From SwissWatchExpo… Spotlight on: The Watches on Mad Men. Don
Draper’s choice timepieces.
Very few TV characters have had as much influence on men’s fashion, as Mad Men. The men of
advertising firm Sterling Cooper, led by Don Draper, helped resurrect 1960’s dapper.
His sleek, tailored and classic styling had the modern man aiming for his suave and sophisticated
look.
Don wore amazing dress watches on the show, and lucky for us, they are still being made
in contemporary versions today. Let’s check them out!
Don’s mid-century looks called for period correct watches, and Jaeger LeCoultre was
a fitting brand to wear.
The Memovox Polaris is the very first watch that Don sported on the show. His timepiece
featured a Tuxedo dial — that is, a white dial, black outer ring and a round steel case,
that was very popular in the 60s.
The vintage version was discontinued before the decade ended, and made a comeback in 2012.
It is now being produced in a sleeker, more modern version today.
The Jaeger LeCoultre Reverso becomes Don’s go-to watch by Season 2, presumably to reflect
the fact that he has moved up in the company.
The rectangular dress watch has been in production since 1931. Originally, it was a watch for
polo players, but its classic Art Deco style quickly gained appeal outside the polo fields.
Don begins wearing a 1960’s Rolex Explorer I, possibly the reference 1016, in Season
4.
There’s no mistaking the watch with its all-steel construction and 3-6-9 Arabic markers.
Originally created for mountain expeditions, the contrasting black dial and luminous markers,
were meant to make it more legible in low-light conditions.
The Explorer is Rolex’s most classic sports model. The original design is still being
made today, in a more modern 39 millimeter version.
Don also wore Omega Seamaster mid-century designs on the show.
The era’s Seamaster watches, just like Don’s black dial De Ville design, were introduced
with a water resistant case, but looked like elegant dress watches.
In Season 6, we see Don wearing a yellow gold dress watch, presumably another Omega DeVille.
The yellow gold case and black leather strap go very well with his warm-colored ensembles
for the season.
Of course, the men of Sterling Cooper also wore dapper dress watches. Here’s the agency’s
silver fox, Roger Sterling, wearing a Tudor Oyster Prince. The classic style is a great
accompaniment to his flashy suits.
And finally, we have the ambitious yet volatile Pete Campbell’s funky Hamilton Sputnik watch.
The watch is notable for its flared lugs, stepped bezel, and unusual dial.
Mad Men was compelling for many reasons, and the timepieces sure count as one of them.
Which watch was your favorite? Tell us in the comments section.
Want to learn more? For the best and the latest in watches, head over to The Watch Club by
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