Mother Road by Sangamon Watch Company
Insparation
The Sangamon Watch Company got its name from the Sangamon River which runs through central Illinois and feeds into the Mississippi River. Mother Road like all watches developed by the Sangamon Watch Company has a meaning and a story that is pure Americana. Mother Road is for the journey of Route 66.
Case
A brushed bronze-coloured 316L stainless steel watch at 44mm stands out from the crown and it’s definitely a watch that draws people in. I have a lot of friends who collect watches and most like to see something different. Mother Road is exactly that! Although, I’ve found that this bronze is a marmite watch you either love or hate. Personally, I like it because bronze coating it’s a bold choice of colour for such a large watch.
Unfortunately, this size of the watch has limited the number of buyers due to its size. Another part of the case I liked the design of was the bezel. Although, it’s a fixed position the hour makers are on it rather than the dial. This something else others have mentioned as a negative.
Something this watch has a stunning Route 66 engraving on the caseback of the watch. I have to say this is something lots of companies get wrong.
The Sangamon company make this watch in four other colour combinations Blue, Black, White and Tie Dye.
Dial
A beautiful 3D dial is the centerpiece of this watch. Shaped like a car wheel hub it’s perfectly in keeping with the theme of the design, The hands however are negative on this large open dial. I would have liked them to be longer and bolder with some superluminova on them. on the chapter ring, there is a speed dial again a nice touch and hint at the theme.
Movement
Underneath the dial on that beautiful dial on Mother Road lies the Seiko NH-35 self-winding movement. This workhouse movement offers 21,600 mph, bi-directional (Magic lever) winding, hacking, hand winding, date calendar, and a 41-hour power reserve. Above all else, this movement is easily serviced by any watchmaker and is a good solid choice for a watch in this price range.
Bracelet / Straps
The 22mm watchband is really comfortable and made from brown leather in a rally-style with 3-holes with an oversized signed buckle. Again this is perfectly in keeping with the watch’s style and story.
Watch Gallery
Packaging
The Sangamon watches are packaged extremely well and come with lots of extras. I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the packaging the watch arrived in!
Specification
- Movement: Japanese Seiko NH35A (Automatic)
- Hacking
- Crown: Push/Pull
- Vibrations: 21,600 bph
- Jewels: 24
- Power Reserve: 41 Hours
- Case Size: 44mm
- Case Material: Brushed Bronze colored 316L Stainless Steel
- Case Thickness: 12mm
- Case Lug-to-Lug: 53.0 mm
- Case Back: Route 66 Road Sign Deeply Laser Engraved Picture
- Crown: Signed
- Glass: Domed Sapphire Crystal with Anti-Reflective Coating
- DIAL COLOUR : Brown
- Band: Brown Genuine Leather Rally Racing 3-Hole with Oversized Buckle
- Band Width: 22mm
WATER RESISTANCE : 5 ATM/ 50M
- Packaging: Premium Black Cardboard Box with Story Card
- Route 66 Keychain & Mother Road Patch.
- 2 Metal Cards Included: Sangamon Dock Membership
- 2-Year Int’l Warranty.
- Price
- Style of the watch
- Watch Strap
- Short Hands
- No Lume
Final Thoughts
I have to say that I was extremely surprised by the Mother Road. It’s an extremely well-made watch at its price point and offers something completely different from anything I own. Brian from Sangamon watches is also a lovely guy who has a great knowledge of Americana and American horology. Sangamon sets out to make watches for locals and tourists that pass through and tries to keep the prices affordable. But what I’m seeing is these watches now being picked up by collectors due to the quality and affordability too! $349 (£255) after preorder $289 (£212). Save an additional 10% by using our code Junky10 making this watch an even better buy!
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