Review of Oak & Oscar Atwood from Chicago

If you have ever visited our unique Watch Discovery Studios, you know that it's not only a great opportunity to see, touch, and try on rare and unconventional watches from brands around the world, but also a wonderful showcase for demonstrating local talents.

Today, the focus is on an independent brand from Chicago - Oak & Oscar, and we've chosen one model that best reflects the philosophy and character of the brand - the Atwood.

The History and Philosophy of Oak & Oscar

Oak & Oscar are almost veterans in the world of micro-brands, founded in 2015 by Chase Fancher and his team of classically trained watchmakers and enthusiasts in the heart of Chicago. But who is Oscar? Oscar is the brand's mascot, Chase's beloved dog, who inspired him to collaborate with a dog rescue charity, helping provide shelter and adoption services with part of the company's profits. This fact alone deserves attention to Oak & Oscar - such initiatives would be welcome in the watch industry. But what should you know about the Atwood model?

Design and Features of the Atwood Case

The Atwood has all the hallmarks of a classic sports chronograph, but upon closer inspection, it becomes clear that every detail is thoughtfully designed beyond simply replicating known solutions. The case is made of corrosion-resistant 316L stainless steel, fully matte-finished to create a retro-tool style. The case diameter is 39 mm, a sensible size often overlooked by many brands when creating chronographs. This allows the watch to fit various wrist sizes without being overly bulky. The case thickness is 12.9 mm, including the slightly domed sapphire crystal. Despite the apparent thickness, the watch looks proportionate on the wrist, and the curved lugs ensure a comfortable fit.

Retro Elements and Case Finishing

As mentioned, all case surfaces are carefully matte-finished: from the sloped bezel to the old-school style chronograph pushers and the large push/pull crown. This, along with drilled lugs, gives the case a vintage character reminiscent of watches from the 60s and 70s. The solid end links of the bracelet are styled after the pressed hollow links of those eras.

Dial and Styling Options

The retro theme continues with the dial design, available in three "panda" versions: dark blue reverse panda, charcoal gray reverse panda, and white panda, which we review here. The dial is constructed in a sandwich style: the lower layer includes the counters and hour markers, while the upper layer contrasts with the Oak & Oscar logo and an almost invisible minute track on the edge. The three-component layout is very spacious despite the compact size, and the details become more noticeable upon closer inspection.

Functional Details and Movement

The counters are decorated with contrasting orange accents. The 30-minute counter at the "3 o'clock" position is divided into 5-minute intervals, which are clearly fixed when the chronograph is working, rather than moving slowly across the scale. These details are highlighted by the large orange chronograph seconds hand with the Oak & Oscar logo on the counterbalance.

All functions are powered by the Sellita AMT5100M movement, visible through the sapphire case back. The movement is hand-wound with a column wheel and flyback function, fitting the overall retro concept. The power reserve reaches an impressive 58 hours. The movement features 23 jewels, a Nivaflex mainspring, and an Incabloc shock protection system, ensuring high Swiss reliability and precision. For aesthetics, the movement is decorated with Côtes de Genève finishing and a blue column wheel.

Bracelet and Set

The Atwood comes on a well-crafted three-link stainless steel bracelet with a fully matte folding clasp and micro-adjustment system. The links are secured with screws, allowing precise sizing for the wrist. Fine adjustment is provided for additional comfort. The set also includes an olive green textile strap with orange stitching and a stylish waxed canvas case. An American-made tool for quick bracelet changes is included in the set.

Price and Availability of Oak & Oscar Atwood

The recommended price is 2650 USD.

The Oak & Oscar Atwood model combines thoughtful design, high-quality materials, and a reliable movement, making it a worthy representative of the sports chronograph segment with a retro accent.