Introduction

The Oak & Oscar Ashland is a field watch that doesn’t just look the part—it lives it. Designed by Chase Fancik in Chicago, this 40mm stainless steel tool watch punches well above its price point with thoughtful proportions, a crisp dial, and a movement that keeps ticking through the week. I wore it for seven straight days: commuting, hiking, typing, and even a rainy weekend. Here’s how it held up.

From the moment you strap it on, the Ashland feels like it was made for your wrist. The 48mm lug-to-lug and 12.5mm thickness disappear under a cuff, yet the case still has enough heft to feel substantial. The brushed finishing hides desk-diving scratches, and the 100m water resistance means you never have to worry about hand-washing or a sudden downpour.

But the real story is the dial. The Ashland’s matte black or blue surface is a masterclass in legibility: bold Arabic numerals, syringe-style hands, and a generous dose of Super-LumiNova BGW9 that glows like a torch. It’s a watch that tells you the time instantly, no squinting required. For a brand that started as a Kickstarter project, Oak & Oscar has matured into a serious contender for anyone seeking a rugged, everyday mechanical watch.

Manufacture History

Oak & Oscar was founded in 2015 by Chase Fancik in Chicago, Illinois. The brand’s name is a nod to the oak tree (strength) and the Oscar statuette (recognition). Their first model, the Sanford, was a chronograph that funded via Kickstarter. Since then, they’ve released the Burnham GMT and the Ashland field watch. The Ashland is named after a street in Chicago, continuing the brand’s local roots. Oak & Oscar focuses on small-batch production, direct-to-consumer sales, and a strong community ethos.

Movement

The Ashland is powered by the Sellita SW200-1, a Swiss automatic movement based on the ETA 2824-2. It beats at 28,800 vph (4Hz), has 26 jewels, and offers a 38-hour power reserve. The movement is not COSC-certified, but Oak & Oscar regulates each one in three positions to achieve -10/+20 seconds per day. The rotor is custom-skeletonized with the brand’s logo, adding a touch of personality visible through the display caseback. The date window is at 3 o’clock with a quick-set function. While not a high-end movement, the SW200-1 is reliable and easy to service.

Specifications

  • Case Diameter: 40mm
  • Case Thickness: 12.5mm
  • Lug-to-Lug: 48mm
  • Case Material: 316L stainless steel, brushed finish
  • Crystal: Double-domed sapphire with AR coating
  • Water Resistance: 100 meters (10 ATM)
  • Lume: Super-LumiNova BGW9 (blue glow)
  • Bracelet/Strap: Horween Chromexcel leather strap (20mm) or premium NATO
  • Clasp: Polished pin buckle with signed logo

Wrist Feel

The Ashland wears smaller than its 40mm diameter suggests, thanks to the short 48mm lug-to-lug and a case that tapers elegantly. On my 6.75-inch wrist, it sat perfectly flat with no overhang. The 20mm lug width accepts a wide variety of straps, but the included Horween leather strap is supple from day one and breaks in beautifully. The weight is balanced—not too heavy, not too light—and the caseback is slightly domed, which helps it hug the wrist without digging in.

During a week of wear, I never felt the need to take it off. The crown is signed and easy to grip, though it’s not screw-down (the 100m WR is achieved with gaskets). The bezel is fixed and polished, adding a touch of refinement. Overall, it’s a watch that disappears on the wrist in the best way possible.

Accuracy

Over seven days of mixed wear (office, hiking, sleeping), the Ashland averaged +6 seconds per day. The Sellita SW200-1 is not COSC-certified, but Oak & Oscar regulates each movement in three positions. Expect anywhere from -5 to +15 seconds per day out of the box. Mine was consistent and never drifted more than 10 seconds in a single day. For a sub-$1,000 field watch, that’s excellent real-world performance.

Occasions

The Ashland is versatile enough for daily wear, light sport (hiking, camping), travel (thanks to the date and 100m WR), and even smart-casual dress with the leather strap. It’s not a formal watch, but it won’t look out of place at a nice dinner.

Wrist Presence

3.5/5 — The Ashland is understated but purposeful. It doesn’t scream for attention, but the crisp dial and generous lume make it noticeable in low light. On a NATO strap, it leans casual; on the leather, it can pass for a smart-casual piece. It’s not a showstopper, but it commands respect from those who know watches.

Reference Variants

  • OA-ASH-001: Matte black dial, Horween leather strap
  • OA-ASH-002: Matte blue dial, Horween leather strap
  • OA-ASH-003: Matte black dial, premium NATO strap (limited run)

Family References

The Ashland is part of Oak & Oscar’s field watch line. Siblings include the Sanford (chronograph) and Burnham (GMT).

Other Notable Models by Oak & Oscar

  • Oak & Oscar Sanford (chronograph)
  • Oak & Oscar Burnham (GMT)
  • Oak & Oscar Humboldt (diver, upcoming)

Similar Watches

  • Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical: 38mm, hand-wound, 50m WR, less water resistance but iconic design.
  • Seiko Alpinist SPB121: 39.5mm, automatic, 200m WR, compass bezel, but thicker and pricier.
  • Timex M79 Automatic: 40mm, Miyota movement, 100m WR, affordable but less refined finishing.

Homages

  • Addiesdive Field Watch 40mm: Quartz, 100m WR, similar dial layout, under $100. Lacks Swiss movement and premium strap.

Investment Value

MSRP: $895
Current Retail: $895
Pre-Owned Range: $600–$750
Trend: Stable
Hold Recommendation: The Ashland is a solid value at retail, but pre-owned prices are soft. Buy it to wear, not to flip. It will hold its value reasonably well if kept in good condition, but don’t expect appreciation.
Auction History: No major auction history.

Service Interval

Every 5 years. Approximate cost: $250 via Oak & Oscar or any independent watchmaker. The Sellita SW200-1 is widely serviceable.

Reference Number

OA-ASH-001 (black dial, leather)

Price Range

Range: $895 (retail)
Verdict: Excellent value for a Swiss automatic field watch with a well-finished case and premium strap. Trust-fund babies might want something flashier, but for the discerning collector, this is a no-brainer.

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Exceptional legibility with bold numerals and syringe hands
  • Comfortable 40mm case with short lug-to-lug
  • High-quality Horween leather strap included
  • 100m water resistance for real-world durability
  • Custom skeletonized rotor adds personality

Cons

  • No screw-down crown (gasket-based WR)
  • Power reserve is modest at 38 hours
  • Not COSC-certified, though regulation is decent
  • Lume could be brighter on the hands vs. dial markers

Final Verdict

The Oak & Oscar Ashland is a field watch that gets the fundamentals right: legibility, comfort, and durability. It’s not trying to reinvent the wheel, but it executes every detail with care. For under $900, you get a Swiss automatic movement, a beautifully finished case, and a strap that feels like it cost half the watch. If you’re looking for a daily beater that also looks sharp at dinner, the Ashland is a top contender.