This week’s notable watch and gear stories range from a beginner-friendly new watch book to a seven-figure auction result for J.J. Astor’s pocket watch. Also in the mix: another Todd Snyder and Timex collaboration, a practical waxed-cotton backpack from Filson, and renewed attention on Anoma’s debut watch as the young brand expands its core collection.
A Watch Book Built Around Accessibility
Veteran watch writer and Worn & Wound contributor David Von Bader has released Small Luxuries: Watches, a 128-page title aimed at making watch collecting feel more approachable.
The book focuses on education rather than pretense. It gives readers context on major watch brands, explains the history behind different watch types, and offers a starting point for people beginning their interest in horology. For established enthusiasts, it also serves as a reminder of why the hobby remains compelling.
Todd Snyder and Timex Return With a Sold-Out Release
Todd Snyder and Timex have collaborated again, this time on the 1976 Lexington. Released last week, the watch has already sold out.
The appeal is clear: the model offered a relatively unobtrusive, tank-style design at a sub-$200 price point. The fast sellout also reflects Todd Snyder’s ability to connect with different style conversations online while still offering products that feel accessible rather than purely high-fashion.
Filson’s Trapper Creek 28L Backpack Makes a Case for the Adult Backpack
Filson’s Trapper Creek 28L Backpack stands out for its waxed cotton exterior, trim shape, and straightforward layout. Rather than relying on an overload of compartments, the bag keeps the design efficient.
Its setup includes one main compartment and two expandable side pockets. Daisy-chain nylon loops on the front provide a way to attach extra gear when needed. The result is a backpack that aims for practical utility while avoiding the bulky, over-pocketed look common to many everyday bags.
J.J. Astor’s Titanic-Linked Pocket Watch Sells for $1,024,000
A Patek Philippe for Tiffany & Co. pocket watch connected to J.J. Astor sold through Freeman’s for $1,024,000. The 18-karat gold watch was manufactured in 1904 and is engraved with the initials “JJA.”
Its association with Astor and the Titanic gives it historical significance beyond its watchmaking pedigree. The result places the piece firmly in the category of rare artifacts where provenance can matter as much as the object itself.
Anoma’s A1 Gets a Timely Look Back
With two new Anoma references joining the brand’s core collection, attention has returned to the Anoma A1, which Worn & Wound reviewed in 2024.
The A1 introduced the young brand’s soft-angled design language. In just two years, Anoma has built a following of 11,000 people, suggesting that its early watches have made a noticeable impression in the independent watch space.
