The Pursuit Pilot: Jack Mason's Next Level Timepiece

by Stephen Nichols

The 10-Year Anniversary Edition You Didn’t Know You Needed, But Probably Do

Ah, Jack Mason. The little brand that could. Starting off as a fashion-brand with watches you might pick up at the mall and throw on for a night out, they’ve now matured into a rising star in the world of serious enthusiast centric timepieces. No joke, they are on a roll. First, they hit us with the Strat-o-timer GMT, Hydrotimer, the classy Ellum and then they dropped something great for everyday wear with the Canton. And just when you think they’ve reached their peak—BOOM—they drop this: the Pursuit Pilot. Jack mason just dropped the pursuit pilot in 3 different color ways in stainless steel and in a special 10 year anniversary edition in grade 2 titanium. I have been lucky enough to spend the last week with the 10^th Anniversary edition and am left thinking this watch is a fitting way for them to bookend a decade of watchmaking. It is a true mark of their evolution. But let’s get into it, shall we? Because, not to bury the lead, this watch is incredible and has so much going for it.

^{Jack Mason Pursuit Pilot 10th Anniversary Edition @talkingabouttime}

A Quick History Lesson: The Genesis of the Pursuit Pilot

Picture it: 2015. Jack Mason burst onto the scene with the type of energy only a company born in Texas could bring. They wanted to be different, not just another fashion watch brand. They went hard with aviation-inspired dials, motorsport aesthetics, and a splash of Americana for good measure. And guess what? People noticed. Fast forward almost exactly a decade, and Jack Mason isn’t just playing in the same sandbox. They are no longer a shopping mall watch brand; they are pushing hard to be one of a handful of American independent watch brands that are capturing the attention of watch enthusiasts worldwide, and we’re here for it. I could go on and on about the evolution of Jack Mason but for those interested no one can tell the story better than Co-Founder and chief designer Peter Cho did on their YouTube video here.

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The Pursuit Pilot, originally launched as the JM-A103-001, quickly became one of their cornerstones. It was the sort of watch you looked at and thought, “This looks like it should be on a pilot’s wrist… but also it could work with a leather jacket at a cocktail bar.”

But enough nostalgia. The real story here is how they’ve refined it for their 10-year anniversary. Spoiler alert: it’s gorgeous.

Key features of the Jack Mason Pursuit Pilot

Case and Build: The culmination of 10 years of iteration

Let’s talk about the case. The original Pursuit Pilot had a chunky 42mm steel case. Fine. It was a solid watch, and 42mm while sizable isn’t far off the mark for a pilots watch. Still, this new 39mm case is sleek. The 39mm size is the sweet spot for most wrists, and coming in at 46mm Lug-to-Lug and 11.8mm thick this one will sit comfortably on most wrists.

The Anniversary Edition also brings Grade 2 Titanium to the table. Titanium is light, it’s strong, and it won’t make your wrist feel like you are doing bicep curls all day. Plus, it’s coated for hardness (1200 Vickers, if you care about that stuff), so you won’t have to worry about those little desk-diving nicks. This is the kind of watch you wear and think, “Did I forget my watch?” This is partially due to the grade 2 titanium construction but in equal measure it is due to the level of refinement and engineering in their bracelet.

Best micro-adjust clasp in its class?

I’ve long been shouting from my soapbox, “Jack Mason has the best micro-adjust clasp in this price range!” Seriously, it’s that good. The functionality is on par with the best of the best (looking at you, T-Fit). It’s easy to use, offers tons of adjustability, and makes the off the shelf micro-adjust clasps I’ve tried look like they’ve got something they could learn from JM. But that’s just the start—let’s talk about the bracelet.

The Pursuit Pilot comes with a classic three-link bracelet that feels like a perfect marriage of an Oyster-style and flat-link design. It carries the rugged charm of a pilot’s watch while still looking polished. But wait, there’s more…

Fit and finish

Now, let’s talk materials. The Pursuit Pilot is available in both titanium and steel. I’ve only had my hands on the titanium version, and let me tell you: titanium is my personal favorite material. Sure, most titanium watches go for that tactical, matte look (which, to be clear, I love). But Jack Mason went the extra mile. This titanium isn’t just brushed; it’s polished—but not in the way you’d expect from a high-end luxury piece. There’s this beautiful balance between brushed titanium and subtle polish that’s rare to see at this price point.

I’m no expert on finishing titanium, but I’ve heard it’s not the easiest thing to do, and Jack Mason clearly nailed it. The case and bracelet are both vertically brushed, but they’ve added a polished chamfer along the case edges and the bracelet. The bezel is rad too, with fine radial brushing that sharpens into a high-polish finish where the bezel meets the case. This added bit of flair takes this watch from “tactical tool watch” to “chameleon” that could seamlessly go from a bomber jacket to a boardroom. It’s tough, but it’s got class.

The Movement: Swiss-Made, Anti-Magnetic, Precision.

Confession time, I am usually movement agnostic. I rarely think twice about what movement my watch has, other than wanting something reliable that doesn’t add a few extra zeros to price tag. Still, while I am sure I am not alone, I know many of you do care. And the Pursuit Pilot did not skimp on a bottom rung movement. Seriously—let’s get into it. This watch is powered by the La Joux Perret G101 movement, which is about as good as it gets at this price point. It’s Swiss, it’s reliable, and it’s regulated in house by Jack Mason to +/- 5 seconds per day. That’s precision and careful consideration is about the best we could ask for from an independent in this price range.

