The Sangamon Watch Company of Springfield, Illinois has launched its third model, once more drawing inspiration from classic Americana. The Mother Road Collection pays tribute to US Route 66 with design cues that should be instantly recognizable to any automobile enthusiast.
The watch measures 44mm wide, 53mm long, and just 12mm thick, which should strike the right balance between commanding wrist presence and wearability. It features an engraved crown, domed sapphire crystal, crown guards, and frosted cutouts on the lugs. Around back, you will find deeply engraved case back art featuring the iconic Route 66 road sign. It is water resistant to 50m, which should be more than enough for a road trip.
Any good open road machine needs a proper motor – maybe a Ford 302 or Chevy 350. In this case, it is the venerable and nearly bullet-proof Seiko NH35 automatic, a 21.6k bph unit with Diashock protection, 24 jewels, and a power reserve of 41 hours.
The chapter ring recalls a vintage speedometer. The dial looks for all the world like an American Racing Torq Thrust wheel, complete with fat, rounded spokes and a 5-lug hub. Sangamon offers five variants: Black, Brown, White, Navy, and the very limited Tie-Dye (20 pieces). They all look cool, but I’m partial to the black dial as I feel the pairing of the dark center with the brushed bezel best replicates the look of the original dark gunmetal wheels that were a staple of both muscle car hot rodding and the heyday of Trans-Am racing. Remember the Highland Green Mustang Fastback that Steve McQueen drove inBullitt? Yeah, those are the wheels I’m talking about.
Given the Mother Road’s inspiration, it fairly begs for a leather rally strap. Sangamon provides a three-hole design in thick leather, 22mm wide, secured with a large, signed buckle.
“We are excited to launch a Route 66 inspired watch as we live along the route and love the history and spirit it has contributed to our country.” says co-founder and CEO Tyler McKay.
Every Sangamon watch comes with a story card to further connect the customer with the history and design of the watch. The Mother Road Collection also includes a keychain with the iconic Route 66 logo, a custom Mother Road Patch, two metal cards for Sangamon Dock Membership, and a 2-year manufacturer’s warranty.
Production is ongoing and is expected to be finished in August 2020 with shipment to early backers in September 2020. Pre-Sales started in July 2020 with an initial price of $289, 33% Off MSRP of $429. All together, only 310 watches will be made.
For more information or to place an order, visit SangamonWatches.com. ⬩
