A watch may not be needed in a world full of smart phones, tablets, and computers, but it is still an important accessory for the sophisticated man. It is one of the few “jewelry” pieces a man can wear without the fear of looking “unsophisticated”. Some of us spend quite a lot of money on watches, and we have written about some of the finest timepieces produced by the world’s leading watchmakers, here on Unfinished Man.
I have a humble collection of watches, I like to take care of these watches because they represent different stages of my life (and also a good outlay of cash ;)). I have tools for changing straps and batteries, winders for my automatic watches, and display storage boxes for when I’m not wearing my precious-es. However, I don’t have something that I can use to take multiple watches with me on my travels safely (the watch boxes are too big)… correction, I DIDN’T have something to take my watches with me.
I was introduced to Discommon Goods about a year or so ago, when I first way their Watch Wallet. Now Discommon has introduced the Watch Roll and they kindly sent me one to review and use to store and take my beloved watches with me when I’m traveling.
Unlike the Watch Wallet, the Discommon Goods Watch Roll can help you carry more than one watch. The roll comes with slots for four watches, each slot (or pocket) is made out of elasticated fabric, this stretchy fabric allows for a snug fit and also allows for larger watches. The pockets also come with pocket flaps to ensure the bracelets are covered and don’t get scratched. There’s also a fifth pocket that can house a small watch tool or an extra bracelet/strap for your watches.
The Discommon Goods Watch Roll is not only a convenient way to store four of your watches in one compact carrying case, it also provides protection to the watches. Like the Watch Wallet, the Watch Roll is lined with a product called D3O AERO foam, which helps absorb shock if/when you drop the Watch Roll. D3O material is also used in protective clothing for the military and on motorcycle riding gear.
The Watch Roll is available in two colors/materials, Tech Black and Heather Grey. The Tech Black watch roll’s exterior comes in “melange” performance polyester, backed with Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), making it waterproof (I would not submerge the roll into water, the idea is more of water resistance). The Tech Black Watch Roll is priced at $310 US.
The Watch Roll we were sent was the Heather Grey version, its exterior is soft grey waxed canvas, which I believe is not water resistant. It comes with grey material on the main body with light grey material on the edges, the front of the roll has a leather flap with orange stitching and the words “Discommon” and “made in USA”. The roll is held together with a strap and a hook. The Heather Grey Watch Roll is priced at $290 US.
After playing around with the Watch Roll, I can only say good things about it. The product is well thought out and is quite handy. When empty, it’s quite compact and folds flat, which means it doesn’t really take much space when you’re not using it. Even with four watches inside, it’s like a cylinder that easily fits in your hand (see image below in the gallery) and can be shoved into a small space in your suitcase, if you’re traveling. The materials used are of high quality and the orange stitching and highlights (which are a tribute to the color of the 3DO material) really give it a sporty look, the leather and stitching reminds of high end sports cars with leather seats and off-color stitches.
After sliding my watches in and out of the pockets many times over the last couple of weeks, I didn’t see any scratches on the glass or bracelets of any of my watches. And I’ll take Discommon’s word for the Watch Roll providing shock absorption, I wasn’t brave enough to drop the roll with my beloved Omega Speedmaster Pro and other watches.
Overall I think the Discommon Watch Roll is a great looking and high quality accessory for the watch lover that wants to store and take multiple watches with him/her on travels. It is a good looking carrying case and the leather and stitching give it a high quality look and feel. I can’t wait to see what the guys at Discommon have in store for us in the future.
