There are many watch manufacturers and brands out there, and pretty much everyone knows that the best ones in the world come from Switzerland. For whatever reason, the Swiss have always dominated the watch and timepiece industry and their country is home to some of the best brands in the world. Now outside of Switzerland, there are others, and even a few American companies. However many of these American companies still manufacture their watches on Switzerland, so that they can boast that they are “Swiss Made”. Well the American company Shinola is tired of that notion, so they chose to manufacture their watches right here in America.
Shinola is an American company that produces an interesting range of products. While they are best known for their watches, they also produce leather goods, pet accessories, journals, and even bicycles. They are based out of Detroit, and are hoping to show the world that manufacturing has not left not only America, but Detroit as well. Their collection of watches is very diverse and large and all are very premium. Now Shinola is not looking to compete with brands in the super high-end like Rolex, Audemars Piguet, or Hublot but don’t think that you aren’t getting a quality watch.
All of their pieces are produced by hand in their factory, and are made with high levels of precision and care. Prices range from about $450 dollars to $1,500 dollars and there certainly is a watch for everyone. Their watches are made from premium materials like titanium and the movements are also made in America. Still if you are feeling wary about getting one, the company sources some of its components from Switzerland. So while they technically aren’t 100% American, they are certainly build and manufactured by Americans.
One of the most important parts about Shinola is their emphasis on the American people, and the people that work for their company. Their website is filled with pictures of contractors, assembly workers, and others who produce their quality products. They wan’t to remind the world that quality products still are made in America, and should you chose to pick up one of their watches, I’m sure they will not let you down.
Photos from Shinola
