Mercer Voyager II Automatic Watch

Constructed with a stainless steel case, sapphire crystal, and a screw-down crown, the Voyager II Automatic is water resistant to 200 meters. But while its specs are worthy of any good diver, it doesn’t sacrifice in looks, either. The slightly domed crystal and polished unidirectional bezel —which helps keep track of elapsed time—hint at its dapper side. The sandwich dial is slightly textured with circular markers and stylized numerals. Made with two separate pieces (a bottom and a top layer), the dial adds a sense of depth to the overall design. Look at it from the side and you’ll see the offsetting layers. Polished sword hands pair with a long, thin seconds hand for visibility, which is only enhanced with the Super-Luminova coating. Backed by Seiko NH36 movement, the Voyager will tick for 40 hours on a full charge.

Though it was born of a Kickstarter only a few years ago, Mercer Watch Co. evokes a deep sense of Americana. After all, the company is named for Hugh Mercer, a fallen soldier in the American Revolution. His name not only served as a rallying cry during the war but also became the namesake of Mercer County, New Jersey, where the company is headquartered. Mercer Watch Co.’s first timepiece, the Brigadier, is another shout-out to Mercer, who had earned the title of brigadier general by the time he was killed, in 1777.