Additionally, this movement is housed in an anti-magnetic cage made of a nickel-iron alloy, which means you can wear this thing around all sorts of magnetic fields, I am sensing another feather in its pilot watch hat. Plus, it won’t start acting like a toddler on a sugar high in a cockpit, MRI or let’s be real, when it constantly brushes against your iPhone.

It’s built to last and, frankly, it’s a little intimidating. In a good way without pushing this beautiful watch out of financial reach for many of us. This move also mirrors the vision Jack Mason has been pushing. They are seriously investing in becoming one of the most respected independent American watch brands. Part of that means making a move up market in terms of quality not just on the outside of the case but also inside the case.

Dial: An elevated new take on Jack Mason’s classic watch

We need to talk about the dial…and the lume, my god we must discuss the lume. The overall design is a direct throwback to the original Pursuit Pilot, but now, it’s got a modern twist. The anniversary edition is like the cool, collected older sibling of the original. The markers and the high-noon symbol at 12:00? Classic Pilot’s watch but with that subtle Jack Mason touch. Rumor has it people don’t like other people’s names on their watch. Problem solved, as far back as I can recall, Jack Mason used minimal branding on their dial with each watch cleanly identifying itself with just a Jack mason Lonestar logo applied at 12. This move keeps their branding consistent, shows some Texas pride and maintains that uncluttered symmetrical appearance we have come to appreciate in JM watches. Below the pinion 2 clean lines of text. Automatic in red and 150 meters in tan matching the indexes. Yes on the 10 year anniversary edition the indexes are tan, and I am choosing that word carefully. They don’t come across as fauxtina rather a color choice that looks great against the matte black dial and singular line of red text.

X2 Grade Super-LumiNova®

Plus the Anniversary edition has a special trick up its sleeve. The 10 o’clock position features an “X” that glows in a unique color (green, while the remaining indexes glow blue). Why? Because it’s fun, and serves to remind the owner that they are not just wearing any watch they are wearing a watch that represents 10 years of ambition by a brand they want to support. It’s like a tiny Easter egg that makes you smile every time you check the time. Nothing says “we’re celebrating 10 years of kicking ass” like an unassuming little “X” glowing on your dial.

The upgraded lumicast X2 Grade Super-LumiNova® lume? Chef’s kiss. Lets address the elephant in the room. There is a distinct trend of brands going for lumicast blocked markers and numerals, that is true. Still, I am here to tell you I can’t get enough of it. I already exposed myself as movement agnostic…I know sorry, but on the other hand I don’t expect to get tired of solid lume blocks. And in a head to head this watch may win some Friday night lume battles. It will certainly hold its own with the reigning champions at Vertex and Panerai. It is one of those watches that greets you when entering the dim house from outside, and is a watch you probably won’t keep on your nightstand.

Specs

Case	Grade 2 Titanium Case Hardness Coating up to 1200 Vickers 39mm Case 46mm Lug-to-Lug 11.8mm Thickness 20mm Lug Width Screw Down case and Crown 150m of Water Resistance
Dial & Crystal	Sapphire Crystal Matte Dial Raised Markers Sword Handset X2 Grade Super-LumiNova® Lume
Movement	La Joux Perret G101 Movement (+/-5 seconds per day) 68-hour Power Reserve Anti-Magnetic (4,800 A/m)
Strap	Titanium /w Micro-adjusting Clasp

Jack Mason Pursuit Pilot

The Verdict: Worth the Hype? Absolutely.

The Jack Mason Pursuit Pilot 10-Year Anniversary Edition is the kind of watch that feels special, without making you feel like you need to sell your car to afford it. At $1,649, it’s an investment, but it’s one to me makes a lot of sense when you add up everything you are getting out of this watch. It’s tough, it’s precise, and it looks downright beautifully executed. If you’ve been looking for a watch that’ll stand up to the rigors of everyday life while still making you look like you’ve got your life together, this may be it. On the note of getting your life together, can I borrow $1649 from anyone?

For those who’ve been following Jack Mason from the start, this watch is like the emotional payoff of a decade-long journey. For newcomers, it’s an excellent starting point. Either way, the Pursuit Pilot is here, and it’s ready to take you on a flight through the next decade of Jack Mason’s journey. I for one can’t wait to see where they take us next.

Pricing & Availability

The Jack Mason Pilot Pursuit launches this morning at 11am ET for $1649USD. Please consult the website for more details.

Jack Mason Pursuit Pilot @talkingabouttime

About the author

Stephen Nichols, better known as @talkingabouttime on Instagram, is a photographer and watch enthusiast battling a chronic case of “watch flu.” It all started with a Fossil that didn’t last, but somehow, he’s still here. Once a portrait photographer with a modest collection, he’s now drowning in watches—because nothing makes time fly like spending all your money on it..

Off The Cuff articles are full-length, hands-on reviews of the watch in question and represent the opinion of the author only. All photos are original, unless specified otherwise. If you would like to have your watch reviewed on this site, contact us here.