Jack Mason has been on a roll in the microbrand scene, pushing out well-built watches that mix solid specifications with standout design. But their latest release takes things in a more playful—and unexpected—direction. Teaming up with two iconic American soda brands, Dr Pepper® and A&W®, Jack Mason has launched two limited-edition versions of their popular Strat-o-timer GMT. These watches don’t just offer the technical chops enthusiasts expect; they lean heavily into nostalgia and fun, making them some of the quirkiest collaborations we’ve seen in the watch world recently.

The Strat-o-timer GMT Foundation

Before diving into the unique flavors of each edition, it’s worth looking at the platform Jack Mason chose as the canvas. The Strat-o-timer GMT has been one of the brand’s flagship models, praised for its thoughtful mix of vintage design cues and modern build quality. At its core, the watch measures 40mm across with a well-balanced case profile that wears comfortably on a wide range of wrists. The 20mm lug width keeps strap changes simple, and the solid bracelet features both quick-release spring bars and a tool-free micro-adjust clasp—something many enthusiasts wish more brands offered.

Inside, the watch runs on the Miyota 9075, a true traveler’s GMT. This movement allows the local hour hand to be adjusted independently, making it extremely practical for frequent flyers. On top of that, Jack Mason regulates each movement to run within ±5 seconds per day, putting it well ahead of the standard factory tolerances for this caliber. Add in 200 meters of water resistance, a sapphire crystal, and a ceramic bezel insert, and the Strat-o-timer GMT is a serious tool watch underneath the playful exterior.

The Dr Pepper® Real Sugar Limited Edition

The first of the two soda-themed releases is the Dr Pepper® Real Sugar Limited Edition. Limited to just 230 pieces, this model takes inspiration from retro Dr Pepper branding, specifically its mid-century look from the 1950s. The dial and bezel lean into vibrant tones, echoing the colors associated with Dr Pepper’s classic advertising campaigns.

What really stands out is the bezel—Jack Mason opted for a highly lumed bezel insert, giving it a surprising glow that adds personality in low-light conditions. It’s a fun twist that feels right at home with the playful theme. Beyond looks, the watch is hand-assembled in the USA and delivered in special collector’s packaging, making it feel more like a keepsake than just another GMT.

The A&W® Root Beer Limited Edition

On the other side of this release, we have the A&W® Root Beer Limited Edition, which comes in an even more exclusive run of just 200 pieces. The design here leans into the warm, rich tones of a classic root beer float. The dial features a gradient effect reminiscent of the frothy drink, while the bezel uses shades that tie directly to A&W’s signature branding.

Like its Dr Pepper sibling, this version gets Super-LumiNova detailing, ensuring it pops even in low-light conditions. The root beer colorway has long been a popular theme in the watch world (just look at Rolex’s famous GMT-Master “Root Beer”), and Jack Mason’s playful execution makes this model feel like both a tribute and a twist.

As with the Dr Pepper edition, the watch is hand-assembled in the USA, regulated to tight tolerances, and presented in unique packaging. If anything, the A&W edition might be the one that appeals most strongly to watch enthusiasts, thanks to the “root beer” heritage already being an established motif in the GMT space.

What’s Brewing Inside

At the heart of both soda-inspired Strat-o-timer GMTs is the Miyota 9075 traveler’s GMT movement. This automatic caliber allows the local hour hand to jump independently, making time-zone changes seamless for frequent travelers.

Jack Mason ensures each movement is regulated to within ±5 seconds per day, which is remarkable for a movement at this price point. Beyond its accuracy, the 9075 offers a reliable 42-hour power reserve and a smooth GMT hand that lets wearers track a second time zone with ease.

Built to Last

The rest of the watch’s construction matches the quality expected from Jack Mason. The 40mm stainless steel case, with a lug-to-lug of 47mm and a thickness just over 13mm, is paired with a sapphire crystal to resist scratches and maintain clarity. The ceramic bezel, filled with Super-LumiNova, not only adds a durable layer but also enhances legibility in low light.

The bracelet combines quick-release functionality with a tool-free micro-adjust clasp, ensuring comfort and versatility for daily wear. With two hundred meters of water resistance, these watches can handle casual diving or adventurous weekends without worry. Every watch is hand-assembled in the United States and comes in a specially designed collector’s box to emphasize its limited-edition status.

Collectibility and Nostalgia Factor

Limited-edition collaborations are nothing new in the watch industry, but Jack Mason has managed to create something that feels genuinely refreshing. By tying in with soda brands like Dr Pepper and A&W, they’re appealing not just to watch enthusiasts, but also to pop culture collectors who appreciate Americana and retro branding.

The small production runs—230 pieces for Dr Pepper and 200 pieces for A&W—virtually guarantee that these will sell out quickly. The playful themes make them great conversation starters, and their strong underlying specs ensure they’re more than just gimmicks. In a way, they walk the line between novelty item and serious tool watch, making them uniquely appealing in today’s market.

Availability and Pre‑Order Details

The Jack Mason Strat-o-timer GMT: Dr Pepper® Made with Sugar is limited to 230 pieces, and the Jack Mason Strat-o-timer GMT: A&W® Root Beer is limited to 200 pieces; both are priced at $1,199 USD. Pre-orders begin on August 29 at 10 AM CST. For more information, please visit the Jack Mason website.

Final Thoughts

Jack Mason’s decision to pair soda nostalgia with their Strat-o-timer GMT might sound strange on paper, but in execution, it works. Both watches bring a sense of fun to the often overly serious world of watch collecting, while still delivering the durability, accuracy, and practicality that enthusiasts demand. Whether you’re a longtime Dr Pepper drinker, a root beer fan, or just someone who loves quirky limited editions, these watches hit a sweet spot between pop culture and horology.

Jack Mason isn’t the only brand to take inspiration from soft drinks — for another fizzy collaboration, see our recent feature on the Seiko x Pepsi divers.

Specifications

• Case Size: 40mm
• Case Thickness: 13.2mm
• Lug to Lug: 47mm
• Movement: Miyota 9075 traveler’s GMT
• Accuracy: ±5 sec/day
• Crystal: Sapphire
• Bezel: Ceramic with Super-LumiNova
• Bracelet: Quick-release with tool-free micro-adjust clasp
• Water Resistance: 200m
• Assembly: Hand-assembled in the USA
• Packaging: Special limited-edition collector’s box
• Dr Pepper edition: 230 pieces
• A&W edition: 200 pieces