DuFrane Watches was founded in Austin, Texas, in 2016 by a longtime watch collector. While the microbrand is still in its infancy, its first timepiece — a hand-winding pilot’s watch — established DuFrane as a maker of quality tool watches at relatively low prices. Now, DuFrane Watches has launched its second timepiece and its first automatic watch: the Barton Springs 656 diver.
Named after a popular swimming hole in Austin, the Barton Springs rightfully takes on the look and build of a summer-ready timepiece. Its 42mm case is water-resistant to 656 feet (or 200 meters) and houses a Swiss-made Sellita automatic movement. Meanwhile, the dial’s hour markers and hands are coated with a healthy smattering of SuperLuminova and protected by a durable sapphire crystal. The watch comes fitted with a striped NATO strap (plus a free additional rubber strap) and is available with either a black or navy dial. You can even choose if you want a date complication or not.
The watch is available for pre-order right now for $556 ($100 discount), though only 100 early spots are available (and only 300 pieces total will be made). Watches are expected to ship in late May/early June, just in time for Summer.
New & Noteworthy Releases
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Today’s Best Deals
Apple AirPods
Save $16: Apple still doesn’t sell AirPods in the “certified refurbished” part of its site, but Best Buy does. You can get a set of refurbished AirPods on Best Buy or eBay for $143 — that’s $16 off their original MSRP. It’s not a lot, but to the best of my knowledge, it’s the only place you can get any type of deal on Apple AirPods.
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Nike Sale
Save 50%: There’s never been a better time to upgrade your spring running kit, especially when you can save 50 percent on this Nike gear. Shorts, tanks, tees and sneakers are on sale at JackRabbit right now, and you can save $30 on a pair of Nike RN Free sneakers from Lord and Taylor. These breathable kicks are lightweight enough to wear all day in addition to looking great on the treadmill or the track. — Meg Lappe
Eddie Bauer Packs Sale
Save 40%: When I began traveling for work, I realized I was going to need an expandable suitcase. I seemed to always come back from trips with more than I started with — which is handy for gear testing, but unideal for someone who doesn’t like to check a bag. I quickly learned, the solution was an Expedition Drop Bottom Rolling Duffel from Eddie Bauer. You can grab this beneficial travel suitcase as well as other backpacks, duffels and hike packs on sale for up to 50 percent off now. — Meg Lappe
Chippewa Service Boot
Save up to $90: You know a brand’s heritage runs deep when its original factory is in the National Register of Historic Places — that’s Chippewa Boots. Founded in 1901 in Chippewa Falls to meet the rugged demands of a booming logging industry, Chippewa expanded quickly to supply boomtime workers of every kind. When World War I broke out in 1914, Chippewa provided field boots to the Allied Forces and US soldiers. During the period of recovery after the Great Depression Chippewa created novel styles to equip the new state-employed workforce that participated in programs like the Civilian Conservation Corps. When war broke out in Europe yet again, the company reported to duty, supplying the famous 10th Mountain Division with cold weather footwear built for fighting on high. Even during the low action of the Cold War, flight boots made by Chippewa shod the feet of CIA pilots who flew the U-2 spy plane.
Chippewa’s hard-wearing boots continue to outlast the years and meet the demands of the everyday. They’re not just built for loggers and those serving in the armed forces though — a sturdy pair of leather boots can function for nearly any occasion. Right now, Chippewa’s classic Service Boot is currently on sale in a variety of leathers for 18 to 33 percent off at Huckberry. — Tanner Bowden
Today on Gear Patrol
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