Hey there, watch lovers and eco-conscious fashionistas! If you‘re looking for a timepiece that makes a statement—both in terms of style and sustainability—let me introduce you to one of my favorite brands: Original Grain.
Original Grain is a young company that‘s shaking up the watch world with its unique designs that seamlessly blend reclaimed wood and stainless steel. The result? Absolutely stunning watches that are unlike anything else out there.
I first discovered Original Grain a couple years ago, and I instantly fell in love with the brand‘s mission and aesthetic. Since then, I‘ve had the chance to try out several of their watches firsthand. I‘m always getting compliments and questions about them when I wear them!
So today, I wanted to share an in-depth Original Grain watches review with you. I‘ll give you the full scoop on the company‘s story, the quality and craftsmanship of the watches, the shopping experience, and more. Consider this your ultimate guide to all things Original Grain. Let‘s dive in!
The Original Grain Story
First things first: Who is Original Grain, and what are they all about? The brand was founded back in 2013 by two brothers, Ryan and Andrew Beltran. Ryan had a background in the watch industry, while Andrew worked in sustainability. They had a shared vision to create accessories that combined their two passions.
The lightbulb moment? Watches made from sustainable wood and steel. The brothers launched Original Grain on Kickstarter with the goal of raising $10,000. They ended up raising over $350,000! Clearly, they had tapped into something special.
Since those early days, Original Grain has grown into a well-known watch brand with a loyal following. They‘ve been featured in major publications like Business Insider, Forbes, and Gear Patrol. And they‘ve stuck to their original vision, continuing to create watches that are environmentally friendly and give back.
In fact, Original Grain has some impressive stats when it comes to sustainability and social impact. Check this out:
| Eco-Friendly Achievement | Number |
|---|---|
| Trees planted | 500,000+ |
| Acres of forest restored | 2,650+ |
| Tons of wood reclaimed | 4.7+ |
| Tons of steel recycled | 35+ |
Pretty amazing, right? I love wearing a watch that not only looks good but also does good. With every Original Grain watch sold, the company plants one tree through its partnership with the nonprofit Trees for the Future. So you can feel great about your purchase knowing that you‘re helping to restore forests around the world.
The Watches
Alright, let‘s talk about the real stars of the show: the watches themselves. Original Grain has released dozens of different models over the years, but they all share the brand‘s signature mix of hardwoods and stainless steel.
The hardwoods used include everything from maple and rosewood to more exotic options like zebrawood, Hawaiian koa, and African mahogany. And get this: Almost all of it is reclaimed or sustainably sourced. Original Grain works with local wood suppliers to rescue scraps and off-cuts that would otherwise go to waste.
As for the stainless steel, it‘s super high quality: surgical-grade 316L stainless steel, to be exact. So you know these watches are built to last. And all the watches are powered by reliable Japanese Miyota precision quartz movements. No annoying ticking or losing time!
There are dozens of Original Grain models to choose from, but here are three of the brand‘s most popular collections:
The Barrel Collection
I have to start with the Barrel Collection, because it‘s the one that made me fall in love with Original Grain in the first place. These watches feature wood sourced from real whiskey barrels! How cool is that? The oak has this incredible warmth and character from soaking up all that whiskey goodness. Such a unique and ruggedly sophisticated look.
I have the Whiskey Espresso model from this collection. The deep, rich color of the reclaimed oak is just stunning against the espresso-plated stainless steel case and band. And I love the little design details, like the "six o‘clock" marker that looks like a tiny whiskey barrel. It‘s a great conversation starter!
The Classic Collection
For a more refined, dressed-up look, you can‘t go wrong with the Classic Collection. These are the kinds of watches you can easily wear to the office or a special occasion. Think sleek lines, subtle colors, and just a understated touch of wood grain to keep things interesting.
I recently got the Rosewood Silver as a gift, and it‘s quickly becoming one of my go-to accessories. The combination of the polished silver case and the reddish-brown rosewood is super chic. And unlike the chunkier Barrel watches, this one has a slimmer, more streamlined profile that sits comfortably on my wrist.
The Minimalist Collection
On the other end of the spectrum, there‘s the Minimalist Collection. If you‘re into the whole "less is more" thing (or you just appreciate a really clean, modern design), this is the collection for you. These watches keep things simple with ultra-thin cases, stark black-and-white or grayscale colorways, and uncluttered dials.
My boyfriend has the Ebony Black Minimalist watch, and I have to say, it looks pretty darn sexy on him. The matte black finish and contrasting light wood grain just oozes effortless cool. It‘s definitely more of a casual, everyday watch. But it elevates a simple jeans-and-tee look to the next level.
Those are just a few of the collections Original Grain offers. I also love the Chrono Collection (the chronograph function is so handy for timing my morning runs) and the feminine Avalon Collection. There really is an Original Grain watch for every style.
Quality & Craftsmanship
I know what you might be thinking: "Sure, these watches look amazing, but are they actually well-made? Will the wood hold up over time?" Those are valid questions! Here‘s what I can tell you based on my experience.
I‘ve had my Original Grain Whiskey Espresso watch for almost two years now, and I‘m honestly impressed by how well it‘s held up. I wear it several times a week, and it still looks almost new. No visible scratches or dings on the case, and the oak barrel wood hasn‘t faded or deteriorated at all. The crystal is scratch-free too (it‘s made from hardy mineral crystal).
I think a big part of why these watches are so durable is the quality of the materials. Original Grain uses super dense, moisture-resistant woods like maple, rosewood, and zebrawood that can stand up to daily wear. And the stainless steel is the good stuff: 316L surgical-grade steel that‘s resistant to corrosion and tarnishing.
Of course, wood is naturally more delicate than metal. Original Grain is very upfront about this. The watches are splash-proof but not fully waterproof, so you don‘t want to wear them swimming or in the shower. And the wood can develop a natural patina over time as it‘s exposed to the oils in your skin and other elements. But that‘s part of the charm in my opinion—it‘s like your watch is taking on a unique character, specific to you.
I also appreciate the obvious craftsmanship that goes into each watch. You can tell they‘re made with care and attention to detail. The wood grain lines up seamlessly with the case and dial. The hands move smoothly and precisely. And all the little details like the knurling on the crown and the embossed logo on the clasp add to the overall feeling of quality. These definitely don‘t feel like cheap, mass-produced watches.
The Shopping Experience
Okay, let‘s talk brass tacks: What‘s it actually like to shop with Original Grain? I‘ve ordered from their website a few times now, and I‘ve always had a really positive experience.
The website itself is well designed and easy to navigate. You can filter watches by color, size, collection, materials, and more. And each product page has tons of helpful details and images:
- Clear, high-res photos of the watch from multiple angles
- Detailed specs like case size, case thickness, strap width, movement type, and water resistance
- The specific wood and steel materials used
- A description of the "story" behind the materials (like what kind of whiskey barrels the wood came from)
- Styling suggestions
- Customer reviews
- Shipping and warranty information
I especially love that Original Grain offers free worldwide shipping on all orders. As someone who‘s gotten burned by surprise shipping costs from other brands, that‘s such a relief. They also have a generous 30-day return policy in case you get your watch and decide it‘s not love at first sight. (Returns aren‘t free, but they‘re easy to initiate through the website.)
In terms of pricing, Original Grain watches are definitely an investment piece. Most of the watches fall in the range of $150 to $500. That‘s not cheap, but I actually think it‘s really reasonable for the quality and uniqueness you‘re getting. Comparable high-end wood watches can cost twice as much!
Plus, Original Grain runs sales pretty regularly. I got my Whiskey Espresso watch for 20% off during a holiday sale. And they often throw in free gifts like a wooden watch box or extra straps when you buy certain models or spend over a certain amount. It pays to keep an eye on their instagram for sale announcements.
What Do Other People Think?
Obviously, I‘m a big fan of Original Grain based on my own experiences with the brand. But I wanted to see what other folks had to say about their watches too. So I did some digging through customer reviews and other watch blogs.
The verdict? Original Grain generally gets high marks across the board. On the Original Grain website, most of the watches have ratings of 4.5 or 5 stars (out of 5). And I saw a lot of the same praise that I would give: gorgeous designs, high-quality materials, great craftsmanship, eco-friendly mission, and solid customer service.
Here are a few quotes that stuck out to me:
"I can‘t say enough good things about my Barrel watch. The craftsmanship is impeccable, and I get compliments on it constantly. It‘s just a stunning piece." – Jonathan L.
"I was hesitant to spend this much on a watch, but it was totally worth it. The wood is so unique and beautiful in person. And I love that my purchase helped plant a tree!" – Sarah T.
"I gifted my husband an Original Grain watch for our anniversary, and it‘s become his everyday watch. It‘s holding up great, and he gets so many questions about it. A great conversation starter." – Emily C.
Of course, no brand is perfect. I did see a few complaints about things like the weight of the watches (they‘re definitely heavier than a typical watch, which can take some getting used to) and the potential for the wood to chip if you‘re rough on it. There were also a handful of people who had issues with the watch stopping working after a few months.
But the vast majority of reviews I came across were positive. And most of the negative reviews mentioned that Original Grain‘s customer service team was quick to help with repairs or replacements. So that‘s reassuring!
The Final Verdict
Alright, we‘ve covered a lot of ground in this Original Grain watches review. But I know what you really want to know: Are these watches worth the investment?
For me, the answer is a resounding yes. I‘ve been nothing but impressed with the quality, craftsmanship, and style of my Original Grain watches. They‘ve held up beautifully to daily wear, and I get compliments on them all the time. In my book, that‘s well worth the price tag.
But an Original Grain watch is so much more than just a good-looking accessory. There‘s a meaningful story behind each one, from the sustainable materials to the tree planted with every purchase. In a world of fast fashion and disposable everything, Original Grain is a breath of fresh air.
Sure, you could get a cheaper watch that tells time just as well. But there‘s something special about wearing a timepiece that reflects your values and starts conversations. An Original Grain watch says that you appreciate craftsmanship, think outside the box, and care about the planet. That‘s priceless.
So if you‘ve been on the fence about splurging on an Original Grain watch, I say go for it. In my experience, you won‘t regret it. These watches are truly unique, sustainable, and stylish. The perfect combination, if you ask me!
I hope this Original Grain watches review has been helpful as you consider whether this brand is right for you. If you have any other questions, feel free to drop them in the comments. And if you do end up getting an Original Grain watch of your own, I‘d love to hear about your experience!
Until next time, happy shopping and stay sustainable.
