Shinola Runwell Watch: Made In Detroit

Shinola ‘The Runwell’ Leather Strap Watch, 41mm

Find watches for the holidays at NORDSTROM.  Plus, get free shipping and returns on every order.

“Made In Detroit” generally doesn’t bring up the mental image of watches, but there it is: the Made In Detroit Shinola Watch. This one is called the Runwell.

I think the entire line is beautiful. The watches are made at the historic Argonaut building (the former General Motors Research Laboratory) in downtown Detroit, and in my mind represent Detroit’s real potential. Here’s the beautifully written speel from the company’s website:

Why not accept that manufacturing is gone from this country? Why not let the rust and weeds finish what they started? Why not just embrace the era of disposability? And why didn’t we buy a warmer coat before we moved here?

Through two Detroit winters, we’ve asked ourselves these questions. And worked not to find our answer, but to build it.

Because we don’t think American manufacturing ever failed for being too good. Our worst didn’t come when we were at our best. It happened when we thought good was good enough.

It’s a tall order to return to form, but we’re up for it. We’re starting with the reinvigoration of a storied American brand, and a storied American city. Because we believe in the beauty of industry. The glory of manufacturing.

We know there’s not just history in Detroit, there is a future.

It’s why we are here. Making an investment in skill, at scale. Creating a community that will thrive through excellence of craft and pride of work. Where we will reclaim the making of things that are made well. And define American luxury through American quality.

Shinola, for those under a certain age, was a brand of shoe polish made until 1960. It’s the source of the WWII era saying: “You don’t know shit from Shinola.” The current company purchased the name for their brand of watches, bikes and leather goods.

As Michigan’s Official Golf Blogger, I heartily endorse their efforts. Maybe one of these days I’ll be able to get downtown to visit the facility.

Here’s the sales pitch:

The first Shinola watch series ever made in Detroit offers expert craftsmanship and classic style in a round, handcrafted timepiece. The 46-piece, American-made quartz movement powers the time, while a double-curved sapphire crystal face protects the clean display. A solid steel case and premium topstitched leather strap complete the timeless silhouette, and a signature case back laser etched with a serial number adds a custom finish.

41mm case; 20mm band width.
Buckle closure.
Detroit-built Argonite 1069 quartz movement made from Swiss parts.
Super-LumiNova hands.
Sapphire crystal face.
Stainless steel, brass ionic plate, gold ionic plate or rose-gold ionic plate/leather.
By Shinola; made in the USA.