Briston has reimagined its Streamliner collection with the launch of the Kennedy, a sophisticated timepiece that trades 1970s sports watch aesthetics for the refined elegance of 1930s Art Deco design.
The new square case, featuring a brushed steel core flanked by tortoise shell acetate, evokes the sophisticated style of mid-century America and its most iconic figurehead, JFK—suave, refined, and elegant without ostentation.
Square Sophistication Meets Vintage American Charm
Available in four distinct sizes, the collection offers something for every wrist. The lineup includes a 38.5mm quartz chronograph, a 36mm automatic version, and two smaller quartz models measuring 30mm and 25mm respectively—with the latter two offering optional gold PVD bezels for added luxury.
Each timepiece features a signature lapis lazuli cabochon crown, positioned at 3 o’clock on the chronograph model and at 12 o’clock on the time-only variants.
The dials come in either classic black or white, adorned with a distinctive combination of Roman and Arabic numerals that pays homage to iconic Art Deco timepieces from prestigious houses like Cartier and Jaeger-LeCoultre—but at a considerably more accessible price point.
The chronograph model enhances this vintage aesthetic with railway track minute scales and matching subdials, while the three-hand automatic model offers a cleaner display that highlights the unique numeral arrangement.
Versatility and Value
Under the hood, the automatic Kennedy houses the reliable Miyota 9039 movement, offering a 42-hour power reserve. Meanwhile, the chronograph employs the Miyota JS20 quartz caliber, and the medium and small models utilize Swiss Ronda 751 quartz movements—delivering precision without compromising the watches’ slender profiles.
The Kennedy collection shines with its remarkable versatility, compatible with Briston’s extensive range of quick-change straps and bracelets in materials ranging from leather and NATO to steel. This interchangeability allows wearers to transform their timepiece from boardroom-appropriate to weekend-casual in seconds. As standard, the automatic comes fitted with a leather strap, the chronograph with FKM rubber, and the smaller models with NATO straps.
Perhaps most impressive is the collection’s value proposition. The automatic Kennedy is priced at €850 (approximately £720), the chronograph at €500 (£425), while the medium and small models range from €370-€450 (£315-£380) depending on finish. These price points make the Streamliner Kennedy an attractive proposition for collectors seeking Art Deco elegance without the typically associated premium.
The Streamliner Kennedy successfully bridges the gap between vintage inspiration and modern wearability. Its square case design—a departure from the cushion cases of previous Streamliner models—captures the essence of the American Art Deco movement from which it takes its name. With water resistance rated to 50 meters across all models, these watches offer practical durability alongside their nostalgic charm.
For enthusiasts of mid-century design and horological history, the Briston Streamliner Kennedy delivers a compelling package—one that might inspire dreams of cross-continental journeys aboard vintage Streamliner trains or retro Greyhound buses, heading toward America’s golden age of innovation and style.
