American Watch Wednesday – Martenero

Lately we’ve seen an ever growing array of watches with varying levels of “Made in America.” Enough that we thought we needed to dedicate an article to these new brands each week. This week we’re taking a look at Martenero, a brand producing watches assembled in New York City.

Martenero founders John Tarantino and Matt O’Dowd joined forces with a goal of creating an American watch inspired by the great watches of yesteryear. But Tarantino and O’Dowd also wanted to create watches that would be extremely personal to the buyer.

To do that, they came up with a scheme for customization that creates hundreds of possible combinations of hands, dials, and straps. Place your order by way of Martenero’s nifty online option selector. Once you do, a watchmaker in New York City will assemble your watch to your specifications. And it’ll ship within 5 business days.

Now, those watches of yesteryear were often work tools for fliers or drivers. Martenero’s first two watches followed those traditions.

(Image credit – Martenero.com)

The Ace has a heavy pilot vibe, with sword hands and a center chapter ring for hours 13 to 24. The Founder was inspired by the classic 1960s sports watches, with a dial that’s reminiscent of an instrument in an automobile. Those watches have been on the market for about two years.

Last year, Mr. Tarantino came through town on a world tour, showing a huge roll full of new watches he was eager to release to the wild. The Ascent was inspired by the high reaches of our planet, while the Marquis is Martenero’s take on the classic dress watch.

All Martenero timepieces are three-handers. Some feature a date as well. All models except the Limited Edition version of the Ace are available in either 38mm or 42mm. That’s an option you don’t see every day. All are driven by Miyota automatic movements (9015 or 821a). The cases sport twisted lugs and feature a screw down crown. All carry an exhibition case back. The Ace, LE Ace, and Founder are good to 100M of water resistance, while the Ascent and Marquis have a rating of 50M.

Learn more about these uniquely American watches here.

The post American Watch Wednesday – Martenero appeared first on Bezel & Barrel written by Ed Estlow.