Weiss Watch Company Standard Issue, Just Your Standard American Issue

American watches have been popping up more and more on the site, some by design and some by accident.  The Weiss Watch Standard Issue is one of those accidental finds, something I came across while checking out site dedicated to cool toys for guys.  The fact that is it is assembles in Los Angeles, a few miles from where I write this and the city where I grew up, is a bonus in my eyes.  I am a fan of clean, readable designs with interesting touches, so this watch really ticks off the right boxes for me.

Off the bat, the watch is driven by an ETA Unitas 6497, a hand wound movement, decorated by Weiss prior to assembly.  The brand describes the movement as based on the 6497 and “finished and assembled in Los Angeles, California from Swiss parts.”  The brand is calling it Weiss Watch Company Caliber 1001, but I like the Swiss pedigree of the movement.  The decoration is fairly simple but attractive, and the exhibition caseback shows it off nicely.  The 4 hex screws are used to secure the caseback, lending another small by distinctive touch to the watch.

Up front, there is a sword style handset that harkens to a Flieger style, which is reinforced by the markings, giving it the distinctive military feel without really putting it in the pilot watch category.  A sub-dial for seconds is at 9:00, very readable, and there is no date, which I like more and more.  Two options are offered, a white and a black dial version, both a green canvass strap (options are available for leather or other colors of canvass).

The two models are otherwise identical, with 42mm diameter cases, 12.8 mm tall.  The front and caseback crystals are sapphire, with the front crystal double domed, another nice touch that gives a vintage feel in a modern watch.  Weiss is taking pre-orders now with anticipated delivery at the end of July, so you may not have to wait long for yours.  weisswatchcompany.com

Watch Overview