Introduction
In the crowded landscape of microbrand horology, Oak & Oscar has carved a distinct niche. Founded by Chase Fancher in Chicago, the brand has steadily built a reputation for thoughtful design, robust construction, and a deeply personal connection with its community. The Olmsted, named after the famed landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, represents a deliberate pivot from the brand's earlier tool-watch DNA toward something more versatile: a dress-sport watch that doesn't sacrifice character for elegance.
At first glance, the Olmsted appears deceptively simple. But like the best landscape architecture, its beauty reveals itself in layers. The dial, the case architecture, the movement selection—every element speaks to a brand that has matured beyond its roots. This is not a watch trying to be everything; it is a watch that knows exactly what it is. For the young collector seeking a daily companion with genuine personality, the Olmsted makes a compelling case.
Brand History
Oak & Oscar was born in 2015 from Chase Fancher's desire to create watches that told stories. The brand's early models, like the Sandford GMT and the Burnham, drew inspiration from aviation and Chicago history. The Olmsted, released in 2022, marked a new direction: a dress-sport watch named after Frederick Law Olmsted, the father of American landscape architecture. It is a fitting tribute—Olmsted's designs, like New York's Central Park and the U.S. Capitol grounds, are masterpieces of balance and intention. The watch aims for the same.
Movement
Inside the Olmsted beats the Sellita SW200-1, a Swiss automatic movement that is the workhorse of the industry. It is not an in-house caliber, but Oak & Oscar has regulated it to run within -4/+10 seconds per day, a significant improvement over stock. The movement features 26 jewels, a frequency of 28,800 vph, and a power reserve of 38 hours. While 38 hours is modest by today's standards, it is sufficient for daily wear. The custom rotor, visible through the display caseback, is sandblasted and engraved with the Oak & Oscar logo—a nice touch that shows the brand's attention to detail.
Case and Dial
The 40mm stainless steel case is a study in proportion. The brushed and polished surfaces catch light beautifully, and the slim bezel allows the dial to take center stage. The dial itself is the star: a textured surface that Oak & Oscar calls 'sand' in its matte finish, or sunburst in the green and blue variants. The applied indices are faceted and filled with Super-LumiNova BGW9, which glows a cool blue in the dark. The date window at 3 o'clock is discreet but legible. The domed sapphire crystal adds a vintage touch without distortion.
Wrist Feel and Wearability
On the wrist, the Olmsted is a masterclass in balance. The 47.5mm lug-to-lug ensures it wears smaller than its 40mm diameter suggests. At 12.2mm thick, it slides under a dress shirt cuff with ease. The leather strap, sourced from a Chicago-based tannery, is supple and breaks in quickly. The pin buckle is simple but secure. The watch feels solid without being heavy, and the 100m water resistance means you don't have to worry about splashes or rain. It is a watch that can go from a boardroom to a weekend hike without missing a beat.
Accuracy and Performance
Over two weeks of daily wear, the Olmsted averaged +5 seconds per day. This is excellent for a non-COSC movement and speaks to Oak & Oscar's regulation efforts. The watch is consistent across different positions, though leaving it dial-up overnight may add a second or two. For practical purposes, it is more than accurate enough for daily life.
Value and Verdict
At $1,050, the Olmsted sits in a competitive price bracket. It faces off against the likes of Nomos, Junghans, and Stowa. But the Olmsted offers something those brands don't: a distinctly American perspective, a limited production run, and a direct connection to its founder. It is not a watch for everyone, but for the collector who values story and execution over brand cachet, it is a gem. The Olmsted is a watch that will age gracefully, both in style and in the memories it accumulates. Highly recommended.
