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This story was created by TheStreet in partnership with Gatsby Watches.
It’s a simple sartorial fact: If you’re a guy trying to look your best (and who isn’t?), you need a watch. But not just any old ticker will do—what’s on your wrist says a lot about you, so it’s crucial to choose wisely. You need something that’s eye-catching but not gaudy, comfortable yet refined, and versatile enough to work with a variety of outfits. It’s a lot to consider, and that’s why we love Gatsby Watches. With their Art Deco-inspired aesthetics and premium features, these timepieces set a new standard for style and quality.
Gatsby watches have all the hallmarks of fine watchmaking, including nearly scratchproof sapphire crystal glass and precision movements sourced from Switzerland and Japan. In addition, many of these watches feature chronograph and date functions that help you stay on schedule and showcase the brand’s commitment to superb craftsmanship. We’ve highlighted our favorites below, but no matter which you choose, you’ll be investing in more than just a style accessory—you’ll get an heirloom you can cherish for years to come.
Gatsby 40mm Burlington Automatic Open Heart Strap Watch, $2,000 at Gatsby Watches
Like its stablemates, the Burlington has strong Art Deco themes in its design, but it also draws inspiration from a more unlikely source—the history of American railroading. The result is a stunning timepiece that’s full of unique details. The 40mm case defies convention with its multilevel design: The bezel has a rounded octagonal shape, while the lower part of the case melds seamlessly into the lugs and the sturdy rubber strap. The railroading influence shines through in the “railroad track” minute marks that circle the edge of the dial, a reference to the expansion of railroads across North America in the ‘20s. It’s powered by a rock-solid Japanese Miyota automatic movement (this watch winds itself through the natural motion of your wrist) and an “open heart” window on the dial gives you a peek at its inner workings. In short, it’s a stunner—with this watch, checking the time might become your new favorite activity.
Gatsby 40mm Fitzgerald Swiss Quartz Leather Strap Watch, $2,000 at Gatsby Watches
Classy and understated, the Fitzgerald is a watch worthy of its namesake: famed American novelist F. Scott Fitzgerald. This model dives deep into the Art Deco look with its interwoven lines and arches motif displayed boldly at the center of the dial, and the polished 40mm stainless steel case gives it a clean, classic look. There are no gimmicks with the Fitzgerald, but it does reward close inspection: We love its considered details like the enamel insert on the crown, the lance-shaped hour and minute hands, and the pillar-shaped hour markers arrayed around the dial. While its aesthetics are a throwback, the mechanicals are thoroughly modern—it's powered by a Swiss-made quartz movement for reliable timekeeping. With its straightforward layout and handsome lines, it’s a great choice for everyday wear, though it’ll look great with a suit, too.
Gatsby 41mm Jazzy Automatic Day/Night Strap Watch, $2,500 at Gatsby Watches
Looking for something a little different? The Gatsby Jazzy deserves a spot on your shopping list. Inspired by the improvisation of jazz, this showstopper watch features a day-night indicator at the top center of the dial: Instead of an hour hand, a semi-circular window tracks the gradual progression of the hours, with a sun and moon showing the transition from day to night. (A minute hand shows the exact time via a track around the edge of the dial.) The cushion-shaped stainless steel case adds even more visual interest, while the sturdy sapphire crystal glass, plush suede-lined leather strap, and reliable Japanese automatic movement make the Jazzy a strong choice for everyday wear.
Gatsby 43mm Empire Swiss Quartz Master Calendar Strap Watch, $2,500 at Gatsby Watches
Bold and powerful, the Empire takes aesthetic inspo from the soaring lines of steel skyscrapers constructed during the Art Deco era, and it matches that gorgeous design with plenty of everyday functionality. The dial displays a top-down view of tall buildings in a cityscape, echoing the lines of the 43mm cushion-shaped case, and that striking motif is repeated on the case back. Another key highlight is the beautifully arranged master calendar complication: Twin windows at the center of the dial display the day and month, while a slender fourth hand points to the date as it slowly sweeps across the dial’s outer edge. Double-domed sapphire crystal glass and a Swiss quartz movement make it a sturdy and reliable partner for everyday wear, and a sumptuous leather strap completes the look.
Gatsby 40mm Symphony Swiss Quartz Chronograph Bracelet Watch, $2,000 at Gatsby Watches
The Gatsby Symphony stands out from the crowd with its beautiful circular stainless steel case (available in gold and silver finishes) and its unique dial pattern inspired by the symphony. The dial design is a bird’s-eye view of the inside of a concert hall, with a circular stage at the center and interlocking rows of seating arrayed around it—an intriguing abstract pattern that’s also echoed on the case back. In addition to looking fantastic, the Symphony is highly practical for everyday wear thanks to its date window at 4 o’clock, chronograph function, and dependable Swiss-made Ronda quartz movement.
Gatsby 40mm Autograph Swiss Quartz Chronograph Strap Watch, $2,500 at Gatsby Watches
The Autograph is an instant conversation starter. Its curved case design evokes the flowing lines of Art Deco buildings, while its etched dial design, engraved case back, and striking hour markers give it a jewel box aesthetic that’s truly one-of-a-kind. It also showcases some of Gatsby’s best features, including curved sapphire crystal glass, a precise Swiss-made quartz movement, and a day-date complication for keeping track of your calendar at a glance. Paired with a super comfy suede-lined leather strap, this watch is a delight to look at and to wear.
Gastby 38mm Baldwin Automatic Stainless Steel Bracelet Watch, $1,500 at Gatsby Watches
The Baldwin serves up excellent style and performance in a compact package. The 38mm stainless steel case is a great pick for smaller wrists (or anyone who prefers a smaller case size), and with its matching stainless steel bracelet, it offers a sleek, pared-down aesthetic that’s super versatile. Details like the mix of brushed and polished case finishes, the sunray pattern on the dial, and the bullet-style hour markers give the Baldwin a refined, uncluttered look, while the Miyota automatic movement keeps it ticking smoothly—turn it over, and you can see it work via the see-through case back. Thanks to its sapphire crystal glass and 100-meter water-resistance rating, it’s plenty tough for everyday wear, but with looks this good, it’s a worthy choice for special occasions, too.
