These Gorgeous Art Deco-Inspired Watches Are Your Style Secret Weapon—From the Boardroom to the Bar
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This story was created by Men's Journal in partnership with Gatsby Watches.
Whether you’re leading office meetings, relaxing during the weekend, or dressing up for a big date night, a good watch elevates any outfit, helping you look put together and keeping your style on point. The hard part? Choosing the right watch. That’s why we love Gatsby Watches—the brand offers a carefully curated lineup of well-crafted timepieces, all inspired by the iconic design themes of the 1920s. These watches are built to last, offer premium features, and stand out from the crowd with their bold lines and sleek case styles. In this lineup, there are no bad choices.
With style influences drawn from Art Deco architecture and other hallmarks of the ‘20s, Gatsby watches offer a one-of-a-kind aesthetic. Read on to see our top picks from this esteemed watch brand, and get ready to level up your look this season and beyond.
Gatsby 40mm Burlington Automatic Open Heart Strap Watch, $2,000 at Gatsby Watches
The Gatsby Burlington takes cues from the Art Deco style of the 1920s and the history of American railroading and transforms them into a head-turning timepiece with some really 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 heritage is evident in the “railroad track” minute marks around the edge of the dial, and the dual subdials are clustered with an “open heart” window, giving you a peek at the Japanese-made Miyota automatic movement. It’s a real looker, and it’s available in three finishes—silvertone, goldtone, and rosetone—to match any outfit.
Gatsby 40mm Fitzgerald Swiss Quartz Leather Strap Watch, $2,000 at Gatsby Watches
Taking its name from the famed American novelist F. Scott Fitzgerald, this handsome timepiece leans into the Art Deco look with the interwoven lines and arches motif displayed boldly at the center of the dial. Look closer, and you’ll find even more carefully crafted details, including an enamel insert on the crown, lance-shaped hour and minute hands, and pillar-shaped hour markers arrayed around the dial. It’s powered by a reliable and accurate Swiss quartz movement, and the polished stainless steel case and genuine leather strap tie it all together. With its clean layout and classic 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
The name says it all: Inspired by the improvisational nature of jazz, this watch features an unorthodox design that makes a strong statement on the wrist. The highlight here is the 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.) It also features a handsome cushion-shaped stainless steel case, it’s capped with super durable sapphire crystal glass, and it’s powered by a Japanese-made automatic movement for precise timekeeping. Plus, it’s paired with a genuine leather strap with a suede underside, so it not only looks great, it’s also super comfortable to wear.
Gatsby 43mm Empire Swiss Quartz Master Calendar Strap Watch, $2,500 at Gatsby Watches
The Empire puts you on top of the world—almost. This handsome watch evokes the soaring lines of a skyscraper with its subtle dial design, and thanks to its Swiss-made quartz movement and master calendar complication, it’s an ideal partner for guys with a busy schedule. The master calendar is beautifully arranged: 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. Measuring 43mm across, the cushion-shaped stainless steel case sits proudly on the wrist, secured by a sumptuous leather strap that matches the dial color. Better yet, it’s topped with sturdy double-domed sapphire crystal glass, and it’s rated for 100 meters of water resistance. If you need a watch that can keep up with you and look good no matter where you take it, this is it.
Gatsby 40mm Symphony Swiss Quartz Chronograph Bracelet Watch, $2,000 at Gatsby Watches
Gatsby’s Symphony features a 40mm case—a versatile size that works well on many wrists—and a design that celebrates some of the most celebrated architecture of the 1920s: concert halls. The dial features an intricate top-down view of a symphony hall with the stage at the center and rows of seating radiating around it, creating an abstract pattern that really sets this watch apart. (Make sure to flip this one over, as that eye-catching pattern is echoed on the case back.) In addition to looking fantastic, the Symphony is also highly practical for everyday wear thanks to its date window at 4 o’clock, chronograph function, and reliable Swiss-made Ronda quartz movement.
Gatsby 40mm Autograph Swiss Quartz Chronograph Strap Watch, $2,500 at Gatsby Watches
No matter where you wear it, the Autograph makes a strong impression. With its iconic curved case, inspired by the flowing lines of Art Deco architecture, it stands out from more pedestrian timepieces, and it has the features to match. A chronograph complication allows you to measure elapsed time, the dual day-date windows help you keep track of your calendar at a glance, and a high-precision Swiss-made quartz movement keeps everything ticking smoothly. The etched dial design, engraved case back, and striking hour markers mirror the unique case shape, while curved sapphire crystal glass resists bumps and scrapes—no need to baby this well-made watch. And with its suede-lined leather strap, it feels as good as it looks.
Gastby 38mm Baldwin Automatic Stainless Steel Bracelet Watch, $1,500 at Gatsby Watches
With its pared-down 38mm case, the Baldwin is a great pick for smaller wrists or anyone who prefers a smaller watch. But even with its tidy size, it doesn’t compromise on what counts: great craftsmanship. It’s powered by a highly accurate, Japanese-made Miyota automatic movement, and the rounded square case features brushed and polished finishes for a classy look. The dial has a clean, minimalist layout that rewards close inspection—note the sunray pattern and the sleek bullet-shaped hour markers. Flip it over, and the see-through case back gives you a view of the movement’s inner workings. 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 worthy of special occasions, too.