Some of you may be new to fine mechanical wristwatches. What's the difference between a watch that sells for $150 and one that sells for $1500? The overriding difference is exclusivity, and attention to detail. This timepiece is a showcase of quality, and its parts… the Dial, Hands, Case, Crown, Movement, and Crystal all are a clear display of its beauty.

The Dial

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Unlike the soulless look-alike watches turned out by the tens of thousands, the dial of the University of Oregon Homage Chronometer is totally unique and completely hand-made in Germany. It represents the University of Oregon experience in all its facets. The guilloche in the center of the dial is reminiscent of the brick pattern on the Museum of Art that dominates the Memorial Quad. The “6” and “7” markers have exploded into prominence recounting “1876,” the year of the University’s founding. The bold roman lettering is inspired from the University seal. The colors chosen, although more sophisticated than the traditional emerald and lemon, leave no doubt as to their origin. Each glance will remind you of your lifelong connection to the University of Oregon. GO DUCKS!

The Hands

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Even a cursory review of watches at a local jewelry store will uncover a striking convention in hand design. This is because watchmaking is a very tradition-bound craft. Most watches make use of traditional hands, such as “sword,” “leaf,” or “Breguet,” purchased ready-made from a catalog. Not so with this timepiece. And while the University of Oregon Homage Chronometer gives a nod to tradition, it is not a slave to it. The hands are custom-made for us in Germany in a unique style that complements the look of the whole. A finishing touch is the green and yellow design taken from a tile on the exterior of the University Museum of Art.

The Case

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The case of the University of Oregon Chronometer movement is individually made to specification in Pforzheim, Germany. Many watches today, including some high-end brands, sublet substantial components to low-wage countries without disclosure. Working conditions are unknown.

The cases are all crafted in-house, from solid blocks of 316L stainless steel. The highly experienced German craftspeople use the latest high-tech CNC machinery, but all polishing, assembly and thorough quality control is done by hand. The back is heavily engraved with the University of Oregon seal. The finish is a high-polish that looks good now, and can be re-polished by any competent jeweler to remove surface scratches, so it can look good later on, too. Using a third-generation, family-run business that has been hand-crafting watch cases since 1924 is more expensive, but the finished product is luxuriously and noticeably refined.

The Crown

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The crown is another area where lesser watches trade individuality for convenience. Many generic crowns are available through catalogs. Like the cases, the crowns used for the University of Oregon Homage Chronometer are made specifically for this watch in Germany. Look at watch crowns at any jewelry store. You’ll appreciate the extra effort and expense it took to create something totally unique.

The Movement

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The movement that powers the Chronomundi University of Oregon Chronometer will last longer than you will. It contains an ETA 2824-2 mechanical movement; the same type of movement used in watches by Rolex Tudor, Maurice Lacroix, Cartier, TAG-Heuer, Eterna, Fortis, Oris, Auguste Reymond, Schwarz-Etienne, and Tissot. All quality Swiss and German brands. Properly cared for, a top-quality Swiss mechanical movement will last for generations.

In addition, the University of Oregon Homage goes one step further than most, and uses a the very best chronometer-grade movement, sourced from ETA, the largest producer of mechanical movements in Switzerland. Chronometer-grade movements use the finest materials and craftsmanship to ensure accuracy and long life.

The Crystal

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Synthetic sapphire is the most expensive glass crystal material and the most scratch resistant. Much harder than mineral crystal, sapphire crystal has a hardness rating of 9.0 on the Mohs scale, and is virtually scratch-proof, as well as resistant to acid and alkali. Sapphire (whether natural or synthetic) is one of the hardest substances on earth. Synthetic sapphire is a very hard, transparent material made of crystallizing aluminum oxide at very high temperatures. Chemically, synthetic sapphire is the same as the natural sapphire used in jewelry, but without the coloring agents that give the gemstone its various hues.

The University of Oregon Homage Chronometer also has anti-reflective coating applied to both sides of the crystal. Sapphire crystal has a higher index of refraction than glass, so is susceptible to glare. Only the highest-quality manufacturers apply anti-reflective coating to overcome this problem.

There is nothing else like the University of Oregon Homage Chronometer. It is art. It is jewelry. It is engineering.

The exclusive design captures the essence of the University of Oregon. Much more than simply a logo or emblem, the design is true artistic expression you can enjoy every day. It is an enduring recognition of your accomplishment.