a pair of gusseted suede watch pockets. Compact, as well as fashionable, the watch wallets are fantastic for protecting the watches and saving space. Just as importantly, the wallets are manufactured by Stock Mfg Co., also based in Chicago.
Ultimately, the carefully crafted Oak & Oscar products are a reflection of its team. The founder, Chase Fancher, started Oak & Oscar after leaving his corporate job to pursue his passion and a better balance between life and work. At the helm of the watchmaking craftsmanship is Nathan Bobinchak, Director of Watchmaking. Bobinchak has an official certification from the Swiss American Watchmakers Training Alliance at the Lititz Watch Technicum in Pennsylvania. Bobinchak is in charge of servicing all Oak & Oscar timepieces and assembling future watches in Chicago. Bobinchak and the team’s level of expertise and attention to detail ensure that Oak & Oscar timepieces are best-in-class while being good for the environment and helping to fuel Chicago’s vibrant economy
