It’s no secret that we’re big fans of Oak & Oscar. The Chicago-based brand, founded by former real estate analyst Chase Fancher (check out our 2017 profile here), exemplifies everything that is interesting about the current scene of American independents. The three watches they’ve produced so far stand out among a sea of derivative designs and feature unique details that keep their faithful following coming back for more. Today we’re happy to announce that the fourth release from Oak & Oscar, the Humboldt, has officially been introduced.
The Humboldt doesn’t stray too far from the neo-classic design language that previous Oak & Oscar timepieces, like the Sandford GMT and Jackson Flyback Chronograph, had established. The sandwich dial, after being noticeably absent on the Jackson, makes a triumphant return and the colorways, with ample usage of blue, gray, and orange, continue over from the previous editions. What is new here, however, is the introduction of a 12-hour bi-directional bezel, that can be used to measure elapsed time or a second time zone, and the option of a stainless steel bracelet.  
The 40-mm model is inspired by Alexander van Humboldt, an influential 18th-century explorer, philosopher, and natural scientist that is perhaps most famous for his extensive travels and writing on the Americas. More importantly for Oak & Oscar, who have focused on naming their various models after Chicago-based historical figur...