Andrew Perez is a self-proclaimed watch nerd and is founder of Chicago-based Astor + Banks. A watch guy since his dad first showed him his Timex Indiglo, he purchased his first watch while stationed in Germany during his military service. Astor + Banks watches use mechanical and Swiss quartz movements that are all assembled in Chicago. The company aims to make the finest timepieces using the highest quality materials for durability, reliability, and great design that you will enjoy for a lifetime.
The Fortitude is a great everyday watch with the versatility to go from formal to casual any day of the week. Things to love are the size at only 38.5 mm, sand dial with matte dark gunmetal grey hands and its extremely comfortable bracelet with the perfect taper from 20 mm down to 16 mm at the buckle. Along with 660 ft of water resistance, you will also get an anti-magnetic feature allowing your watch to withstand 20,000 A/m of magnetism without affecting your timekeeping.
This watch is a perfect representation of what every modern manufacturer aspires to, with a throwback design in a 40 x 44 mm case. The scarcer "Speed Timer" variant was only available to the Japanese domestic market. Made circa 1971, it is a tonneau style with rich colors, great lines, and an historic movement. The sub register adds great contrast, with a bright turquoise five-minute countdown and fifteen-minute divider. Atop the unpolished case is an inset and well-proportioned bezel that is finished with a glossy black inlay. The Speed Timer logo adds balance opposite the framed day/date (Kanji/English) window. An early variant, it is equipped with Seiko's first iteration of their premier automatic chronograph movement, the 6139A.