When I first encountered Troubadour Watches (at a local watch meetup) I was very excited. Not only was this a high-quality watch but it brought together two of my favorite hobbies: music and horology.
Since then, as of yesterday in fact, Troubadour Watch launched their website and are now offering their watches for sale. There are only a few in the first run- so get them while you can.
What’s most unique about these watches is the bezel. It includes the Circle of Fifths. Although you might not be a musician, if you are you’d appreciate all the uses of having this on your wrist (if you’re not, here’s a great explanation of the circle of fifths on their website).
Now you can read the specific specifications about each watch on their website. I don’t need to repeat that here. Instead, inspired by the creativity of the watches I wrote a little short-story about each watch to help you see the value- whether for yourself or as a great gift for the musician in your life.
The Midnight Jam Troubadour Watch
As you putt on your tux to play today’s wedding, the last essential accessory is this black-on-black watch. Its ETA 2824-2 Automatic Movement will ensure you start the first few bars of Cannon in D on time. Later, cousin Rita realizes she chose an arrangement of Ave Maria in a key she can no longer sing. No worries, the unique bi-directional Circle of Fifths bezel helps you quickly transpose to something more fitting for her current vocal range. The romantic candles create a beautiful ambiance but make it impossible to read your sheet music. Nevertheless, you’ll still know the time, thanks to the C3 Blue Line X1 grade Superluminova.
Thanks to the date window at the 6 o’clock position, you won’t miss your gig a few days later when you don your all-black goth outfit to play in your Depeche Mode cover band. Does the 316L stainless steel bracelet not match your look? You’ll find it easy to use any other leather (or lace?) 20mm lug-width watch band you desire (not included). If that audience gets a little rowdy, you won’t have to worry about your Troubadour Black Tie. The sapphire crystal, the 316L stainless steel case, the ceramic bezel, and (god-forbid you need it) 100 meters of water resistance will keep it safe.
The Delta Blues Troubadour Watch
Whether you’re strumming your acoustic like Robert Johnson or melting brains with distorted riffs like Hendrix, the Blues is what you need to keep time. The ETA 2824-2 automatic movement running at 28,800 BPH combined with a date window at the 6 o’clock position will ensure you make your meeting at The Crossroads- or your next gig. While the sound-man works through a technical glitch, you use the black, bi-directional Circle of Fifths bezel to improvise a riff. A few hours into your gig, when arms are damp with sweat or beer (or a little of both), it won’t matter, thanks to your Troubadour’s 100 meters of water resistance.
After you rock the bar, you load up your gear in the van. You won’t have to worry about your watch banging against your amp thanks to the ceramic bezel, 316L stainless steel case, bracelet, and sapphire crystal. Despite the dark alley behind the bar, the C3 Blue Line X1 Grade Superliminova, you won’t miss your date with that fine lady who gave you a Troubadour Delta Blues watch as a gift.
The Mojo Green Troubadour Watch
The sun is shining. There’s not a cloud in the sky. It’s a beautiful day for an outdoor music festival, and your Troubadour Mojo Green watch is just what you need to make the show great. You check the time. The ETA 2824-2 Automatic movement tells you it’s “go time.” As you walk on stage- just before you pick up your fiddle- you use the quick, micro-adjusting clasp to turn your watch face wrist-wise to make it easy to read while you play. That way, when your guitarist gives you the nod, you can quickly move up to the next key. Your Troubadour’s unique ceramic, bi-directional bezel showcasing the Circle of Fifths makes that transition easy.
This isn’t your first performance, and although the sun’s shining now, the weather can change anytime. Good thing your watch has 100 meters of water resistance! You can worry about protecting your instrument- not your watch- from a sudden cloudburst. It’s not a rowdy crowd today- families in lawn chairs are happily clapping around. It’s not like that honkey tonk you once played. That show made you thankful that your Troubadour’s 316L stainless steel case, bracelet, and sapphire crystal.
The Blue Note Troubadour Watch
It’s Friday night down in the club. The smell of smoke and martinis mixed with perfume from the audience puts you in the zone. You look down at your Troubador Blue Note to see that your break is over. It’s dark to the side of the stage, but the C3 Blue Line X1 Grade Superluminova makes it easy to read. You know it’s accurate thanks to your ETA 2824-2 automatic movement. As you sit at the piano, some drunk from the back thinks he’s funny and calls out for you to play “Freebird.” The heckling doesn’t bother you. You look down at your ceramic bi-directional bezel with the Circle of Fifths and put him in his place.
Your Troubadour is as classy as the Monk tune you play next. It not only looks good, but the sapphire crystal resists scratches like a bouncer pushes drunk patrons out the door. Sometimes you switch the bracelet to another 20 mm band, but tonight the 316L stainless steel case and bracelet glimmer in the stage lights.