Born on the 12th of December 1915 in Hoboken New Jersey to Natalina Garaventa and Antonino Martino Sinatra, Frank Sinatra would go on to become one of the best-selling musicians of all time. Selling an estimated 150 million records worldwide. As well as his flawless voice and one-of-a-kind stage presence his career was boosted by his perennial style. Being a workaholic and image focused man Sinatra was always well put together. This extended to his choice of watches and general way of carrying himself.
Whilst exact stories of his specific preferred brands change depending on who you ask there is something very constant in the styling. They are normally understated, made out of precious metals and classically designed. Bulova is referenced frequently as Sinatra’s favourite watch brand and he certainly gifted Bulova’s somewhat regularly. Most famously to Art Tatum, a contemporary jazz pianist who Sinatra thought very highly of. He also had a sizeable connection to Timex as he was sponsored by them when he recorded multiple TV Specials, including ‘Welcome Home Elvis’.
No individual brand can claim to be the Sinatra watch but multiple have taken the idea of Sinatra’s character and created watches to emulate his style. Bulova released a range of entry level time pieces featuring simple quartz and mechanical movements to align but the greater tribute has to come from Oris. Their release of a limited-edition Sinatra Themed World Timers fits the crooner perfectly.
The world timer function emphasis the jet setting life he lived and the use of 18k rose gold adds that feeling of luxury and class associated with Sinatra. Each watch comes in a humidor, a nod to Sinatra’s love of tobacco, as well as a leather cigar case. Alongside the watch is a book that features intimate knowledge from his private life and gives you a better picture of the man. The whole package is crafted to emulate and celebrate the life of one of Americas best entertainers. Being limited to 250 pieces makes the watch even more collectable as they are only getting rarer and a good example is becoming increasingly difficult to find.
The example we have in store at time of writing has a particularly fortunate number, being 12/250. Twelve being both the day and month of Sinatra’s birth making this watch a great addition to both watch fans and music fans.
