Time for Change

There aren't really too many stories about timepieces and Presidents, but one that comse to mind involves President Bush (the second) and a stolen wristwatch in Albania last year. While wading through a very excited crowd, somehow his watch was taken by an excited admirer. Although it was only a $50 Timex (apparently sporting a stars and stripes motif), it still grabbed international headlines.

There are a few interesting anecdotes about our leaders and their timepieces. President Dwight D. Eisenhower marked a special timepiece moment in 1956, when Rolex presented him with a Day-Date watch. The piece quickly became known as the "Presidential," and the nickname stuck.

French watchmaker LIP (pronounced "leep") also gained attention through Ike when it presented him with its famed Electronique in 1958. A LIP watch was also given to President Clinton in 1994, on the 50th anniversary of D-Day.

Omega honored President John F.Kennedy in 2008 with the launch of a limited-edition timepiece. The original is currently housed in the Omega Museum in Biel, Switzerland. It served as a model for the special release and will be virtually identical to the "Ultra Thin" Omega that Kennedy wore during his January 20, 1961 inauguration and throughout much of his presidency.

In fact, here's an interesting slideshow from the National Watch and Clock Museum from a Presidential Timepieces exhibit:


Uploaded on authorSTREAM by nwcm

Regardless of what our leaders have worn, a new year might be a great time for a new timepiece. We've culled some of our favorites for all occasions, whether in the office, on vacation or on the town. Click below to shop a great selection of both men's and women's watches:

At the Office:

On Vacation:

On the Town: