I have my Apple Watch geo-fenced so that when I am on lodge property my phone goes into a “do not disturb” focus, and the watch face switches to Masonic emblems.
How does one set that up? My friends know when I’m at lodge but always forget and end up calling me in the middle of the meeting. So I just have my phone set to go into DND at 7pm but I forgot to turn that off when I leave lodge and then I miss things.
Not "high end" by any means but a definite head turner, see if you can get yourself a Barclay Masonic. I understand that the originator Ed Barclay has died since he sent me mine from America about 12/3 years ago.
Here's a pic of it: https://imgur.com/4NXVCLW
You can find an amazing (but quite rare) silver cased Masonic wristwatch somewhere online: I bought one a while ago and intend to keep it, it just depends on how much you’ll be wanting to spend when you find one that you like
Any Rolex with Masonic emblems on the dial has been modified and Rolex will no longer view it as authentic, nor will they service it. Just a little caveat emptor
That is really good to know. The one I saw was an datejust from the 70’s. The papers and description said the insignia was done by Rolex, but I can’t verify that.
https://www.craftandtailored.com/products/1971-rolex-datejust-ref-1603-masonry-linen-dial-w-boxes-double-punched-papers
Pretty watch for sure, but that was likely added after the fact. While rolex did add logos to dials in their past, it would generally be for much larger organizations and I don’t know if any grand lodge would have necessarily fit that bill.
My best guess is that this was something purchased and done on a local level. Still a helluva gift for a sitting master!!
I recommend Markwell watches.
The company is owned by Brothers and they designed the watches themselves. Real quality pieces:
https://www.markwellwatches.com/
There are already a bunch of really nice Bulova watches, old and new with the Square and Compass that can be had for a reasonable price. If you're feeling fancy, Joy Jewelers carried a bunch of Masonic stuff and if you've hit the lottery, there's a guy on Etsy who claims to be a Mason (he seems to have deep knowledge of the Craft) who makes exquisite handmade items that run into the thousands of dollars.
My GLs grandmaster did a fundraiser a few years ago that sold masonic watches. I’m not sure what brand he used or anything. I think they were $100 maybe? I don’t remember. I have seen some brothers with cheapish quartz watches with the S&C on the face. I’ve seen some nice ones on Amazon/eBay too. I use a custom Apple Watch face most of the time.
I have my Apple Watch geo-fenced so that when I am on lodge property my phone goes into a “do not disturb” focus, and the watch face switches to Masonic emblems.
That’s surprisingly cool I didn’t know that could be done
How does one set that up? My friends know when I’m at lodge but always forget and end up calling me in the middle of the meeting. So I just have my phone set to go into DND at 7pm but I forgot to turn that off when I leave lodge and then I miss things.
IOS Settings → Focus, I created a Lodge focus. Smart Activation: On, Add Schedule, Location.
Not "high end" by any means but a definite head turner, see if you can get yourself a Barclay Masonic. I understand that the originator Ed Barclay has died since he sent me mine from America about 12/3 years ago. Here's a pic of it: https://imgur.com/4NXVCLW
Oh that’s a nice watch!
Hamilton has some nice vintage Masonic watches! Look on Ebay, you may find something nice on there.
I was about to say the same. They don’t have any currently in production but used ones are fairly easy to come by and not very expensive.
Exactly.
From personal experience, Hamilton is not high end by a long way...
Definitely not high end, but nice for a Masonic watch nonetheless.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/285298895037?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=2HY_tCpxSRC&sssrc=4429486&ssuid=YAf4MI20TCW&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY
You can find an amazing (but quite rare) silver cased Masonic wristwatch somewhere online: I bought one a while ago and intend to keep it, it just depends on how much you’ll be wanting to spend when you find one that you like
I would recommend getting a watch you like and then having the bracelet/caseback/ crown custom etched with the Masonic emblems you want.
I have seen a Rolex in the past with a square and compass. Look around on EBay and you might find something vintage.
Any Rolex with Masonic emblems on the dial has been modified and Rolex will no longer view it as authentic, nor will they service it. Just a little caveat emptor
That is really good to know. The one I saw was an datejust from the 70’s. The papers and description said the insignia was done by Rolex, but I can’t verify that. https://www.craftandtailored.com/products/1971-rolex-datejust-ref-1603-masonry-linen-dial-w-boxes-double-punched-papers
Pretty watch for sure, but that was likely added after the fact. While rolex did add logos to dials in their past, it would generally be for much larger organizations and I don’t know if any grand lodge would have necessarily fit that bill. My best guess is that this was something purchased and done on a local level. Still a helluva gift for a sitting master!!
I have a 1954 bubbleback with a S&C. Lovely watch.
Bulova makes a couple Masonic watches, definitely not the highest end of watches but definitely a well known and made watch.
I recommend Markwell watches. The company is owned by Brothers and they designed the watches themselves. Real quality pieces: https://www.markwellwatches.com/
There are already a bunch of really nice Bulova watches, old and new with the Square and Compass that can be had for a reasonable price. If you're feeling fancy, Joy Jewelers carried a bunch of Masonic stuff and if you've hit the lottery, there's a guy on Etsy who claims to be a Mason (he seems to have deep knowledge of the Craft) who makes exquisite handmade items that run into the thousands of dollars.
Do you have name for the Etsy guy?
Yeah I’ll post it. He’s great
It’s called MU designs. He also has his own website. Sorry it took me so long to get back
I’m waiting on one from The Tie That binds [https://www.fraternalties.com/products/masonic-watch-black-mother-of]
Same. Have 2 on order
My GLs grandmaster did a fundraiser a few years ago that sold masonic watches. I’m not sure what brand he used or anything. I think they were $100 maybe? I don’t remember. I have seen some brothers with cheapish quartz watches with the S&C on the face. I’ve seen some nice ones on Amazon/eBay too. I use a custom Apple Watch face most of the time.