Hello all, Been arguing with some friends whether shinola is a quality watch......... any opinions help settle some arguments
Yes. No. Yes. Hell no, but they keep better time than my favorite Omegas. I don't have one, and I tried a bunch on, (with a great selection of cool straps). All quartz I think, nothing there for me. It seems to me they should instead be mechanical, and come with a fifth of whiskey and a tin of beard oil.
Theyre decently made quartz - meaning that they'll never really be taken seriously as a "quality watch", particularly on boards like this. That said, not the worst weekend beater, just more of a marketing campaign. I'd rather have a Seiko...
The Bose of watches. Decent to OK quality, exceptional marketing, VASTLY overpriced, but not a bad gateway into appreciation of their respective fields. That might be a bit harsh as some of their casework, finishing and accessory design is nicely done. But if you're serious about watchmaking you'll quickly move past. Seiko is a much better starting point, as @sjg22 suggested.
They are a fashion brand and doing some good in Detroit. Watches are attractive and nicely finished but pricey for what they are. They do bikes (Frames by Waterford) leather etc. All in all if they can build a business and employ some American workers it's all good. If you want to buy their products feel free. If not, don't. It's a fashion statement not horology. If you want to support American watch making there are other better choices.
Wow, that's very interesting, thank you for posting it. So in the end it seems RGM is the only maker of US movements among those companies. But the Vortig venture of reusing vintage movements is very cool.
They are Fossil 2.0. The guys behind Fossil wanted to do a new brand. They have run into some issues with how they market like made in USA and made in Detroit and the FTC cracking down on them. They are Swiss Quartz movements so I'm not sure how exactly they are building movements in the US... decent quality meh style. Way overpriced. A lot of CEO's wear them though. If Fossil is the GAP of watches Shinola is Bananna Republic.
I own a Shinola and love it and sits in regular rotation with my two Omegas. But it was the Shinola that very quickly moved me on to buy my first Omega about a year later. They are fashion watches that are rather large on the wrist but thin so not to over powering. The watch is not really made in America but rather assembled in America. They are expensive but the presentation is nice. I feel it's a natural progression from Fossil but for me immediately moved me on to my omegas.
I own a Shinola as well. I got it for less than retail and it seems well built. It has a nice strap and is comfortable. It is not my favorite watch but it gets commented on more than any watch I wear except perhaps my cocktail time.
On sale at Nordstrom Rack - 24-Hours... https://www.nordstromrack.com/event...d=1090795&mid=5188&aid=52955&cid=Rack_U_Final
I ran across this Jack Mason yesterday at Nordstrom Rack and read it was conceived and supported here in Dallas. Has a robust Miyota 2315 movement. Much nicer look than the sh** from Sh**ola. IMHO Italian one piece Zulu strap is top notch, too 42mm and wears fine and at a discounted $87, a good value. I sought out their blue dialed Automatic with bracelet with a mechanical Miyota 821 to support a local guy even though they are upfront about all assembling overseas. Half off at $250 seems a good value with a Sapphire crystal. Like their Lone Star on crown, too Couple these with Dan Henry and you have great styling at a great price point compared to Shi**la.
I am an RGM owner and proud to support a persistent and talented fellow PA lad. Roland is the real deal. RGM 801 COE with Enamel dial, 801 In house movement with hacking. View attachment 405610 RGM 455 with custom Enamel dial and Valjoux 7753 movement.