Fourteen and counting. No, I’m not talking about the latest TLC channel show about another couple deprived of contraception, I’m talking about the number of compliments I have received on the WeWood Jupiter watch.
Founded in 2010, the young brand has already gained a little bit of notoriety having been featured in Marie Claire, and People Magazine in some accessory spreads. Not surprising, because WeWoods are attractive and eco-minded. Wooden watches have surprisingly become en vogue, most produced by a series of suppliers in China making them low-cost as well.
For every WeWood watch bought is a tree planted. But where and by whom?!). Well, upon its founding, the brand teamed up with American Forests, the nation’s oldest nonprofit conservation organization. Together, WeWood and American Forests have planted over 12,000 trees so far. At least we get American trees.
One of four models in the collection, I chose the Jupiter to review. It reminds me of something you would see in the 70’s; minimal lines coupled with a campy shade of green. The company website is clearly fashion-focused for the “responsible” city-dweller.
Clean and simple, that’s generally what I go for in design. WeWood accomplished this in my opinion using a familiar design with a creative twist. I also like the option of choosing different styles of wood for the watch.. Who knows how it will age with time… but for now it is most definitely a conversation starter. And I mean that both in terms of style and whether the piece will attract termites.
Most WeWood models come in a choice of seven different woods with their own unique coloring; guaiaco, mahogany, coffee, Indian rosewood, maple, red wing celtis and blackwood. More information on the types of wood below.
Subsequently, each type of wood has an explanation and history ranging from being used for musical instruments to being native to Tasmania. This Jupiter watch is in Guaiaco wood by the way.
The Guaiaco tree is native to South America and is used in pharmaceutical preparations of herbal teas. Apparently, it is known for its powerful healing properties for those suffering from pain including arthritis. Though, I feel the same as I did before I started wearing it- pessimistic and indifferent… I’ll update you if things change. What is interesting is the wood bracelet – which is actually less shoddy feeling than it sounds.
Inside this healing material on the Jupiter is a Miyota quartz movement. Some say it is nothing special. I say, it’s a dependable functionality and for something like a WeWood, it seems style is more important than utility.
Style was important in my choice. The Jupiter model is significantly bigger in size than its counterparts in the collection – the Date, Odyssey and Moon – being 51mm wide and 12.75mm thick. Personally, I like the chunkier look – if you’re going to wear something unique, take it all the way.
My choice surprised me because I prefer a strap on watches normally, but this being such a unique material, the bracelet suits me just fine. My only disappointment was that the pins in the bracelet links are not made of wood as well. However, this would likely not be practical or make the piece a lot more expensive.
At $139 USD, the WeWood Jupiter collection is extremely affordable and well worth the money if you are looking for something unique if you find a wood watch appealing. Though you will need to put up with the arguably silly “WeWood” brand name. Check out some of the other types of wood varieties WeWood offers in the Jupiter and its other watch models below:
Woods:
Red Wing Celtis (BROWN): This tree is often used for flooring and WeWOOD uses the remnant pieces that would otherwise be destroyed.
Blackwood (BLACK): Blackwood is a hardwood native to Tasmania’s forests and is the perfect timber for delicate craftswork. It is easily worked, very stable and long lasting. Blackwood’s durable seed remains viable for decades, making this delicate timber easy to grow, ensuring sustainability.
Maple (BEIGE): The wood of this tree is often used in smoke houses and in culinary arts. It’s also used to create many musical instruments like the violin and the guitar.
Guaiaco (ARMY): Guaiaco is a tree native to South America used in pharmaceutical preparations of herbal teas. This wood is known for its powerful healing properties for those suffering from pain, including people suffering from arthritis.
Mahogany (CARAMEL): This wood has excellent workability and is very durable. It is often used for musical instruments because it produces a very deep, warm tone compared to other commonly used woods.
The Coffe Tree (BLONDE): This tree grows quickly and is generally seen in parks and along city streets for ornamental purposes. When the branches are cut they are generally burned, but to avoid wasting the wood, WEWOOD turns it into watches.
Indian Rosewood (CHOCOLATE): Indian Rosewood is very strong and heavy, takes an excellent polish, and is a suitable wood for the black pieces in chess sets and for billiard cues. Often streaked with hues of purple and red, each piece has its own unique color.
