Swiss and Japanese watches might be at the top of the watch game, but the best American made watches aren’t to be taken lightly either.
While it’s been years since the world went through what many consider as the golden age of American made watches, we’re currently going through a bit of a renaissance and, as a result, we’re seeing more and more American made watches make a comeback.
Below, are 5 of the best American made watches that are well worthy of being on your wrist.
1. Shinola Detroit Men’s The Runwell 47mm
Don’t let the Detroit in their name fool you. Shinola has built a solid reputation for being one of the best watchmakers in the business in and out of motor city.
In fact, GQ and Vogue can’t stop singing praises to the quality of their watches.
Even former United States president, Barack Obama, has gone on to endorse the brand, further proving the quality of their stuff.
The Shinola Detroit Men’s The Runwell 47mm is proof of this.
The watch features a slate dial with a stainless steel casing and has a beautiful leather strap that houses its double-curved, sapphire crystal design with a Detroit-built Argonaute quartz movement.
Hand-built and made in the USA, Shinola is widely credited for bringing back American made watches into the right. This has led to the creation of more than 500 jobs for the local economy.
In any case, if you’re not a fan of the quartz movement, The Runwell is available in a mechanical version. Albeit, that one costs significantly more.
Pros:
- Beautiful design
- Available in quartz and mechanical movement
- Reasonable thickness and weight
Cons:
- Pricier than expected
2. Devon Tread 2
Bold doesn’t even begin to describe what Devon has done.
A luxury watchmaker, Devon’s watches are not for everybody. In terms of price, not everyone can afford them. Case in point, the innovative and belt-driven Tread 2 is priced at a six-digit price point, well above what the other watches on our list usually go for.
The Tread 2 is a significant improvement over the popular Tread 1.
A more slimmed-down version, the Tread 2 still utilizes the same patented Time Belts from Devon to mark the time.
It’s a unique concept well worth supporting.
If, of course, you can afford it.
Pros:
- Might increase in value over time
- Innovative features
- Definitely a looker
Cons:
- Expensive
3. Bertucci A-6A Experior
Whereas other American made watches are just made in home soil, the Bertucci A-6A Experior takes everything up a notch by boasting U.S patents.
In fact, the Experior features two patents.
The first is the anodized aluminum Unibody case and the Zulu nylon webbing band.
Both of these patented designs combine to create a durable but comfortable fit that pretty much is compatible with all sorts of sizes.
Thanks to its cleverly designed dial, the experior is easy to read, and as an added bonus, you have a 4 o’clock crown that doesn’t hurt wrist movement in any way possible.
Pros:
- One size fits all
- Very durable
- Comfortable
- Affordable
Cons:
- Not really that stylish
4. Throne Masses 2.0
After a successful run with the initial 1.0 model, Throne decided to bring it back with the 2.0 version of the Masses watch.
The classic chronograph watch is proudly crafted in Brooklyn, New York, featuring dome crystal that helps add a subtle and unique style to the watch.
This then protects a swiss movement and the watch’s signature “13†that replaces what’s supposed to be the number “12†in other watches.
For those looking for a clean dress watch, the Masses 2.0 is an excellent choice.
The white and silver colors pair perfectly with the brown leather band, and because of its leather construction, each watch should last well over a lifetime.
Pros:
- Reasonable pricing
- 10-hour timer
- Subtle and clean design
Cons:
- Not mechanical
5. Martenero Kerrison
Martenero refers to the Kerrison as their “most versatile watch yet†and we’re inclined to agree.
The Kerrison is arguably the perfect embodiment of the watch maker’s goal to refresh classic timepieces and make them contemporary.
To that end, the Kerrison features a clean and balanced design. It doesn’t stand out too much but it doesn’t just blend to the background either.
Instead, through the subtle use of color and minute details, the in-house designed Kerrison is able to strike the ideal balance between functionality, versatility, and aesthetics.
In fact, this watch isn’t just a looker. It’s also built to withstand water depths of up to 50 minutes thanks to its screw-down crown.
Pros:
- Versatile
- Timeless design
- Full exhibition case back
- Well-constructed and designed
Cons:
- See-through caseback is not for everybody
Why You Should Support American Made Watches
There are plenty of reasons to buy American made watches.
For example, by supporting American companies, you help put money in the pockets of American companies, and therefore, America itself, and that of its people.
Manufacturing jobs are an important part of the United States.
The more you support American companies, the more you help support the local economy.
Perhaps more importantly, when you support American watchmakers, you help save the environment too.
American companies are subject to strict environmental guidelines. This makes them the most energy-efficient manufacturers in the world today. This also means that you’re not putting as much waste into the environment by supporting these manufacturers. Also, since the products are available locally, they don’t have to be transported across the globe.
Global transportation might have made a lot of products more accessible, but air and sea transport hurt the environment too. They also cause sound pollution that has been shown to cause the death of certain marine animals.
Conclusion
American watchmaking is full of history. In fact, had it not died out for one reason or another, it could’ve been mentioned in the same breath as that of the Swiss and the Japanese. However, since the 1990s, American watchmakers are starting to make a bit of a comeback.
These 5 American made watches we rounded up above are the best examples of that.
Manufactured and designed in various states in America, from Detroit to New York, these watches represent that the best America has to offer.
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