Adding a Quartz watch to my lineup has been on my mind for over a year, but it kept getting nudged aside for other priorities. There were moments I thought my current collection was enough, or I'd get sidetracked by other tempting pieces, like a friend offering me a deal on a Seiko Alpinist. But everything changed when a friend sent me the James McCabe Heritage 1019-02. Owning my first Quartz dress watch? Game changer.
James McCabe is a watch brand with a “heritage” quality.
James McCabe, the son of famed Irish watchmaker Patrick McCabe, moved to London in 1775 to begin his own career, with the brand’s legacy later upheld by his sons. With a name steeped in heritage, it’s a watch you’re proud to wear for its backstory alone.
I decided to go all in and wear this new Quartz dress watch for a solid week, taking a break from my usual mechanical lineup.
Monday
The Heritage arrived late in the afternoon, and I was eager to unbox it. First impressions? This watch has nailed the classic dress style. Its 38mm case is just right, sitting well with both a suit and a more relaxed look. The beige dial with a subtle steel outer ring feels refined - not as traditional as gold or rose gold, but not overly modern either. Classic Roman numerals add a vintage touch.
The steel case and laser-etched JM buckle are both solid, though the plain case back reminds you it’s a Quartz. The watch is a bit hefty at 13mm, but it’s comfortable on the wrist.
The black leather strap, hand-stitched rather than glued, is a nice touch. At 170mm, it fits my wrist snugly on the second hole. Inside, it likely has a Miyota movement, boasting a useful hacking feature for precise time setting.
The thick, curved glass is the standout feature of this Heritage watch.
The domed crystal immediately stands out, giving the watch a lightweight feel. Setting the time was easy, though finding the second crown position was tricky. Unlike most watches, the date is set in the first position, time in the second. The JM logo on the crown is sharp, but the crown size feels a bit small.
The packaging could use a step up, though; it’s pretty basic with no manual, only a PDF you can download.
Tuesday
Today, I paired the 1019 with my go-to black monk strap shoes. It’s the perfect combo for a refined look. The dial has a layered complexity, exuding a mechanical vibe that’s appealing if you’re used to Seiko or Orient.
The 6 o'clock date display almost looks like a power reserve indicator - usually a feature on pricier watches. The 24-hour clock at 9 is useful, but the date is a bit too small for easy reading.
One drawback - there’s no luminescence. As someone who keeps their watch on overnight, that’s a bit of a letdown.
Wednesday
At lunch, I took a closer look at the Heritage and noticed a speck of dust under the crystal. While minor, it’s surprising, given the precision expected in watch assembly. The second hand is slightly misaligned with each marker, which I hope is intentional; it’s odd to find two small flaws like this on one watch.
The hour and minute hands are equally wide, making one sometimes disappear against the other at a glance. The crystal feels somewhat plastic, with a “clack” rather than the clean “clang” of glass.
Thursday
Today, the thickness of the Heritage became an issue - I couldn’t button my shirt cuffs comfortably while wearing it. The flat case back, the lug-to-lug fit, and the overall thickness just don’t have the ergonomic touch that Japanese brands often perfect. My Orient Mako, for instance, has curved lugs that fit the wrist well. Perhaps the 1019’s build is intended for British wrists.
Friday
I decided to switch back to a mechanical watch today. After a few days away, they’d nearly wound down. Returning to my Orient Blue Mako, I noticed the immediate weight difference - its steel bracelet and mechanical movement give it a more substantial feel.
Saturday
Reflecting on the 1019, here’s the bottom line:
The look is spot-on, with a Western elegance that could be mistaken for brands like Hamilton or Frederique Constant. The timekeeping accuracy is fantastic at around ±2 seconds per week, but the crown’s usability could improve. Lightweight yet slightly insubstantial, the crystal feels a bit plastic and needs more care than standard glass.
While I may stick to my Japanese pieces, I can’t deny the Heritage 1019 has an appeal. At around 6 million VND (180 GBP), if matching your watch to your style matters, this one’s worth considering. Rarely does a Quartz dress watch so convincingly pose as a mechanical timepiece.
HELHIND
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