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AMERICAN BRANDS
“W” for “Watch Works” as it depicts the mountains’ reflection on a lake. There are four versions in the range: the all black “Black Panda,” silver
It is a clever, balanced design in which every aspect is significant. Each and blue “Blue-eyed Panda,” a white and brown “Brown-eyed Panda,” and
model name pays tribute to Vermont’s history, landmarks, or folklore. a blue and white “Morgan Monaco.” That last model takes its name from
Over the years, he has created eight distinct models, not counting
the Heuer Monaco, specifically the vibrant early-2000s reissue. To my
variants within the ranges. A 1970s sports watch called the Equinox eye, the Morgan Monaco’s rich, shimmering blue dial makes it the most
is currently in production, and Doug is putting the finishing touches on striking of the group. All four models have a date window option and
the Beluga, a 500M diving watch with a patented bezel indicator that BGW9 SuperLuminova on the hands and markers. Perhaps my favorite
should be announced this summer. His watches are all small-batch detail is the Morgan’s diamond-quilted leather strap. It is a luxuriant touch
limited editions, so when the production run is complete, that model is that evokes a 60s sports car feel with being obvious or kitschy.
gone forever as Doug moves on to the next project. The current line-up
The Battenkill and the Mansfield ($270) are the latest incarnations
consists of the Morgan racing chronograph, the Mansfield vintage pilot, in Manchester’s trench watch series. These watches were inspired by
and the Battenkill trench watch. the pocket watches converted into wristlets by soldiers in World War
The Morgan ($290) is named for the Vermont state horse, and
although the animal is featured on the case back, the watch’s style is
more automotive than equestrian. It has a handsome, chiseled cushion
One, and Doug has stayed true to that style while imparting a contem-
porary spin on this very traditional design.
The 316L stainless steel case is 40mm wide and about 11mm
case similar to that of the Zenith El Primero Vintage 1969, measuring thick, which I consider to be the most versatile size for a man’s watch.
40mm wide, 48.5mm long, and 11.8mm thick with its tall, beveled The bezel and back have radiused edges, and the crystal is slightly
sapphire crystal. The watch features a brushed surface and a slim, domed, creating a soft, familiar look. The lugs are thicker than you
polished chamfer running its length. Its blunt, angular lugs are drilled might find on an original trench watch but they are proportionate with
for easy spring bar removal. the case and hide a conventional 20mm spring bar. A signed, coin
An Isaswiss 8371C quartz movement provides a 1/5 second
sweep hand, small seconds at 3 o’clock, 30-minute register at 9
o’clock, and a 6 o’clock register for hours elapsed. The vintage race-
timer look carries through the slate finished dials and sun-ray registers.
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edged crown at 4 o'clock completes the update. The overall effect is
clean and contemporary, although still firmly rooted in tradition.
The movement is a Miyota 8245 automatic, a sturdy, reliable, 21
jewel unit with a small seconds counter, oscillating at 21.6k bph. Nor-