Oak & Oscar The Jackson

Introduction

The Oak & Oscar Jackson is a field watch that doesn't try to be everything to everyone. Instead, it focuses on what matters: legibility, comfort, and a design that survives a real week on the wrist. Founded by Chase Fancher in Chicago, Oak & Oscar has carved a niche among collectors who appreciate thoughtful details and honest construction. The Jackson, named after the Chicago neighborhood, is their take on a classic military-inspired field watch, but with a distinctly modern approach to proportions and finishing.

At 40mm wide and 14.5mm thick, with a 48mm lug-to-lug, it sits squarely in the sweet spot for most wrists. The case is brushed stainless steel with polished chamfers, and the dial is a study in clarity: large Arabic numerals, syringe-style hands, and a subtle railroad minute track. It’s a watch that looks good with a flannel shirt or a suit, and it’s built to be worn daily without fuss.

In this review, I’ll put the Jackson through its paces—how it feels on a NATO, a leather strap, and even a rubber strap. I’ll examine the movement, the lume, the crown action, and whether it lives up to the hype among microbrand enthusiasts. Spoiler: it does, but with a few caveats.

Brand History

Oak & Oscar was founded in 2015 by Chase Fancher, a former advertising executive with a passion for watches. The brand’s name comes from the oak tree (strength) and the Oscar statuette (recognition). Based in Chicago, Oak & Oscar quickly gained a reputation for clean, American-designed watches with Swiss movements. The Jackson, released in 2017, is their best-selling model and a staple of the microbrand field watch category. It’s a watch that embodies the brand’s philosophy: no gimmicks, just good design.

Movement

Inside the Jackson beats the Sellita SW200-1, a Swiss automatic movement that’s a direct clone of the ETA 2824-2. It runs at 28,800 vph, has 26 jewels, and offers a 38-hour power reserve. While not in-house, the SW200-1 is a proven workhorse, easy to service and reliable. Oak & Oscar regulates each movement in-house to within -5/+10 seconds per day. The rotor is custom-engraved with the brand’s logo, and the movement is visible through a sapphire caseback. It’s not heavily decorated, but the finishing is clean and appropriate for the price point.

Specifications Case diameter: 40mm Case thickness: 14.5mm Lug-to-lug: 48mm Lug width: 20mm Case material: 316L stainless steel, brushed with polished chamfers Crystal: Double-domed sapphire with anti-reflective coating Water resistance: 100 meters (10 ATM) Lume: Super-LumiNova BGW9 on hands and numerals Strap: Horween leather strap with quick-release spring bars Clasp: Signed pin buckle Wrist Feel On a 6.5-inch wrist, the Jackson wears like a glove. The 48mm lug-to-lug keeps it from overhanging, though at 14.5mm the case carries real height. The caseback is flat, so it sits flush against the skin. On the supplied Horween leather strap, it’s comfortable from the first wear, though the leather is stiff initially. On a NATO, the watch becomes even lighter and more casual. The crown is signed and easy to grip, but it does dig into the wrist slightly if you wear it tight. Overall, it’s a balanced, unobtrusive wear that disappears on the wrist—exactly what a field watch should do.

Accuracy

Over a week of daily wear, my Jackson averaged +4 seconds per day. The Sellita SW200-1 is known for consistency, and Oak & Oscar’s regulation is solid. Expect anywhere from -5 to +10 seconds per day out of the box. It’s not COSC, but for a $1,000 watch, it’s more than acceptable.

Occasions

The Jackson is a versatile watch. It works as a daily beater, a travel companion, and even a dress watch in a pinch. The 100m water resistance means you can swim with it, though the leather strap isn’t ideal for water. Swap it to a NATO or rubber strap, and it’s ready for the beach. It’s not a formal watch, but its clean design allows it to pair with a blazer.

Wrist Presence

3.5/5. The Jackson is understated but not invisible. The large numerals and syringe hands give it a tool-watch presence, but the polished chamfers and slim profile keep it from being too loud. It’s a watch that watch people will notice, but the average person won’t.

Reference Variants

The Jackson is available in two main dial colors: black and blue. The black dial (ref. O&O-JACKSON-001) is the classic, with white numerals and a tan leather strap. The blue dial (ref. O&O-JACKSON-002) is a limited edition with a darker blue hue and matching strap. Both have the same case and movement. Oak & Oscar also offers a version with a date window, but that’s a separate reference.

Family and Other Models

The Jackson is part of Oak & Oscar’s core lineup, alongside the Sandford (chronograph) and the Olmsted (dress watch). The brand also makes the Humboldt (GMT) and the Burnham (diver). All share a similar design language: clean dials, robust cases, and Swiss movements.

Similar Watches

If you like the Jackson, you might also consider the Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical (manual wind, 38mm), the Seiko Alpinist SPB121 (compass bezel, 39.5mm), or the Timex Marlin Automatic (affordable, 40mm). For a microbrand alternative, check out the Vaer D5 or the Boldr Venture.

Homages

For a budget-friendly homage, the Laco Flieger Pro offers a similar flieger-inspired dial at around $450. The Islander ISL-38 is another option with a Seiko NH35 movement and sapphire crystal for under $300.

Investment Value

The Jackson retails for $995 and holds its value well on the pre-owned market, typically selling for $700-$900. It’s not an investment piece, but it’s a solid buy for someone who wants a well-made field watch without breaking the bank. The trend is stable, and I recommend buying it to wear, not to flip.

Service and Maintenance

Service every 5 years, costing around $250 for a basic overhaul. Any watchmaker can service the Sellita SW200-1, or you can send it to Oak & Oscar. The brand offers a 2-year warranty.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Excellent legibility with large numerals and syringe hands
• Comfortable 40mm case with short lug-to-lug
• High-quality Horween leather strap
• Solid build and 100m water resistance

Cons

• Crown can dig into wrist during exercise
• No date complication (some may prefer it)
• Leather strap is stiff out of the box
• Not COSC certified

Final Verdict

The Oak & Oscar Jackson is a field watch that gets the fundamentals right. It’s comfortable, legible, and built to last. While it lacks some modern conveniences like a date window or a higher water resistance rating, its charm lies in its simplicity. For under $1,000, it’s a strong contender in the microbrand field watch space and a watch you’ll enjoy wearing every day.