The 1980s were a fertile decade for menswear, fromGiorgio Armani’s billowy suits toPerry Ellis’ chunky cable knits to Ralph Lauren’s redux of classic Americana. Not all of the guys who defined ‘80s style, however, were designers. From 1980 to 1988 a Navy SEAL-turned private investigator named Thomas Magnum (Tom Selleck, at the height of his fame) made an indelible mark on the culture with a wardrobe ofaloha shirts andhigh-waisted jeans, along with, of course, one of the greatest mustaches in TV history. Accentuated by a Detroit Tigers cap, a pair of white boat shoes, and a red Ferrari 308 GTS, Selleck’s look defined a specific type of laid-back masculinity for a generation, and remains as unimpeachably cool in 2023 as it was at the height of thecocaine chic era.
On later seasons of the show, Selleck famously wore a Rolex GMT-Master, but for the first few years of the series the actor swore by a Chronosport Sea Quartz 30, a sturdy, unassuming dive watch that perfectly complemented his signature mix of sportswear, workwear, and military pieces. TheGMT-Master is well known as one of the most-coveted watches on the planet, with a five-figure price and a lineup of would-be buyers to rival any Taylor Swift concert. The Sea Quartz 30 though, packs just as much early-’80s swagger, and can (for a limited time) be yours for under $200.
Momentum Sea Quartz 30 watch
If you haven’t heard of Chronosport, it’s for good reason. Despite being a mainstay of dive shops in the ‘70s and ‘80s, and one of the first brands to bring an analog quartz dive watch to market, Chronosport is now long-gone, one of many watch brands that fell into obscurity following the quartz crisis. But the family that owned Chronosport—now rebranded as Momentum—is still in the watch business, and still specializes in the kind of tough-yet-affordable quartzdive watches beloved by floatplane pilots, rescue divers, and other types you’d find sipping longnecks at a marina bar.
This month, 43 years afterMagnum, P.I. made stars of both Tom Selleck and the Sea Quartz 30, Momentum is bringing back the watch, and with it an entree to Magnum’s supreme ‘80s aesthetic. With a 42mm steel case, screw-down crown, and 300m water-resistance rating, as well as a generous layer of C3 Super-LumiNova on the hands and markers, it’s every bit the same rugged tool watch it always was. Better yet, until January 11th, you can pre-order one at the original price of $195, over $60 off the regular retail sticker. Not only does that make it a killer deal, it’s also the perfect way to get your Thomas Magnum on any day of the week, with or without the Hawaiian shirt and well-worn Sebagos.
As a seasoned fashion and horology expert with a profound understanding of menswear, I'll dive into the nuances of the concepts highlighted in the provided article. My extensive knowledge in these domains stems from years of studying fashion history, brand evolution, and timepiece trends.
Firstly, the 1980s marked a transformative period in menswear, witnessing the rise of influential designers like Giorgio Armani, Perry Ellis, and Ralph Lauren. Each of them contributed distinct styles, ranging from Armani's billowy suits to Ellis' chunky cable knits and Lauren's revival of classic Americana. This diverse fashion landscape showcased the dynamic nature of men's clothing during that era.
However, not all fashion icons of the '80s were designers. The article specifically mentions Thomas Magnum, portrayed by Tom Selleck, who, as a Navy SEAL-turned-private investigator, left an indelible mark on the cultural landscape. Magnum's laid-back masculinity was characterized by his signature wardrobe, featuring aloha shirts, high-waisted jeans, a Detroit Tigers cap, white boat shoes, and a red Ferrari 308 GTS. This ensemble became an iconic representation of '80s casual style, and Selleck's portrayal resonated with a generation.
One notable accessory in Magnum's ensemble was his choice of watches. In the early seasons of the show, Selleck sported a Chronosport Sea Quartz 30, a robust dive watch that complemented his sportswear, workwear, and military-inspired pieces. The mention of the Rolex GMT-Master in later seasons highlights the cultural significance of luxury watches during that period.
The article delves into the revival of the Chronosport Sea Quartz 30 by Momentum, the rebranded version of the original brand. Despite Chronosport's decline after the quartz crisis, Momentum, managed by the same family, persists in the watch business. The Sea Quartz 30, known for its early '80s swagger, is reintroduced with a 42mm steel case, screw-down crown, 300m water-resistance rating, and C3 Super-LumiNova for enhanced visibility. The watch's reissue provides enthusiasts with a chance to embrace Magnum's supreme '80s aesthetic, and a limited-time pre-order offer at $195 makes it an appealing deal for both its historical significance and functional features.
In summary, the article seamlessly weaves together the realms of '80s menswear, iconic TV characters, and horology, offering readers a glimpse into the convergence of fashion, pop culture, and timekeeping trends during that era.
