Still With Watchgang-Grayton

I'm still getting Watchgang watches, and a few that I've written about have moved into my regular watch rotation. On the other hand, a few are still in their boxes because for a variety of reasons they haven't struck me as watches that I need to wear.

I was thinking about canceling my subscription-I've been buying a few watches off of eBay and Goodwill and I only have so many places to wear them. I did scale back to getting a watch every two months instead of every month. I wasn't really thrilled with what I was being sent, and I have too many watches.

I noticed that the Watchgang bill hit my credit card last week, so I figured I'd get a look at this one, and maybe stop if it didn't appeal to me.

The usual white envelope held a box from Grayton. I'd never heard of them before, which again, doesn't mean a great deal. I've discovered that there are several micro-brands out there, and a quick internet search turned up an online only watch brand that specialized in mechanical watches. They describe themselves as 'urbanites,' taking their design cues from the great cities of the world.

Opening the box revealed this pretty nice grey flannel watch sleeve.  I guess I could use it for sunglasses or just to carry this watch in when I travel. I don't travel that much, but the thought is nice.

The watch was well packed, with the usual clear cellophane type plastic on the front and back, and some extra tissue where the band met the case. The leather of the band was thick but supple, something that I prefer over metal bracelets.

The back is clear, showing the Seiko NH35 movement. It's nice to see it, but there's nothing really special about it. No unusual looking jewels or anything, just a movement ticking away. Interestingly, every watch sent by Watchgang has been running when I open the box-even the automatics, which means someone at Watchgang winds everything before it goes in the mail.

It's a 40mm watch, my favorite size, and had a tag with an msrp of $280. Back on their website, the watch is Elegant Sport Leather Bourbon. Checking eBay, this watch wasn't up, but there were about 40 Graytons listed, ranging in price from $20 to $350 for something really fancy. Their website has an interesting dial within a dial that tops out at $620, with their least expensive being $195.

The watch felt really nice on my arm. I think the 40mm is a good size for my wrist, the leather wrapped on my arm well and though it feels solid, the watch isn't heavy. I don't know that I would have picked a brown watch-the second brown faced watch that I've received from Watchgang and now the second one I own, but it's supple on my wrist. The watch looks clean-not too fancy but clearly better than a Timex or Armitron.

I don't think I'm going to collect compliments or comments on it, but I put it on and have been wearing it the last few days. It is very comfortable and easy to read. The lume isn't very good, so if you plan on looking at your watch in the dark, this won't be the one for you. I don't really think it's the type of watch that loans itself to that type of wear.

The short version is that I like it. The brown face has grown on me, the band is comfortable and it's simple and clean. The G on the fancy clasp is a nice touch-there's a G on the crown as well, the number markings are simple, and the shape of the hands is classic. The red second hand provides enough contrast to be easily seen, and though the date isn't magnified, the numbers are big enough to be visible. It's quiet for an automatic, too.

I don't think that I'll rush and buy another Grayton anytime soon-I've got many watches already that fill the 'classic automatic' niche in my collection, and nothing on their website really jumped out at me-but it's a good value for an automatic watch.