In 2007, when then-Senator Obama turned 46, his security detail bought him a Jorg Gray model JG 6500 chronograph watch for his birthday, after he had admired one worn by an agent. After the senator was elected president, public interest in watching the watch took on a life of its own. Obama was photographed wearing his JG 6500 during the 2008 presidential inauguration ceremony and countless times throughout his presidency. A large timepiece, it was noticeable on his wrist, and Obama often rolled up his shirt sleeves, which made the watch easy to see. Fascination with Obama’s watch grew, with articles in newspapers, magazines, internet blogs, and online forums recounting the narrative of President Obama’s “Secret Service” watch.

The National Archives Store is thrilled to offer this commemorative edition of Obama's famous watch. It makes a great gift with a cool story or a nice addition to your own collection. It is engraved on the back with the date of President Obama’s 2009 inauguration.

From the pocket watches of early presidents to the wristwatches of modern-day presidents, the timepieces of the Commanders in Chief have long been chronicled. There are many stories about the Presidents and their watch preferences, as well as the influence that these men may have had on a timepiece's popularity. Recent U.S. Presidents have worn fairly inexpensive, nondescript watches while in office, like Bill Clinton and his Timex Ironman. This hasn’t always been the case, and some luxury watchmakers have sought to make their watches “the President’s watch.”