Briston Launch Streamliner Kennedy with 1930s Inspired Square Case

The Streamliner isn’t technically a new collection for Briston as it already exists in the form of the Urban and Gentleman Driver. However, the new Streamliner Kennedy does completely reimagine the model with an updated case and fresh aesthetic. Instead of a 1970s inspired sports watch, the Streamliner Kennedy takes us back to the 1930s.

Unsurprisingly the jump from the 70s to the 30s has a large aesthetic impact on the watch, not least in terms of case shape. Where the Streamliner has previously been exclusively a cushion case design with exposed screws, it’s now square with a brushed steel core and tortoise shell acetate flanks. It’s designed to evoke images of early-mid-century America, as epitomised by the figure of JFK. Suave, refined and elegant without being ostentatious. That’s also where the name Streamliner comes from, which was an aesthetic movement connected with American Art Deco influences.

There are four versions of the Streamliner Kennedy being produced, each with their own case dimensions. The largest edition is the 38.5mm quartz chronograph, joined by a mechanical, automatic version at 36mm and two more quartz numbers at 30mm and 25mm respectively for more feminine wrists (those last two medium and small models also have options for gold PVD bezels). All four versions have a lapis lazuli cabochon crown, which is located at 3 o’clock for the chronograph and 12 for the remaining time-only options.

Each of the variants is available with a choice of two dials, either black or white. Both are classic colours in Art Deco watches from the likes of Cartier and Jaeger-LeCoultre. Though of course the Briston offers that style at a far more wallet friendly price. Building on that are the combination of Roman and Arabic numerals, making for a distinctive arrangement of markers. The chronograph model goes even further with a railway track minute scale and matching chronograph subdials.

As mentioned, the chronograph, medium and small editions of the Briston Streamliner Kennedy are powered by quartz movements. The larger (by modest standards) 36mm automatic though is powered by the Miyota 9039 with 42-hour power reserve. In addition to being powered by a mechanical movement, I also find this edition being my favourite for other reasons. The three-hand display is nice and clean, highlighting the arrangement of hour numerals, and 36mm leans into the retro sizing inspired by the 30s.

For strap and bracelet options, your choices are virtually limitless. They’re fully compatible with Briston’s existing strap and bracelet options in a range of materials including leather, NATO, steel and more. They come with quick change releases, making swapping between them a matter of a few seconds. As standard the automatic comes on a leather strap, the chrono a rubber one and the two smaller models a NATO.

Pricewise, the automatic €850 (£720), the chrono is €500 (£420), then the medium is €430 or €450 (£360/£380) and the small €370 or €400 (£315/£340) depending on if you opt for the PVD. For a retro watch bordering on sleek Art Deco and sports watch design, that offers some solid value. Makes me want to jump aboard an old-style Streamliner train or retro Greyhound bus and cross the American continent – probably heading towards Cape Canaveral, aka Cape Kennedy.

More details at Briston.