In August 2007, Senator Barack Obama received a watch as a gift for his 46th birthday. The gift, from his Secret Service detail, was the Jorg Gray JG6500 customized with the Secret Service logo on the dial. About seventeen months later, Barack Obama became the 44th president of the United States and he did it wearing the Jorg Gray JG6500 on his wrist.
After President Obama was frequently photographed wearing his Jorg Gray JG6500, public demand for the presidential timepiece skyrocketed. So, what do we know about the watchmaker? What do we know about this particular model? Is this Obama showing his wealth or an attempt to relate to the common man ala Bill Clinton’s Timex Ironman?
For starters, Jorg Gray is a Southern California based company that’s only been around since 2009. It was originally founded as a line of promotional watches by Logomark, which is how they began making a line of timepieces for the Secret Service. After the public saw Obama wearing his JG6500, Jorg Gray shifted to a retail-only brand in 2009.
The Jorg Gray model JG6500 is a simple, aviation-inspired watch that dresses up or down with any style. Design characteristics of the hands, hour indicators, the contrast of black and white, and triangular 12 o’clock sign are all common among “aviator” timepieces. The subtle time indicators are legible but enhanced by a sloped chapter ring with very detailed and thorough markers. Additionally, the subsidiary seconds hand and chronograph seconds hand feature red coloring to add some colorful flavor to this watch.
Inside the JG6500 is a 60 minute Japanese Miyota chronograph quartz movement, the same movement maker you see in Citizen Watches. This is protected by a steel case that measures 41mm wide. Additionally, the timepiece has a subtly unique style of mineral crystal. A slightly domed crystal with an anti-reflective coating and slight magnification was engineered to stay clean over a dial with luminant capability.
Finally, a couple additional design features I love include a crown with “JG” laser engraving, laser etched logo on the leather strap’s steel buckle, and commemorative case back with individual serial number engraving.
While this isn’t Bill Clinton move, wearing a cheap Timex to better relate to the American public it’s far from Obama stunting his wrist wealth. Honestly, it’s a very cool story that Obama received the watch as a birthday gift from his Secret Service detail and I think it’s seen as a watch that is classy but relatable. So, Barack could wear the watch to show confidence without being seen as a someone who can’t connect with the American public.
Relatability being defined through its simple aviator watch design and very reasonable price tag. Right now on Amazon, you can get the Jorg Gray JG6500 Commemorative Edition with a unique serial number for only $356.
Happy birthday, Mr. President:
BUY IT NOW
