Since the brand's reinvention several years ago, Texas-based Jack Mason has been releasing increasingly improved designs that hit the sweet spots of what watch enthusiasts are looking for. The Canton is what the brand describes as its everyday watch. It features elegant yet versatile styling, excellent dimensions, and an upgraded movement compared to many other microbrands. I recently ordered one as a gift for someone who doesn't own any other watches, as it seemed like a great "one watch collection" option.
Jack Mason Canton First Impressions
I knew what to expect from the Canton, as I had checked them out at the Intersect show in Columbus, but what surprised me then was how well the watch reflects light. Between the dial and the case finishing, it's more alive on the wrist than expected.
Jack Mason Canton Details
The dial is the star of the show for the Canton. This Anthracite colorway shifts between dark gray and black via a sunburst finish. A diamond crosshatch pattern is recessed into the dial, breaking up reflections. A recessed minute track sits in the periphery as well.
Minimal branding is present, with only the JM Texas Star logo, the model names, and some spec information. The date is white on black in a recessed date window. It sits at 6 o'clock, providing symmetry.
The case features a sloped, polished chapter ring. Much of the case itself is brushed, but it does have sharp, polished chamfers. The bracelet end link aligns nicely as well, and it features a scratch-resistant coating.
A large crown is easy to grip and also features the star logo.
Wearing the Jack Mason Canton
The 39mm-wide case width sits right in the sweet spot for many customers. The 46mm lug-to-lug distance gives it a bit of presence without overpowering modest wrists.
The movement is slim, allowing the watch's total thickness to come in under 11mm. Pretty good for an automatic watch, and one with 150m of water resistance.
The hands are brushed with polished chamfers, as are the hour markers. This ensures that light is reflected to maximize legibility (plus gives it a more finished appearance). The hands are large and distinctive, making it easy to read the time.
For nighttime legibility, Jack Mason applies Super-LumiNova that glows blue. It's effective, but the application is not as thick as on other watches, so it's not extremely bright.
Bracelet and Replacement Straps for the Jack Mason Canton
The anthracite Canton is available with a black leather strap, a 3-link bracelet, or the 7-link bracelet shown here. The 7-link bracelet dresses up the watch and is more distinctive, especially with its polished center links.
It is 20mm wide and tapers to 16mm. Jack Mason also supplies a clasp with a compact micro-adjust system hidden inside. It features a wide range of adjustment, with 9 positions.
The bracelet also features built-in QR spring bars, making swapping straps easy. I think it looks great on a black/white Deployant Sailcloth.
Here is a list of some other straps that will complement this watch well. At the end of the article, you'll also find photos of some of our favorite combinations. You can also view our Guide to Choosing a Watch Strap.
-Hook and Loop Elastic
-Pro Diver
-Deployant Rubber
-Ribbed Rubber Pass-Through
-Ridge Rubber
-Extra Long Ridge Rubber
-Tropical Rubber
-Premium Sailcloth
-Rubber and Sailcloth Hybrid Straps
-Vented Rubber
-Slim Ridge Rubber
-Waffle Rubber
-Elastic
Jack Mason Canton Movement
While the Strat-o-timer uses a Japanese Miyota movement, the Canton is powered by a Swiss La Joux Perret G101. It is based on Miyota architecture, but the G101 provides the Canton with an additional day of power reserve (now 68 hours). It also features upgraded anti-shock and regulator systems, as well as improved accuracy. On top of that, Jack Mason regulates it to +/- 5 seconds per day.
The G101 features the brand's star logo on the rotor, visible through the transparent caseback.
Jack Mason Canton Conclusion
At just under $1,300 on a bracelet, the Canton provides a lot of value compared to offerings from larger brands. The closest watch that I would compare it to requires swapping only one letter, as the Nodus Canyon is very similar on paper. Both use the same movement and have very similar dimensions. The Nodus is $200 less expensive and includes a strap, but it is also not currently available. I like its fumé dial, but the markers on the JM are more elegant, as is the bracelet. The Canton also features a Swiss Made label and a transparent caseback.
Jack Mason Canton Specifications
Name: Jack Mason Canton Anthracite
Reference Number: JM-H203-001
MSRP: $1,299
Diameter: 39mm
Height: 46mm
Thickness: 10.8mm
Lug Width: 20mm
Movement: La Joux Perret G100
Power Reserve: 68 hours
Water Resistance: 150m
Crystal: Flat sapphire with AR coating
Crown: Screw-down
Bezel: Fixed
Bracelet: Stainless steel 7 link, on-the-fly micro-adjust, QR springbars, hardness coating
