„What kind of watch is that guy wearing?“ – A common thought that crosses ones mind when roaming train carriages on a desperate search for a vacant seat. The same question also gripped various online watch forums in 2009, when Barack Obama proudly celebrated his inauguration. But even in times when US politics was not yet so divisve, the actual answer was still a long way off.
Sure, by now it has long since become clear what Mr. Obama had strapped to his wrist and was no longer willing to take off so quickly: the Jorg Gray 6500 Chronograph, a gift he received from the Secret Service. Then-Senator Obama received the timepiece for his 46th birthday, and has since been spotted with the watch on his wrist at several public appearances.
Unlike some of his peers and colleagues, Obama prefers a more down-to-earth type of timepiece in the JG6500 Chronograph, just as a democratically legitimized president should. The origin of the Japanese Miyota movement and the Italian leather strap can be interpreted as a statement of bilateral policy. The black chronograph is framed in stainless steel and is currently available for a rather slim $ 395.
At least if one can overlook a small but subtle difference to the original Jorg Gray Obamas. Instead of the brand emblem, the seal of the Secret Service was placed on the dial. If you want to insist on the original, you may be lucky to find a copy in the Secret Service gift shop on your next trip to Washington.
Otherwise, the watch remains on the Jorg Gray website, where the JG6500 Commemorative Edition is available among other variants. As the name suggests, this model is reminiscent of the Obama variant and underlines this with an engraving on the underside: “The 44th President of the United States Barack H. Obama”.
Incidentally, Obama may be a little more royal in his well-earned retirement. After all, he was spotted wearing a Rolex Cellini with Prince Henry at the “Invictus Games” in Toronto.
If you want to know which watches the current Democratic presidential candidates, and thus successors of Barack Obama, have declared their favorites, you can find them here.
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