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President Elect Barack Obama's Publicly Worn Watches

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches, Men's Style

Watches worn by politicians have always been a subject of interest and scrutiny. The prevailing conception is that a politician's timepiece communicates a distinct message. Former President Bill Clinton was known to wear a simple Timex Triathlon during his presidential campaign and while in office. Colleagues hailed the $50 watch as beneath a man of his stature, but the public appreciated his dedication to the lay person. The irony being that in his private life, Clinton is an avid watch collector.

President Elect Barack Obama has been seen wearing at least two different watches while on the campaign trail. He started with the popular light gray faced two-tone Tag Heuer 1500 series watch which he has owned for about 15 years. His model had a brown leather strap and contrasting gold plated sections on the bezel. Obama's Tag Heuer likely cost about $1,500 when it was purchased, and was among Tag Heuer's more popular entry-level sport luxury diver watches when it was made. Obama's longevity wearing this Tag Heuer might communicate his dedication to investments made.

More recently, Obama has been seen wearing a Jorg Gray JGC6500 with a Secret Service logo on the face. Jorg Gray watches are often used as promotional watches with customizable printed dials. The Secret Service gifted this watch to Obama who proudly wears it. The 47mm wide steel watch has a Miyota chronograph quartz movement with an Italian buffalo leather contrast stitched strap valued at about $325. The watches have been know to be publicly available in the United States Secret Service Employee Recreation Association's Employee store. Obama's message in wearing this watch is clear; respect for those people vested in his safety, as well a connection to the public by wearing a lower cost watch as he enters the presidential office.

Ariel Adams publishes the watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.

Images via Chronocentric.com.

Gallery: Barack Obama watch images